When terrorism ceases to be just an internal issue
The repeated crimes targeting Egypt require regional and international intervention as the consequences are no longer an Egypt’s alone. What happened on Friday, in Minya, is part of a series of terrorist attacks linked to the Egyptian armed opposition as well as to the opposition factions inciting the violent attacks.
Governments and media outlets allowing the incitement against Egypt must be held accountable because they are directly responsible for what is happening in the country. The violence in the country cannot anymore be termed as a war between the regime and the opposition. Majority of the crimes are directed against civilians resulting in civilian fatalities and inciting religious sectarianism between Copts and Muslims.
Governments can no longer remain neutral in the face of these repeated attacks. Just terming them as hideous terrorist attacks and not taking action against it is no longer the way out.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the governments supporting the group must be aware of the gravity of the situation as they are solely responsible for these terrorist operations. Such groups and their supporting governments should be dealt with through international curbs, prosecution and isolation and also by holding them accountable for the crimes committed in Egypt.
The conflict with the Egyptian government has gone too far. And the attacks in the country are a wake-up call to the world which has come together in the fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Holding governments that support the Egyptian terrorist groups, whether in terms of funds or media exposure, accountable will not be a difficult task.
This global approach will not only target terrorist organisations but will also point fingers at governments that allow extremist ideologies or accept their political discourse both in the media and at political levels.
More than 90 people were killed in the four terrorist sectarian attacks in Cairo, Alexandria, Tanta, and the last one in Minya.
The attack in Minya, similar to what happened in Manchester, is part of the cycle of violence, following justification of terrorism, media propaganda and indirect funding. Terrorism has become an international crime, and it is no longer an internal problem that can be limited to solidarity and acts of consolation. Asharq Al Awsat Abdulrahman Al Rashed is a senior journalist based in Dubai
The global approach will not only target terrorist organisations but will also point the fingers at governments that allow extremist ideologies