US Designates Middle Eastern Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations
The Trump administration has followed through on its promise to label three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on them and their members. This decision is likely to have significant implications for US relationships with allies Qatar and Turkey. The Treasury and State departments announced the actions against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, citing the risk they pose to the United States and American interests.
Designations and Implications
The State Department designated the Lebanese branch a foreign terrorist organization, the most severe of the labels, making it a criminal offense to provide material support to the group. The Jordanian and Egyptian branches were listed by Treasury as specially designated global terrorists for providing support to Hamas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters’ violence and destabilization. The US will use all available tools to deprive these chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism.
Background and Context
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 but was banned in that country in 2013. Jordan announced a sweeping ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in April. The Trump administration’s executive order had singled out the chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, noting that a wing of the Lebanese chapter had launched rockets on Israel after Hamas’ attack in Israel that set off the war in Gaza. Leaders of the group in Jordan have provided support to Hamas. Despite this, Muslim Brotherhood leaders have said they renounce violence.
Reactions and Consequences
Nathan Brown, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, noted that some US allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, would likely be pleased with the designation. However, for other governments where the Brotherhood is tolerated, it would be a thorn in bilateral relations, including in Qatar and Turkey. The designation may also have effects on visa and asylum claims for people entering not just the US but also Western European countries and Canada. Brown stated that this would give immigration officials a stronger basis for suspicion and might make courts less likely to question official action against Brotherhood members seeking to stay in the country or seeking political asylum.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Trump had weighed designating the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization in 2019 during his first term in office. Some prominent Trump supporters, including right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, have pushed his administration to take aggressive action against the group. Two Republican-led state governments — Florida and Texas — designated the group as a terrorist organization this year. The designation of the Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations marks a significant shift in US policy and may have far-reaching implications for US relationships with allies and the broader Middle East region. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor the reactions of US allies and the potential consequences for the region.
