US-Gulf-Israel alliance targets Muslim Brotherhood

A tide of change, euphorically called the Arab Spring, swept across the Middle East and North Africa and mobilized many political groups and apolitical movements and revealed the widespread displeasure with current governments. Following these uprisings in the Arab countries, Islamist groups have found an opportunity to be involved in politics freely and legally. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Justice and Freedom Party became successful in the last elections by gaining a large portion in the assembly. Mohammad Morsi was also elected as the president. However, the democratic atmosphere did not last long as the internationally backed army chief, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi ousted Morsi and became the president. Since then history started repeating itself in the country as the coup regime has received large support from regional and international powers.

Among them were the Gulf countries, mainly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Moreover, John Kerry, who was U.S. secretary of state at that time, described the coup process as “restoring democracy” in Egypt. Although the former U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration expressed concern, it was clear that the U.S. did not want an Islamist government in Egypt due to the so-called security issue of Israel.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said U.S. President Donald Trump met his advisers and some leaders in the region. “This designation is working its way through the internal process,” she added. It is not clear whether the group can be labeled as terrorist according to the criteria put by U.S. laws. Similarly, it brings about the question what will it mean to designate the group as a terrorist group as it is found across the Middle East and North Africa. Moreover, it is unclear what it means to become a member of the group, as it is more an ideological position rather than active organization.