When The Post prints, on its Feb. 8 front page, an article such as "Muslim Brotherhood eyes comeback in Egypt," it contributes to mischaracterizing the political equation in Egypt and, quite unhelpfully, incites fears about an imminent specter of Islamic extremism. Here in the region, this fear of the Muslim Brotherhood and its "hidden" agenda is largely absent. The focus is on Egyptians' aspirations for legitimate political reforms and a democratic process. People are familiar with the Brotherhood's ideology and its clearly stated objectives.

Long ago, the Brotherhood denounced violence and has held to this. Largely because of the Brotherhood's pragmatic approach to politics, many people take as sincere its unequivocal statement that it does not intend to field a candidate for Egypt's presidency. Its adherents don't want to run a country; rather, they want to be part of the political process and wield influence in parliament.

The United States should support the Egyptian people's aspirations for a free and democratic society and an open process that includes the Brotherhood.

Courtney Erwin, Doha, Qatar

The writer was chief of staff at the Cordoba Initiative, an advocacy group that promotes improved relations between Islam and the West, from 2007 to 2010.