The Saudi-Brotherhood divide

Summary⎙ Print Saudi Arabia’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization has mystified many Saudis and complicated the kingdom’s regional policies.

Author Caryle Murphy

Posted April 21, 2014 | http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/04/saudi-brotherhood-divid.html#ixzz2zdh1CbG5

The Saudi-Brotherhood divide

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Few Saudi decisions have provoked as much mystification as the recent one designating the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, a move described by some Saudis in recent interviews as “weird,” “emotional” and “stupid.”

On March 7, the Interior Ministry statement formally overturned a partnership of more than half a century that despite some rocky periods had benefited both the Saudi government and the Islamist movement.
The relationship’s abrupt rupture has created confusion and fear, say many Saudis. While the Brotherhood has no overt organization in the kingdom — all political parties are banned — its ideology enjoys widespread sympathy. And several generations of Saudis were raised in an educational system whose curriculum was heavily influenced by Brotherhood ideas.
“There are many people who are not in the Brotherhood but think it is an OK organization,” said a Saudi university professor who asked not to be named. “We’ve had the Brotherhood here without any terrorism for 50 years.”