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February 11, 2011

Rise of the Muslim Brotherhood

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It is apparent that the Muslim Brotherhood is positioning itself for a role in a post-Mubarak
Egypt. The al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen has emerged as the largest and most organised political
opposition in the country. The group initially stayed away from the uprising, perhaps unsure of
how, as an Islamist movement, it should respond to the spontaneous and non-religious character
of the protests. But when it became clear that the snowballing protests had loosened President
Hosni Mubarak's grip on Egypt, the Ikhwan made it known that it could not be ignored in the
transition to a new set-up. Using its organisational strengths, the Ikhwan mobilised large
numbers of its supporters for the protests. And despite being banned from political activity, it
accepted with alacrity an invitation from Vice-President Omar Suleiman for discussions on how
the political transition should take place. The objective of the Brotherhood is to create a state
governed by the Sharia but in recent days it has hastened to project a more pragmatic image of
itself to domestic and international audiences. This has been through reassurances that it was
working towards a democracy in Egypt.
Indeed, some of the fears surrounding the Ikhwan were clearly exaggerated by Mr. Mubarak to
his main benefactor, the United States, in order to perpetuate his regime. Even so, concerns
remain about what the rise of the “brothers” could mean for Egypt itself, for the volatile West
Asian region, and for the rest of the world. Formed in 1928 as an Islamist nationalist movement
to fight the colonial regime, it spawned several offshoots and has become influential in countries
across the region. A key question to emerge from the unfolding uprising in Egypt is what it holds
for the Palestine-Israel conflict, particularly as the Palestinian Hamas is a wing of the
Brotherhood. The group has officially renounced violence and is critical of al-Qaeda. For
Egyptians who count themselves as secular and moderate, the Ikhwan's views on religious
minorities and women, and its other illiberal beliefs are a source of major concern. But it is still
an open question if it can emerge as the most powerful political force in a democratic Egypt. In
the Mubarak regime, it enjoyed support among Egypt's middle classes as it was the only
opposition. It fared well even in the country's notoriously fraudulent 2005 elections, winning as
many as 80 parliamentary seats out of a total of 454. A brutal crackdown on the Ikhwan by a
rattled regime ensured it did not win any seats in the 2010 elections. Even though in recent days
it might have lost points for its initial reluctance to join the protests, and then for engaging with
the regime on transition talks, a fair election would see it doing well. For now, though, it would
have to compete with other political forces.
Keywords: Egypt uprising, Muslim Brotherhood

