The State Department's spokesperson last week, after the ceremonial "let me be clear, " said that there had been no approach on this topic "recently" from any "senior" official of the Egyptian government-an elucidation laden with ambiguity and certain to send chills up the spine of anyone familiar with Abdel Rahman's record and President Morsi's inclinations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Will Obama Free the Blind Sheik?

Clinton's visit came two weeks after Mr. Morsi's inaugural speech in Cairo's Tahrir Square, in which he promised to seek the release of the Blind Sheik.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Will Obama Free the Blind Sheik?

Khairat Al Shater, the Brotherhood's deputy guide, chief financier and Mr. Morsi's mentor in the organization, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

WSJ: Morsi Takes Office, Praises Egyptian Military