Soapbox:

Law and strife

By Sameh Fawzi

---

I don't know the appropriate description of the current Copt- government dispute over the Abu Fana Monastery. To many, the problem appears a mere dispute over a piece of land spilling over into sectarian strife. But, political analysts look for deeper ramifications.

Expatriate Copts are demonstrating against what they call "Coptic persecution", while semi-official media inside Egypt implicitly blame the church's top clergymen, condemning the monastery's monks for being greedy. Islamist groups are taking the chance to condemn both: the government for its leniency towards Copts, and the church for its expansionist role in an "Islamic society".

The outcome of the current debate inside and outside Egypt tells us that the whole issue is surrounded by ambiguity and lack of clarity. We first need information. Then we must ask the authorities to apply the law.

In all previous sectarian disputes the law was on hold, simply because the government -- principally the security agencies -- prefers to settle them through reconciliation. We are all in support of reconciliation between disputants, but this should not replace the law. No matter who is right and wrong, we need to see law implemented. In the modern state, law is applied to all as a sign of "equity" and "justice".

If the law is respected, Muslims and Christians will know that everyone who damages national unity through unpalatable deeds will be punished. This message is important to mute sectarian strife.

This week's Soapbox speaker is a journalist and political analyst.