Law of the jungle

By Diaa Rashwan

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The reintegration of former Islamist jihadists into Egyptian political life may be a thorny matter, but it is also one that needs to be addressed. Thousands of members of the Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya, Al-Jihad, and smaller jihadi groups who have renounced violence are in political limbo, waiting to be admitted once again into public life. It is up to the government and the political elite to allow them back.

So far the government has made it clear, through its constitutional and legal measures, that it has no intention of giving Islamists a party of their own. The embargo applies even to the Muslim Brotherhood, who has for decades now been strictly peaceful. The government prefers to keep former jihadi groups out in the cold. And it is not alone in this attitude.

Some sections of the Egyptian political elite share the same views. Out of supposed fears for secularism, they want Islamists to keep out of the country's politics. Proponents of this view make no distinction between the Brotherhood and former jihadists.

The jihadist groups themselves, especially Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya, are too busy reintegrating their members into society to worry about politics. After decades in prison, all the jihadists can think of is picking up the pieces of their lives.

Still, the participation of Islamists, including former jihadists, into the country's political life is something we have to face. Islamists are an integral part of this country. Their weight is considerable and they have an extensive following. Sooner or later, they must be allowed entry to the country's political arena.

This week's Soapbox speaker is managing editor of the annual The State of Religion in Egypt Report, issued by Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.