Muslim Brotherhood Claims More Posts in Egyptian Government

 

Newly elected Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi swore in his new cabinet on Friday. Five members of the Muslim Brotherhood hold positions in the cabinet.

In the new cabinet, Brotherhood members were given posts that are unglamorous, yet ideal for the further expansion of Islamist power. The Brotherhood controls the key ministerial posts of Information, Higher Education, Housing and Labor, as well as minister of state for youth. The Information Ministry portfolio gives the fundamentalist organization control over state media, which will be a powerful tool for propaganda and influencing public opinion. The Higher Education portfolio gives the Brotherhood oversight of the country’s universities, a traditionally fertile recruitment ground. The Youth portfolio provides the group with an even larger field for its indoctrination and recruitment.

President Morsi’s selections do not reflect the inclusive administration that candidate Morsi promised to the Egyptian people. Women and Christians have been given only token representation. The administration also lacks representatives from other political factions, as well as prominent figures who helped oust former President Hosni Mubarak.

In order to provide a sense of stability, Morsi and Prime Minister Hesham Kandil have retained seven members of the outgoing military-backed government. Those who get to keep their jobs include the foreign minister, the defense minister, the finance minister and the culture minister. The military also retains the power to appoint the defense minister, an indication that it still exercises some sway over the fledgling civilian government.

Continue to watch for the Muslim Brotherhood to gain more influence over Egypt. Although the military currently retains some power, the Trumpet believes that radical Islamic elements will gain primary influence over the country’s affairs of government.