STRATFOR Alert on Egypt

Not really sure what to make of this latest report from STRATFOR, but mostly because it has been unclear to me what role the Muslim Brotherhood has been playing in what mostly appears to be a street level event.

The Egyptian police are no longer patrolling the Rafah border crossing into Gaza. Hamas armed men are entering into Egypt and are closely collaborating with the MB. The MB has fully engaged itself in the demonstrations, and they are unsatisfied with the dismissal of the Cabinet. They are insisting on a new Cabinet that does not include members of the ruling National Democratic Party.

Security forces in plainclothes are engaged in destroying public property in order to give the impression that many protesters represent a public menace. The MB is meanwhile forming people’s committees to protect public property and also to coordinate demonstrators’ activities, including supplying them with food, beverages and first aid.

We would be fools to think the Muslim Brotherhood is sitting on their couch waiting for the internet to come back on, so this is certainly possible. Whether or not Muslim Brotherhood can assume control in Egypt if the government falls is certainly a debate, but even if they do not assume power - they will maintain a powerful presence in Egypt regardless.

If Egyptian security have abandoned their positions near Gaza, it does raise legitimate questions regarding the security of the Suez Canal at present time.