What Is Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood?

The revolution in Egypt, which transfixed much of the world, may have been ignited by young secular activists, but there was another powerful force at work in Tahrir Square: the Muslim Brotherhood.

[sidebar title="'Revolution in Cairo' " width="240" align="right"] Watch the "Revolution in Cairo" trailer on YouTube. (Warning: Some material in the trailer is hard to watch.)[/sidebar]

Just who the Muslim Brotherhood is, their role in the revolution, and where they hope to take Egypt was the focus of a Global Post-Frontline report called "Revolution in Cairo," which aired on public television Tuesday night — and which you can still see on PBS.org.

The report showed young members of the brotherhood quietly organizing in Tahrir Square. They provided food, blankets and security and they worked hand in hand with the young secular protesters who waged a successful and peaceful revolution.

So just what is the Muslim Brotherhood? Does it represent a threat to Egypt's and the region's future, or part of the solution? And how should Washington policy makers respond?

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