It is perhaps one of Israel’s worst nightmares that the Muslim Brotherhood would come to power in Egypt and shut down the Suez Canal. Such a notion would also apply to United States and much of the global economy seeming as not only is oil shipped through the Suez, but so are items encompassing about 8 percent of globally traded products, according to a Tuesday www.wnd.com article. Nevertheless, the concern regarding threats to the Suez Canal became more of a reality when it was made known that several members of Hezbollah reportedly escaped from Egyptian prisons. Some of the members are suspected of being a part of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and of having a network that assists Hamas members in the Gaza Strip.
WND also noted that, “Hezbollah-Iranian agents in Egypt were working with al-Qaida to plot attacks against tourist sites, particularly those known to be popular with Israelis.” About 80 cells have been set up in Egypt over the past 2 years, and “The goals of the cells operating inside the country include plotting to destabilize the Egyptian regime to advance Iranian interests, planning attacks against tourist sites with Israeli casualties in mind, aiding Hamas in Gaza and establishing a base of Iranian operations along the strategic Suez Canal.” In addition, on Tuesday, “Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah expressed vocal support for the protests targeting Mubarak's regime.”
Fox News reported the deep concern of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation in Egypt, noting his admonition that he believed that it was a very real possibility that Egypt could become another Iran. Another Fox article noted the U.K.’s offense regarding his words, highlighting the words of British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who insisted that Israel refrain from “belligerent” language.
However, Hague also admitted that the threat of an unstable Middle East is one that can’t be ignored, and that he felt that the U.S. and Palestine ought to exercise “bold leadership” regarding bringing peace to the region.
Perhaps another reason for Netanyahu’s deep concern is revealed within the pages of a book that the Muslim Brotherhood published in 1995. According to the Jerusalem Post, the fifth official leader of the Muslim Brotherhood movement seems to have captured the mission of the movement's goal of world domination in a five volume set of books, the last of which is entitled, Jihad is the Way. That last book has been translated into English and can be read at Palestinian Media Watch.
In spite of everyone’s concerns about the possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood taking over Egypt, Vice President Omar Suleiman continues to project an image of strength and determination for both his country and President Mubarak. In fact, he has made a point of stating that the protests are not going to be tolerated for much longer, according to a Tuesday Al Jazeera article. He further insisted that Mubarak will not be stepping down before his term is over. However, he has also admitted that efforts will be made to avoid using force to keep the order in the country, and that constitutional reforms are “to be undertaken by yet to be formed committees.”
The article also pointed out that, “Suleiman said that one committee would carry out constitutional and legislative amendments to enable a shift of power while a separate committee will be set up to monitor the implementation of all proposed reforms. The two committees will start working immediately.”
The Christians in Egypt are especially interested in an orderly transition. Director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, Nina Shea, told Fox News on Monday that, “The Muslim Brotherhood has a long-term commitment to establishing an Islamic state under Shariah rule in Egypt. The Copts and other Christians should be worried. They would be reduced to 'dhimmi' status – denied the right to celebrate Christmas and weddings or otherwise publicly display their faith.”
Shea added that, “Christians would be defined by the state to be a dangerous fifth column.” She further pointed out that Christians would likely leave Egypt in droves as they have done in Iraq, and since they make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population, “this would be tantamount to the end of religious diversity and pluralism in the Middle East and would inevitably lead to a deepening of Islamic radicalization.”
