CAIRO - A few hours after a criminal court on Saturday acquitted six former security officials of complicity in protester deaths, the Muslim Brotherhood came out to denounce the ruling as "shocking and dangerous for the Egyptian people". Later in the day, the group's presidential aspirant, Mohamed Morsi, pledged that, if elected president, he will set up a panel of investigators to collect evidence and re-open probes into all cases related to the killing of protesters in the anti-Mubarak revolt. On the same day, the Brotherhood rallied with other Egyptians, angry at the acquittal verdict, in Tahrir Square and other big cities, to vent their wrath. The group's high-profile appearance on the streets sharply contrasts with its disappearance in recent months from the anti-military protests. Late last year, scores of activists were arrested, injured and even killed in clashes with governmental forces. At the time, the Muslim Brotherhood stayed away from the street activism, choosing instead to focus on the parliamentary elections, the first since Mubarak's overthrow. The group, long banned and oppressed in the Mubarak era, drew sharp criticism for this, being described as self-centred. The latest dramatic developments on the nation's political scene provide the Brotherhood with yet another chance to vindicate their public image. Still, there are fears that the group are realigning with the street powers only to popularise their presidential contender. Should this prove true, anti-Brotherhood sentiment will mount. To dispel these doubts, leaders in the 84-year-old group have to learn a lesson and take serious reconciliatory steps. I think a key step could be to promptly agree to the creation of a constitution assembly representing all Egyptians. Equally important, the new Constitution should not be monopolised by the Islamists or the exclusive product of their perception. The Christian minority and liberals are understandably worried about a rise in political Islamism in the post-Mubarak era. Already in control of Parliament, the Brotherhood eye Egypt 's top post too. This domination triggers real fears about a possible power monopoly. Now is a rare chance for the Brotherhood to reach out to their increasing number of critics and lead a drive for national reconciliation in good faith. The group should not waste this opportunity due to political myopia.
