Anti-Christian Extremism Attacked

Newspapers in the Arab world have weighed in on recent attacks against Christian churches in Alexandria, addressing issues of extremism’s threat to Egyptian society. To overcome the forces of ignorance, hatred and sectarian sedition, leading newspapers call for concerted action on the part of government, religious and civil institutions to unify citizens against extremism that could lead to a “frightening collapse” of Egypt and possibly other nations in the region. The troubling activity represents internal turmoil in Egypt, but the war in Iraq, with its sectarian bloodshed, also has had a ripple effect throughout the Arab world. Citizens of the Middle East often find that their governments lack accountability. Some critics suggest that fanaticism stems from religious teachings and educational doctrines that must be stripped of their credibility by legal prosecution if necessary. Others, however, ask the question whether “religious, sectarian and racist violence” could ever gain traction in societies that are just, organized, prosperous and inspired by patriotism? The introspection about extremism’s influence on society could inspire government action to thwart the dangerous trends. – YaleGlobal