With Muslim Brotherhood sweeping the majority of seats in the current Egyptian elections, it makes one question if democracy has just progressed to become a choice between two unpleasant options. In terms of philosophical logic, nothing but a ‘Morton’s fork.’ Is the entire narrative of the Arab unrest just a false dilemma, reducing the entire Middle Eastern world into an unending battle of good versus the evil, or is there more to it, than what meets the eye?
‘Past of Muslim Brotherhood’
In the past 20 years, around 45,000 members of Muslim Brotherhood have been jailed in Egypt alone. Demonstrations, Islamic teachings, conspiracies against the dictators, altercation with the governing body- all led to their doomsday. Though, often, these dissidents did get released, yet eventually leading to their even more organised and established network in their history that dates to more than 80 years. Eventually, the ousting of Mubarak proved to be their gain. No longer they had to be underground or limit themselves into silence. Ready to plunge and play the safest bet, MB’s Freedom and Justice Party is all geared up to make the right move.
“Salafists Vs Muslim Brotherhood’
But what remains a big debate is- Would they convert Egypt into the “Islamic Republic of Egypt? MB is known for their aversion against Israel and Palestine. It is feared that they would manipulate the foreign policy of the new democratic state into abhorrence towards these two conflict prone countries. Last Friday, more than 5,000 protesters supporting MB had chanted slogans against the Jews, asking them to be banished from their land. Another main focus would also be the rights that minorities like Coptic Christians and women would gain after the drafting of the constitution. Adding to the turmoil is the ongoing victory of other Salafist party that are known for being ultra-conservative and very singular with their point of view. Interestingly, they were too conservative to such an extent that the posters carrying the names of their female candidates had pictures of flowers rather than the concerned candidate. Not very liberal, and a bit outspoken about their orthodox rules, Salafists have already declared they would organise different curriculum for girls and boys, restrict alcohol and censor arts and entertainment. Supporters of MB state that FJP would never form a coalition with the Salafists as they are more liberal, democratic and believe in pluralism.
‘Languishing revolutionaries’
No doubt, the natality and uprising has demanded a price, higher than money. The revolutionaries and youth groups that had started the entire spark are now, looming in their agony, flooded with financial barricades and lack of advertising. Yet, one can imagine that if they too, came in power, they could have caused a ‘squatter sovereignty’ rather than a ‘popular sovereignty’ which anyways is not realistic in the current liberal model that Egypt wants to hold. If the entire process of secularism is lost then what would be the fundamental basis of the ‘social contract’ that would function between the people and the government?
‘Idea of democracy’
Moreover, what happens in Egypt would not be just limited to its boundaries. Any effect would cause the most populous Arab country to produce a dominoes effect to its neighbours and international superpowers. That makes us this that a western, European and to a certain extent, colonial model of democracy the only saviour from dictatorships? Yes, we can not have the abstract sustenance of a ‘philosopher king’ in this respect of public administration, as it would eventually cause political mayhem. Also, just to believe that there are two sides to the uprising, one good and the other bad, stirs the idea of ‘manichaeism’ to a greater degree. Its not necessary that one needs to be with the Muslim Brotherhood or against it. There can be grey shades in the political practice that does not involve distinction. Though, nothing in life, administration, or governance is gained, till its not distinctively followed with a faith, irrespective of visible shortcomings that only cowardice notices.
shubhdachaudhary 