The death of Maamoun al-Hodeibi, head of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, risks igniting a generational battle for the leadership of the influential Islamist organsiation. Al-Hodeiby, the Brotherhood's sixth "supreme guide", died at the age of 83 following an unspecified illness.
Known for his strong personality and organisational abilities, he only took over in November 2002 on the death of his predecessor, Mustafa Mashhour. At the time al-Hodeiby won the day against younger generations, made up of academics and intellectuals in their 50s, who were impatiently waiting to take over.
| "No, no, guys! Let's go with somebody in his 80s." |
A key candidate for the succession will be Essam Abd al-Moneim, a doctor in his 50s, who has been a Brotherhood activist for the past three decades. A rift has emerged between older members who advocate a stricter line and those who admire the Turkish Islamist model based on democratic methods. Since "moderate" Islamists came to power in secular Turkey in late 2002, the younger cadres have been closely following political developments in Ankara. The Muslim Brotherhood represents the main opposition force in Egypt, with 16 deputies in the 454-seat National Assembly. But because of the movement's officially banned status the MPs did not run under the Brotherhood's banner.
"Yeah. Let's call ourselves... ummm... How 'bout the Muslim Neighborhood?"
"I think that's a great name!"
"Thank you, Brother Rogers. Anybody else like it?" |
Despite being banned for almost half a century, Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has managed to keep its networks active, especially in the universities and mosques. |