Author : Dr Ibrahim Saleh
Source : COSMOPOLIS: A Review of Cosmopolitics
Date of Publication : 12/2013
Abstract :
slamic movements, Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and Salafis in Egypt and Al-Nahda in Tunisia have become a majority after elections in Tunisia and Egypt. In order to make a better judgment for of the last 365 days of nightmare in Egypt and understand why the second round of street protests took place, it is important to go beyond naïve belief that Islamic movements are homogenous and have only one goal; going back to 7th century. The traditional wisdom of politics is to offer the public a rhetoric that could make their world better or at least convince them that it is their aims. Regardless, the different approaches and the level of freedom involved, it was selling the idea from the optimistic visions they offered to their people. With time, such approach proved to be delinquent the power and authorities, in particular religious authorities who use politics to be in the centre stage of events. To understand the nature of the Muslim Brotherhood political agenda and tactics, and the implications of its dazzling rise and growing global influence, one needs to probe beyond its freshly made-up benevolent public image. There are a lot of probing questions that must be addressed such as how did they gain so much support from the elections? Is it because of religion? Do they really care about the grassroots in their respective countries? What are their understandings of democracy? Are they doing Taqiyah (hypocrisy) or did they change their understanding about doing politics?
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