Christians Under Attack

The Obama Administration has formally reestablished ties with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood group – which in turn does

not recognize Israel. The decision will likely further alienate some Jewish voters who have criticized the White House’s failure to protect Israel from opponents of the small nation

The political landscape in Egypt has changed, and is changing … it is in our interests to engage with all of the parties that are competing for parliament or the presidency,” said a senior government official who requested to remain anonymous, to Reuters.

The group’s rise in political power came after the departure of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The U.S. decided a relationship with the group would be in the U.S. government’s best interest.

Founded in 1928, The Muslim Brotherhood promotes a conservative version of Islam. Several members of the Egyptian Parliament are Brotherhood members and the U.S. has instructed their diplomats to only deal with members in their role as Members of Parliament.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a press conference Thursday morning that the U.S. has had “limited contact” with the Muslim Brotherhood.

“We believe, given the changing political landscape in Egypt, that it is in the interests of the United States to engage with all parties that are peaceful and committed to nonviolence that intend to compete for the parliament and the presidency,” said Clinton