Islamist Hard-Liners Seize the Political Moment in the Freer Egypt
- Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:45am by
Emily Esfahani Smith
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CAIRO (AP) — Islamic hard-liners, some of them heavily suppressed under three decades of Hosni Mubarak’s regime, are enthusiastically diving into Egypt’s new freedoms, forming political parties to enter upcoming elections and raising alarm that they will try to lead the country into fundamentalist rule.
Some militants, taking advantage of a security vacuum, aren’t waiting for the political process. They have attacked Christians and liquor stores, trying to impose their austere version of Islamic law in provincial towns.
The Islamists’ newfound energy prompted the ruling military to warn on Monday that Egypt “will not be turned into Gaza or Iran.”
Islamists could fare well in parliamentary elections scheduled for September, especially if the various groups run on a unified ticket. Their chances are boosted by the disarray among other groups. Traditional opposition parties were deeply restricted under Mubarak’s 29-year rule and have no popular base to speak of. The liberal youth groups behind the 18-day uprising that forced Mubarak to step down on Feb. 11 are still scrambling to organize before voting day.
The Islamists, furthermore, are well funded and organized. The most established fundamentalist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, has years of experience in contesting elections.
Liberals and leftists, including the youth activists who led the protest uprising against Mubarak, are caught between their stance that all sides must be allowed to enter the political game if Egypt is to be a real democracy and worries whether Islamists will play by the rules.
“I think there is too much Islamophobia,” Khaled Abdel-Hameed, one youth leader, said of fears of Islamists hijacking the process. “Everyone is trying to hijack the revolution, including me. If people elect religious groups, I will respect their choice.”
Another activist, Mustafa al-Nagar, is more concerned.
“I am worried most about the Salafis because they are not accustomed to politics,” said al-Nagar, who campaigns for Mohamed ElBaradei, a Nobel Peace laureate and potential candidate in presidential elections due in November. “Their main concern is to exclude anyone else.”
While the Brotherhood has long been Egypt’s best organized opposition movement, the Salafis are a new player in politics. Salafis are ultraconservatives, close to Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi interpretation of Islam and more radical than the Brotherhood. They seek to emulate the austerity of Islam’s early days and oppose a wide range of practices they view as “un-Islamic” – rejecting the treatment of non-Muslims as citizens with equal rights as well as all forms of Western cultural influence.
Salafis traditionally stayed out of politics, rejecting democracy because it replaces rule by God’s law with the law of man. The movement grew in recent years because it was tolerated and even encouraged by the Mubarak regime to counter the Muslim Brotherhood.
With Mubarak gone, the Salafis have abandoned their disdain for politics.
Yasser Moutwaly, a Salafi leader in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, told The Associated Press that the movement planned to set up its own party, though he insisted that entering politics would not mean abandoning its principles.
He said the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood were engaged in preliminary contacts over the possibility of “coordination” in the parliamentary elections.
Another contender is the Gamaa Islamiya, or the “Islamic Group,” a militant organization that fought the Mubarak regime in a bloody insurgency in the 1990s, seeking to establish an Islamic state in Egypt. It has a base of support in southern Egypt, particularly in the city of Assiut, and is conducting internal elections to create provincial and consultative councils nationwide.
Ominously, the group forced two of its veteran leaders – Karam Zohdi and Nageh Ibrahim – to resign amid criticism that they sold out to authorities when they agreed to abandon violence to win their release after serving long jail terms.
Islamists are already showing their confidence.
In Assiut, which has a sizable Christian minority, Islamists wrested control of mosques from government preachers, installing their own imams and prayer leaders. The city is filled with signs exhorting residents to follow Islamic teachings and women to wear the hijab, or headscarf. “The hijab is obligatory,” one sign says. “Take your eyes off women,” another chides men.
A recent rumor that Salafis planned to attack female Muslim students at Assiut University who don’t wear the headscarf, prompted some women to stay away from the 75,000-student campus for a day.
