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This is an archive article published on March 25, 2011

Muslim Brotherhood in deal with military for big role in Egypt?

Egypt’s main political opposition is reportedly poised to be at the forefront of post-revolutionary Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood,the banned Islamic group that is considered as Egypt’s main political opposition,is reportedly poised to be at the forefront of post-revolutionary Egypt,having reached a tacit agreement with the military.

According to the New York Times,as the best organized and most extensive opposition movement in Egypt,the Muslim Brotherhood was expected to have an edge in the contest for influence,but what surprises many is its link to a military that vilified it.

“There is evidence the Brotherhood struck some kind of a deal with the military early on,” said Elijah Zarwan,a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group.

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“It makes sense if you are the military – you want stability and people off the street. The Brotherhood is one address where you can go to get 100,000 people off the street,” he added.

The Muslim Brotherhood is also regarded warily by some religious Egyptians,who see it as an elitist,secret society.

“The Brotherhood didn’t want this revolution; it has never been a revolutionary movement. Now it has happened; they participated cautiously,and they realize they can set their sights higher,” Zarwan said.

The Brotherhood had earlier said that it would form a political party once democracy is established in Cairo,but promised not to field a presidential candidate this time.

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It had released a statement on its website saying that it “envisions the establishment of a democratic,civil state that draws on universal measures of freedom and justice,with central Islamic values serving all Egyptians regardless of color,creed,political trend or religion.”

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