Alaa Al-Din Arafat Bücher

This book provides an overview of the sudden ascendancy of Islamism in post-Mubarak Egypt and a detailed history of the power grab by the Muslim Brotherhood. The author argues that liberals and Copts are minor factions, and that the Islamists, the military and ‘couch party’ (non- politically affiliated Egyptians) are the true key actors in Egyptian politics. Additionally, it is posited that, ironically, Mubarak’s coup-proofing strategy was responsible for the military turning against him. The strained civil-military relations in Egypt are examined, as are the ideological development of the MB, Salafist and jihadist groups, and the power struggle between the Islamists and the military.

Focusing on the intricate security dynamics of the Persian Gulf, the book highlights the lack of cohesive strategies from regional and global powers, except for Iran and Turkey. It emphasizes that the primary threats to Gulf security are nonconventional, shifting the focus away from traditional power struggles. The author predicts an emerging power struggle between Iran and Turkey in the coming decades, rather than between Iran and Saudi Arabia, making it a valuable resource for diplomats, journalists, and scholars interested in Gulf politics and security.

This book deals with the sudden demise of Islamists in Egypt and prospects for democratization. It provides an overview of the different causes of the downfall of Morsi and the Islamists in Egypt. Additionally, it is posited that Morsi’s coup-proofing strategy, which was modeled after Mubarak’s, was responsible for the military turning against him. The author also argues that the Muslim Brotherhood’s belief system played a major role in their downfall. The strained civil-military relations in Egypt are examined, as well as its likely future. This project will be of interest to diplomats; journalists; International Affairs specialists, strategists, or scholars of Egyptian politics and the Arab Spring; and anyone interested in social movements and democratization in the Middle East.