I was on so many shows during the Egyptian uprising with American analysts who confidently asserted that the Muslim Brotherhood had little power and influence in Egypt, and that the post-Mubarak political landscape there would feature the flowering of a secular, pro-Western democracy. When I said that on the contrary, the Brotherhood was popular and […]
Egyptian Sheikh: Yes, Islam forbids Christians to build new churches
This fatwa is noteworthy since Islamic apologists in the West routinely deny that Islamic law forbids non-Muslims to build new houses of worship or repair old ones. Not only does Sheikh Sa’id ‘Abd-al-‘Athim affirm that, but he also explains why it’s different when Muslims are forbidden to build mosques in Italy — which, of course, […]
Egyptian poll monitor: Islamic groups “told voters to approve the amendments if they wanted to keep Coptic Christians out of government”
The prize they sought to protect in any future revision was Article 2 of the current constitution, which reads: “Islam is the religion of the state. Arabic is its official language, and the principal source of legislation is Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia).” That, of course, enshrines the second-class status of non-Muslims in the constitution itself. Railroading […]
“The main problem here is the next parliament will write the next Constitution. So then the fanatics and the Muslim Brotherhood will govern us for decades”
The amendments in Egypt’s referendum were “meant to amend the current Constitution just enough to allow fair elections before a new document is written.” What they did not begin to touch, not surprisingly, was Article 2 of the current Egyptian constitution, which reads: “Islam is the religion of the state. Arabic is its official language, […]
Egypt: “Hundreds of Islamists” hurl stones and shoes at ElBaradei as he attempts to vote in referendum
The message: Thanks for all your help. Now, get out of our way. “Hundreds of Islamists stone Egypt’s ElBaradei,” by Mona Salem for Agence France-Presse, March 19 (thanks to all who sent this in): CAIRO “” Islamists hurled stones and shoes at Mohamed ElBaradei, Nobel Peace laureate and a secular contender for Egypt’s presidency, as […]
Egypt: Voters approve constitutional changes that favor Muslim Brotherhood
Secular democracy on the march. An update on this story. “Egyptians Voters Approve Constitutional Changes,” by Neil MacFarquhar for the New York Times, March 20 (thanks to Barbara): CAIRO, Egypt “” Egyptian voters overwhelming approved a referendum on constitutional changes that will usher in rapid elections, with the results announced Sunday underscoring the strength of […]
Egypt: Christians vote no on constitutional amendments: “these amendments serve the Brotherhood’s ideology”
“It is widely assumed that quick elections would give an advantage to the well-established Muslim Brotherhood.” I tried to tell you. “Many Egypt Christians vote ‘no’, fearing Islamists,” by Sarah Mikhail for Reuters, March 20: CAIRO (Reuters) – Many Egyptian Christians say they voted on Saturday to reject proposed constitutional amendments in a referendum because […]
Democracy on the march in Egypt: Jihadist who masterminded Sadat murder released from prison, mulling political career
But it is a secular, pro-democracy movement, doncha know. Abboud al-Zommor was released from prison and may enter politics? So what could go wrong? It isn’t as if Islamic supremacists enjoy any popular support in Egypt! “Sadat killing mastermind mulls politics after release,” from International Business Times, March 18: The mastermind behind the assassination of […]
Egyptian military reportedly begins reconstruction of demolished church on original site
In defiance of those who intended it to be “Al-Ramla Mosque,” and of the local governor who refused to rebuild it where it stood. “Military rebuilding Coptic church destroyed by Muslims,” from Asia News, March 14: Cairo (AsiaNews) — The Egyptian armed forces have begun rebuilding the Saints Minas and George Coptic Church set on […]
“Mission No. 77”: Seized papers suggest Egyptian government role in planning New Year’s church bombing
Since the fall of the Mubarak regime, protesters have seized thousands of documents from State Security Agency offices. The Muslim Brotherhood has also availed itself of the opportunity to seek out and destroy files on their activities, with groups linked to the organization reportedly storming police stations and other offices. This would not at all […]