The Middle-East Observer
Islamism
Analysis: Al-Qaeda Grows in Sinai
Since the ousting of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak a year ago, our attention has been turned to Cairo and the political developments taking place there, in particular the rise of Islamist political parties and the role of the military in the democratic transition process. But in the Sinai , bordering Israel, tensions have increased between … Continue reading
Analysis: Hamas chief’s visit to Jordan marks culmination of Arab Spring aftermath
Taylor Luck writes that the visit of Hamas chief Khaled Mishaal to Jordan is a “diplomatic and strategic necessity” for the Jordanian authorities, according to observers. Analysts see Hamas’ visit to Jordan as a direct result of a year of uprisings in the Arab world. With the strong popular support for Islamist movements in Arab … Continue reading
Focus: Egypt’s Salafist surge
In a matter of months, Egypt’s ultra-conservative Salafists have beaten a path from marginalised religious sect to major political force. But what do we know about them, aside from their heavily religious roots? France24, France
Islamists win 70% of Egypt People’s Assembly party list seats
Egypt’s electoral commission has published the final results of the first parliamentarian elections in the country since the ousting of President Mubarak. Islamist parties received, as a whole, account for 70% of the People’s Assembly. The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), party of the Muslim Brotherhood, secured 38% of the seats. The Salafist Al Nour … Continue reading
Analysis: Muslim Brotherhood mixes pragmatism, ideology on Israel
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is on a slippery slope as they will try to maneuver between the anti-Israel foundation of the organization and the political realities of gouverning modern day Egypt. ”The Brotherhood is in a real challenge and real crisis. For the first time, they are in power, which forces them to be rational when it … Continue reading
Debate: Egypt’s Islamists: Threat or opportunity?
As Islamist parties emerge from elections as the country’s leading political force, should Egyptians be concerned? Guests: Joshua Stacher, a professor of political science at Kent State University; Dia’a Rashwan, al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies; and Dr Sherif El-Haggan, a professor, AUC. Al Jazeera, Qatar
Analysis: Egypt’s triumphant Muslim Brotherhood eyes political credibility
Analysts say the Muslim Brotherhood is looking to show the world it’s credibility as Egypt’s leading party. After winning the majority of seats in the parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood wants to establish a coalition with other Egyptian parties. Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) chief Mohammed Mursi said “The party believes that all political powers … Continue reading
Al-Azhar sheikh proposes bill of rights for Egypt
In a move to reassure the nervous Christian minorities of Egypt, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the head of Al-Azhar, an institute of Islamic learning in the Sunni world, proposed a bill of rights for Egypt’s future constitution that would guarantee equal citizenship rights as well as freedom of religion. The institution has been working on the bill for the … Continue reading
Analysis: Political Islam Without Oil
Egypt’s Islamist parties – Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist Al Nour party – secured more than 60% of the seats in the country’s parliamentary elections. With the beginning of the first parliamentary session approching quickly, all eyes are turned on the Islamists and on how they will cope with the realities of Egypt, such as corruption, … Continue reading
Overtures to Egypt’s Islamists Reverse Longtime U.S. Policy
The Obama administration has embarked on a full-scale effort to “engage” with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. New York Times, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: Egypt’s anti-Western future: Rhetoric or reality?
The American threats have sparked an outcry amongst Egypt’s conservative groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party. The FJP’s legal advisor, Ahmad Abu-Baraka, said on Sunday that the party will ask the newly-elected parliament to abolish the US aid, which he claimed “serves as a means to interfere with Egypt’s internal issues’; reportedly … Continue reading
Brotherhood: We did not promise to honor Israel peace treaty
The Muslim Brotherhood denied on Saturday that it had assured Washington it would uphold the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. Ynetnews, Israel Click here for the full story
U.S. says Egypt’s Brotherhood has reassured its support for peace with Israel
Egypt’s powerful Muslim Brotherhood, which has dominated Egyptian parliamentary elections, has offered Washington assurances that it would respect the 1979 peace accord with Israel, a top U.S. official said on Thursday. Al Arabiya, Saudi Arabia Click here for the full story
Opinion: Egypt’s Salafi challenge
“We want democracy, but one constrained by God’s laws. Ruling without God’s laws is infidelity,” Yasser Burhami, the second leading figure in the Salafi Call Society (SCS) and its most charismatic leader, recently said. The unexpected rise of the Salafis in Egypt’s parliamentary election has fueled concern that the most populous Sunni Arab country could … Continue reading
Analysis: Is model Turkey sliding into authoritarianism?
The trial of prize-winning Turkish journalist Nedim Sener resumed today. His case, along with many others, are raising concerns about Turkey and its model democracy in the Middle East. The Christian Science Monitor, United States Click here for the full story
Muslim Brotherhood: We will never recognize Israel
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood confirmed that it will never recognize Israel under any circumstances. It hinted it will put the signed peace treaty with Israel to a national referendum. Al Bawaba, Jordan Click here for the full story
Factbox: Al Qaeda-inspired groups in Hamas-ruled Gaza
Some facts about the constellation of ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafis, who have challenged Hamas’s rule in the isolated enclave. Reuters, United States Click here for the full story
Gaza leader visits Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo
Gaza’s top political leader Ismail Haniyeh visits the headquarters of Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo. Reuters, United States
Egypt Islamists continue gains in 2nd round vote
Islamist parties have consolidated earlier gains in Egypt’s multistage parliamentary elections, winning nearly 70 percent of the seats determined so far, according to results announced Saturday. Associated Press, United States Click here for the full story
Egypt’s Islamists seek changes to Israel peace treaty
Egypt’s peace treaty with Salafi party stressed it will not work to revoke the agreement but will try to amend “its exploitative clauses” using all legitimate means. Ynetnews, Israel Click here for the full story
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