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Al-Ahram Weekly 1 - 7 July 1999 Issue No. 436 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 1 - 7 July 1999 Issue No. 436
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Features Special Interview Travel Living Sports Time Out Chronicles People Cartoons Letters Whose problem is it?
Certain members of the US Congress have been waging a campaign for several years now, allegedly to defend the Coptic Christian community in Egypt against government repression. It has always been clear, however, that they are doing more harm than good.Muslims and Christians have lived together peacefully in this country for over 1,400 years. The Prophet Mohamed was married to a Copt from Egypt, and Islam enjoins its followers to respect Christians and Jews.
The real problem is that of extremism, which exists both in Egypt and the US. Extremists at home, a minority that has failed to attract any popular following, are endeavouring to spread a culture of hatred in this society. Most Egyptians know that this message has nothing to do with Islam, essentially a religion of peace and tolerance. The government has spared no effort in confronting extremists on all levels, fully aware that extremism spares neither Christians nor Muslims.
Extremists in Washington, who dream of reviving the Crusades and of raising the cross atop Al-Aqsa Mosque, are prepared to fabricate any details that could suit their cause. Most of those pushing their government to use sanctions have absolutely no knowledge of the region. Perhaps they should read the report prepared by the New York Council of Churches, which actually sent a delegation to Egypt, and which refuted the charges of persecution of Christians in this country.
More importantly, the majority of Copts, represented by Pope Shenouda III, and local human rights groups, have repeatedly rejected attempts to intervene in Egypt's affairs. Egyptians do not need advice from "foreign experts" on the importance of guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens -- which is, incidentally, stipulated by the constitution.
The concerned Congressmen would do better to concentrate on solving their country's own problems, such as violence among schoolchildren or the increasing influence in American society of right-wing extremist groups.
