Christian–Muslim Relations in Egypt in the Wake of the Arab Spring
Author: Paul Rowe
Publisher/Publication: Digest of Middle East Studies
Volume/Issue: 22(2)
DOI/ISBN: 10.1111/dome.12034
This article contextualizes the support of the Coptic community to the Arab uprisings and the toppling of President Mubarak. The author examines radicalism, sectarian attacks and links them to political machinations of the previous regime in an attempt to explain the Coptic mass support for fair elections. Moreover, the passing of Pope Shenouda seems to have played an important role in enabling the Coptic community to rally with the rest of the Egyptian population. Nonetheless, the electoral results disappointed the Coptic laymen as a new regime more in tune with Muslim religious priorities would be considered a setback for Coptic interests.
