June 26, 2012
http://www.investigativeproject.org/3644/brotherhood-victory-opens-door-for-islamists
Islamists
across the globe are hailing the victory of Muslim Brotherhood
candidate Mohammad Morsi in Egypt's presidential election, particularly
Hamas and even traditional Egyptian rivals like Iran.
In the meantime, as Israeli and American officials have responded optimistically
but cautiously to Morsi's wishy-washy statements on Middle East peace,
some American Islamist officials have already started a propaganda
campaign celebrating the Islamist victory.
During his victory announcement, Morsi
pledged to be a "president for all Egyptians" and to honor international
treaties, code for preserving Egypt's cold peace with Israel. But within hours, Iran's Fars News Agency claimed that his government would "revise the Camp David treaty" in favor of a "policy based on equality, since we are not weaker than them in any field."
Fars also quoted Morsi as saying that the
move would be coupled with better relations with the Iranian Islamic
Republic, Egypt's traditional rival in the Middle East and Israel's most
vocal enemies. The new relationship would "create a balance of pressure in the region," Morsi said, in what seemed a veiled threat against Western interests and the Jewish state.
In addition, Iran's government praised
the "Islamic Awakening" represented by the Brotherhood victory. Its
military addressed Egypt's military directly, calling "on all Egyptian
Armed Forces to welcome this divine blessing with open arms and play
their effective role and share in the establishment of unity and
building future Egypt based on Islamic foundations, independence and
freedom."
Morsi denied
the Fars interview shortly thereafter, and did not openly reciprocate
support for Iran's positions. The Christian Science Monitor took note of
the "political circus" and conflicting statements, wondering whether Morsi intentionally was "adjusting his comments to suit his audience."
In his victory speech, he claimed that
although he would not attack Israel immediately, he promised to push the
Palestinian issue with the Jewish state. This will undoubtedly mean more influence and support for Hamas, the Palestinian faction allied to, and championed by, the Muslim Brotherhood.
Hamas-run Gaza burst into celebration
at the news of Morsi's victory. "We will look to Egypt to play a big,
leading role, a historic role, regarding the Palestinian cause, in
helping the Palestinian nation get freedom, return home, and totally end
the Gaza siege," said Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas government.
Hizballah also congratulated the Brotherhood, stating
its hopes for a greater Egyptian role "in defending the causes of the
nation and shaping the future and the fate of the region."
In the United States, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) hailed the victory.
"We congratulate the Egyptian people and
their new president on this great achievement in Egypt's struggle for
freedom," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad in a Facebook
posting. Other CAIR leaders saluted the Islamic regime and its ability
to liberate Egypt from American interests.
"Get ready for regional and Western forces'
plans to undermine President-elect Morsi. We've seen this playbook
before," said CAIR-Michigan director Dawud Walid. "While you're so
concerned about how Morsi will govern in Egypt, you are loosing [sic]
your democratic rights in America."
"Dear america: read, watch the arab world
die for freedom from u.s. proxy-imperialist (colonialist) wrath, [sic]"
said Lamis Deek, a board member for CAIR-New York. "Arab-democracy=US
govt hands off," she claimed, before comparing the Egyptian revolution
to the "the still warm blood of Palestine."
The Obama administration congratulated
Egypt on its successful democratic process, while announcing its
expectations for the new regime. "We believe it is essential for the
Egyptian government to continue to fulfill Egypt's role as a pillar of
regional peace, security and stability," said White House spokesman Jay
Carney, adding that the U.S. believed in the importance of "upholding
universal values" and respecting the rights of all citizens,
particularly women and minorities.
Israel's official response was warm if
cautious. "Israel appreciates the democratic process in Egypt and
respects the results of the presidential elections," said a statement
from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. "Israel looks forward
to continuing cooperation with the Egyptian government on the basis of
the peace treaty between the two countries, which is a joint interest of
both peoples and contributes to regional stability."
But other Israeli diplomats had a more negative outlook.
Former Israeli ambassador to Egypt Zvi Mazel said that he expected a "gradual freezing of the peace treaty," and less room for Israel to operate in Gaza to counter Palestinian terrorism.
In any case, the Brotherhood's victory is
bad for Israel and the West, writes Barry Rubin. America's liberal media
and political elites have ignored the group's outspoken rhetoric,
choosing to listen to moderate statements even as they are accompanied
by extremist internal quotes.
"They ignore the fully documented fact that
al-Mursi campaigned on a basis of hatred for America, fundamentally
transforming Egypt into a Sharia state, going to war with Israel, and
spreading revolution throughout the region," he states in an article for the GLORIA Center. "It is time, though, to start thinking of U.S. interests."
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