When it formed in the mid-thirties, the Muslim Brotherhood was nothing more/less than another organized rebellion against the English occupation of Egypt. Today it’s the oldest, most mature and most representative movement of peoples in the Middle East as well as the world's largest and most influential, political Islamist group.It counts affiliates in eighty countries.

What's more, there’s much in the Brotherhood’s agenda that many of us can respect. Calling for all Muslims to strive for social justice, it allies itself with international human rights groups. It distributes food, clothing, medical care, and social services in places (like the slums) where the government does not go.

The Brotherhood renounced violence in the 1970s. Since then, it has never been accused of using violence.

Although the Brotherhood has opposed Western colonialism, it isn’t against modernity. On the contrary, it supports the right of women to work, vote, and actively participate in public life, including politics. And, in fact, on Election Day, Muslim women can be seen standing at the entrance to the polling booth and, eschewing the bribes some other parties use, simply reminding voters that God is watching them – which is not exactly news for the average Muslim.

The Brotherhood claims to believe in democracy in any form not contrary to Islam.

Maybe this is surprising. The Western media often portrays Shari’a (Islamic law) as anti-democratic when, in fact, the laws and traditions of Islam emphasize full representation in social and political matters for men and women equally. Furthermore, the vast majority of Muslims support moves toward democracy; they simply want Sharia as a source of legislation.

Back in Egypt

In other words, the Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere has evolved.

It is less religious and doctrinaire and more pragmatic. It’s renounced violence. It continues extensive charitable work. Despite frequent mass arrests, its candidates gained a 20% bloc in recent parliamentary elections. It builds responsive relationships with the poor and dominates the only professional and student associations allowed by the government, including those of the journalists, lawyers, judges, and medical practitioners. It is sophisticated, joining coalitions on issues that matter to its primary constituencies. It participates with other pro-democracy groups in calls for a more democratic political system.

This information doesn’t get out of Egypt. President Hosni Mubarak plays into America’s fears and captures its support by describing the Brotherhood as fundamentalists who will turn Egypt into a rabid theocracy.

At home, he does something else. Mr. Mubarak knows his government can’t win in a fair contest in the political arena. He imprisons the opposition when it becomes too politically inconvenient and releases it when too much steam builds up.Hence the ubiquitous police.

Let Egyptians Decide

What if the Brotherhood were recognized and allowed to field candidates in open elections, how would it fair as political party?

Since there are no public opinion polls, the answers are necessarily impressionistic. Some say that the Brotherhood has a large but silent following. Others say they support the Brotherhood’s social and religious actions, but that  doesn't imply political support.

People criticize the government's political oppression but do not necessarily focus on the Brotherhood as an alternative. More and more, they demand an open political arena.

So the questions are:

• Can the government, with its fragile hold on power, embrace more democracy?
• If it does, will the Muslim Brotherhood take over?
• If that happens, will moderation prevail?

ASW:July, 2009

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