Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

What happened in Al-Koshh can be described as a relapse. These incidents were repeated for the second time and I should comment on them.



First, comments on the Muslim party: How can the Muslims walk behind rumors and they know quite well that their neighbors [the Christians] cannot murder or steal from them or even hurt them in any way. How can Al-Azhar leave this area since the first incidents without sending the appropriate imams [Islamic prayer leaders] who can deepen the relations between them [Muslims and Christians]?



Second, comments on the security systems: The first time [troubles occurred in Al-Koshh in late 1998], the security systems were accused of using violent methods to investigate the witnesses and the villagers. This time [that is, the recent troubles], the security systems are accused of being passive and cooperating with the terrorist attacks on account of their negligence.



Third, comments on the Christian party: These comments concern Bishop Wissa, the bishop of Balyana. We would like to ask a question concerning him: Is this man the right one in the right place? This question is asked by the Christian leaders and not by the Muslims. A man in his position should have the power to calm the situation down, to reject violence and spread love. Anyway, this is not the true nature of the Christian religious leaders, especially Pope Shenouda [Editor: the author is claiming that their characters are very different from that of Bishop Wissa]. We are also sure that these exceptional examples [that is, the incidents of Al-Koshh] do not express the spirit of love, tolerance and complete loyalty of the Christians to the country.