Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

The recurrent declarations of Dr. Muhammad al-Barād‘ī concerning the Muslim Brotherhood aroused a state of debate among those interested in knowing more about the Group. Al-Barād‘ī’s declarations are characterized by positivity with regards to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is considered one of the biggest political parties in Egypt, as described by western media.

 

Al-Barād‘ī’s declarations included his call to the Muslim Brotherhood to participate in social, political and economical reform in Egypt. He also wondered how they would be prevented from having a political party with religious reference at the time the Egyptian constitution has an article considering Islam the main source of legislation. Al-Barād‘ī also encouraged the Muslim Brotherhood to take part in political life, due to its credibility and ability to fulfill public needs. Al-Barād‘ī was accused by US analyst, Ellen Pierman, of flirting with the Muslim Brotherhood through these declarations, once al-Barād‘ī found himself facing too much trouble concerning the conditions required to nominate himself for presidential elections in Egypt.

 

These troubles were what encouraged al-Barād‘ī to invite the Muslim Brotherhood to join his Foundation for Change. The Foundation’s meeting was attended by Dr. Muhammad al-Kātatnī, representative of the group, and other Brotherhood leaders, in order to show their support for al-Barād‘ī. Foreign Policy quoted Dr. al-Kātatnī’s comments after the meeting. He said, “Requirements of the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Barād‘ī concerning political reform are similar.” Foreign Policy commented on this saying that this similarity may represent a new deal for al-Barād‘ī, since the Muslim Brotherhood controls 20% of the People Assembly seats in addition to enjoying great political power in Egyptian society.

 

At the same time, Dr. ‘Isām al-‘Iryān, official spokesperson of the Muslim Brotherhood, told al-Dustūr that he is fully aware that his group is the most powerful in Egypt, adding that those who support al-Barād‘ī are all respectable figures but they lack organizational power. Al-‘Iryān added that they are waiting for al-Barād‘ī’s visit to Dr. al-Kātatnī in order to discuss common ground between both sides.