Experts say relations between the U.S. and Egypt are more complicated than military aid . The United States has been a major backer of Egypt's interim government since it was formed in early 2011 after Hosni Mubarak stepped down following massive protests against his rule. And a new Pew Research Center survey of 1,000 adults nationwide conducted Thursday through Sunday showed that 51 % of Americans believed it was better for Washington to cut off military aid to put pressure on the government , while 26 % said it was better to continue aid to maintain influence . Saudi Arabia has promised to make up for any aid that the U.S. cuts . Egypt could retaliate to cutting aid by changing U.S. preferential access to Suez Canal .
Experts say relations between the U.S. and Egypt are more complicated than military aid . The United States has been a major backer of Egypt's interim government since it was formed in early 2011 after Hosni Mubarak stepped down following massive protests against his rule. Saudi Arabia has promised to make up for any aid that the U.S. cuts . Egypt could retaliate to cutting aid by changing U.S. preferential access to Suez Canal .