"The world is a lot less predictable now than we could ever have imagined. You need look no further than Tahrir Square to see the truth in that," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, told lawmakers.

"Foolhardy would it be for us to make hasty judgments about the benefits -- tangible and intangible -- that are to be derived from forging strong military relationships overseas, such as the one we enjoy with Egypt," he said.

Mullen, speaking to the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, bluntly told lawmakers mulling deep spending cuts to consider the "incalculable" value of close cooperation with Egypt's military amid the country's crisis.

"Changes to those relationships -- in either aid or assistance -- ought to be considered only with an abundance of caution and a thorough appreciation for the long view, rather than in the flush of public passion and the urgency to save a buck," he said.

His comments came as the House forged ahead with a stopgap spending bill that retains roughly 1.3 billion dollars in annual military aid to Egypt but conditions economic development aid to strides towards democratic rule.

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