The threat is particularly acute with Egypt, which over the past 25 years has built an air force comprised of F-16s and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The Egyptians have also been building an armored force of nearly 1,000 M1A1 main battle tanks.
"The commitment of the Egyptians to peace and stability has become increasingly questionable," the source said. "At the same time, [President Hosni] Mubarak's regime has been fading while the Muslim Brotherhood is growing stronger."