CAIRO - Today novantunenne, Gamal al-Banna is considered one of the leading Egyptian intellectuals living. But it is especially among the most knowledgeable of the doctrines of the brotherhood of the Muslim Brotherhood, founded in 1928 by his own brother, Hassan al-Banna, who was killed in 1949 by the assassination of Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmoud Pasha, attributed to the brotherhood.
Gamal is also cousin Sa'id Ramadan (Hassan's son), in turn, the founder of Hamas, the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Gamal has never joined the brotherhood, but has spent his life studying the doctrines of his brother and disseminate ideas, often with a critical eye, and today is considered an exponent of progressive Islam.
Retired lives in one of the poorest districts of Cairo, where, despite his age, he continues to write books tirelessly to promote the idea of a nation state based on Islamic principles. We met cha in the aftermath of the revolution has upset Egypt, to understand what role now want to play the controversial Muslim Brotherhood, which so frightened the West.
Dr. Gamal, she writes of the long failure of the Arab nation-states, calling them a new foundation from a revival of Islamic society. But he expected what is happening in Egypt and much of the Arab world? "No, I think no one waiting for him. At least not in these modes, not in its size and speed.
In Egypt, the agony of the Mubarak regime was perceived for a long time, but all were expecting that the most critical moment would be the transfer of power to his son. Certainly the revolt in Tunisia has lit the spark, but was then turned to Egypt to drag all the other Arab countries. It always has been in the history of this part of the world view of its size, when Egypt takes a step, all other countries will follow.
Even Saudi Arabia. It always has been. "Which scenario is looming now for his country? Mubarak is gone, but the comparison between his regime and the people continues to mediate with the army. What to Expect?" Egypt is at a dangerous crossroads. Instead of simply resign, Mubarak has opted to hand over power in the hands of the army.
The latter has so far test of reasonableness, but after all it is still soldiers. I do not exclude that the dialogue between the military, the opposition forces and youth groups that have given rise to the revolt of the square will soon deteriorate. This would be very dangerous. I do not think there is a risk of a restoration, the people would not allow it, but it is possible that the confrontation could end up like Libya, where Gadhafi's regime is fighting to the last bullet.
The situation is very tense in the country, just a spark. This worries me. We can expect months of great instability, especially given the great changes that this will lead to the Egyptian society. Compare the situation today to what is experienced by the Soviet Union from Gorbachev's Perestroika on.
"The Western world has quickly taken the side of the square, but does not hide its concern about a possible rise of Islamic radicalism in Egypt as elsewhere. What role they played and want to play the Muslim Brotherhood? "From the beginning of the protests, the Muslim Brotherhood chose to indulge without trying to exploit it, because they quickly realized they could not influence what was happening.
The youth of the Muslim Brotherhood also fell in the square like the others, waving the flags of Egypt and not those of the brotherhood. There were still more than 20-30 thousand young people of the Muslim Brotherhood, nothing compared to the 2 million who have busy Tahrir Square. They chose, therefore, a prudent strategy, but merely to support the demand for reform of the square.
The Muslim Brotherhood today are determined to play by the rules of democracy. If and when there will be elections, surely will take part, but I can already say that it will present its own candidate for president. They do not have the strength right now to take power, their efforts are rather directed to an Islamization of Egyptian society from below, in all its aspects, from the private sphere to the economic and social.
"The semi-underground which has been forced by the Brotherhood Mubarak today does not allow even the most political observers to assess the real roots in the country and its potential electoral strength. Everyone agrees with the fact that the Muslim Brotherhood are highly organized and present at all levels of Egyptian society, but until To what extent? "If tomorrow you were to hold free elections in Egypt, I believe that the Muslim Brotherhood would get safely between 20 and 25% of the votes, of around 120-150 seats in Parliament.
But I also consider that if the instability were to grow and extend the period of uncertainty, their strength may further increase, as they are much more organized and structured element of Egyptian society. They are a growing social reality, this is no doubt that given the dimensions assumed inevitably became a political force, although this was not initially his goal.
They were born as a movement of society and education have now become a political force. The current leadership is certainly determined to observe democratic rules cited by the square. But even if in recent years has developed a certain political consciousness, I think this is still embryonic, primitive.
"Violent radicalism of the past of the Muslim Brotherhood, however, makes difficult the West and especially the liberal forces in Egyptian society to believe in their new democratic face. "True, but whenever you are inside the brotherhood formed extremist and violent, they have always been removed before the movement suffer government repression.
