Alliance Cracks: Muslim Brotherhood Turns on Erdoğan Over Syria

In a notable development signaling a potential shift in the longstanding relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and Turkey, senior Brotherhood figure Ahmed Abdelbasset Mohamed — currently residing in the United States and sentenced to death in Egypt — has launched a scathing attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He accuses Erdoğan of a “suspicious silence” regarding the recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria.

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In a sarcastic social media post, Abdelbasset mocked Erdoğan, asking, “Where’s your blank pistol now, Erdoğan?” — a direct jab at the Turkish president’s frequent rhetorical condemnation of Israel, which, according to him, is rarely matched by tangible action.

According to Egypt’s Al-Dostour newspaper, Abdelbasset’s remarks do not represent an isolated opinion but reflect growing discontent within Brotherhood ranks over Turkey’s apparent policy shift in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Syrian file.

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This criticism comes after years of close cooperation between Ankara and the Brotherhood. Since 2013, Turkey has provided a safe haven for the group’s exiled leaders, allowing them to operate media and political platforms attacking the Egyptian regime from Istanbul. However, as Turkey recalibrates its regional priorities — seeking to normalize ties with Cairo and limit its involvement in Syria — this alliance appears to be unraveling.

The timing of this criticism is significant. It coincides with Israeli strikes targeting Syria’s Ministry of Defense in central Damascus — an event perceived within Islamist circles as Turkish abandonment of militant factions supported by the Brotherhood.

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Tensions have been further fueled by the rise of Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who reportedly maintains tactical relations with Ankara. This has further complicated the already strained relationship between Turkey and the Brotherhood.

Observers suggest that Abdelbasset’s remarks may serve as an early warning bell marking the potential end of a long-standing alliance. As Turkey reshapes its geopolitical focus, the Muslim Brotherhood seems to be losing one of its last remaining influential allies in the region.

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