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Fault Lines and Conflicts: The Impact of Saudi-Muslim Brotherhood Ideological Differences on MENA

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The ideological rivalry of the Saudi Arabia and Muslim Brotherhood has the potential to create more fault lines and conflicts in MENA. In reality, collaboration between the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates with Iranian-led resistance has become a significant challenge to Western interests and the status quo in MENA. Although physically Muslim brotherhood on the ground is weak following the Arab spring and counter crackdown by Status que forces but as it is said ideology never dies hence  it is an ideology , and recent occurrences in Palestine have given it the opportunity to further strengthen its roots in masses and convince more people to accept its cause.

Saudi Arabia's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood is historically complicated and multidimensional, marked by ideological disputes, shifting alliances, and geopolitical calculations.
Historical Context and Relations
        Hassan al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in 1928. Its early message of social justice, anti-colonialism, and Islamic reform drew broad support. Saudi Arabia supported the Muslim Brotherhood from the early to mid-twentieth century, considering it as an ally against secular Arab nationalism and socialism, both of which were viewed as challenges to monarchical and religious rule.

During the Cold War, Saudi Arabia and the Muslim Brotherhood worked together to combat the development of communism and secular Arab nationalism movements led by Egypt's Gamal Abdul Nasser. Saudi Arabia and the Muslim Brotherhood worked together to help the Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet invasion, strengthening their partnership.
        The relationship deteriorated during the Gulf War, when the Muslim Brotherhood protested the deployment of US soldiers in Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi government considered them as vital to counter Iraqi aggression The Muslim Brotherhood's growing political influence in several nations, notably during the Arab Spring (2010-2011), concerned Saudi Arabia. The Brotherhood's triumph in Egyptian and Tunisian elections posed a danger to the Saudi governance model and regional influence.

        Saudi Arabia has designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, cracking down on its activities domestically while supporting similar steps by allied countries.
The Brotherhood's political success, along with assistance from Qatar and Turkey, has resulted in regional rivalries, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt banding together to counter Qatari and Turkish influence.The Saudi government remains profoundly distrustful of the Muslim Brotherhood's goals and continues to fight its influence, pushing for stability and opposing what it perceives as the disruptive consequences of political Islam.

Ideological Differences between Muslim Brotherhood and Saudi Arabia

Hassan Al-Banna felt that Islamic principles might help address societal issues and build a strong Islamic community. The organization hoped to do this through social activity, education, and political participation. Their philosophy is sometimes classified as Islamist, since they want to incorporate Islamic law and values into society's legal and political structures.
       The Muslim Brotherhood developed throughout the Arab world, appealing to individuals who believed conventional Islamic organizations did not address social concerns. They established a network of social services, schools, and enterprises, acquiring influence throughout the region.
        The Brotherhood's ties with governments have been strained. They have suffered repression in a number of states, including Egypt and Syria. Some Brotherhood sections encourage political engagement, while others urge for more revolutionary measures.

On the other hand ,Saudi Arabia's worldview is heavily entrenched in Wahhabism, a fundamentalist offshoot of Sunni Islam founded by Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab in the 18th century.
        Muhammad Ibn AbdulWahhab made an agreement with the Saud dynasty in 1740, which dominated eastern Arabia. This partnership protected Wahhabism and legitimized the Saud monarchy. Wahhabism stresses strict obedience to Islamic precepts while condemning actions perceived as innovations or deviations.
        Saudi governance is influenced by Wahhabi beliefs, including the legal system and social standards. The religious institution has tremendous power, but the royal family retains ultimate control. Some of ideological differences between Wahhabi ideology and Muslim Brotherhood are as under. (credit to Gemini.google.com for helping create this chart)


        Saudi Arabia's early backing for the Brotherhood stems from a shared dread of secularism and communism. However, the seeds of tension were also planted. The Brotherhood's objective of gradual social transformation and democratic development posed a challenge to the Saudi monarchy's absolute rule. Furthermore, Wahhabism's stringent interpretation of Islam contrasted with the Brotherhood's more pragmatic approach. Despite these underlying tensions, the Cold War afforded a time of pragmatic collaboration, as both sides perceived one other as rivals
        The Arab Spring revolutions represented a watershed moment. The Brotherhood's election victories in Egypt and Tunisia alarmed the Saudi establishment. They viewed these achievements as a direct challenge to their own governing paradigm and a possible source of internal opposition. The ensuing Saudi response, which supported military coups and authoritarian governments, soured relations even more. This competition has become a major source of regional instability, exacerbating sectarian tensions and impeding democratic reforms.
        The future of this relation is questionable. Saudi Arabia's internal and foreign policies will play a vital role. Will they emphasize regional stability and seek a way to cohabit with the Brotherhood, or will they continue to consider them as an existential threat? The emergence of new regional actors such as Iran and Turkey further complicates the scenario. They will likely have an impact on power relations and may open up new options for collaboration or conflict. Ultimately, the Saudi-Muslim Brotherhood conflict will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the Middle East in the years to come.

About the Author

Strategic Analysis Group is an online forum of Pakistani journalists, who are contributing to provide a better understanding of strategic and international developments. It is done with objectivity without sensationalism that is prevalent in our so…

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