The Chicago Tribune has published a number of pieces whitewashing the extent of radical Islam’s infiltration of America, and we’ve criticized them many times for it.

But today they almost make up for it (and for their constant apologies for Palestinian terrorism) with an excellent, in-depth, very troubling report on the Muslim Brotherhood and their secret plans: A rare look at secretive Brotherhood in America.

In suburban Bridgeview, Ill., some moderates say they quit attending the Mosque Foundation because the leadership became too conservative and dominated by Brotherhood members.

Documents obtained by the Tribune and translated from Arabic show that the U.S. Brotherhood has been careful to obscure its beliefs from outsiders. One document tells leaders to be cautious when screening potential recruits. If the recruit asks whether the leader is a Brotherhood member, the leader should respond, “You may deduce the answer to that with your own intelligence.”

Islamic state a long-term goal

Brotherhood members emphasize that they follow the laws of the nations in which they operate. They stress that they do not believe in overthrowing the U.S. government, but rather that they want as many people as possible to convert to Islam so that one day—perhaps generations from now—a majority of Americans will support a society governed by Islamic law. Muslims make up less than 3 percent of the U.S. population, but estimates of their number vary widely from 2 million to 7 million.

Federal authorities say they have scrutinized the U.S. Brotherhood for years. Agents currently are investigating whether people with ties to the group have raised and laundered money to finance terrorism abroad. No terrorism-related charges have been filed.

Former leader Elkadi, who has been questioned at length by federal authorities about the inner workings of the Brotherhood, says the group has served Muslims in the United States well. He personally helped establish an Islamic community in the Florida Panhandle, with a mosque, school and health clinic. And though he eventually lost it all—even his medical license—some Muslims still view him as a great Islamic leader.

“Islam is for everyone,” he says. “It’s good for America, good for Muslims too… . It’s good knowledge, and good knowledge should be available to everyone.”

Mohammed Mahdi Akef, head of the international Muslim Brotherhood, based in Egypt, lauds Elkadi and the activities of the U.S. Brotherhood.

“They have succeeded in saving the younger generations from melting into the American lifestyle without faith,” he says. “They have saved their children.”

Read the whole thing.