Shari'a Law, Cult Violence and System Change in Egypt: The Dilemma Facing President Mubarak
Authored by Dr. Stephen C. Pelletiere.
April 5, 1994
40 Pages
Brief Synopsis
Egypt is one of the more economically deprived countries in the world. Societal stress is a major challenge. Few believe that Egypt will escape the poverty that has for so long oppressed it. For all its challenges, Egypt is of strategic importance to the United States, because of its leadership position in the Arab world. It would be extremely difficult for Washington to safeguard its interests in the Middle East without support from Cairo.
Recently, Egypt has been hit with an outbreak of religious strife that poses a threat to the rule of President Husni Mubarak. This study looks at the unrest, identifies the forces behind it, and prescribes steps that can be taken to alleviate the situation.
SUMMARY
This study looks at the system of rule in Egypt and discusses why it is in such trouble presently. In the eyes of many, the days of Egyptian President Husni Mubarak are numbered, because of the mounting violence inside his country.
The study concludes that Mubarak's difficulties stem from the economy, which is seen to be distributing wealth inequitably--it enriches the few, while the masses are driven to make more and more sacrifices to preserve a deteriorating standard of living.
Into this disturbed atmosphere has come the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, which has sparked a religious revival against corruption that apparently has gotten out of hand. Numerous religious cults have sprung up, calling for the restitution of the ancient law of Muhammad, the shari'a. The cultists are taking action against elements they feel have betrayed Islam.
To date, the religious forces have failed to win support they need to achieve their aim. However, a further serious decline in the standard of living could provide the opening they seek. Ironically, this may happen because of measures being taken by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is pressing Mubarak to undertake free market reforms. The reforms would cause widespread unemployment, something the masses will not tolerate.
The study warns U.S. policymakers that before proceeding with the reforms, the mood of the Egyptian people, as well as the religious movement, should be carefully assessed. Signs indicate the religious forces are split, and--this being the case--it may be possible to exploit this schism in ways that support the interests of the United States.
Access Full Report [PDF]: Shari'a Law, Cult Violence and System Change in Egypt: The Dilemma Facing President Mubarak
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