Egypt's message to Obama - Keep your aid.

Egypt's message to Obama - Keep your aid. HT: IsraelMatzav.

Most worrying for the United States is the possibility that the Egyptian army -- the largest in the Arab world -- will turn to a rival country for aid after decades of close ties to Washington. The United States has long provided Egypt with about $1.55 billion in annual aid, including $1.3 billion for the military.

Military officials told Reuters that the country's generals have grown mistrustful of the United States throughout the political crisis that erupted after Morsi's overthrow.

They were infuriated from early on when the United States began hinting that action could be taken to demonstrate Washington's displeasure at Morsi's removal. Military officials said they were not surprised by the reduction in aid.

"There is a saying among us that 'whoever is covered by the Americans is in fact naked'," one military source said.

"Americans shift their positions based on their interests and don't have principles. But we also know that whatever they say or hint they would do, in the end they will not want to lose Egypt."

Egypt's army is exploring its options. "The military definitely has plans to diversify its source of weapons which include going to Russia," said the military source, who did not elaborate.

El Watan newspaper, which is close to the army, quoted a military source as saying that Egypt will soon announce deals for arms from "new markets other than America" which are of the same standard as ones from the United States.

American efforts to sell democracy in Egypt and return the Brotherhood to politics have deepened long-standing mistrust of the United States. Obama's backing of the Muslim Brotherhood could destroy American interests in the Arab world for generations. Read the full story here.