Call for Muslim Brotherhood Ban Intensifies Amidst Campus Unrest and Regional Designations

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A prominent pro-Israel activist and University of Pennsylvania alumnus, Eyal Yakoby, has publicly called for a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, stating, "Ban the Muslim Brotherhood!!!" The demand comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the organization's influence on college campuses and its classification as a terrorist entity by several nations. Yakoby, known for his advocacy against antisemitism in academic settings, suggests the Brotherhood plays a role in fostering radicalization.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization with a complex history. While it has engaged in social, religious, and political activities, its approach has varied across regions. The organization's stated aim is the establishment of a state ruled by Sharia law.

Globally, the Muslim Brotherhood faces a divided reception. Countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Russia have officially designated the entire organization as a terrorist group. These nations often cite concerns about the Brotherhood's alleged links to violence and its perceived threat to their political stability.

In the United States, however, the Muslim Brotherhood as a whole is not designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. While some of its offshoots, like Hamas (its Palestinian branch), and more recently, Egyptian groups HASM and Liwa al-Thawra, have been designated due to their engagement in violent acts, the broader organization remains unlisted. This distinction has been a subject of ongoing discussion within US political and intelligence circles, with some lawmakers advocating for a full designation.

The debate in the U.S. often centers on whether a blanket designation would be effective or counterproductive, potentially alienating non-violent factions or driving them further underground. Critics of a full ban argue that it could complicate diplomatic relations with countries where Brotherhood-affiliated political parties participate in mainstream governance, such as Jordan and Morocco. Jordan, for instance, recently announced an immediate ban on the Muslim Brotherhood's activities and seized its assets in April 2025, following an alleged sabotage plot.

Yakoby's call reflects a growing sentiment among some who believe the organization's ideology, regardless of direct violent engagement, contributes to an environment conducive to extremism. His advocacy highlights the persistent concerns about the group's influence, particularly within educational institutions and its potential impact on geopolitical stability.