WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- With Islamist parties set to dominate the political scene in post-revolution Egypt, a U.S. lawmaker warned of a possible foreign policy problem in the region.
The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party and the right-wing Islamist party al-Nour are set to play a major role in Egypt's political landscape following recent parliamentary elections.
The Muslim Brotherhood was barred from politics under President Hosni Mubarak's regime but took 20 percent of the seats in the legislative assembly in 2005 elections.
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., a vocal ally of Israel, said, there was an "alarming trend" of Islamism spreading through post-revolution Egypt.
"By January, we could face an Egypt defined by its hatred of Israel and freedoms we hold dear -- freedom of expression, women's rights and the right to practice any religion," he said.
Muslim Brotherhood leaders have stated they would uphold the principles of democracy and the spirit of the revolution in a new Egypt.
Washington said it has no problems with Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood so long as they're committed to the democratic process.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that elected officials in Egypt were expected to uphold women's rights and practice religious tolerance.
