What is the Muslim Brotherhood Learning?

Watching al-Jazeera Arabic coverage of the unfolding Egyptian revolution, I believe the following two assertion are supported by evidence: (1) Egyptian culture has been Islamized. This is evident not only in the scenes of prayers on Tahrir Square; it is also evident in the apparent receptivity of the protesters to Muslim Brotherhood (MB)-like slogans and leaders. Unconfirmed media estimates of MB participation range between 15 to 30 percent, but these figures are hardly reliable. Western reporters are perhaps using deceptive profiles to guess who is a member of the MB. We don't know what criteria that they using or the basis for such estimates.(2) The Islamization of the culture has meant that the MB is now a welcome part of the emerging Egyptian polity. This is good for Egyptian democracy, because it is helping the largest organization shed away decades of insecurity. Egyptian MB leaders today feel they are part of the people, not apart from them.

That insecurity is the reason why the MB threw their full weight in the revolt only when they felt they had popular cover. Other Egyptians will always remind the MB old guard that the MB did not start the January 25 revolution, but Egyptians will not blame the MB for their initial hesitation. Egyptians will soon praise the MB for being the only force in Egyptian society that have consistently stood against and suffered the wrath of the military regime.

When Mubarak and his television blamed the MB for the protests, more Egyptians took to the streets. The regime's MB scare tactic backfired. But the MB fear that they might still be singled out for special reprisals. They have been using their influence in the protest to stress that their expression is peaceful, chanting "silmiyah, silmiyah" and instructing fellow protesters not to engage in violence. Clearly, they are implementing a long-held position that the people have the right to depose their corrupt, oppressive rulers. The MB and other Egyptians are doing it in the best traditions of non-violence. Future Egyptian governments will have no choice but to step down should people power turn against them.

With sectors of society coming out with specific set of demands on any future government, Egypt's future leaders, including the MB, are learning that governing in a state of people power is about responding to the demands of constituencies. The MB are the most experienced group in Egypt in dealing with people's needs, serving those needs is how they built their support base. But catering to a whole population and being in charge of a nation's economy is a different ball game. Here lies in the major challenge to the MB or any other coming government. They have very little to offer the depressed factory workers, government employees and others who want improvement in the quality of life. The MB response for now is to suggest that they will share the burden of reform with all other citizens. Clearly, the MB is showing that they have learned how to operate in a democracy, where they are one faction that knows its limits.