"There is a continuing perception that it is part of the old regime," political science professor Hassan Nafaa told Reuters.
"The gap between what the people want and what the military wants will widen in the coming few weeks."
Eight months after taking power from Mubarak, some Egyptians suspect that the army is protecting the old order and wants to hold power after it gives up day-to-day government.
"They don't want to rule directly but they want to rule from behind the scenes," Nafaa said.
Nafaa believes that the army had drawn "red lines" to protect its broad business interests and to secure ties with
Critics point to the testimony of junta leader Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi in Mubarak's trial, the revival of emergency law that the ouster president used to stifle dissent and election rules that politicians say will let Mubarak's allies into parliament.
Some see the rising anger of activists leading to bigger street confrontations with the army if it doesn't change course.
The anger of the military rulers were evident on the Facebook after an online video showed Tantawi in a civilian suit strolling through downtown
Web users mocked the video as a stunt by Tantawi to win support from an increasingly mistrustful public.
State television said images it broadcast on Monday night, two days after Tantawi gave testimony in court that some lawyers said favored Mubarak, was a chance encounter recorded by a surprised pedestrian. Many Egyptians found that hard to believe.
Twitter and Facebook users responded by circulating a new chant for protesters: "Wear a suit or wear boxers, we will still say, 'Down with military rule'."
That mood was quite different eight months ago.
The army was hailed when it deployed on the streets in the last days of Mubarak's rule after police lost control. Demonstrators climbed on tanks around
But the cosy relationship has broken down.
A few meters (yards) from where Tantawi walked on camera on Monday, walls are plastered with graffiti railing against the army rulers: "Down with the military council, robber of the revolution."
"The military doesn't seem to understand the kind of rage on the street," said rights activist Sohair Riad.
"It's only a matter of time before the public takes to the street again and this time with full force."
Support
But the army dismisses the accusations.
"All I can say is that the army performed its national duty towards the people and protesters and it has nothing to do with politics as it does not seek power," a military source told Reuters.
The army may also have allies among the public.
Many Egyptians are tired of protests that have disrupted their lives and welcome the army's strong hand.
"The people are tired. Enough with protests," said Hussein Mohamed, a 65-year-old factory owner.
"It is good that the army has implemented strict laws and I wish it could act tougher to end all protests and get life back to normal."
The army has taken a tougher line.
After protesters marched on
That has angered liberals, who see it as a return to draconian tactics used by Mubarak.
Some of the army's sternest critics said the army used the embassy episode as an excuse to come down hard and distract Egyptians from demands for swifter reform.
All eyes are now on a parliamentary election due to start in November with voting spread over several weeks.
Few doubt the army will ensure voting proceeds fairly after Mubarak's routinely rigged ballots.
But election rules the army drew up are likely to ensure there is no single, dominant group, even if many expect Islamists to gain a stronger voice.
A new election law gives two thirds of seats to party lists and a third to individuals, a move political parties oppose because they say it opens the doors to let loyalists of Mubarak's defunct party to run again.Related Links:
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