Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website

Supporting the Opposition, in All its Forms

At the Guardian, Sara Khorshid argues that “by favoring liberals, America is marginalizing the majority within the Egyptian opposition;” and this ultimately leads to strengthening anti-U.S. sentiment. She cautions against favoring one element of the opposition over the other, stressing that “sincere U.S. pro-democracy policies…and letting people choose for themselves, will consolidate Obama’s success in improving the U.S. image in the Muslim world.”

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At the Guardian, Sara Khorshid argues that “by favoring liberals, America is marginalizing the majority within the Egyptian opposition;” and this ultimately leads to strengthening anti-U.S. sentiment. She cautions against favoring one element of the opposition over the other, stressing that “sincere U.S. pro-democracy policies…and letting people choose for themselves, will consolidate Obama’s success in improving the U.S. image in the Muslim world.”

Khorshid further notes, “if modern Islamists and other forces in Egypt are given the opportunity of a healthy, democratic environment, they might develop more open and tolerant approaches, which will enable them to integrate in the international community.” This echoes Greg Aftandilian’s argument in POMED’s recent publication that enagement with parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood “may work to modify their positions, dispel some misconceptions about U.S. policy, and increase the credibility of U.S. calls for reform in Egypt and elsewhere.”

As President Obama’s speech in Cairo is fast approaching, many are wondering what approach he will take in his effort to build relations based on mutual interests and mutual respect. Will this include a more balanced stance toward democracy promotion? Will it include democracy promotion at all? Stay tuned…

 

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