As incidents escalate in reaction to the offensive movie about prophet Muhammed, columnists continue to analyse the mounting anger of Egyptians.
Wael Qandil
What after invading the US embassy?
Al-Shorouk newspaper
Recalling the latest chaos that took place within the margins of the US embassy in Cairo in reaction to the US anti-Islam movie, Wael Qandil asks if Egyptians have eventually succeeded in passing their strong wave of frustration. The writer questions whether the topic was worth the violence and bloodshed. He states that our reaction is similar to the performance of a poor lawyer who has failed to win a lawsuit. Condemning those who have promoted to the offensive movie, the writer states it was even better that we criticise those who promoted it and ignited more hatred in our hearts.
After global news had focused attention Egypt, Qandil states that the country’s reaction prompted Jewish people to feel victorious over our religion. The writer expresses his concern that Egyptians will pay the price of this incident as the new constitution is currently being drafted. Extremist Islamists have tarnished Islam’s image of tolerance and acceptance. Today, nobody dares to defend freedom of expression in our nation.
Emad Al-Din Hussein
“We will bring American down”
Al-Shorouk newspaper
Hussein remembers when he passed through a protest against the US government and condemns the political manipulation exerted by Americans while providing Egypt with aid. He voices his support for the demonstrators who wish to witness the day when the US stops adding pressures on the Egyptian government as a price for the financial aid. The writer says that no foreign country would grant another with annual donations and aids without an expected return. Hussein believes that the Americans expect Egypt to maintain the peace treaty with Israel in return for the support.
While ordinary protesters are not to be blamed for their repeating slogans, Hussein condemns the spokesperson of ex-presidential candidate Hazem Abu Ismail, Gamal Saber, who prayed in Tahrir Sqaure last Friday calling on Muslims to get ready as if the country is preparing for war. Simply, Egyptians are not entering a serious battle with the Americans as a result of the offensive movie. Figures such as Saber, who are frequently counted as politicians, contribute to the already inflammatory situation. Even if the sheikh is voicing his anger against the movie, the writer states that to provoke more hatred will lead to deterioration of the situation.
Amr Hamzawy
Two faces for politics
Al- Watan newspaper
Keeping an eye on the political preparations that precede parliamentary elections, Hamzawy censures politicians who prefer their personal interests to their partisan devotion. The writer states that many activists intensify their efforts on widening their popularity while working on the ground with ordinary Egyptians. The main challenge lying ahead is the fact that while attempting to attract as many voters as possible, many drive Egyptians away from the correct political path.
As dates for parliamentary elections come closer, political forces are capable of utilising all mechanisms to increase their popularity. In many cases, using religion could be a magnet to attract the largest amount of Egyptians to the ballot box. In other cases, some politicians call for violence and the importance of protesting against the leader. It is only according to their profits that they play around with circumstances around them.
In Hamzawy’s estimation, such powers destroy all building stones for a proper democratic process. Many politicians aim at nothing but winning in elections even if that would be at the expense of their ideological and political independence. The columnist praises other political figures, who have condemned the IMF loan, killing of diplomats in Libya, and invading of embassies, despite their political inclinations. The writer states that such politicians are the ones needed to build the infrastructure of democracy in Egypt.
Ammar Ali Hassan
A Christian responds to the offensive movie
Al-Watan newspaper
Hassan cites a message he has received from a Christian friend in reaction to the offensive film. The writer believes that the letter refutes all stereotypes about a sectarian strife currently being sparked within the community. The offensive movie is a massive incident that incited the anger of all Egyptians, regardless of their religion. However, Egyptians have to be aware that rushing into illogical reactions would mean nothing but more of violence and chaos. sAfter the recent incidents at the location of the US embassy, the world has been looking at Egyptians as barbarians. Hassan’s friend then condemns those who insisted bringing this movie to light.
It has been produced for more than two years now, then why it has been decided to place emphasis on it these days? In his message, the writer’s friend insists that the timing of the movie that coincides with 9/11 aims at provoking the Muslims and Christians at the same time. It could have been wiser that Egyptians react with a similar movie that correctively sends a message of tolerance and understanding. “If we need to understand the world, then it is better for us to speak an understandable language in order to get a response,” the message reads. In all cases, Egyptians must have responded to the offense directed to Islam and their prophet. The important aspect in the whole incident is the search for a calmer way to react and positive attitude towards the situation.
Ibrahim Mansour
Inciters of the “offensive incidents”
Al-Tahrir newspaper
After the recent offensive incidents erupting in reaction to the anti-prophet Muhammed movie, Mansour condemns all Islamist political forces on inciting more violence in the country. Instead of focusing on the content of the movie, the writer argues that more attention is centered on the chaos occurring around the US embassy in Cairo. Calls for protests have been initiated by extremist figures practicing politics. A general hostile atmosphere has been hitting Egyptians against America, its government, and its people.
Mansour condemns that even after the US officially reacted to the issue, President Morsy has hailed Egyptians to respect international treaties. sSince that, Egyptian officials have taken their hands out of the protests that are increasingly growing in the area, where as demonstrators continue to clash with the security soldiers. Finally, Mansour affirms the right of Egyptians to protest against such an offensive movie. He censures the maltreatment of security officers while confronting angry demonstrators. The writer calls upon officials to fetch the genuine perpetuators of the offence.
