Islamist Group(Muslim Brotherhood) Is Rising Force in a New Egypt

[Purveyor]

By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
Published: March 24, 2011

CAIRO — In post-revolutionary Egypt, where hope and confusion collide in the daily struggle to build a new nation, religion has emerged as a powerful political force, following an uprising that was based on secular ideals. The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group once banned by the state, is at the forefront, transformed into a tacit partner with the military government that many fear will thwart fundamental changes.

It is also clear that the young, educated secular activists who initially propelled the nonideological revolution are no longer the driving political force — at least not at the moment.

As the best organized and most extensive opposition movement in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood was expected to have an edge in the contest for influence. But what surprises many is its link to a military that vilified it.

“There is evidence the Brotherhood struck some kind of a deal with the military early on,” said Elijah Zarwan, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group. “It makes sense if you are the military — you want stability and people off the street. The Brotherhood is one address where you can go to get 100,000 people off the street.”

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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/world/middleeast/25egypt.html?_r=3&ref=global-home

[David__77]

1. Well, of course MB is the most popular political force in the country.

The West-oriented liberals aren't going to win any elections. That's a pure fantasy. Mubarak was as close to Western liberalism as you're going to see in power in Egypt in the near or medium-term.

[SlimJimmy]

2. So, are we going to see an Iranian style government in Egypt?

Is that what the protests were all about? Was that their goal?

[David__77]

3. Would that be a problem?

If that was the choice of the Egyptian people, I do not think the US should interfere, and should seek constructive relations with a prospective MB-led government.

[SlimJimmy]

4. Yes, it would be a BIG problem if you are interested in civil rights for women and gays.

Because that is *NOT* the kind of government the MB will bring with it if it comes to power. If you're okay with that then I wouldn't call you much of a progressive.

[David__77]

5. If I was in Egypt, I would vote for a leftist party, if there were elections.

If there were not elections, I would fight outside the electoral arena. But I'm not Egyptian.

[SlimJimmy]

6. Okay, sounds good. I was initially under the impression that

you would be okay with a MB regime.

[bemildred]

7. I always wonder how they know this stuff? Did they take a poll?

Is there some vast network of spies keeping an eye on Egyptian opinion?