People Will Pay if Army Fails Challenge of Political Islam

Political Islam in Egypt – with the democratic election of Mohamed Morsi and one chaotic year in office – took an ideological approach to government, failing to compromise with other forces in society that led the revolution against Mubarak’s dictatorship. After deposing Morsi, the Egyptian military has cracked down on his party, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other supporters. Conservative monarchies in the region have supported the crackdown, and the international community has not intervened. “Yet, unless the new rulers of Egypt come up with a viable alternative ideology of nation-building, political Islamism will continue to be a critical variable in shaping Egyptian and regional politics in the years to come,” explains Amin Saikal, a professor of political science, in an opinion essay for the Australian. The crackdown draws sympathy and support toward the Muslim Brotherhood, even from some opponents. Egypt’s leaders must reconcile many confrontational forces. Stability for Egypt, now dangerously polarized, requires focus on compromise, national unity and economic reform.– YaleGlobal