(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Matthew Levitt - Significant ideological differences separate al-Qaeda from the Muslim Brotherhood. Yet the Brotherhood's Islamist, illiberal ideology includes tenets that raise significant questions about its qualifications as a partner in the democratic process. The threshold for partnership cannot simply be that a group is not quite as extreme or violent as al-Qaeda. Tolerance, respect for women's rights, establishment of a strong civil society that promotes liberal values, and honoring international agreements and borders are more likely to produce the kind of truly free and democratic societies that promote long-term stability.
2011-03-08 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive