The Kefaya Movement: A Case Study of a Grassroots Reform Initiative

by Nadia Oweidat, Dale Stahl (With), Cheryl Benard (With), Walid Kildani (With), Audra K. Grant (With)

Overview

Kefaya was an indigenous movement for political reform organized in late 2004 in opposition to the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. This examination of Kefaya's birth, accomplishments, and decline is based on an analysis of the work of Egyptian scholars and Arabic-language media reports (including online and new media), as well as structured interviews with persons associated with and observers of Kefaya and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780833045485
Publisher:	RAND Corporation
Publication date:	12/16/2008
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Dr. Cheryl Benard (PhD, University of Vienna) is a senior political scientist at RAND. Expertise includes Afghanistan and the Middle East and international education issues. Has researched radicalism, public diplomacy, and women in development in the Islamic world. Received several awards, including the Theodor Kery Prize for Socially Relevant Research and the Donauland Prize. Is a member of numerous academic and governmental advisory commissions.

Table of Contents

Preface iii

Summary vii

Acknowledgments xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Kefaya's Origins 3

The U.S.-Egyptian Relationship 4

Democratization in Egypt During the 1990s 8

Emergence of Kefaya 10

Chapter 3 Kefaya's Successes 17

Timing and Simplicity of Message 18

Position to Mobilize and Form Coalitions 18

Setting an Example of Peaceful Opposition 19

Successful Exploitation of Information Technology 20

Kefaya's Internet Strategy 22

Bloggers 23

General Public 12

Media 24

Challenging the Regime 24

Inspiration for Others: Kefaya's National and International Influence 25

Chapter 4 Kefaya's Decline 27

Intimidation by the State 27

Manipulation of "Reform" Laws 30

State-Controlled Media 31

The Faltering of the Coalition with the Islamists 32

Problems with the Elite and the Antidemocracy Message 35

Internal Reasons for Kefaya's Decline 38

Lessons for a Future Kefaya 40

Chapter 5 Conclusions and Implications for U.S. Policy 43

Perceptions for the United States 44

Policy Recommendations 48

Conclusion 52

References 55