7.3 The spread of political Islam in the Arab world

Political Islam spread rapidly across the Arab world, reshaping politics and society. The Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and Hezbollah emerged as influential Islamist organizations, while global jihadist networks like Al-Qaeda and ISIS gained notoriety.

Conservative movements like Salafism and Wahhabism promoted strict interpretations of Islam. The Arab Spring uprisings led to political upheaval, with diverse outcomes ranging from democratic transitions to prolonged conflicts and resurgent authoritarianism.

Islamist Movements

Prominent Islamist Organizations

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• Muslim Brotherhood emerged as influential Sunni Islamist organization in Egypt in 1928
  • Founded by Hassan al-Banna to promote Islamic values and resist Western influence
  • Expanded across Middle East, advocating for implementation of Islamic law in governance
• Hamas developed as Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization in 1987
  • Originated as offshoot of Muslim Brotherhood during First Intifada
  • Combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism, controls Gaza Strip since 2007
• Hezbollah formed as Shia Islamist political party and militant group in Lebanon in 1985
  • Emerged in response to Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon
  • Receives support from Iran, maintains significant influence in Lebanese politics and society

Global Jihadist Networks

• Al-Qaeda established as militant Sunni Islamist multi-national organization in 1988
  • Founded by Osama bin Laden to wage global jihad against perceived enemies of Islam
  • Responsible for numerous high-profile terrorist attacks (September 11, 2001 attacks)
• Islamic State (ISIS) evolved from Al-Qaeda in Iraq, declared caliphate in 2014
  • Seized large territories in Iraq and Syria at its peak
  • Known for extreme interpretation of Islam, brutal tactics, and sophisticated use of social media for recruitment

Islamic Ideologies

Conservative Islamic Movements

• Salafism advocates return to practices of early Muslim generations
  • Emphasizes strict interpretation of Quran and Hadith
  • Rejects religious innovation and Western influence on Muslim societies
• Wahhabism originated in 18th century Arabia as ultraconservative branch of Sunni Islam
  • Founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, allied with House of Saud
  • Promotes puritanical interpretation of Islam, significant influence in Saudi Arabia

Islamic Law and Religious Concepts

• Sharia law refers to Islamic legal system derived from religious precepts
  • Based on Quran, Hadith, and scholarly interpretations
  • Covers various aspects of Muslim life (religious observances, family law, criminal justice)
• Jihad encompasses complex concept in Islamic thought
  • Often misunderstood in Western discourse
  • Can refer to internal spiritual struggle or external armed conflict in defense of faith
  • Interpretations vary among different Islamic schools and movements

Political Upheaval

Arab Spring and Its Aftermath

• Arab Spring sparked series of pro-democracy uprisings across Middle East and North Africa in 2010-2011
  • Began with Tunisian Revolution, spread to Egypt, Libya, Syria, and other countries
  • Resulted in overthrow of long-standing regimes (Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt)
• Diverse outcomes across affected countries
  • Tunisia achieved relatively successful democratic transition
  • Egypt experienced brief period of Muslim Brotherhood rule followed by military coup
  • Syria and Libya descended into prolonged civil conflicts
• Resurgence of authoritarianism and ongoing instability in many countries
  • Increased sectarian tensions and power struggles
  • Rise of extremist groups in power vacuums (ISIS in Syria and Iraq)
• Long-term impacts on regional politics and society
  • Renewed debates on role of Islam in governance and public life
  • Heightened awareness of social media's potential for political mobilization
  • Shifts in regional alliances and power dynamics