The Pogroms Against the Copts

The latest bloody outrages against Egypt's Copts, which have left a dozen people dead and 232 injured, are described in harrowing detail here: http://www.aina.org/news/20110508144114.htm (hat tip: Assad Elepty)

Even Al Beeb, which in that perverse way of the left-liberal "intelligentsia" so frequently turns a blind eye to the distress of Christians under Islam, has reported, if more cursorily, on them.

But it's so reprehensibly typical of the BBC that the continuing persecution of the Copts is presented as a sort-of evenhanded tit-for-tat feud between Muslims and Christians, rather than of a deliberate campaign of violence and extirpation by members of the former group against a small and essentially defenceless minority.

Al Beeb, in acknowledging the threat to secular democracy and to non-Muslims from fanatical, homicidal Salafists, downplays that from the Muslim Brotherhood; it's in keeping with their take on the situation in Gaza - Salafists dangerous extremists, Hamas misunderstood by the West, and in reality relatively benign.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13331628

Professor Barry Rubin observes:

"The remaining Christians in most of the Arabic-speaking world may be on the edge of flight or extinction. All of the Christians have left the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip which is, in effect, an Islamist republic. They are leaving the West Bank. Half have departed from an increasingly Islamist-oriented Iraq where they are under terrorist attack. Within a few years they might all be gone....

Egypt has more Christians than Israel's entire population. There have been numerous attacks, with the latest in Cairo leaving 12 dead, 220 wounded, and two churches burned. The Western media generally attributes this to inter-religious battles. Yet Egypt's Christians, so totally outnumbered and not having any access to the power of the state, have generally kept a low profile....

The Christians cannot depend on any support from Western churches or governments. Will there be a massive flight of tens or even hundreds of thousands of Christians from Egypt in the next few years?

The U.S. government has just announced that it will forgive about $1 billion of Egyptian debt at a time when the American economy isn't doing so well. You can just bet that there are no political strings attacked: no pressure over Egyptian backing of Hamas, growing anti-Israel policy, cutting off natural gas supplies, the increasingly difficult situation of Christians, opposing Iran's ambitions and nuclear weapons' drive, or anything else.

What will happen if and when an Islamist-dominated regime is in power in Egypt - which could happen as early as September? Will U.S. aid and support continue?

Up until now, the strength of the Muslim Brotherhood has been badly underestimated in the West. But increasingly it is also apparent that the strength of anti-Islamist forces has been overestimated.

I have noted that even Amr Moussa, likely to be Egypt's next president and a radical nationalist, has predicted an Islamist majority in parliament....

He is not creating his own party, meaning that a President Moussa will be dependent on the Muslim Brotherhood in parliament. Rather than the radical nationalists battling the Islamists these two forces might well work together.

And who will they be working against? Just guess." Entire article: http://pajamasmedia.com/barryrubin/2011/05/09/egypt-situation-deteriorating-badly-and-rapidly/

Cruelty Continues Against Egypt's Copts

At a time when a poll indicates that 75% of Egyptians approve of the Muslim Brotherhood and only 36% favour maintaining the peace treaty with Israel (see http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=217883) comes the following disturbing account (hat tip Assad Elepty) of the latest outrage against Egypt's Copts.

Written by Mary Abdelmassih of the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), it's entitled "Punishment of Egyptian Christians For Death of Two Muslims":


'After the death of two Muslims on April 18 sectarian violence broke out in the southern Egyptian town of Abu Qurqas El Balad, in Minya Governorate, 260 KM south of Cairo. One Christian Copt was killed, an old woman was thrown out of her second floor balcony and ten Copts were hospitalized. Coptic homes, shops, businesses, fields and livestock were plundered and torched.

Christians lived in terror, anticipating a blood bath on Friday, April 22 because Muslims as announced their intention to avenge the death of the two Muslims. Rumors spread throughout Abu Qurqas of many strangers and of trucks loaded with weapons coming into the village to carry out the threats during the Easter week. The terrorized Christian villagers sent pleas everywhere, asking for protection, even to Coptic groups in Europe and the U.S.

"Muslims threw my old mother out of the second floor balcony and torched my home," said Adel Abdulllah to Hazem Refaat of Free Copts advocacy. His business and home were torched and his father and three brothers were arrested on suspicion of killing the two Muslims.

Copt Eid Roshdy, was stabbed during the violence and later died in hospital.

According to Bishop Makarious twenty Coptic families had their homes and businesses looted by Muslims then torched, and their livestock was stolen. "One shop was only 50 meters away from the police station," he said. He also confirmed the story of the mother of Adel Abdullah who was thrown out of the second floor balcony.

Curfew was imposed in the village on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, from 7 PM until 6 AM to control the violence but various sources reported that looting and destruction of Coptic property continued after the curfew, even in the presence of the army and police.

According to the villagers a fight broke out on Monday, April 18 between the two Muslim families, Abdel-Kader and el-Gazzar which resulted in the death of two Muslims. Meanwhile an altercation took place in front of the villa of Coptic attorney Alaa Reda Roushdy between a minibus driver and passengers and the guards of the villa over a speed hump built in front of the residence, which the driver claimed was damaging busses. People congregated and the villa guards shot into the air to disperse the crowd. The Copts were accused of killing the two Muslims.

