Oppression or oppression: The Christian dilemma in Islamic states

It was reported in the New York Times yesterday that 'Fearing Change, Many Christians in Syria Back Assad'. It is a sad irony for Christians there that even Iran has called for an end to the Syrian crackdown despiteoppression being the norm in that country.

While the Anglican church herecontents itself with becoming a social club for non-dissenters, fellow Christians elsewhere are prepared to die for their faith subjecting themselves to endlessharassment. [Caution: the harassment link shows distressing images.]

The unintendedconsequences of the Arab Spring have provided a stark reminder that Christians in Iraq werebetter off under Saddam Hussein leaving Christians in Syria impaled on the horns of a dilemma.

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What next for Egypt and the Copts?

Muslim Brotherhood's Khairat al-Shater

Egypt was a cradle of Christianity long before Islam took hold after the Muslim invasion in the 7th Century A.D. The Coptic Church has since been persecuted to the extent that Christians are now a small minority under constant threat - the plight of Christian communities throughout the Middle East. You can read of their plight here. Egypt's Arab Spring advanced the cause of the Muslim Brotherhood aided by their vow not to contest the Presidential elections. That has beenchanged raising fears that they cannot be trusted. Some suggest that the Muslim vote will split  as a consequence but whatever happens, if minorities are not protected the Muslim Brotherhood will be seen as betraying the trust of those who supported them.

Postscript

Shariah Law Is Ultimate Goal of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Presidential Candidate.

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