Egypt Could Undergo 'Soft Coup'

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Egypt's regime could be seized by the military in a coup meant to deny plans by President Hosni Mubarak to hand the reins of power to his son.

A report to Congress warned that Egypt's military could stage a coup to prevent the succession by Mubarak to his 46-year-old son, Gamal. The Congressional Research Service said the likelihood of Gamal becoming Egypt's next president has alarmed the military as well as the Islamic-led opposition.