Has Egypt's experiment with Islamism failed? (+video) - CS Monitor

[pinto]

Has Egypt's experiment with Islamism failed? (+video)

The Muslim Brotherhood's dominance may be over, but a 'harder' strain of political Islam could fill the void in Egypt.

By Dan Murphy, Staff writer / July 16, 2013
Boston; and Cairo

When mass protests broke out against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Jan. 25, 2011, the Muslim Brotherhood was on the cusp of a historic opportunity.

The Brothers didn't start or organize the protests. That honor belonged to a loose coalition of leftists, democratic reformers, and Internet activists who used the murder of a young businessman by Egypt's thuggish police, and the example of Tunisia's own revolt, as the springboard for a history-altering uprising. The Brotherhood, fearful of a government crackdown as always, didn't even join the protests until the handwriting was on the wall.

But the Brothers knew they were Egypt's most popular and best-organized grass-roots movement and were perfectly poised to take advantage of a political opening. They grabbed the opportunity.

Now, 2-1/2 years later Mohamed Morsi, the man the Brothers propelled to Egypt's presidency, is under house arrest, and his allies swept from political office and influence by the military. Brotherhood news media have been shuttered and arrest warrants issued for the group's leaders. The same military that gave them their chance at power when it deposed Mr. Mubarak booted them from office in a second coup after protests that dwarfed those of 2011.

(video at website)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2013/0716/Has-Egypt-s-experiment-with-Islamism-failed-video?nav=87-frontpage-entryInsideMonitor

[dimbear]

1. I fear nothing whatever is over in Egypt. It is just getting started.

Let's hope I'm wrong.

[cbayer]

2. Complex article on a complex subject.

So, while the "coup" has splintered and defanged the brotherhood to some extent, it has also provided a breeding ground for an even more extreme sect.

That's not good news, imo.

OTOH, will the populace again elect someone supported by the brotherhood?

[pinto]

3. Agree with you both. It's far from over and a complex set of circumstances.

I'm unfamiliar with the minutiae, but if there's a clear, free election (which has been mentioned) that may well tell the tale.

(aside) I think it's also an example of religion / politics / democracy meeting not only in Egypt but on the world media.