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As Islamists Flex Muscle, Egypt's Christians Despair
(Wall Street Journal) Yaroslav Trofimov - Before President Hosni Mubarak was toppled on Feb. 11, followers of the ultrafundamentalist Salafi strain of Islam that promotes an austere, Saudi-inspired worldview mostly confined themselves to preaching. Since then, the Salafis have entered the political arena, drawing crowds and swaying government decisions. Salafi militants also have blocked roads, burned churches and killed Copts. The Muslim Brotherhood now says it accepts Copts in all government positions, with the possible exception of president. By contrast, many Salafis believe it is forbidden by Islam for Christians to exercise political power over Muslims in any capacity, such as governors, mayors or ministers.