Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
No, it isn't.
That is not to say that that Islamist, profoundly anti-democratic organization (which, by the way, is technically banned in Egypt, although its members hide in plain sight as "independent" critics of the government) will not maneuver its way to the forefront, nor that it will not ultimately hijack the movement for its own ends. But this appears by all accounts to be a genuine popular uprising, inspired by the eviction of the Tunisian dictator by his own people. The Brotherhood has not directed any of the Egyptian demonstrations or even ordered its followers to attend, although it has announced that it will participate in a demonstration after noon prayers today. Still, to be on the safe side, the Egyptian security services -- whose efforts to defend the beleaguered regime have not abated and have in fact been redoubled, despite calls from high places to cool it -- have taken at least twenty senior members of the Brotherhood into custody. Al-Arabiya reports that those arrested include five former members of parliament.
The Egyptian uprising remains leaderless (although probably not for long: keep an eye on pro-democracy figure Mohammed ElBaradei, who returned from his exile in Vienna yesterday and will appear at a demonstration today). The protesters are enraged by high prices, rampant unemployment and a brutal, autocratic government. Their rage can certainly be tapped by an organized movement with an Islamist agenda, but Islamists are by no means the only players in the field. The window of opportunity is open, possibly very briefly, for both the forces of good and the forces of darkness.
I realize that that sounds melodramatic, but I cannot emphasize strongly enough what is at stake here. This could be the moment at which Egypt, an American ally and the first Arab country to make peace with Israel (however cold that peace might be), emerges into the light of true, pluralistic, liberal democracy. It could also be the moment when Egypt descends irrevocably into the dark night of theocratic repression -- a descent that would have incalculable consequences, not only for Egyptians but also for Americans and for the world.
President Obama will have to take an unequivocal stand one way or the other, and he'll have to do it fast. To stand politely on the sidelines of an upheaval as geopolitically important as this is to concede defeat. We should not underestimate the difficulty of Obama's task here -- support, if mishandled, can be perceived as intervention, which could then hopelessly delegitimize the movement for change -- but if ever there was a time for the American president to demonstrate his intelligence, diplomatic skill, foresight, and commitment to democracy, that moment is now.
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Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
Judith, you put it so much better than I did.
Nov '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
Something tells me the US administration will err on the side of equivocating for as long as possible, and with lofty aloofness urging both sides to exercise moderation.
After all, it's not as if Egyptians are calling for universal healthcare coverage.
Jan '11
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
There are reports/rumors that ElBareidi received some $7 from Iran during his "watchdog" term with the UN. Anyone know if there's any substance to that story?
Sep '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
Things never seem to turn out well for the US in these kinds of circumstances. We have a long history of propping up Mubarak. No matter what we do, that fact will dominate.
I doubt Egypt is ready for democracy. There are just too many illiterate peasants and not a large enough middle class. They have an intelligentsia, yes but just not enough to overcome the masses who will be susceptible to the most base propaganda.
This instability has to be alarming for Israel.
May '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
Remember how smug everyone was when the Shah fled Iran?
Edited on Jan 28, 2011 at 3:49amMay '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
Would it, Judith? Would it really delegitimize the movement? Seems to me that was the advice given during the fizzled Green non-Revolution. Don't say anything, America.
Maybe it would. But worth a shot, surely.
Sep '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
I have little hope that President Obama will change.
Oct '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
The same might have been said about some of the 13 colonies.
Question about the MB: In the context of this spontaneous movement, they would have been aware that eyes would immediately turn to them as a catalyst even if they had nothing to do with it. By not taking an active leadership role, do they have the potential to be viewed as victims of government persecution on unfounded or no grounds? Could they then use this victim status as a means for legitimized effort for a power grab ("we are all victims of the former dictator")?
Judith Levy: Still, to be on the safe side, the Egyptian security services... have taken at least twenty senior members of the Brotherhood into custody. Al-Arabiya reports that those arrested include five former members of parliament.
Also, this is troubling if true, no?
Nov '10
Re: Is the Muslim Brotherhood Behind the Egyptian Uprising?
I'm a little surprised the Mubarak regime hasn't made an attempt to portray the uprising as MB inspired. It seems like it would have been easy for them to convince Westerners, most of whom are (somewhat justifiably) inclined to suspect the worst about explicitly Islamic organizations anyway, that this is an Iran 1979 moment. That Mubarak failed to define the narrative does not speak well for his chances of survival.