Cornelis Hulsman Bücher

In 2013, a group of researchers had the unique chance to interview 65 Egyptian Islamists and their opponents both prior to and after Egypt's military ousted President Mursi on July 3. Up to that time, Islamists with very different political perspectives were hopeful that they would be able to implement their interpretation of the sharia and to create a utopian Islamic state. After their failure to achieve political dominance many of them refused to acknowledge the massive resistance to their rule and rejected the subsequent changes in government. A number became involved in militant attacks on police, military and the judiciary. This resulted in harsh government responses. Their criticism has been muted, but they still exist. These interviews document their authentic voices during this period of major political transformation. A must read for anyone who wants to understand contemporary Egypt.

After President Hosni Mubarak was toppled in 2011, discussions followed immediately regarding the revision of the Egyptian Constitution. Islamist political groups insisted that Parliamentary and Presidential elections should precede the formation of a new Constitution, aiming to use their momentum to gain the upper hand in the Constitutional Assembly. Non-Islamists believed that representatives from all layers of society must first formulate a new Constitution before elections should be held. Out of this struggle emerged the 2012 Constitution, a document deeply influenced by Islamist political ideas and goals. Dissatisfied with the proceedings, the non-Islamists walked out of the Constitutional Assembly before the Constitution was finalized. In attempts to reconcile the alienated non-Islamist factions, and heal a divided Egyptian society, the Egyptian Constitution of 2014 was created. All efforts were made to avoid a similar walk-out from Islamist factions. Various political actors were interviewed during, and shortly after the 2014 constitutional formation process. This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the discussions and debates surrounding the formation of the 2014 Constitution. This book follows and complements the previous books in the series on recent religious and political developments in Egypt, in particular Vol. 3 The Sharia as the Main Source of Legislation? (2012), Vol. 8 Rise and Fall of the Muslim Brotherhood 2011-2013 (2016), Vol. 9 From Ruling to Opposition 2011-2013 (2017).

As Egypt enters a new phase of transition with its first Islamist government, Christians and non-Islamist Muslims have become fearful of the implications of an Islamist government for the rule of law. Their major concern is the push for implementation of Islamic law through Article II of the Constitution. In Western countries this Article has caused an outcry against Islamists from those harboring little desire for dialogue and understanding. This book, wants to spark a more fruitful exchange by offering an unprecedented look into this debate among Muslims and Christians in Egypt. Providing statistical analysis, interviews, as well as contributions by many Egyptian officials it facilitates readers to develop an informed position on this matter.