The Muslim Brotherhood gained prominence during the 2011 Egyptian uprising against Mubarak, leading to electoral success and Mohammed Morsi’s presidency. Nevertheless, Morsi’s government faced widespread criticism, resulting in a military coup in 2013, severe repression of the Brotherhood, and its designation as a terrorist organization.
In January 2011, a nonreligious youth protest movement emerged in Egypt, challenging the Mubarak regime. The Muslim Brotherhood’s leadership eventually supported the movement, which contributed to President Mubarak’s resignation in February. This development permitted the Brotherhood to actively engage in Egyptian politics, albeit initially with a cautious approach, including avoiding a push for a legislative majority or presidential nominations. However, a significant shift occurred in March 2012 when they announced Khairat al-Shater as their presidential candidate; subsequent disqualification led to Mohammed Morsi stepping in instead. Morsi won the presidency in June 2012, yet his governance sparked significant opposition due to economic distress and governance challenges. A massive protest on June 30, 2013, prompted military intervention, resulting in Morsi’s ousting and suspension of the constitution. In the wake of Morsi’s removal, the government launched a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, resulting in violence and the eventual designation of the group as a terrorist organization by the Egyptian authorities by the conclusion of 2013. This series of events shifted the political landscape in Egypt and marked a significant downturn for the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Muslim Brotherhood is a significant political and religious movement in the Islamic world, known for its complex relationship with state power and its efforts to engage in both politics and social welfare. The group’s history in Egypt dates back to its founding in 1928. The Brotherhood initially refrained from participating in political elections but began to reposition itself in response to Egypt’s political transformations, particularly after the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. The uprising against then-President Hosni Mubarak marked a pivotal moment, as the Brotherhood aligned itself with the protests, leading to its subsequent electoral successes in the early 2010s. However, the Brotherhood’s ascendancy culminated in internal rivalries, economic challenges, and growing opposition, leading to a military-led government crackdown. This complex backdrop highlights the group’s dynamic role in Egyptian contemporary history, marked by both political engagement and state opposition.
The trajectory of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt illustrates the intricate dance between political movements and state power. Following the 2011 uprisings that removed the long-standing regime of Hosni Mubarak, the Brotherhood experienced significant electoral gains and political legitimacy. However, governance challenges and societal dissatisfaction fueled opposition, culminating in a military coup that led to a stringent crackdown on the organization. The Muslim Brotherhood’s subsequent classification as a terrorist entity signifies a drastic transformation in its operational landscape and underscores the volatility of political Islam in contemporary Egypt.
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