Egypt – Fears of Religious Revolution Will Turn It Into One

It is surprising that Egypt has been the focus of so much of our posts, but it is representative of something, and its no small thing.

Egypt is an important country, one that has deep roots in Islam, but also one that has a relatively big Christian community, and a tradition a secular non religious Arab population. The country geographic position in the middle east is of huge importance and its status as the first country to establish a full and lasting peace with Israel is, to some, a mark of its possibility as a leader in the Arab world.

The current situation in Egypt is fast become ripe with opportunity to the fanatics and extremists of our time, with fear mongering all around it. If you watch the demonstrations you will see how little of it is of any religious character, and how much it has to do with personal freedom and financial equality. If you would know nothing of this country you will (rightfully) assume that this is a popular revolution let by everyday people who just want , demand and deserve a better life.

But there are, always, some who want to make something out of anything, and these forces now work extra time to try and suggest that the political change in Egypt will drive Islam fundamentalists into power, which is something that does not look like is going to happen, and that this will threaten the safety of the region. It is just that, this exterior artificial power extracted in order to stop change because it is speculated to bring on difficult results, that will end by providing more power to the religious fanatics, and eventually drive the people into their hands.

Let the people of Egypt celebrate their unity, let them express their thoughts and frustration with the lack of proper democracy, let them try and build a better country for themselves, encourage freedom of speech, personal liberties, freedom of thought and expression, all of these do not go hand in hand with religious thought – and the generation that is making the change now in Egypt will remember that.