Salafis, who reject the veneration of religious shrines and tombs as a sign of idolatry, are believed to be behind the destruction of at least five Muslim shrines in the Nile Delta region the past week.
They are also blamed for attacks on Christians and others they don’t approve of. In one attack, a Christian man had an ear cut off for renting an apartment to a Muslim woman thought to be involved in prostitution; in another a Muslim was killed for allegedly practicing magic, which ultra-conservatives denounce, a security official said.
In the oasis province of Fayoum southwest of Cairo, Salafis have forced the closure of four cafes that serve alcohol. They also set fire to four Christian homes in a Fayoum village, prompting clashes with residents, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to share the information with the media.
Salafis have also threatened to destroy some of the most revered shrines in Cairo, dedicated to members of Prophet Muhammad’s immediate family and beloved by many more Muslims.
A Salafi spokesman, Abdel-Monaim al-Shahat, insisted that the attacks on shrines were isolated acts. “We don’t approve of having shrines in mosques, but we also reject their destruction,” he said.
But Egypt’s top mainstream cleric, the grand sheik of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam’s foremost seat of learning, warned the shrine threats could lead to violence between Muslims.
“Blood will be knee-deep,” Ahmed al-Tayeb said. He called on al-Azhar scholars, seen as the defenders of moderation, to take on the “extremists” in ideological debates.
Maj. Gen. Mukhtar al-Mallah, a member of the military‘s Supreme Council which has ruled Egypt since Mubarak’s ouster, told newspaper editors in an interview Monday that the army “will not allow extremist groups to take over Egypt.”
He expressed his concern about the actions of the Salafis, but also said no groups can be excluded from the political scene, “whether they are Wahhabis, Salafis, Muslim Brotherhood or Christians.
Because of the Mubarak regime’s heavy restrictions on the opposition and widespread fraud at past elections, it has been long been impossible to judge Islamists’ true popular support.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which was banned under Mubarak but ran candidates as independents, made its best showing in 2005, when it won a fifth of the legislature’s seats. Now, the Brotherhood is in the process of creating its own party, a satellite television station and a daily newspaper to promote its message. Its leaders estimate they would win around 30 percent of the legislature’s seats. They say they will not field a presidential candidate.
A referendum last month provided an early exercise for Islamists at the polls. The Brotherhood and Salafis pushed hard for a “yes” vote on a raft of constitutional amendments, some of them claiming that it would be a “yes” for Islam. Many liberal protest leaders opposed the amendments, saying they wanted greater changes. The amendments passed handily, by 70 percent.
But the results give hints of a realistic measure of the Islamists’ weight.
Out of 45 million eligible voters, 14 million voted “yes.” But the majority of those approved the changes because they saw the limited amendments as bolstering stability, not because they support the Brotherhood or the Salafists. That, some analysts argue, suggests that the religious groups’ core support ranks in the several millions and that the bulk of the electorate is not in their camp or up for grabs.
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Comments (59)
rienheart
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:06amEither Communism or Jihadism is in the Cards for America, brought to you by Obama and his supporters (useful Idiots). Be ready to Uphold the Constitution. IMPEACH and Jail all Criminal elements in this Administration including Union thugs.. Whether they be Democrat or Republican. They must be held accountable for their actions.
Report Post »DellnMontana
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:04amThe USA should have stayed out of all these problems. They want to be martyrs, we should let them fulfill there wish. You now can see why the leaders over there rule so harshly. That is the only way to keep the radicals in check. It will take many years for them to learn how to rule themselves. We cannot push it on them for they know not what it is.
Report Post »TheWatcher
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:03amSo… what did you think was going to happen?
Report Post »////////////////
Buck
http://www.***************
Heirloom Seeds, “How God plants His garden”
sjohn70037
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:02amWho cares? The entire Middle East is going to get what it deserves. I just love to see muslims killing/oppressing muslims.
