Al-Qā‘idah in Iraq issued a statement declaring Christians worldwide to be a legitimate target for Jihadists after the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum given for the Egyptian church to release allegedly detained “converts to Islam.” Egypt’s three major churches belittled the threats and announced their complete faith in the Egyptian government’s ability to protect Copts worldwide.

Key Words: al-Qā‘idah – Iraq – Michael Munīr – Father Sergius – Pope Shenouda III – Dr. Ikrām Lam‘ī – Dr. Muhammad Salīm al-‘Awwā – Israel – Bishop Butrus Fahīm