The Muslim Brotherhood has never theorized the use of violence to Islamization of society. Much of their bad reputation is also due to the effective Israeli propaganda, which was followed by the involvement of the Brotherhood in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially during the second world war.
It is a fact that Israel, the Muslim Brotherhood remains an unacceptable colonial presence in the heart of the Arab world. Americans and Europeans are therefore right to argue that the Brotherhood is against Israel, but wrong when they think it is a movement of fanatics. The Muslim Brotherhood urged the population to live each day according to the dictates of Islam, but profess no holy war.
" But how is it possible to combine the goal of Islamizing society with the principles of a pluralist democracy? "Of course, the model to follow would be to turkish, where the Islamic party has been able to adapt to the rules of modern democracies, making Shari'a the term in" Justice and Jihad in "development." Wanting to convince the population to live by Islamic dictates is not anti-democratic.
" Given the chaos in which to Egypt and the inevitable weakening the regional level as well as other Arab countries, that Tehran believes can increase their sphere of influence? "Unfortunately, Egypt under Mubarak has long since lost its regional clout, and today we no longer have any influence or power of a small emirates such as Qatar.
But I believe that for reasons of language, culture and history, 'Iran's influence can not go beyond Iraq and Bahrain. Surely it will not arrive in Egypt and the Maghreb. I would say that this revolution might also be able to unleash the forces of Egyptian society and bring the country to a new role and a new influence in the region.
It will take time, of course, but the premises are all given the importance of population, resources, history and above all the ability in terms of institutions and civil society. " What about Libya? The fall of her second Gaddafi could lead to the creation of an Islamic state? "I do not think.
Despite the fears of the West, Libyan society has a strong secular tradition. I also think it unlikely that the country could collapse and split into many regional entities. Gaddafi will certainly fight to the last, but despite the differences between the various tribal members, the Libyan population since independence the country has developed a strong sense of national unity even after the attempts of interference by foreign powers.
I do not think likely a division of Libya. "What do you feel forecast for Egypt to be here in six months?" Although the situation is delicate, I strongly hope that the dialogue between the army, young people and the forces 'opposition could lead to the first free elections in the country, able to create a virtuous cycle that leads to a real development without the corruption of the Mubarak regime.
Personally I do not have preferences for the next president, but I think now the candidate who enjoys more popularity El Baradei. Could he be our next president. Unfortunately I'm too old to even think of seeing with my own eyes if my country will manage to shake off its recent past. " 
Gamal is also cousin Sa'id Ramadan (Hassan's son), in turn, the founder of Hamas, the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Gamal has never joined the brotherhood, but has spent his life studying the doctrines of his brother and disseminate ideas, often with a critical eye, and today is considered an exponent of progressive Islam.
Retired lives in one of the poorest districts of Cairo, where, despite his age, he continues to write books tirelessly to promote the idea of a nation state based on Islamic principles. We met cha in the aftermath of the revolution has upset Egypt, to understand what role now want to play the controversial Muslim Brotherhood, which so frightened the West.
Dr. Gamal, she writes of the long failure of the Arab nation-states, calling them a new foundation from a revival of Islamic society. But he expected what is happening in Egypt and much of the Arab world? "No, I think no one waiting for him. At least not in these modes, not in its size and speed.
In Egypt, the agony of the Mubarak regime was perceived for a long time, but all were expecting that the most critical moment would be the transfer of power to his son. Certainly the revolt in Tunisia has lit the spark, but was then turned to Egypt to drag all the other Arab countries. It always has been in the history of this part of the world view of its size, when Egypt takes a step, all other countries will follow.
Even Saudi Arabia. It always has been. "Which scenario is looming now for his country? Mubarak is gone, but the comparison between his regime and the people continues to mediate with the army. What to Expect?" Egypt is at a dangerous crossroads. Instead of simply resign, Mubarak has opted to hand over power in the hands of the army.
The latter has so far test of reasonableness, but after all it is still soldiers. I do not exclude that the dialogue between the military, the opposition forces and youth groups that have given rise to the revolt of the square will soon deteriorate. This would be very dangerous. I do not think there is a risk of a restoration, the people would not allow it, but it is possible that the confrontation could end up like Libya, where Gadhafi's regime is fighting to the last bullet.
The situation is very tense in the country, just a spark. This worries me. We can expect months of great instability, especially given the great changes that this will lead to the Egyptian society. Compare the situation today to what is experienced by the Soviet Union from Gorbachev's Perestroika on.
