Horror in Egypt an attack on all mankind

Terrorists seek to build a cycle of retribution from which they seek to inflame emotions and create more chaos

he terrible violence perpetrated against worshippers in Egypt is an offence against the human race. The disgusting murder of innocent people going about their lives serves no purpose. Daesh (self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) terrorists have claimed responsibility for the two attacks on Coptic churches on Palm Sunday that killed at least 27 in a blast inside a church in Tanta, and 22 when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a church in Alexandria, leaving almost a hundred gravely wounded and many thousands seriously shaken by the appalling events.

The purpose of such mindless violence is to create fear and fury among the targeted population, encouraging anyone affected to lash out, seeking revenge.

The terrorists seek to build a cycle of retribution and chaos, upon which they will seek to inflame the emotions of the affected victims, their families and friends, and sympathisers, and even the government and security forces that seek to protect the innocent from harm, even though such a dangerous whirlwind of horror does not serve the cause of justice or support the rule of law.

It is a very difficult time when all in authority should seek to remain calm and defeat the terrorists by rising above their sectarian savagery. The perpetrators and their direct supporters have committed terrible crimes, and they should be brought to justice by police and detective work, and the individuals who committed this crime should be tried and sentenced. But this should not involve punishing an entire community or sect because some mindless terrorists have purported to be from their ranks.

It is sad but necessary that everyone should be aware that we live in a time when sudden and gross acts can abruptly descend on us. Westminster Bridge, Stockholm, and St Petersburg have joined Baghdad and Mosul among many other places where acts of terror have affected thousands of people. This means that we all need to be aware that any one driving a car or van is in control of a lethal weapon that has been used to kill tens of people.

We need to be vigilant for any bag left unattended which should be investigated. Anyone wearing a thick jacket or coat should not be offended when asked to open it to prove that he or she is not carrying a bomb.

That is how we can all defeat the current wave of horror, and reinforce the civilised values we all share.