Muslim Brotherhood Could Become Important Politically In Libya

CNN on Friday reported that the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya could become an important force in a post-Gadhafi Libya. Founded in the 1950's, the Libyan Brotherhood is comprised mainly of religious educated middle class Libyans and of individuals on university campuses in Tripoli and Behghazi. Dr. Abdulmonem Hresha, a prominent member of the Libyan Brotherhood who now lives in London, says if the organization forms a political party, it will embrace a multi-party democracy, but will press for legislation based on Qur'anic principles such as the continued ban on the sale of alcohol. CNN speculates that the Brotherhood could siphon off support that might otherwise go to al Qaeda or other Islamist groups.