Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Re: The Rise (and Fall?) of Political Islamism
Islamists have yielded success in Egypt and Tunisia because voters want to elect representatives that resemble their own beliefs and are able to empower the people away from oppression. Voters want an organization and a political structure that is able to stand the test of time and resist its opponents and oppressors. For example, the Muslim Brotherhood has been able to organize itself and communicate values and beliefs of its followers since 1928 despite Egyptian government opposition. The Brotherhood's strategic separation from the Egyptian regime and condemnation of its actions allowed it to amass half of the parliamentary seats in the 2011-2012 election (The Guardian). Meanwhile, Ennahda in Tunisia promised further democratic progression for the country and its future. Albeit strong pushback from the secular community, the party's appeals to Tunisian fears allowed it to become the most popular political party, gathering 29% of the popular vote.
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really liked how you emphasize the importance of social media play in social movements and how these forums are used as effective modes of communication to demonstrate these protests. Also, I always thought social media was mainstream however, when looking at the MENA region social media has changed societies and helped these countries gain support.
ReplyDeleteThe Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is interesting because they were banned by the Egyptian government, but yet flourished as an underground organization and was able to come out on top when they needed to.
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed out that the MB tried to distance itself from the regime in Egypt. It reveals that they know the regime is not well liked, and they are willing to capitalize on this discontent. However, in Tunisia, the Ennahda is straying from its original message of Islamism. Is this a good or a bad thing? It is bringing the country closer to a secular democracy, but maybe the distancing from Islamism could divide the country. They might forget what brought them together in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI think your point on how the Muslim Brotherhood gains votes because voters want representatives who hold their same view. I think emphasis is put on religion when not all voters base their votes on their religious beliefs or to guide them. I think the Muslim Brotherhood is successful in Egypt because they were able to distance themselves from the political elite and right after the 2011 revolts people wanted to see change.
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