An evil driven by blind hatred: Suicide attacks in Egypt

Even in an age almost inured to the savagery of terrorists or dictators who use chemical weapons against their citizens, the Palm Sunday attacks on two Coptic churches in Egypt, that left 44 people dead and scores more injured, seem exceptional.

Carried out by zealots who, by any rational criteria are dangerously deranged, they articulate an evil that challenges the fundamental beliefs of liberal, increasingly tolerant, western society.

How do we respond? With force to destroy the fascists behind the attacks? By turning the other cheek again? By working harder to end the conditions that seem such fertile ground for the radicalisation of emigrants who have, for cultural or religious reasons in deep conflict with our world view, refused to assimilate in their adopted countries?