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Muslim Brotherhood's Presence Grows Among Egyptian Protesters

(AP-Washington Post) Hamza Hendawi - Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman on Thursday said he had invited the Muslim Brotherhood into negotiations over Egypt's future and the transition to democracy - a stunning concession to a group that the regime considers its worst enemy. The Brotherhood's strength was on display in the pitched battles on Wednesday and Thursday against government supporters who attacked the protesters' camp in Cairo's central Tahrir Square. Brothers - distinguishable by their close-cropped beards - dominated the front lines, often lining up to pray for "victory or martyrdom," before throwing themselves into the fray, hurling stones, sticks and firebombs at the attackers while shouting "God is great." The Brotherhood's presence among protesters has visibly grown. Their supporters were checking the ID of people coming into the square and searching them. Diaa Rashwan, a prominent Egyptian expert on Islamic groups, believes that the Brotherhood may be moving to top gear to take full advantage of the situation created by the protests. "They are a highly organized group and have been wanting to gain power for a long time," he said. "At this point in time, they have gone on a high alert and are mobilizing all their assets."
2011-02-04 08:42:16
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