Bishop Makarious of Minya and Abu Qurqas said the first version of the story was the Muslims were killed during the fight between two Muslim families, then the story changed to accuse the Copts.

Ayad Shaban, a local villager told Al Karma TV the two Muslims were killed in the Eastern side of village where the majority of the Muslims live. "Then the story of the speed hump came and Muslims connected the two together and accused the Christians of the killing. There is no proof the Christians killed the Muslims." He added that relationship between Muslims and Christians are usually good and believes whoever created this story came from outside the village and incited the Muslims.

In retaliation, Muslims attacked and looted two tourist coffee shops belonging to attorney Roushdy. One coffee shop was turned into a mosque called the "Martyrs" and the second one was destroyed.

Next day during the funeral of the Muslims hundreds of Muslims from neighboring villages joined and notes were distributed among them saying the Christians were the culprit. After burying the dead the Muslim mob shouted for revenge for their two "martyrs" and attacked Christian homes while shouting "Allahu Akbar." (video shows Muslims looting Coptic property before torching it while chanting "Allahu Akbar." Army soldiers are seen passing through the looters).

Father Rofail of the Saints Church in Abu Qorqas said "It was terrible, the people who were in the funeral left and started shooting in the air and throwing Molotov cocktails at homes and fields belonging to Copts; some homes were demolished. Anything belonging to Christians was destroyed."

According to Coptic activist Nader Shoukry, fifteen Copts and eight Muslims have been detained for the murder of the two Muslims. No one has been detained for the attacks against the Copts. "None of the Muslims who looted and destroyed Coptic property was questioned," said Bishop Makarious. He added it was a miracle that the Copts were not harmed when their homes were torched. "They had to jump over the roofs of the neighboring houses to escape the flames. In one instance a wall had to be broken between two houses to get the people out as they could not escape otherwise." He criticized the police and the army for not bringing the situation under control. "We expected more from the police and army, but they were not impartial."

The new Governor of Minya appeared on Egyptian Hayat TV and said the incidents in Abu Qurqas El Balad was not sectarian but a fight over a speed hump which escalated, and denied the loss of property.

Security forces prevented TV stations from filming inside the village and Muslims also attempted to prevent Christians from filming, but many video clips have been uploaded to youtube (video showing Coptic homes after looting).

Coptic attorney Dr. Ihab Ramzy called on Copts who have had their property damaged or lost to file a complaint with the police in order for him to represents them for compensation. He said they had to name the assailants in their report, but this may be not be possible because the victims were threatened by Muslims not to mention their names.

Attorney Roushdy was arrested by the military two days ago and accused of provoking riots which led to the death and injury of citizens. Today the military ordered him to be detained for 15 days pending investigations.'
http://www.aina.org/news/2011042521399.htm

What Al Beeb’s Jeremy Bowen Doesn’t Tell You About the Muslim Brotherhood

The BBC’s unfit-for-purpose Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen – he of the perpetual world-weary (or is that just Israel-weary?) tone and scowl, and a constant anti-Israel spin on things – has demonstrated a ridiculous and quite scandalous degree of ignorance in his 31 January BBC News website post regarding the Muslim Brotherhood – they’re just fluffy strokable pussycats according to him. Writes Jezza:

“The country's only properly organised mass political movement outside the ruling party is the Muslim Brotherhood, and it would do very well in any free election.

Unlike the jihadis, it does not believe it is at war with the West. It is conservative, moderate [that word "moderate" was later removed] and non-violent. But it is highly critical of Western policy in the Middle East.”

What utter nonsense. What irresponsible journalism. How stupidly gullible.

To help redress the balance, here’s an article sent to me by Coptic journalist and activist Assad Elepty, of Sydney, entitled ‘Mubarak Arm wrestle continues “War of Attrition”: Muslim Brotherhood Lurks ready to strike’:

The war of attrition is continuing in Egypt, and Mubarak is losing the battle.

Mubarak is not only defiant; he is arrogant and appears oblivious to the repeated calls, “Mubarak we do NOT want you”. He is a hard head, clutching on with the bare skin of his teeth. His palace has been barricaded with barbed wire and guarded by the Military.

Even the military have told him to step down. Unlike the Australian Government, Obama hears the voice of the people and has sent an envoy to convince Mubarak “it is in the best interests of Egypt that you abandon your political agenda and announce you will not contest the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for September 2011.

Mubarak has read between the lines, sees he has lost the support of Obama, and did make the announcement. Just as significantly it means Gamal Mubarak’s political ambitions ended along with his father, he has no chance of ever becoming president. Mubarak went too far last November when he used his security force to crush all opposition. The people have had enough. Shamefully less than 20% of the population participated in the November 2010 election.

The protestors are clearly winning; however the statement from Mubarak did not quell them in any way. If anything it has reinforced their determination. Mubarak is delaying the inevitable; he must step down, “simply because a blind man can see the protests will not end for so long as he is at the helm. The people have spoken.

