Advice from a former Brotherhood minister to Syria

Drawing lessons from Egypt’s turbulent aftermath of revolution, former Brotherhood minister offers cautionary advice to Syria’s new leadership. Meanwhile, President Sisi watches nervously.

I spoke with Amr Darrag, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood and minister of planning and international cooperation under the late President Mohamed Morsi in Egypt. Like many influential Egyptians, he is closely watching the developments in Syria. Will this revolution, which has spanned nearly a decade, finally deliver what people demanded: freedom, dignity, and bread? For the Muslim Brotherhood—currently fragmented and divided into two dominant camps—the prospects of a legitimate and successful Islamist government carry profound significance. (The same goes for Erdogan.)

Darrag and his colleagues recently authored a report titled "New Syria: From Revolution to State – Between Challenges and Keys to Success," drawing heavily on their experience in Egypt following the fall of Mubarak in 2011. Reflecting on the lessons from the Brotherhood's tenure, Darrag offers critical advice:

1. Avoid Rushing to Elections
   “Moving too quickly is damaging,” he warns. “Ahmad al-Sharra must not rush int…