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Comments:
The last thing that Egypt wants at this stage is to have a transition from anarchy and dictatorship
to a regime controlled by religious fundamentalists. This is a momentous occasion in the history
of the country when the entire nation has been mobilized and spurred into action to overthrow a
3 decade old self serving regime. It would be most unfortunate if the outcome of these protests
does not lead to the setting up of a democratic and secular government. Mohamed ElBaradei,
Egyptian scholar and diplomat, in a recent column remarked that stability in Egypt can be
achieved only by means of a democratic government elected through free choice. The Muslim
brotherhood, even though rooted in Islam, should make a conscious attempt to reorient itself in
keeping with the aspirations of the people of Egypt. These are times when the entire world,
including Muslim-dominated nations such as Turkey, are increasingly getting sensitized towards
religious tolerance and the rights of women. The countries that have chosen to deny these basic
rights to their citizens have remained underdeveloped. Most of the Middle East countries fall in
this league. The people of Turkey feel left out from the growth story the rest of the world is
witnessing. As the country's largest opposition party, the Muslim Brotherhood has a moral
responsibility to rise above the religious interests and throw its weight towards the formation of a
truly secular and democratic nation.
from: Vimal
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 19:35 IST
Muburrak's perception of making his son as successor is responsible for snowballing protests.
Al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen abandoned reluctance perhaps to push Mubarak to abdicate and make
the benefactor erase its abeyance from earlier protests. Indeed sharia objective would meet with
acclaim. With its accrued protesters front, world will acquiesce its altruism for people. If we
throwback to earlier days, we could able to see that they fared well among middle classes with
80 parliamentary seats. But due to opposition's animosity it deemed as arcane in 2010. In a
nutshell, it's assiduous effort only would position a role in post-Mubarak Egypt.
from: Mohan Kumar T
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 19:59 IST
The al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen group have the opportunity to emerge as the party for the Egyptian,
who will take Egypt to new democratic levels and work for their welfare.
from: Rahul Gupta
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 20:45 IST
It is the best time for Egyptian come together and establish real democratic system of
government where middle class and poor people are served better. Military should hand over
power to civilian authorities as soon as possible and call for elections to give all parties a fair
chance to send their delegates to parliament to reform constitution where all people are treated
equal. Good luck to Egyptian people and be proud of their civilization.
from: Rajendra M. Parikh
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 22:46 IST
One fervently hopes that a secular democracy that shows tolerance to all religons and respects
women's rights takes root in Egypt. The world does not need another fundamentalist regime. One
also hopes that the other autocratic regimes such as those of Saudi Arabia, Jordan etc are
replaced by vibrant secular democracies.
from: Krishna
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 23:22 IST
I salute the people of Egypt for their relentless effort to oust president Mubarak. It's people's
power that rules a country not the power of politicians. Like Ben Ali of Tunisia, Mubarak has
ruled Egypt for three decades like a dictator, preventing his people from exercising their
fundamental rights. Now, it's all over for Mubarak. The Muslim Brotherhood party which is next
in line to grab the power should follow the wishes of the Egyptian people and make sure that
they do not follow the same path as Mubarak if the people of Egypt are not satisfied with their
governing the country. The most vital first step has been taken by the Egyptian people by
eliminating Mubarak. Now it's time for them to select a government which could fulfil their
needs and wishes.
from: Asokan Suppiah
Posted on: Feb 11, 2011 at 23:25 IST
Vimal Ji, Namaste. The problem with us is that we refuse to go into depth and refuse to
comprehend. This is called in Urdu 'khillat e fikr' or Lack of comprehension. I don't how you got
an idea that Muslim Brotherhood will not give women their rights. I have lived in the west for
over 20 years. I know what rights west had bestowed upon women - no more than a sexual
commodity. I can bet you the Muslim Bbrotherhood will give far more rights to women than
their secular counterparts. We tend to jump up as soon as the very word Islam comes. I have just
returned from India and how the society is giving rights to women I have witnessed myself.
Indian newspapers are full of stories how dalit women are being raped on regular basis. Sir, I
have no problem in accepting the short comings of Muslim society in the area of women's
treatment. All the societies in the world are complicit in the matter. However, Islam profoundly
safeguards women's rights as a constitution. As a belief itself. These dictators who are loud
enogh to be secular are far more complicit in freedom of speech, feedom of thought, women
rights etcetra. Let Egyptians decides who they want. By the way, Erdogon of Turkey is a staunch
Islamist who has brought light to Turkey after the dark period organized by the secularists. Let
people decide the fate of Egypt.
from: Shuja
Posted on: Feb 12, 2011 at 21:09 IST
The writer is raising unnecessary questions. Muslim Brotherhood is part and parcel of Egyptian
society quite same as the shewarma and falafil in their meals. The Brotherhood originated in
1928 and fought British colonialism, the organization has deep roots in Egyptian society not only
as a Islamic and politcial faction but as a strong charity organization. The top memebers of the
group are doctors, engineers and lawers, the cream de cream of Egyptian population. The
Brotherhood members have been put to excruciating tortures in reign of every Egyptian head,
their members were tortured, arrested and even put to death. The movement was officially
banned in Egypt but still it remained alive in the hearts of Egyptians. The Hamas being off shoot
of Brotherhood is some kind of misunderstanding. Till now I did not find any such claim any
where.
from: Habib
Posted on: Feb 14, 2011 at 19:15 IST
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