An update on this story, which discussed some of the potential problems with the “reforms” of the new law. In particular, the plan to move to a decentralized system to permit or deny building according to local approval echoes the system that has been so disastrous for Christians in Indonesia. There are additional issues, described […]
Egypt: “This is a Christian son of a bitch. We’re going to kill him.”
Here is yet another story illustrating how the rise of Islamic groups in post-revolutionary Egypt is making the country more dangerous for non-Muslims. Reality has run contrary to the politically correct article of faith that Islam is tolerant of other religions in line with the Western understanding of the concept of religious tolerance, and thus […]
Tolerant New Egypt: “When they were beating me, they kept saying: ‘We won’t leave any Christians in this country'”
It is a politically correct article of faith that there is nothing inherently abusive in Sharia law that cannot be written off as tribal or cultural baggage, or as a prescription so old (14 centuries ago, after all!) that it is assumed no longer to be relevant even to sincere believers — at least not […]
Egyptian political groups ask Muslim Brotherhood to guarantee secular state
The National Association for Change (NAC) is a loose affiliation of anti-Mubarak groups in Egypt. Mohamed ElBaradei is nominally in charge of it, and the Muslim Brotherhood is involved in it, but it contains numerous non-Brotherhood entities as well. Apparently, those groups consist of venomous Islamophobes, because only the latter believe that the Muslim Brotherhood […]
Eritrean Christians fleeing persecution in homeland face imprisonment, torture, beatings and sexual assault in Egypt
Out of the frying pan into the fire. Now what could Eritrea and Egypt possibly have in common that would make people in both countries want to persecute Christians? Why, it’s a mystery! Islamic Tolerance Alert: “Eritrean Christians facing ‘unimaginable suffering’ in Egypt,” by Amy Shank for Christian Today, June 10 (thanks to Assad Elepty): […]
Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood recognized as legitimate political party
Under Mubarak, it was outlawed. Now it can run candidates in the September elections. It is likely to do very, very well, far outstripping the 20% its candidates garnered running as independents in 2005. “In Egypt, Muslim Brotherhood becomes legitimate party,” from the Jerusalem Post, June 7 (thanks to Block Ness): CAIRO – The Egyptian […]
Egypt: Protestors from the “Development and Renaissance Party” demand Islamic law
You could ask for truth in advertising, but far fewer people would vote for the Totalitarianism, Dhimmitude, and Cruel and Unusual Punishments Party. “Protesters demand Sharia Law implementation, tourism that respects Islam,” from Al Masry Al Youm, June 3 (thanks to Zulu): Around 300 individuals gathered in Tahrir Square on Friday, chanting “Islamist, Islamist,” and […]
Egypt: New draft law for building churches cancels some provisions used against Christians, but leaves other opportunities for discrimination open
The good news: Preconditions on the number of adherents are reportedly out. In theory, police and security forces cannot block approved construction. There is a time limit aimed at preventing officials from denying a permit simply by delaying it indefinitely. And Christians no longer have to apply for permits all the way from the president’s […]
Egypt: General defends “virginity checks” on detained female protestors
In this, Egypt begins to sound like Iran. These tests are themselves sexual assaults, but also leave the victims open to further punishments based on the purported “results,” whether from authorities threatening prostitution charges, or from unsympathetic families. “Egyptian General Defends ‘Virginity Checks’ on Protesters,” by Ujala Seghal for the Atlantic Wire, May 31 (thanks […]
Egyptian sheikh says poverty in Islamic world can be solved by jihad and plundering the Infidels
Where did Sheikh Abi-Ishaq al-Huwayni get these ideas? Why, from Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, of course. Umar, the second caliph, said: “I advise you to fulfill Allah’s Convention (made with the Dhimmis) as it is the convention of your Prophet and the source of the livelihood of your dependents (i.e. the taxes from the […]