Just one word of advice there Achmed: Don’t mess with the Jews. It will be bad.
Report Post »Buffalo113
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:07pmThe problem in the Middle East with sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite is all the innocent people (yes there are Christians there) that get caught in the crossfire. The non-radical Muslims need to grow a set, stand up for themselves, hunt down all the radicals and destroy them in a very public, example setting manner.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:52amObama’s czars have orchestrated this Radical Islam version of community organizing.. This is what they have been doing and they need to be investigated. They have been orchestrating between agencies and Soros’ funded progressive PACs as well. This is a shadow Government with a deceitful agenda.
Report Post »The Czars need to be brought in and their activities investigated, charged and made to squeal like pigs to save their own hides. And squeal they will. Progs ‘coallitions’ are built to be temporary and self serving. They will throw each other under the bus in a heartbeat.
Gypsy123
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:30amGods watching over Israel. He slumbers nor not sleeps.
Report Post »I don’t know about America we have just about slid so far to the left. God may say destroy that Sodom and Gommorah of a country the USA.
rumple
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:18amIslamic radical = Islamic racist
Report Post »JohnFourteenSix
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:06amSpeaking of Sharia Law……. http://www.breitbart.tv/herman-cain-on-muslims-in-government-i-want-people-who-support-declaration-of-independence-not-shariah/
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:57amBarry must be very excited that his plan is coming to fruition.
Report Post »kreese
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:52amWhy would anyone, who has been paying any attention, be surprised!
Report Post »The Original Grand Torino
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:50amI heard last night, a Pakistani Government official insulted Christ, Christians had peaceful protests.
Yet, in the same part of the world, we see how Muslims reacted, even if you want to say Radical Muslims are the ones causing the trouble.
Report Post »CanDan
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:17amYou can’t have Islam without the Jihad, so Americans might want to think again about importing this religion, which contrasts so sharply with Western values.
Muhammad‘s ’Murder-for-Sex’ scheme continues to drive Islamic terror, as it has since the 7th century.
The Religion of Peace has no solutions to offer to the world, only more problems.
Report Post »The Word
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:59am“You have heard that it was said ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right check, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5: 38-42
Report Post »Buffalo113
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:01pmI don’t think quoting Christian scripture really helps out here. I‘m pretty sure Islamists haven’t read Matthew or any of the other gospels.
Report Post »CanDan
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:46amGenocide against Christians goes unnoticed by media
Malaysia: Non-Muslims Can Be Charged with Quran Abuse by Reciting it Unfavorably…
Muslim Gang Terrorizes 9,000 Christians in Egyptian Village…
Pakistani Christian Ordered to Convert or Die…
‘1000 Christians’ Slaughtered by Ivory Coast Rebels…
Muslim ‘Refugees’ Burn Down Italian Church…
Saudis Beat and Imprison Indian Christians for Praying…
‘Fundamentalist Mafia’ Taking Out Pak. Christian Leaders…
Third Pakistani Church Attacked over Florida Quran Burning…
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:15amYou have to check out this website! If this is an example of the Muslim extremists, we need to do more to keep them out.
Report Post »jjoy
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:08amYes… This is what “democracy” looks like in the middle east… And this is only the beginning…
Report Post »Revere2
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:59amWe knew this would happen, what’s next
Report Post »Edward
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:48amThese guys will get there stuff together and once they have control of the govt will begin war on Israel.
Report Post »Buffalo113
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:56pmBecause going to war with Israel worked out so good for them before… Google the Six-Day War. But if it makes you feel any better, I‘m all for arming Israel for bear as long as it’s not nuclear.
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:47amLets hope they jehaid each other. You can’t force people to be free. If the 90% of normal muslims stood up and said no this crap they would be free.
Report Post »JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:40amIn Obamas’ defense, um, um, hmm???
