WATANI International
29 May 2011
Problems on hold
No sooner did the authorities issue a decision to reopen a number of churches which had been closed by the former security apparatus than a crisis erupted—one in a long line of attempts to hijack the 25 January Revolution by forces opposed to democracy, freedom, and citizenship rights. Among the first churches picked for reopening was that of Holy Virgin in the eastern Cairo district of Ain Shams. Once the building was reopened and a number of Copts entered, a Muslim crowd gathered outside, chanting their opposition to the move: “No to the church”. We know of no reason for such an objection, other than that this crowd wishes to see no church opened and no Copts performing prayers—as though the church were some evil place that threatens the community’s peace or stability. In all cases, the reopening of the church in Ain Shams was thwarted.
I have no idea what Islamic current the demonstrators belong to. Given that the coming days should see dozens of openings of churches closed unlawfully, the matter warrants serious investigation. We could, in all probability, see a replay of the Ain Shams scenario. Much will depend on how the State and the security apparatus manage the problem.
Two weeks ago I wrote about the attack against the Copts of Imbaba: when Salafi Muslims and thugs attacked the church of Mar-Mina, set fire to Coptic homes, cars and shops, as well as to another Imbaba church. I wrote then: “Now, and only now, did the Prime Minister declare immediate and firm measures to restore the authority of the State and enforce the rule of law. Serious concerns linger, however, over official ability to put these decisions into action. Previous experiences show that the absence of will to enforce law further encouraged the outlaws to mock State power.”
I am definitely not against efforts intended to defuse tensions, preserve social peace, and create a climate of harmony and agreement between Muslims and Christians in hot spots. But it worries me to see the authorities mandated to defend the power of the State and enforce the rule of law succumb to the will of extremists and outlaws who blatantly challenge the State dignity. Obviously, there has been a plot to test the power of the State since the eruption of the 25 January Revolution, and it is with great sorrow that I admit the State has repeatedly failed. The case at hand is no exception. A “conciliation” session was held in the presence of the elders of the Ain Shams district, security officers and members of the clergy to find a way to settle the dispute and reopen the church.
Today, it appears that the implementation of decisions issued by senior State officials is subject to the consent of those opposed to it. What if they persist in opposing the reopening of the church—or any other church for that matter? Will the State act to firmly implement its decision? Or will it place itself in the difficult position of allowing others to challenge its power? If so, the State can blame no-one but itself. Will the State resort to traditional tactics of the past, tactics that have proved time and again futile and harmful? Do readers know about these tactics? They involve sending sheikhs to plead with those opposing the opening of the church to give in. I expect that if the sheikhs and preachers fail, the government will postpone the reopening for some three months. It goes without saying that we have not been told what the government intends to do if the opponents hold their ground and persist in challenging the law after the passage of the three months.
I am sorry to say that the authorities have placed themselves in an unenviable position, playing with fire by succumbing to special-interest groups in situations where there should be no room for submission. This can only serve to make pressure groups more adamant to challenge the rule of law and dignity of the State. Then officials wonder out loud how come these groups have waxed so strong. It is about time the groups are reined in and confronted with firmness and sternness. My worst fear, however, is that by the time the State recognises that need it would be too late.
