The Muslim Brotherhood: Behind the Scenes in Egyptian Revolution
Information is now slipping out. Egypt's second most respected organization after its military is the Muslim Brotherhood. The current revolt in the country now has a spokesman, the respected Elbaradei, he will lead the government into a transition once Hosni Mubarak steps down from his dictatorship.
In the wings, behind the scenes and absent verbally is the strongest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood. In the Gaza, they are close friends with the terrorist group, Hamas, which continues its vow to destroy Israel. In the upcoming elections in Egypt, one referendum is to repudiate the 1978 peace agreement between Israel and Eqypt. The Brotherhood's now deceased leader, to which all still follow, was Sayyid Qutb. He was hanged in 1966, but all his writings and teaching are looked up by the Brotherhood as "the law". He was a fervent hater of all things American, even though he lived in the USA for two years. There are many Islamists withing the organization of millions. He believed that the Islamic way of life IS the way to seek and is used today by the Taliban (who revere him).
The Hamas and Iran are quietly stoking the revolt in Egypt, some suggest. They do so very carefully as to not draw attention to themselves and their Islamic connection. For instance, many of them were told NOT to have banners denouncing the US or promoting Sharia law or Islam, both preferred in the Brotherhood. Instead, they support Elbaradei for the transitional government. Their approach is take one step at a time-one subtle step. With each step taken, become more bold. Other Egyptian opposition groups, so long suppressed, are also positioning themselves for the transition of government. All are tempering their religious platforms between Islam and secular in the coming battle for democracy or other government. Once the transition starts, these groups will show their real color and intent by the political process in elections. The Brotherhood may reap major wins in the new government and then push their more radical Islamist lifesyle (Sharia law) more akin with Iran or Taliban. Democracy and free elections may help them come to power in Egypt!
It is too early to tell which way Egypt will go once the transition begins. But like in Iraq, where Iran and other Islamists have won, via elections, many governmental seats through their proxy Iraqi opposition groups, Egypt may follow the same course. Democracy can be a double-edges sword.
