Out of Egypt-A Voice of Reason

In Focus: From Abu-Fana to Al-Burullus
Opinion By Khalil Al-Anani, June 10, 2008

Egypt is boiling; this is the least one can say of the general conditions in Egypt. From Abu-Fana monastery, which witnessed violent clashes between Muslims and Copts less than two weeks ago, to Al-Borollos village in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, which witnessed the most violent demonstration over bread, Egypt seemed stuck between completely frozen political reform and economic openness, which is not restricted by any regulations or limits.

The continual tension and violence between Muslims and Copts reveals the extent of sectarian tension in Egypt since the early seventies. I find no justification for this but the state’s failure to provide a calm atmosphere through genuine political reform that can absorb all forms of social and sectarian tensions.

The evidence for this is that during the first half of the twentieth century, i.e. until the July 1952 revolution, Egypt did not witness any sectarian tension. Rather, there was an exemplary case of coexistence between all Egyptians, not just facing the danger of foreign occupation, but because there was political liberalism open to all ideas and directions without restriction. Even during the era of late President Abdel-Nasser, Egypt did not witness any sectarian tension, as he was able to unify all people regardless of their religion or creed over one national project. He also mobilized everyone behind him, although there were no political parties or real channels for expression.

However, there is no real liberalism now, or even a national project that can gather people around it and mobilize them strongly so that everyone works to defend it and work for it. Moreover, the issue of the relationship between Copts and Muslims has been taken over by security agencies, which has added fuel to the fire.