The brutal potential of Sharia law in Egypt can be seen in oppressive measures adopted by Bangladeshi Islamist courts, writes Andrew McCarthy. He criticizes Director of National Intelligence James Clapper for his recent comments calling the Muslim Brotherhood a "largely secular organization," and the Obama administration for failing to recognize the threat presented by radical Islam.

"What might an Islamist ascendency look like? Consider this: Shortly before Clapper's faux pas, a ghastly report out of Bangladesh began making the rounds," McCarthy writes. "A 14-year-old girl named Hena had been killed by fewer than 80 lashes of the 100-lash whipping local sharia authorities had ordered her to suffer. It's difficult to contain one's anger at the details."

McCarthy's article notes that the MB and its supposedly-moderate leading scholar, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, have supported similar legal measures. The woman still can be found at fault, Qaradawi has said, if she cannot produce independent witnesses or if it is determined her behavior prior to the attack was somehow inappropriate.

It also notes that Islamist academic Tariq Ramadan, who is perceived by many to be a moderate, has helped the Brotherhood to have an image as a more moderate organization.

Although some in the Brotherhood have criticized Ramadan for proposing a moratorium on Sharia punishments, they also support his portrayals of their organization. And while some in Washington may think the organization is not a threat, McCarthy concludes, in the eyes of the MB, we are all like Hena.