French Report Labels Muslim Brotherhood as Threat; Ted Cruz Pushes U.S. Terror Designation
French President Emmanuel Macron has commissioned an internal report that labels the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to the fabric of French society and its republican institutions. The government-commissioned study, which has not been fully disclosed, accuses the organization of conducting a covert campaign to undermine secular values and democratic systems through local proxies. The report suggests that the Muslim Brotherhood is actively targeting schools, local government bodies, and mosques to promote its vision of governance, particularly on issues related to gender equality and secularism.
French officials have acknowledged the findings of the report, with Macron instructing his ministers to devise appropriate responses. While the government has not officially released the full findings, media outlets, including Reuters, have cited the report’s claims that the Muslim Brotherhood is engaged in a sustained effort to influence France’s political and social structures under the guise of religious and cultural reform. Analysts have emphasized that the report’s warnings highlight the potential for long-term societal and institutional damage, even if the group’s methods lack overt violence.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, has announced plans to reintroduce his bill seeking to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group. Cruz has been advocating for this designation for years, arguing that the group has become increasingly active in the United States under the Biden administration. In a statement, Cruz stated, ‘The Muslim Brotherhood used the Biden administration to consolidate and deepen their influence, but the Trump administration and Republican Congress can no longer afford to avoid the threat they pose to Americans and American national security.’
Cruz’s proposal has drawn attention to the growing international scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has led several countries to ban or restrict the organization. Jordan recently joined a list of nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in outlawing the group. Analysts warn that the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence extends beyond borders, with its model of organization and ideology being replicated across Europe and the U.S., raising concerns about its potential to destabilize democratic societies.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which has denied the accusations of being a threat, claims that the accusations are baseless. However, critics point out that the organization’s open philosophy and long-term strategic goals make it a persistent concern for security agencies. Christopher Holton, a senior analyst at the Center for Security Policy, stated that the French report has been a significant development, as it marks one of the first times a Western government has formally acknowledged the group’s potential to influence European institutions without resorting to violence.
Cruz’s push for a U.S. designation is part of a broader effort by conservative lawmakers to address perceived threats to national security. The bill, which includes updated provisions to reflect contemporary concerns, is expected to face scrutiny in the Senate, particularly as the U.S. continues to grapple with rising tensions in the Middle East and the role of extremist organizations in global affairs.
The situation underscores the heightened political and security concerns surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood as both domestic and international governments attempt to address its influence. As debates over its designation continue, the group’s role in shaping regional and global policies remains a critical focus for policymakers and security officials.