The Muslim Brotherhood, an Egyptian Islamist organization, has undergone significant changes since the June 30, 2013 revolution. Following their ousting from power, the group's leaders began fleeing the country, leaving behind a power vacuum. As their influence waned, the Brotherhood's priorities shifted from maintaining power to preserving their wealth. Many leaders had accumulated assets, including hospitals, schools, and real estate, which they sought to protect.
After the revolution, the Brotherhood's General Guide, Dr. Mohamed Badie, and other top leaders went into hiding. Dr. Mahmoud Hussein, the group's secretary-general, attempted to regroup and coordinate the escape of Brotherhood members to various countries. Wealthy members were helped to flee to Europe and the United States, while those with lesser means were sent to African countries. The goal was to create a Brotherhood front abroad, from which to launch attacks on Egypt.
However, as time passed, the escaped leaders found themselves without employment, shelter, or a clear objective. Dr. Hussein instructed them to engage in activities that served the Brotherhood's goals, including research, advocacy, and charity work. This led to a power struggle between Hussein and Ibrahim Munir, the acting General Guide, who was based in London. The infighting continued even after Munir's death, with Salah Abdelhak taking over and increasing tensions with Hussein.
The Brotherhood eventually splintered into four factions, each with its own agenda. An additional group emerged in the United States, which appeared to have stronger connections with influential figures in the American government. It became apparent that these groups were being manipulated by external forces, which provided them with funding and guidance.
To sustain themselves, the Brotherhood created new research centers, human rights organizations, and charities. They also established a strategic forum, a civil movement, and a revolutionary council. These new entities allowed the group to rebrand and reassign its members, who now presented themselves as researchers, experts, and human rights advocates.
The Brotherhood's new strategy involved spreading misinformation and propaganda about Egypt. They would create rumors, which would be cited in research reports, then picked up by their media outlets and advocacy groups. This created a snowball effect, with the group's various factions amplifying their messages and creating the illusion of a widespread campaign against Egypt.
The Muslim Brotherhood's evolution from an Islamist organization to a seemingly mercenary group has been marked by its adoption of the slogan "Dollar is the solution." Their actions, including collaboration with external forces and the spread of misinformation, have led to accusations of treason and hostility towards Egypt. The group's relentless pursuit of financial gain has become its primary objective, superseding its ideological roots.
Key points
- The Brotherhood's new slogan reflects its focus on financial gain over ideology.
