Trump’s Actions Against the Muslim Brotherhood: A Nod to Turkey and Qatar
Presidential Directive to Designate Parts of the Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organizations
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has signed a presidential directive that initiates the process of designating certain factions of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. This order predominantly focuses on the group’s branches in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, specifically in response to the recent October 7 attack on Israel. The directive alleges that the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Lebanese branch collaborated with Hezbollah in launching rockets toward Israel.
Context of the Directive
The directive outlines the troubling activities of the Muslim Brotherhood across these nations. In Egypt, a senior leader of the movement has reportedly called for violent attacks against the United States. In Jordan, the movement is said to have supported the military wing of Hamas. Notably absent from the directive is any mention of the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Turkey and Qatar, which are considered to be integrated into the governance structures of those countries.
Government Actions and Implications
According to the directive, the U.S. Secretaries of State and the Treasury are tasked with submitting a report to the President within 30 days regarding the implications of this designation. Following the submission, legal actions against organizations classified under this presidential directive will commence within 45 days.
Regional Response and Perspectives
The “Jama’a Islamiyya,” a smaller Palestinian group identified with the Muslim Brotherhood, primarily operates in southern Lebanon. This Sunni Salafi extremist group has a military wing known as “Al-Fajr.” Its Secretary General, Muhammad Takush, previously stated in an interview that the organization’s military wing has been part of the resistance since 1982.
In an official statement, the Jordanian government announced the closure of offstarts associated with the dismantled Muslim Brotherhood, declaring membership to the organization illegal. The statement further revealed that assets belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood would be seized, and any activities conducted by the group would be considered lawful violations, necessitating accountability.
The dynamics in Egypt reflect a complex relationship between governance and the Muslim Brotherhood. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi continues to fight against the group as an organization while arguably promoting its ideological influences in society. For instance, Egyptian diplomats are required to consult with prominent religious figures before assuming their posts abroad, showcasing an intertwining of military and religious acknowledgment.
Continuing Influence of the Muslim Brotherhood
Despite the crackdown, some experts suggest that the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood persists in various societal aspects. Notable religious education institutions and cultural policies in Egypt still engage with ideas rooted in Muslim Brotherhood thought. This complex landscape illustrates a dual leadership dynamic within Egypt that merges military governance with religious authority.
For those interested in exploring the intricate relationship between political dynamics and religious organizations in the region, the implications of these recent actions deserve close attention.
This article provides an overview of President Trump’s directive regarding the Muslim Brotherhood and highlights its implications across multiple Middle Eastern nations. The absence of Turkey and Qatar from the directive raises questions about potential political calculations in U.S.-Middle East relations.