Soapbox:

Dangerous path

By Sameh Fawzy

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Sectarianism is a real threat to social peace in Egypt. Over the past three decades a number of sectarian clashes have occurred. In just one Egyptian village where Muslims and Christians traditionally live in harmony, petty clashes between individuals from religious communities could fast become a nightmare. This happened recently in the village of Meet Ghamr, Daqahliya governorate, in which a Christian family killed a Muslim youth due to a clash over a one-pound deal. Following the funeral of the victim, outraged Muslims raided the killers' house and attacked several houses owned by Christians before security forces could re-establish control in the village.

Why does religious sentiment turn into an engine for killing, destruction and hatred?

For years, scholars have expressed worry about the decline in religious tolerance in society, and begged the government and civil society organisations to take serious steps to stop this deterioration, but with no avail. Egyptians now are preoccupied by strong feelings of religious hatred, and ready to be a part of violent acts. This can be attributed to media irresponsibility, religious rhetoric and indecisive government action. Unfortunately, what we could redeem years ago with simple acts has become complicated and even impossible.

Until now, analysts and politicians are shocked and prefer to stick to traditional discourse on national unity in an attempt to cover up -- rather than face -- reality. Egypt is in real danger. The government has to face first the reality, and then offer tangible initiatives to strengthen national unity, revive the spirit of equality, of law-abiding citizenship and respect for others. This is not the time to hear only what we want to hear, but time to send a strong message through deeds and actions that national coherence is delicate, important and imperative.

This week's Soapbox speaker is a political analyst.