Just as critical, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt told the Arabic-language Iranian news network Al-Alam that he, “would like to see the Egyptian people prepare for war against Israel”. Muhammad Ghannem reportedly told Al- Alam that “the Suez Canal should be closed immediately, and that the flow of gas from Egypt to Israel should cease”. He added that “the people should be prepared for wars against Israel,” saying the world should understand that “the Egyptian people are prepared for anything to get rid of this regime.” He added that Washington was forced to abandon plans to help Mubarak stay in power after “seeing millions head for the streets.”

His comments are dangerous and inciteful. It clearly indicates that the Muslim Brotherhood is looking beyond Mubarak and sees their influence as a fore gone conclusion. The next phase of the revolution is the most crucial; it will set the destiny of Egypt for decades if not centuries to come drilled out.

Islamisation of Egypt, in any form would is not an option. Islam and democracy are diametrically opposed and most certainly do not go hand in hand. The Muslim brotherhood is the only organized and well funded “(by Iran & Saudi Arabia)” opposition group in Egypt. Any hasty election will see the Muslim brotherhood stroll into power. While the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be passive and non violent, they are as sly as snakes and cunning as foxes. The Brotherhood once in power would then remove the veil and deception and show their true colors with horrific consequences for Egypt, especially the minority Coptic Christians.

It has been widely reported the constitution will be re-written, any such step MUST include removal of article 2.

Any reference to Islam remains in the constitution; it will mean no change for the minority Copts and continued persecution and subservience.

I had to laugh when I read today the Muslim brotherhood have dropped their 80 year old slogan “Islam Is the Solution”, replaced it with the new slogan “participation”.

It is funny because they are outlawed and banned in Egypt, they can not legally run or “participate” for elections as the “Muslim Brotherhood”. In the past they circumvent the law by running for elections under the guise of Independents and then vote as one block in parliament. They have no regard for any law and always devise a means to bypass laws.

For those unaware, the Muslim brotherhood was started by Hassan Banna a primary school teacher in 1928. He was a lover of Hitler, and even went to Germany to meet him and organized Muslim Arabs (SS) to exterminate the Jews. (http://www.faithfreedom.org/articles/op-ed/probing-the-history-of-the-muslim-nazi-alliance/)

1948 and 1949, the Muslim brotherhood sent volunteers to fight in the war in Palestine. The feud between the monarchy Egypt and the MB reached its climax when the MB organized the assassination of Prime Minister Mahmoud an-Nukrashi Pasha. This in turn prompted the assassination of Al-Banna. On February 12, 1949 in Cairo.

The MB have a sordid, ugly and vile history, this radical sect can never be under estimated. Muslim Brotherhood Ideology

Al-Banna developed the ideology and the methods of organization and recruitment that were to characterize most radical Islamist groups which may or may not have been inspired by the Brotherhood.

(http://www.faithfreedom.org/articles/islamic-jihad-articles/muslim-brother-hood-ideology-defining-an-islamic-state/)

Muslim Brotherhood Goals and Ideology

Islam must dominate and not be dominated.

Restoration of the lost caliphate - i'adat al Khalifa al Mafqudah - is the chief immediate political goal of the Islamist movement.

Islam is currently inferior to the West because it deserted its roots. It will triumph by returning to its pristine form.

Social revolution and anti-colonial struggle are an integral and major part of the mission of the Islamic revival.

Violent Jihad is a central tenet of Islam and martyrdom in the cause of Allah is highly valued. Violent Jihad is the greater Jihad, while inner struggle for moral purity is the lesser Jihad.

Islam must aim to take over the entire world and assert its superiority through violent Jihad; Western civilization is doomed by its decadence and Jewish influence.

Ideas such as democracy and human rights are products of Jewish influence and Western decadence.

Society must be ruled by God and not men.

The best sort of government was a dictatorship based on Sha'aria Muslim law.

The Jews are particularly vile enemies of Islam. Israel is to be opposed because it is a foreign western implant.

The Muslim brotherhood’s rhetoric, that they are pro-democracy is utter rubbish. They have no intention of changing nor have they changed one goal or objective since their inception. It would be an absolute disaster for Egypt as if this radical bigoted sect played any role in a new government. The Muslim Brotherhood is the furthest thing possible from democracy you can ever imagine. Any new government must have a representation of Copts proportionate to their population. They have been voiceless and unrepresented for centuries. Islamisation of Egypt has seen a progressive genocide of the Copts, that now only account for 10-15% of the population. They are the last surviving Christian group in the Middle East, Once the Bedrock of Christianity. The global community has a duty to protect the Copts and ensure Egypt becomes a secular democratic society.

And be sure to see http://www.faithfreedom.org/articles/islamic-jihad-articles/muslim-brother-hood-ideology-defining-an-islamic-state/

Also, see an absolute corker of an article in today's "Daily Telegraph" by David Horovitz, re the danger Israel now faces and how Israel compares so favorably with its Middle Eastern neighbours:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8296776/Egypt-crisis-Israel-faces-danger-in-every-direction.html