Obama admin open to Muslim Brotherhood role in Egypt's government

And so it begins. Pandora’s Box just had its lid popped off.

The organization must reject violence and recognize democratic goals if the U.S. is to be comfortable with it taking part in the government, the White House said. But by even setting conditions for the involvement of such nonsecular groups, the administration took a surprise step in the midst of the crisis that has enveloped Egypt for the last week.

In September with the Brotherhood in the mix, Egypt is likely to see one man, one vote, one time. While Mubarak’s fall may empower a friend of the Democratic Party, Egypt with a strong Muslim Brotherhood role won’t be a friend of the United States.