Terror attacks spur soul-searching by Egyptians

Posted by Rebecca on July 31, 2005 8:24 AM

From [1] AP, with thanks to Daryl.

CAIRO -- Stunned by terror attacks in a Red Sea resort, Egyptians are in a remarkably frank debate about whether mainstream mosques and schools -- and the government itself -- should be blamed for promoting Islamic extremism.

Even some in the pro-government press say authorities have created a climate in which young people are turning into radicals and suicide bombers.

"There is no use denying. ... We incited the crime of Sharm el Sheik," ran a bold red headline of a lead editorial by Al-Musawwar's editor in chief, Abdel-Qader Shohaib.

The bombers "didn't just conjure up in our midst suddenly, they are a product of a society that produces extremist fossilized minds that are easy to be controlled," Mr. Shohaib wrote in Wednesday's editions.

In a country more used to hearing general condemnations of terrorism, critics on Wednesday were angry -- and specific -- hammering at instances when they say the government let state press and mosque preachers, including many appointed by the government, promote intolerance...


Article printed from Jihad Watch: http://www.jihadwatch.org/2005/07/terror-attacks-spur-soul-searching-by-egyptians.html

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[1] http://insider.washingtontimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20050729-111307-5518r