Is Egypt's military seeking control?

CAIRO, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The appearance on Egyptian television of the country's top military general in civilian clothing could be part of a presidential bid, analysis suggests.

Egyptian television showed Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi meeting citizens on the streets of Cairo dressed in civilian clothing and without visible bodyguards. Commentary provided during the state television broadcast stated that Tantawi is fit to lead the country "in civilian clothing."

"If Egyptian state media is indeed propagating such a message, it indicates that the regime may be seeking to rebrand Tantawi as a suitable candidate for a future presidential campaign," notes Texas intelligence company Stratfor in an analysis.

Tantawi served as the defense minister during Hosni Mubarak's reign. He now serves as a de facto head of state in the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took control over the country when Mubarak's regime was toppled during the country's revolution early this year.

The Freedom and Justice Party, the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing in Egypt, warned recently that any further political days from SCAF would be seen as an attempt at a military coup.

Former Egyptian leaders Gamal Abdel Nassar, Anwar Sadat and Mubarak all served as high-ranking military officials before taking over as head of state.

State media announced Tuesday the first round of parliamentary elections were set for Nov. 28.