Classifying the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization: A U.S. Move Targeting International Pursuit
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee has confirmed the passage of a bill to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. This step has been described by political and strategic sources as a qualitative shift in U.S. policy toward the movement, paving the way for a new strategy for its international pursuit.
In a report published by the UAE newspaper Al-Ittihad, analysts noted that the decision reflects a growing conviction within the American political class that the Muslim Brotherhood poses a threat to national security. This congressional initiative could open the door to broader legal, ideological, and financial measures against the movement and its affiliates.
The newspaper added that the measure comes within the context of wider efforts to coordinate international positions toward the movement, after it faced criticism and boycotts in several countries due to its association with extremist organizations.
Jordanian strategic expert Amer Al-Sbaileh stated that the bill’s passage in the Foreign Affairs Committee marks a turning point in the international approach toward the Muslim Brotherhood. It involves adhering to strict procedures to monitor the group’s activities and its members, as well as overseeing the ideological literature it promotes, which has contributed to the emergence of numerous extremist organizations in the region.
Al-Sbaileh added that the new U.S. strategy could lead to broader international cooperation between Washington and its allies to pursue the Muslim Brotherhood both organizationally and legally.
Meanwhile, terrorism researcher Munir Adib argued that the Muslim Brotherhood has become a significant burden not only for the Middle East but also for the United States and several major powers. He emphasized that the move to place the group on terrorist lists is not driven by partisan calculations in Congress but represents a general legislative approach involving both Republicans and Democrats, giving the decision strength and continuity.
Sarah Abdelsalam, a political science researcher, noted that the anticipated legislation will not merely entail a change in political rhetoric but represents a genuine shift in how Washington deals with the movement. Classification would entail direct measures such as tightening financial sources, enhancing legal monitoring of affiliated institutions, and imposing visa and mobility restrictions, thereby increasing international pressure on the group.
These developments reflect a growing U.S. determination to coordinate international efforts with Arab countries and other states that have taken similar measures to restrict the group’s activities, which could reshape the Muslim Brotherhood’s global influence in the coming years.
