Events unfolding in Egypt are cause both for celebration and concern. Extremely important questions for American national security are at stake in the orientation of the Egyptian government that emerges from this period of upheaval. A fundamental question looms large: Will the Egypt that emerges be a reliable US ally and a force in for peace and security in the Middle East?
Key questions surround the Muslim Brotherhood, a well-organized force in Egyptian society. Though reformist factions exist within the Muslim Brotherhood’s leadership, the group’s stated opinions on issues of sharia law, women’s rights, relations with Israel, and the legitimacy of terrorism should give American policymakers pause.
As we begin to assess the Muslim Brotherhood, here are nine questions we should all ask of and about the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies:
1. Can the Muslim Brotherhood participate in a government where Egypt continues its obligations to Israel under the Camp David Accords? Could it lead such a government?
Muslim Brotherhood party leader Mohamed Ghanem said on Iranian TV that Egypt should stop selling gas to Israel and prepare the Egyptian army for a war with the Jewish State, echoing the 2010 declaration of Muslim Brotherhood Chairman Mohammed Badie that the Camp David Accords violate the laws of Islam and have “lost all credibility.” Likewise, a Brotherhood leader told NHK TV this week that as soon as there was a post-Mubarak government it must break peace with Israel.
2. Can the Muslim Brotherhood lead or even be part of a government that continues extensive counter-terrorism cooperation with Israel and the United States, as conducted by the last government?
In 2008 Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Muhammad Mahdi Akef in 2008 declared that that violence against civilians of the kind practiced by Osama Bin Laden is justified against “occupiers” and opponents of Islam.
3. Under the Muslim Brotherhood, would the Egyptian government continue to fulfill Egypt’s international obligations and keep the Suez Canal open for all international shipping, including that of America and Israel?
4. Can the Muslim Brotherhood participate in an Egyptian government that maintains the Western-backed closure of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip? Could it lead such a government?
In June 2010 Muslim Brotherhood Guidance Bureau member Essam El Erian announced that the border of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip should be opened.
5. Would the party sit in a coalition government with female cabinet ministers? Could it lead such a government?
In 2008 Muslim Brotherhood Executive Bureau member Mahmoud Ghozlan insisted that “women and non-Muslims don’t have the right to lead or govern Muslim states,” echoing the sharia-based gender segregation in all sectors of life called for by Muslim Brotherhood founder al-Banna.
6. Given Iran’s support of the Muslim Brotherhood’s sister terrorist organization Hamas, under the Muslim Brotherhood, would Egypt participate in the international sanctions regime against Iran?
7. Does the Muslim Brotherhood intend to push Egyptian lawmakers to adopt Koran-based law for Egyptian Muslims and former Muslims, including mandating death for apostasy?
8. Does the Muslim Brotherhood intend to push Egyptian lawmakers to adopt Koran-based law in regard to Egyptian non-Muslims, including denying full legal recognition to religious minorities such as Copts?
In a 2008 interview by Supreme Guide Muhammad Mahdi Akef insisted that Copts could not lead Islamic states such as Egypt.
9. Would a Muslim Brotherhood government seek to execute homosexuals as do other sharia-guided states?
In a 2008 interview Muslim Brotherhood Executive Bureau member Mahmoud Ghozlan emphasized that homosexuality needed to be outlawed.
