The article says that while terrorism is not new to Egypt, attacks such as the recent bombing at the Two Saints Church in Alexandria are unique. However, ‘Āshūr is not so sure that al-Qā‘idah alone should be blamed for the attack.

He talks about previous tensions in Egypt, not only between Muslims and Christians, but also between the church and the state. He argues that the timing of the bombing was carefully planned so as to undermine societal stability.

As far as the method of the attack is concerned, he points out that the suspected methods--either a car bomb or suicide bomber--are new to Egypt but common in Iraq. Previous sectarian violence in Egypt followed a completely different pattern.

However, he alleges that there are reasons for current sectarian tensions: the state has failed to meet the people's expectations, and a feeling of xenophobia and intolerance are replacing a long story of co-existence and tolerance.

Still, signs are evident that al-Qā‘idah is being used to advance the goals of foreign countries. What cannot be achieved through war is now achieved through terrorism. Since extremist ideas are so powerful, he says, some powers want to expolit it for their own purposes.