"The Western world has quickly taken the side of the square, but does not hide its concern about a possible rise of Islamic radicalism in Egypt as elsewhere. What role they played and want to play the Muslim Brotherhood? "From the beginning of the protests, the Muslim Brotherhood chose to indulge without trying to exploit it, because they quickly realized they could not influence what was happening.
The youth of the Muslim Brotherhood also fell in the square like the others, waving the flags of Egypt and not those of the brotherhood. There were still more than 20-30 thousand young people of the Muslim Brotherhood, nothing compared to the 2 million who have busy Tahrir Square. They chose, therefore, a prudent strategy, but merely to support the demand for reform of the square.
The Muslim Brotherhood today are determined to play by the rules of democracy. If and when there will be elections, surely will take part, but I can already say that it will present its own candidate for president. They do not have the strength right now to take power, their efforts are rather directed to an Islamization of Egyptian society from below, in all its aspects, from the private sphere to the economic and social.
"The semi-underground which has been forced by the Brotherhood Mubarak today does not allow even the most political observers to assess the real roots in the country and its potential electoral strength. Everyone agrees with the fact that the Muslim Brotherhood are highly organized and present at all levels of Egyptian society, but until To what extent? "If tomorrow you were to hold free elections in Egypt, I believe that the Muslim Brotherhood would get safely between 20 and 25% of the votes, of around 120-150 seats in Parliament.
But I also consider that if the instability were to grow and extend the period of uncertainty, their strength may further increase, as they are much more organized and structured element of Egyptian society. They are a growing social reality, this is no doubt that given the dimensions assumed inevitably became a political force, although this was not initially his goal.
They were born as a movement of society and education have now become a political force. The current leadership is certainly determined to observe democratic rules cited by the square. But even if in recent years has developed a certain political consciousness, I think this is still embryonic, primitive.
"Violent radicalism of the past of the Muslim Brotherhood, however, makes difficult the West and especially the liberal forces in Egyptian society to believe in their new democratic face. "True, but whenever you are inside the brotherhood formed extremist and violent, they have always been removed before the movement suffer government repression.
The Muslim Brotherhood has never theorized the use of violence to Islamization of society. Much of their bad reputation is also due to the effective Israeli propaganda, which was followed by the involvement of the Brotherhood in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially during the second world war.
It is a fact that Israel, the Muslim Brotherhood remains an unacceptable colonial presence in the heart of the Arab world. Americans and Europeans are therefore right to argue that the Brotherhood is against Israel, but wrong when they think it is a movement of fanatics. The Muslim Brotherhood urged the population to live each day according to the dictates of Islam, but profess no holy war.
" But how is it possible to combine the goal of Islamizing society with the principles of a pluralist democracy? "Of course, the model to follow would be to turkish, where the Islamic party has been able to adapt to the rules of modern democracies, making Shari'a the term in" Justice and Jihad in "development." Wanting to convince the population to live by Islamic dictates is not anti-democratic.
" Given the chaos in which to Egypt and the inevitable weakening the regional level as well as other Arab countries, that Tehran believes can increase their sphere of influence? "Unfortunately, Egypt under Mubarak has long since lost its regional clout, and today we no longer have any influence or power of a small emirates such as Qatar.
But I believe that for reasons of language, culture and history, 'Iran's influence can not go beyond Iraq and Bahrain. Surely it will not arrive in Egypt and the Maghreb. I would say that this revolution might also be able to unleash the forces of Egyptian society and bring the country to a new role and a new influence in the region.
It will take time, of course, but the premises are all given the importance of population, resources, history and above all the ability in terms of institutions and civil society. " What about Libya? The fall of her second Gaddafi could lead to the creation of an Islamic state? "I do not think.
Despite the fears of the West, Libyan society has a strong secular tradition. I also think it unlikely that the country could collapse and split into many regional entities. Gaddafi will certainly fight to the last, but despite the differences between the various tribal members, the Libyan population since independence the country has developed a strong sense of national unity even after the attempts of interference by foreign powers.
I do not think likely a division of Libya. "What do you feel forecast for Egypt to be here in six months?" Although the situation is delicate, I strongly hope that the dialogue between the army, young people and the forces 'opposition could lead to the first free elections in the country, able to create a virtuous cycle that leads to a real development without the corruption of the Mubarak regime.
Personally I do not have preferences for the next president, but I think now the candidate who enjoys more popularity El Baradei. Could he be our next president. Unfortunately I'm too old to even think of seeing with my own eyes if my country will manage to shake off its recent past. "
No comments:
Post a Comment