Lights Out for the Middle East’s Christians?

[malphono]

I ran across an item which has some bearing on this forum, so I’m posting the link here. nationalreview.com/articles/259534/lights-out-middle-east-s-christians-rich-lowry

While what the author says about the ill-advised invasion of Iraq is true, I’m not so sure I fully buy into what he says about Egypt, particularly considering recent there, going back to the New Year’s bomb at the church in Alexandria . Anyone?

 

[Big_Ro]

I took some time to read the article. I think it’s probably prudent to consider the threat to Coptic Christians in Egypt, but they certainly got themselves on the wrong side of history in terms of their support for Mubarek. They need to walk that back.

I think though that at this time the alarm he’s sounding is a bit over the top. I’m no expert on Egypt and don’t have any special information except what is available through open news sources. My read is that the Muslim Brotherhood has been very careful to avoid being seen as desirerous of “taking over the country”. At least openly. They have said that they do not intend to field a presidential candidate and only want to be part of the process. They disavowed violence years ago and their more recernt history is one of a dedicated organized opposition to the Mubarek regime. This is where the concern begins.

They are the only organized and focused opposition group in Egypt. Their help in turning people back out on to the streets when the protests seemed to be losing steam were essential. The media has given a lot of attention to FB and Mr. Ghonim, but the support of the Muslim Brotherhood was absolutely critical. More important, they provided that support in a quiet and behind the scenes sort of way. This speaks to a political astuteness and high level of discipline within their ranks. In terms of their current party line in terms of whether or not they intend to call for an imposition of Sharia Law after taking their place in a new parliament after elections presumedly in September, the jury is still out. Despite the shrill of American politics, I think we should be hopeful but keep a close eye on what the particular candidates that run for seats say during the election process. There’s no way to know if some may run under a banner that is non-MB, but still support the party line.

I was encouraged for the Christians in Egypt when I read reports that Muslims in Tahir Square created a protective ring around the Christians celebrating Mass in the square during the protests. I also remember reading about the violence against a church in Alexandria. However, most reports indicate that this was the work of Al-Queda type provacateurs rather than the MB. Of course, there’s no way to be sure. And, there’s no guarantee that while AQ has seemed to be largely a non-factor in the regime change that has occured, that they won’t be a force in the months to come. They have tremendous capabilities in terms of mounting a terror campaign aimed at inflaming the Takfir factions of Islam which surely still exist in Egypt. And, you probably know that Al-Zwarhiri got his start within the MB and was tangentially involved in the assasination of Sadat in 1979 which gave rise to the regime of Mubarak and the 30 year state of emergency. The torture and humiliation he experienced in the Egyptian jails lead him to form Al-Jihad which eventually joined up with Bin Laden to form AQ. Al-Zwahiri’s main desire and goal was for many years focused on overthrowig Mubarek. So, now that he sees an opening, why wouldn’t he jump at the chance? Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. The lack of an organized and focused leadership group for the people in the sqaure is a real problem and presents a real opportunity for AQ to step in and fill that vacuum. Certainly some political will, that’s for sure. That’s my opinion.

 

[malphono]

The Ikhwan were effectively banned since the days of Nasser, and as much as I do not revere his memory, I think he was correct in doing that. It was (and remains) a group that advocates religious hegemony, which is totally incompatible with the idea of a secular State that allows freedom of religion and expression. Although freedom of expression was given only lip-service, freedom of religion was actually part of the Nasserist mantra. The problem with the Ikhwan is that it was released from its “bondage”, so-to-speak, by Sadat in the wake of Camp David. That is really when “open season” on the Copts was declared. Frankly, I distrust the Ikhwan, but for the purpose at hand, will take them at their word that they will not move to take over the State. If that were to happen, I am convinced there would be yet another insurrection, and one not nearly as innocuous as what we’ve seen so far.

As for the Ikhwan being the only opposition, no, I don’t think so. The Wafd has a long history in Egypt, and is probably the most legitimate party in the opposition. Of course it remains to be seen who will come out on top, but I don’t think a religiously repressive government will result. At least I hope and pray not, for the sake of the native Christians of Egypt, and for the sake of the rest of the world.

 

[dzheremi]

The Ikhwan stayed out of the protests at the beginning to avoid looking like they were directing them. Say whatever you will about them (I have no good things to say, so I’ll follow my mother’s advice and not say anything at all), they are shrewd.

As for HH Pope Shenouda III, it seems he’s not one to turn around on previous statements. He backed Mubarak at the beginning of all this, before it was clear that Mubarak was out, and he continued backing him even after it became clear that things were going to change. I would say that this is the mark of a principled man, but then I am quite biased. Here is his official statement on the January 25th revolution (taken from tasbeha.org/):

The Coptic Church salutes the honest Egyptian youth, the youth of 25th January, who led Egypt in a strong peaceful revolution, in which precious blood was shed, the blood of the martyrs of the nation who were honoured by Egypt’s leaders and army, and also honoured by all the people and ourselves. We offer our condolences to their families and relatives.

The Coptic Church pays tribute to the valiant Egyptian army, and also pays tribute to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces for what it has issued of official statements regarding the security of Egypt both internally and externally. We support its decision in dissolving the People’s Assembly and the Shura (Consultative) Council, and its call for security to reign.

We all believe that Egypt must be a democratic and civil nation, choosing members of its parliament through free and fair elections, having representatives from all facets of the people. We support all of Egypt in its fight against poverty, corruption and unemployment, resisting anarchy and destruction, and for the foundation of security and safety, the principles of social justice, and the unity of nationalism, and the curtailing of corrupt and unlawful people. And the Coptic Church prays for the great Egypt, which has a glorious history and ancient civilization, and we hope that the Lord will keep Egypt safe and spread in it calmness, stability, security and prosperity.

H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Pope of Alexanderia and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
Head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church

It is important to remember that the Coptic Orthodox Church is a patriotic church, and as symbol of Egypt’s pre-Arab civilization is respected as the “state church” even if Christians as a community are not. No doubt the C.O.C. will also seek good relations with whatever government forms now, and will continue on as it always has whether those good relations materialize or not. A big reason why it is still around and eight million strong (according to government figures, which are most likely low) is that it has stayed out of revolutions.