Dr. Al-Awadi Provides a Historical Analysis of the Muslim Brotherhood Movement

Dr. Hesham Al Awadi, Associate Professor of History & International Relations at the American University of Kuwait, participated in a panel discussion about Muslim Brothers in power hosted by the Media Salon earlier this week.

The panel shed light on the history of the Muslim Brotherhood movement, which recently gained political power in the Arab Spring countries, most notably in Egypt. The event hosted political science experts and politicians.

Based on his research in the field, Dr. Al Awadi tackled the issue of Muslim Brotherhood from a scientific aspect. He provided a chronological analysis of the different milestones in the history of Muslim Brotherhood until they came to power.

Commenting on the challenges faced by the new Egyptian President Dr. Mohammed Morsi, Dr. Al- Awadi said that the ability to move from the seat of opposition to the seat of presidency is one major challenge. Other challenges include the transition from the philosophy of the Muslim Brotherhood to the philosophy of head of state; and the establishment of new relations with the Gulf States, who have been supportive of Mubarak.

The panel discussion involved rich inputs by the audience, who shared anticipation and worries about the arrival of the Muslim Brotherhood to power. One of the concerns raised during the discussion was the stance of Muslim Brotherhood on Arab nationalism and whether Muslim Brotherhood would resist this direction. On the other hand, some people wondered why some are trying to demonize the Muslim Brotherhood rather than reaching reconciliation between the different regimes.

For more details about the panel discussion, please refer to the following newspaper links:

Al Anbaa:
www.alanba.com.kw/ar/kuwait-news/306534/04-07-2012/

Al Watan
alwatan.kuwait.tt/articledetails.aspx?Id=205809&YearQuarter=20123

Al Qabas
www.alqabas.com.kw/node/88332

Al Seyassah
www.alseyassah.com/AtricleView/tabid/59/smid/438/ArticleID/198949/reftab/36/Default.aspx

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 5th July 2012