Rise of the raisin-burned foreheads.

CAIRO — The Islamic opposition has begun to employ Al Qaida supporters for a violent campaign in Egypt.

Western diplomats have reported expanded cooperation between the Muslim Brotherhood and the so-called Salafist movement. The Salafists, funded by Gulf Arab sheiks, practice a brand of fundamentalist Islam similar to that of Al Qaida.

“There is evidence that the Salafists and Brotherhood are working together to take over the streets [of Egypt],” a diplomat said.

The diplomats said the Brotherhood was using the Salafists for attacks on other elements of the opposition that helped oust President Hosni Mubarak in February. They said the Brotherhood was exploiting its quiet cooperation with the military regime to attack Christians and Sufi Muslims in Cairo and Alexandria. In March, at least 25 people were killed in Salafist-led clashes with Christians in the Cairo area.

“The Brotherhood wants to present an image of moderation and non-violence,” the diplomat said. “When it needs dirty work done, it calls the Salafists.”