Charles Sennott reported for PBS' Frontline about the role of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt's revolution and the influence they could hold in a post-Mubarak society. While Egypt's revolution began by young non-religious activists, the long-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood was a large part of the organizing behind the scenes.
Founded in 1928 and currently with 600,000 members, the Muslim Brotherhood has a strong reputation of providing social services to the poor, working class. During the recent revolution, the younger generation known only as the Brothers or Ikhwan in Arabic, had been mobilizing forces since April 2010. In the past weeks, they were running security checkpoints, serving hot tea, distributing blankets, printing posters and running an emergency health clinic.
The members are from largely lower- and middle-class neighborhoods, but there is also a professional class that controls the syndicates such as doctors, engineers and lawyers. While they have had a turbulent history with the Mubarak regime, international politicians are watching closely as the Muslim Brotherhood works with other Egyptians to shape a new Egypt.
Quotes
"We are -- we are the best in Egypt to organize." Egyptian Man
"And it's from the garbage collection, teacups and so on and so forth. It's even the one microphone or the two microphones which we have to address the crowd. They are owned by the Muslim Brotherhood, which isn't attached to the strong organizational skills of the movement." Amr Hamzawy, Carnegie Middle East Center
Warm Up Questions
1.What events have occurred in Egypt over the past few weeks?2.Who is Hosni Mubarak?3.What is an extremist group?
Discussion Questions
1.Discuss some of the reasons why the Muslim Brotherhood is often labeled an extremist group.2.Considering the Muslim Brotherhood’s history, how do you think they could benefit post-Murbarak Egypt?3.Discuss the pros and cons of a democratic government.
Additional Resources
