Muslim Brotherhood faces scrutiny in France as US considers terror designation
French President Emmanuel Macron has directed his ministers to devise responsive measures following a government-commissioned report that concluded the Muslim Brotherhood poses a threat to “the fabric of society and republican institutions” in France. The report, which the French government has chosen not to release in its entirety, accuses the Muslim Brotherhood of conducting a covert campaign through local proxies to undermine France’s secular values and institutions. This campaign allegedly targets local government, schools, and mosques in an effort to influence change at both local and national levels, particularly concerning issues of gender equality and secularism.
The report underscores the perceived threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood, emphasizing the risk of harm to the fabric of society and republican institutions, even if the threat does not involve violent actions in the short term. Christopher Holton, a senior analyst and director for state outreach at the Center for Security Policy, expressed surprise at the French internal security service report, noting that European intelligence agencies have been in denial about the Islamization of Europe for a considerable period. Holton highlighted the influential nature of the Muslim Brotherhood on a global scale, noting that the group’s philosophy and plans are relatively transparent, with a clear commitment to martyrdom in the name of Allah.
While the Muslim Brotherhood’s intentions are overt, their affiliations with various groups remain less transparent. The French intelligence report alleges that the Muslims of France serve as the “national branch” of the Muslim Brotherhood, a claim disputed by the group as unfounded. Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, emphasized the consistent model employed by the Muslim Brotherhood across Europe, characterized by a blend of open association and clandestine connections that complicates efforts to gauge the extent of their influence.
In the United States, scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood has intensified, with Sen. Ted Cruz announcing plans to reintroduce a modernized version of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act. Cruz warned of the group’s efforts to leverage the Biden administration to enhance their influence, underscoring the imperative for the U.S. to confront the threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood to national security. Several countries, including Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, have already banned or restricted the Muslim Brotherhood, signaling a global trend of heightened vigilance against the group.
As the debate surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities intensifies, it remains a focal point in discussions on national security, religious radicalization, and the preservation of secular values. The evolving dynamics between European governments, American policymakers, and international allies underscore the complexity of addressing the challenges posed by extremist ideologies in an increasingly interconnected world.
