The U.S. and Western nations have cheered on the Muslim Brotherhood's victory in Egyptian presidential elections, seeing it as a triumph for democracy and a better human rights situation in Egypt. But from the standpoint of other political Islamists and even terrorist organizations, the success is a victory of Islam over the West.
From the Taliban to Hamas, and even Shiite organizations like Hizballah, competing Islamist groups are drawing pleasure from the Brotherhood's victory.
"The success of the Islamic Government in Egypt is considered to be the strongest blow in the Middle East and the whole world to the American and Zionist expansionism," the Taliban said in a written statement. "May the Muslim Nation of Egypt and their newly elected government take good advantage of this important occasion and historical victory in the defense and achievement of the interests of the Islamic Ummah."
South Asian extremist organization Jamaat-e-Islami, which has supported violent jihad across the world, chimed in with support as well. JeI Karachi chief Muhammad Hussain Mehanti hailed the election success as "a message to all the Islamic movements across the world that the Islamic revolution was inevitable with constant struggle and endurance."
He also attributed the victory to the MB's following the "thought-provoking writings by Maulana Maududi," the Jamaat's founder and an advocate of overthrowing secular governments in the Muslim world.
As was widely reported in the media, Hamas-run Gaza burst into celebration at the news of Morsi's victory. "We will look to Egypt to play a big, leading role, a historic role, regarding the Palestinian cause, in helping the Palestinian nation get freedom, return home, and totally end the Gaza siege," said Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas government.
Hizballah and Iran were also positive about the development, despite historic tension with Egypt. Hizballah prayed for the move to "return Egypt back to its advanced Arab and Islamic position in defending the causes of the nation and shaping the future and the fate of the region."
Iran praised the "Islamic Awakening" represented by the Brotherhood victory. The Iranian government-sponsored Fars News Agency published what it said was an interview with Morsi, saying he would revise Egypt's peace treaty with Israel and open a new chapter in relations with Iran. Those statements contradicted peaceful assurances to the West, and Morsi's spokesman denied the interview even happened, announcing they would sue Fars News Agency for the "fabricated" interview.