Fourth Reich

In light of the 2011 revolutions Egypt has been called the region’s canary in the coal mine. Her readiness to overthrow the Mubarak regime and institute widespread political reform was echoed shortly thereafter in the actions of Libya and Syrian peoples. As the gunfire ceased Egypt again lead the way in political reform. Change had swept across the nation and people were ready for a new party, “The Muslim Brotherhood”.

In the West we could do little more than stand by as the political changes took place. We hoped for the Mubarak and Gadhafi regimes to be replaced with a pro Euro-American democracy, and with the first free elections in decades optimism was in the air.

In Egypt the results were unanimous, the people wanted the newly recognized “Muslim Brotherhood” to lead parliament and head the new government’s maiden voyage into the world stage.  Libya followed shortly thereafter with another series of Brotherhood dominated elections.

With elections over and the revolutions won Egypt has had a chance to test drive their new government on the world stage. Sadly though, the new driver doesn’t seem to be any better.

After barely half a year in office the Muslim Brotherhood (also known as the Freedom and Justice Party) has made some troubling moves. 

After becoming the majority party with almost 40% of Parliamentary seats, the Brotherhood set their sights on the presidential office. Their candidate, Mohamed Morsi not only won the election in a disputed race but has begun his career crossing swords with the Egyptian High Command and Judicial branch.  Morsi’s insistence to continue “unconstitutional” orders has not only created a division in the government but has raised questions about Brotherhood actions.

Reports have been made that, in light of the judicial and military stands the brotherhood has created a Muslim Brotherhood backed militia. Like the Waffen SS before them, the Brotherhood has resorted to fear and intimidation in order to subjugate the nation. As the party attempts to stronghold the Egyptian Army and take control of the Courts further bloodshed seems imminent.  

Are these recent actions a warning or possibly the future for Libya’s new government? Even with our forces committed elsewhere, the west cannot afford to play the pacifist, let alone allow the birth of a Fourth Reich.