Katatny-Hoyer Meeting, Step in the Right Direction

Despite reservations from both sides, finally officials from the MB and the US  had an opportunity to talk to each other directly when House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer met with the head of the MB parliamentary bloc Dr. Saad El Katatny in what was described as a routine dialogue between parliamentarians from both countries.

The high profile meeting although quickly downplayed by the MB officials and the congressman’s office but clearly signals a positive shift in the attitude of both sides to explore the prospects of a more formal dialogue which hopefully will gain more supporters in the US if democrats win the White House in 2008.

The meeting is expected to cause anxiety in the US especially among the powerful pro-Israel supporters who will not be happy to see any rapprochement between the US and MB in any forms or shape. There are also many within the MB who are very reluctant about any possibility of dialogue with the US and are highly skeptical of the US intentions and plans for the region.
 
However, most analysts would agree that if an understanding between the MB and US succeed to put Egypt on a clear path for real democracy and genuine reform; it could certainly promise a wider and more effective cooperation to resolve other more complicated Middle East problems.

The MB is not presenting itself as alternative to President Mubarak”s regime, however, it is willing to use the leverage the US government has on the current regime in order to achieve political reform and freedom for millions of Egyptians from the hands of authoritarianism and corruption.

It is not the MB policy to overthrow governments but to reform them. Egypt’s stability and security is the MB”s ultimate goal. Despite arbitrary arrests, freezing assets, military tribunals, torture and killing; the MB will always remain committed to peaceful change and reform no matter what the sacrifices are.

Khaled Salam, Editor

Ikhwanweb