Report Post »jwmarietta
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:30amWow, This is why you cant let godless animals rule themselves.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:27am“Islamic hard-liners are enthusiastically diving into Egypt’s new freedoms, raising alarm that they will try to lead the country into fundamentalist rule.”
Report Post »That nutty Glenn Beck, these popular revolutions are all about democracy! Oh wait, it’s an AP story? Uh oh.
SeekerEmerald
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:13amKhaled Abdel-Hameed, one youth leader, said of fears of Islamists hijacking the process. “If people elect religious groups, I will respect their choice.”
I’m sure he is OK with any islamist group being elected. Would he be saying that id there was any possibility of a Christian group coming into power? What about a Jewish group?
Yes, I am sure he is OK with the way things are going now…
Do your homework people, and figure out where we are, and what we are headed into.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:05amif we are lucky they will kill each other off
Report Post »jwmarietta
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:31amthat would sure be awesome
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:27ami couldnt agree more!
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:46amThe iq of the gene pool would go up that’s for sure.
Report Post »N34W118
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:01amIt’s time to get out of the Middle East. The wars are unsustainable and we’re fighting a political theology that believes dying for Allah is the best thing that can happen to them. Make all the best war machines available to Israel and then leave. After a few decades the Shiites and Sunnis will have destroyed each other to the point where we can then go in and destroy the rest of the movement with minable loss of blood and treasure.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:33pmSo we send our troops to these mooselip countries and let them die to fundamentalist sharia law can be implemented… and we then have the compassion to let them come to our country and BS us about how they‘re the moderate mooslips and we shouldn’t deport them.
Report Post »It’s about time to throw a few hundred thousand korans on a bon fire and see how moderate they are.
Rickfromillinois
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:58amGee, didn’t someone predict that this might happen? I think I remember someone saying that this might happen and allot of the liberal talking heads made fun of him over it. And the talking heads are the intellectual elites? I guess that explains part of the reason we are in trouble.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:28amyep yep I was thinking the same thing as I reda this
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:39pmSeems like I saw this on a chalk board somewhere!!!
Report Post »lillianrose
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:49amFirst!
Report Post »ISeeDanger.com
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:53amSay it with me…
Report Post »This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy looks like!
http://www.ISeeDanger.com
lillianrose
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:54amKeep praying for America and Israel!
Report Post »Sgt.Crust
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:07amFirst, last and, who cares?
As to this story, is this something we did not know already? Yo, the Mudslime Brotherhood is not what you think it is, don’t let them fool you into thinking they want anything but a worldwide Caliphate!
We have enemies everywhere, communists, unions and islamo-fascists – damn it will be a good fight, and I can’t wait for the days of cleansing!
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:20am“Liberals and leftists, including the youth activists who led the protest uprising against Mubarak, are caught between their stance that all sides must be allowed to enter the political game if Egypt is to be a real democracy and worries whether Islamists will play by the rules.”
This is the result of youthful idealism and not thinking through the unintended consequences. Isn’t that right, Obama?
Then again, maybe these were intended consequences.
Report Post »Whirling Dervish
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:30pmYou can lead the horse to the water, but you cannot make them drink. Middle east always had tyranny in history, cry out for democracy was always the excuse to topple a tyrant just to replace it with the other.
Report Post »Unless the people of Egypt wise up some how (has not happened since pharaohs of 4000BC), the burnt fool’s bandaged fingers will go wobbling back to the fire.
All you can do is stand by your allies (yes that is Israel), remind them of the consequences, decide if you want to work with them of not and hope they will wise up one day.
Anti_Spock
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:23pmObama’s master plan is coming to fruition. He knows how power vacuums work… and this one will seal any hopes of a true republic (democracies are a joke in muslim countries.)
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:01pmNow who could have seen this coming??? JUST ALL OF US AND GLENN BECK!
What is it?
Report Post »http://www.AmericasTeaPartyNews.com
TheHardTruth
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:33pmWho can possibly keep up with all these different names?????
Report Post »