Coptic crisis

Observers across the board - from pro-democracy bloggers and Facebook activists to Egypt's Justice Minister Abdel Aziz al-Gindi - seem agreed on one thing: The latest bloody clashes between between Coptic Christians and ultra-conservative Muslims were not rooted in an interreligious conflict. Rather, they were stirred up by the remnants of Mubarak's fallen regime in an attempt to discredit Egypt's fledgling democracy.

Of course, without concrete proof, that is just an assumption and wide open to speculation. What is beyond doubt is that this escalation of violence between the two sides could jeopardize Egypt's democratic experiment. Already there are voices calling for an "iron hand" to take drastic measures, while Egypt's security forces seem completely overwhelmed by the situation.

The former regime was undoubtedly full of shady characters and an investigation will have to show whether they were in fact pulling the strings in the background. Their influence should not be underestimated, indeed whatever the outcome, they stand to gain from the situation. A disruption to the people's lives is also a disruption to the post-revolutionary progress.

Al Gindi's warnings of a "counterrevolution" and his attempts to appeal to the unity of the people, the police and the army don't go far enough, even if many, including religious dignitaries, share his views and his condemnation. It's a step in the right direction, but doesn't address the root of the problem.

Real or perceived relationships between the Copts and Muslims will always be an inherent source of conflict. It's also true that there are - on both sides - forces eager to fuel and exploit any type of escalation. The fact that Islamic fundamentalist voices are growing louder in Egypt's postrevolutionary process is a worrying development, even if they don't represent the majority of Muslims.

Structurally, the Coptic Christians remain at a disavantage, one that must be overcome through political dialog and not merely with appeals for unity.

Rainer Sollich is head of DW's Arab Service (rm)
Editor: Michael Knigge