The Maspero Youth Union and  political groups are calling to grant a clear role in reviewing and censoring publications to Al-Azhar. They say extremist books have been partially responsible for church burnings and have helped fan the flames of sectarian conflict. The MYU wishes to guarantee a very important role for Al-Azhar to review books which espouse extremism or include fundamentalist thought. Rīhām Ibrāhīm, advisor to the Grand Muftī of Al-Azhar, welcomed the Maspero Youth Union’s idea, saying that the Azhar would step up its efforts to review books so as to counter the efforts of people who are trying to spread extremism and damage society (Rānīā Talhah and ‘Abd Allah Muftāh, al-Masriyīn, Aug. 22). Read original text in Arabic.  

(Rob Bental, Intern)