Masoud Talks Islam in Egypt

The Harvard Crimson ^ | April 22, 2011 | By Joseph E. Glynias

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor Tarek Masoud allayed fears that the powerful Muslim Brotherhood will turn Egypt into a Islamist nation, though he warned that there is much that is not known about the situation in the country to predict what will happen in September’s parliamentary elections and the future.

In the relative chaos left by Egypt’s current political vacuum, Masoud said the Islamist organization is uniquely organized because members of the Brotherhood have a high level of commitment, as it takes four years of examination to become an active member.

Masoud also addressed fears of what could happen because the organization is vehemently anti-American and anti-Israeli.

Though Masoud said the Brotherhood would like to launch a military strike against Israel, he said that the pro-American Egyptian military would not allow it and will perhaps taking a larger role in governance.

“There is this cleavage in the military,” he said. “Some people in the military actually believe that the military should govern, while some believe that they should just get out.”

Overall, the message Masoud sent about the Brotherhood’s future in Egypt’s government was one of uncertainty.

“Are they about to take over?” He asked. “I don’t know.”

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Oldeconomybuyer.

Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor Tarek Masoud allayed fears that the powerful Muslim Brotherhood will turn Egypt into a Islamist nation...

And of course, that talking point guarantees him airtime.