US Sanctions Muslim Brotherhood Branches

The Donald Trump administration has designated three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood—in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt—as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on them and their members. The United States' State Department labeled the Lebanese branch a foreign terrorist organization, making material support a criminal offense. The Jordanian and Egyptian branches were listed by the Treasury as specially designated global terrorists for their support to Hamas. This action is part of an ongoing effort to counter the Muslim Brotherhood's violence and destabilization activities. The decision could have significant implications for the United States' relationships with allies such as Qatar and Turkey, where the Muslim Brotherhood is tolerated. Some United States allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, are expected to welcome the move. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has been banned in Egypt since 2013 and in Jordan since April. This designation also follows similar actions by Republican-led state governments in United States — Florida and United States — Texas.