The Muslim Brotherhood is causing a great deal of angst in the United States. Politicians and commentators alike are warning of the dire consequences that might come from their involvement in the democratization process in Egypt. Some have even pointed to the presence of the Muslim Brotherhood as a reason why it would have been better to leave Mubarak in power. Seen in the best light, this commentary is sinister and self serving, meant to create and make use of bogeyman and to justify attacks on the President. The worst case scenario is that it is the product of ugly and unrepentant ignorance.
First of all, everything Islamic is not evil. Just because the group has “Muslim” in their name, doesn’t make them bad. Islam, as a religion, didn’t cause 9/11. Islam isn’t the only religion that has been used to justify horrific acts. Muslims aren’t the only people that put the name of their religion into their organization. Are people up in arms about the Christian Democratic Union? It’s the largest Political Party in Germany. Are we worried about the fate of German democracy?
Second, the Muslim Brotherhood is a non-violent organization. It condemned the 9/11 attacks. It has been criticized by more radical groups for its more moderate stance. The Muslim Brotherhood does want Islam to be the center of political and social and family life in Egypt, and across the Arab and greater Islamic world. That doesn’t, however, make them a terrorist organization. It doesn’t make them a threat to democracy.
Third, Islam is not seen as ‘just’ a religion by Muslims. There is no separation of Church and State in most Muslim countries. Islam provides the basis for law, foreign relations, and social relations. This is not the way we do things, but it is not inherently incompatible with democracy. There is much about Islam that is quite ‘democratic.’ Our way is not the only way when it comes to democracy.
Fourth, there is something that is strange, no … hypocritical, about Republicans criticizing people for bringing religion into politics and not being completely secular. Didn’t the last Republican vice presidential candidate say we have to “turn back to God?” Sarah Palin hasn’t been the only Republican to talk about the United States being a Christian Nation. The idea of religion has intruded so far into politics that are President has to go to great lengths to emphasize his Christianity so that he can counter claims that he is a Muslim and so that he can improve his chances of being re-elected.
Fifth, we can’t go around saying that democracy is great for everyone as long as the people we like are elected. It doesn’t work that way, or at least it shouldn’t. If we want real democracy for Egypt, then we want them to choose their own leaders. Some have been saying, essentially, that it would be better if Mubarak were still in charge, because Egypt isn’t clearly ready to elect leaders we are comfortable with. Democracy doesn’t work that way. Leaders are elected in the United States that I’m not comfortable with. That’s democracy. It can be messy, especially at first. It’s about choice, and that is always messy. Plus, one beautiful thing about democracy is that once elected, those that are elected are restrained by the responsibilities of governance. The bottom line, for me, is as much as I detest the Tea Party and what they stand for (or don’t stand for), I wouldn’t want China telling us that they shouldn’t be elected because of their religious connections and violent predispositions, and if we did elect them they might have to reexamine their trade relationship with us. If we promote democracy in the world, we have to live with its consequences out there, just as we do here at home.
Lastly, it is important for us to take each situation and judge it on its own merits. Cal Thomas compared the Islamic Brotherhood to Castro. That is silly. Egypt in 2011 is not Cuba in 1959. It also isn’t Iran or Saudi Arabia or any other place. It’s Egypt. Egypt where there are other political players and a strong and well respected military. The Muslim Brotherhood, similarly, is a unique organization that deserves to be judged on its’ own merits. It might not be our first choice for leadership in Egypt, but it isn't yet Egyptians' first choice either. Also it isn't a monolith, but an organization of people who often pull in different directions. Basically, if you are going to talk about the Muslim Brotherhood, you should take the time to learn about it. If all you’re trying to do is make use of them as a bogeyman, you shouldn’t talk … maybe about anything.
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