Extremists are carrying out one attack after the other. After Charlie Hebdo came the brutal murder of a Jordanian pilot which was immediately followed by Jordanian air strikes and the hanging of Islamists in prison. On February 14 Jihadist attacks in Copenhagen resulted in two deaths. One day later a video  appeared of Islamist extremists in Libya killing 21 Coptic Christians whom they had kidnapped in December and January.

It is clear that the attacks are targeting anyone who is not a believer in the radical ‘Takfiri Jihadi’ thought. I have been speaking with a priest close to the village were 13 Copts had come from and a Coptic friend in Assiut. I have written a draft analysis on the motivations and possible responses and sent this to prominent Muslim and non-Muslim friends of Arab-West Report. This has resulted in the analysis we are presenting here.

Source: Copts United 2015

Muslims in Egypt are upset about the use of the name Islamic State in Western media since this name associates the Islam to extremist thoughts that they are not only totally opposed to, but are also a victim of. Discussions with experts resulted in using the term ‘Takfiri Jihadis’ since this best explains the ideology they are adhering to: declaring their opponents kafir (unbeliever). With this dialogue, in their view, is not needed nor desired.

The paper describes potential responses to this radically violent ideology. A military response is difficult and because of this their ideology must be addressed. We need to realize that these radical groups found fertile ground in the injustices that indeed have been committed to Muslims in the past, as-well-as the failed states that are no longer able to provide for their citizens.  It is for this reason, extremely important that Egypt maintains its developing economy and continues to provide for its citizens.

For the full analysis on see Arab-West Report.