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Islamists in Egypt Moving toward Center Stage

(Washington Times) Arnaud de Borchgrave - In Cairo, the latest conventional wisdom sees a groundswell of Islamist fundamentalism cloaked in moderate colors moving adroitly center stage. Following elections in the fall, the Muslim Brotherhood is expected to deliver about 40% of the vote, possibly even a majority. Behind Cairo's political stage, says one ranking Egyptian on a private visit to Washington, Iran's mullahs and Egypt's Brothers are unobtrusively sidling up. The Obama administration now backs a role for the Brotherhood in a reformed Egyptian government on the condition that it "rejects violence and recognizes democratic goals." But it would be terminally naive to expect a friendly bunch of Muslim Brothers on good terms with U.S. diplomats. In one of his weekly sermons last year, Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie displayed his colors: "Arab and Muslim regimes are betraying their people by failing to confront the Muslims' real enemies, not only Israel but also the United States. Waging jihad against both of these infidels is a commandment of Allah that cannot be disregarded." He titled his sermon: "The U.S. is Now Experiencing the Beginning of its End."
2011-04-13 00:00:00
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