U.S. ADDRESSES EGYPT TURMOIL

Fearing a political-military implosion that could throw its most important Arab ally into chaos, the Obama administration has abandoned its hands-off approach, delivering pointed warnings to the three main players in the crisis: Muslim Brotherhood President Mohammed Morsi, protesters demanding his ouster, and the powerful Egyptian military. U.S. officials said Tuesday they are urging Morsi to take immediate steps to address opposition grievances, telling the protesters to remain peaceful and reminding the army that a coup could have consequences for the massive American military aid package it currently receives. The officials said Washington has stopped short ofimposing a to-do list on Morsi, but has instead offered strong suggestions, backed by billions ofdollars in U.S. aid, about what he could do to ease the tensions. Those include calling early elections, appointing new Cabinet members, firing an unpopularprosecutor general and expressing a willingness to explore constitutional change. The army has been told that the $1.3 billion in foreign military financing it receives each yearfromWashington could be jeopardized by a coup or the appearance ofa coup. The White House, State Department and Pentagon all refused to comment on any specific steps the administration would like to see taken, saying any actions are for Egypt to decide.