Islamic Revivalism in Egypt--Its Implications for Egypt's Secular Government and for the United States Strategic Interests in the Middle East.
Abstract
There is an Islamic revival occurring throughout the Arab world. The radical Islamic revivalists within Egypt seek revolutionary change to that country's Western styled secular government and to its society. However, there are also well-established moderate Islamists that operate as a positive force at many levels of Egypt's civil society. The moderates seek a gradual Islamic-oriented change to Egypt's society. The President's oppressive political system; a Soviet-styled economy that does not provide adequate employment or housing; and a government that can not deliver basic services such as quality schools exacerbate the tensions these competing forces create. Many Egyptians are calling for a change to the current government and to replace it with moderate Islamic leaders that would be more responsive to their needs. President Mubarak, a longtime friend of the U.S., needs to change Egypt's political and economic systems and improve government services. While he has embraced economic change, he has not shown a clear willingness to discuss serious political reform. It is questionable whether he can survive his recently started third six-year term without making or allowing some real political changes -- changes that would recognize and legitimize Islamic (moderates) participation in the political process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA288219
Entities
People
- Jimmy M. Caldwell
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy