Political victory, that is victory through the ballot box, would embolden the Brotherhood to seek the overthrow of monarchies, that is dictatorships, in other Middle Eastern countries.
On which side of history is Ms Bishop standing?

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer stated at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne this week that only a tiny fraction of the population in Egypt are Islamists whereas the majority of the population are Muslims who are demanding change and power through democratic elections.

Hence, we need to make a strong distinction between Islamists and peaceful Muslims that want democratic change. At the same event, Gareth Evans stated that the West should not make the same mistake it did by rejecting the democratically elected party in the Gaza.

Australia can make a positive contribution to peace and development in the Middle East and beyond by engaging with democratically elected representatives and governments and helping them to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions. We also need to remind these governments and parliaments that they must respect cultural and religious diversity of all its citizens whether they are Jews, Christians or other faiths. The Coptic Christians in Egypt have paid a heavy price for being Christians in a Muslim country and this must stop.

We simply have to get over this irrational fear of all things Islam. Sure there are small groups of fanatical fundamentalists, with averaged IQ's barely above ambient temperatures and highly flawed medieval belief systems that are at complete odds with the teachings of the original unedited un-revised Koran.
Moreover, we live with two near Islamic neighbours, who provide us with economic benefit and forward posture defence arrangements, one neighbour, is the largest Muslim nation in the world.
We are in a 800 billion dollar hole regarding infrastructure provision; and now is not the time to start denigrating or putting all things Islam in the same box, particularly when we are just now looking to Islam for PP infrastructure funding arrangements.
The way to avoid an Egyptian winter, is to ensure that the change over to representational democracy is followed by diplomacy, trade and generous aid, that then allows/promotes serious economic growth and high value employment opportunities.
After all, the principle reason for the Arab spring had its roots in endemic poverty and lack of opportunity for the tertiary educated demographic!
N.B. Corruption and "extremely arrogant autocrats" the lynch pin.
We cannot must not try to once again, to impose our view of democracy on any other nation. We lost the war in Vietnam by doing just that; and, with our usual ignorance imposing a corrupt dictator; and, confusing Buddhism with Communism; and the subsequent loss of any local popular support!
And not just in Vietnam, but near Buddhist neighbours as well.
Gone are the days when we are able to say, yes he is a butchering bastard, but he's our butchering bastard?
The only lessons from history, we in the so-called west or developed nations learned, is that nobody learns the lessons of history! Rhrosty.

we better build more detention centres as Islamic rule creates many more assylum seekers. Muslims don't want to live under Islamic rule until they get to the West. Once accepted as refugees many then want to impose their laws here.

"We simply have to get over this irrational fear of all things Islam"

What about our 'rational' fears of Islam?

I mean Islam has the runs on the board in terms of the throat-slitting and in the West the 'discussion' is still at the stage of most moslems are moderate and just want to fit in.

That is unmitigated self-delusion; look at what is happening in Turkey.

As for Indonesia and Malaysia; there is no religious freedom in these supposed shining examples of Islam being tolerant.

Let's face it, for Islam, there is one way, Islam.

Cohenite: Show me in any post that I've ever posted, where I've held up either Indonesia or Malaysia as shining examples of religious tolerance? Don't go the verbal on me mate! One would argue that they are by no means perfect; but, currently secular and their version of Islam is both comparatively moderate and tolerant; and, comparatively safe travel destinations.
My many ultra tolerant Malaysian friends will confirm this; and most now see us also, as just another former outpost of British colonial rule.
The Brits gave us cricket, the Westminster system, the rule of law and an independent judiciary amongst a whole host of essential reform? They say that travel is the second part of our education, and your post, clear evidence you need to get out more. It's clearly is not just Islamic radicals who are hostile or do all their thinking with moribund minds. Rhrosty.