From Ruling to Opposition

In 2013, a group of researchers had the unique chance to interview 65 Egyptian Islamists and their opponents both prior to and after Egypt''s military ousted President Mursī on July 3. Up to that time, Islamists with very different political perspectives were hopeful that they would be able to implement their interpretation of the sharīʿa and to create a utopian Islamic state. After their failure to achieve political dominance many of them refused to acknowledge the massive resistance to their rule and rejected the subsequent changes in government. A number became involved in militant attacks on police, military and the judiciary. This resulted in harsh government responses. Their criticism has been muted, but they still exist. These interviews document their authentic voices during this period of major political transformation. A must read for anyone who wants to understand contemporary Egypt.