Analysts Debate Successor to Egyptian Supreme Guide

Speculation has begun about possible replacements for Mohammed Mahdi Akef, the current Supreme Guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, who has announced that he will not seek a second term and will step down within a few months. A UAE newspaper favors Mohammed Habib, the deputy general guide:

In general, the divisions within the Brotherhood movement are generational. Mr Akef’s tenure as general guide and his talent as a leader, according to analysts of the Brotherhood, have been a bridge between the movement’s elderly leadership and the bright lights among its “younger” politicians who are in their 50s and 60s. The man most likely to take over from Mr Akef is Mohammed Habib, the deputy general guide and a similar character to Mr Akef: politically savvy, ideologically conservative and willing to listen to the more moderate ideas and perspectives of younger members. In an interview, Mr Habib said he hopes to energise the Brotherhood’s internal democratic institutions, such as its Shura council. He also said the Brotherhood should seek dialogue with Egypt’s other opposition parties. He did not express an opinion on the controversial issues that have divided Brotherhood members and sparked concern among much of the Egyptian public. Read more ...

Source: Global Muslim Brotherhood Daily Report