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?

How do we honour the three policemen, presumably Muslim, who knowingly gave their lives when they grappled with a suicide bomber to prevent him reaching St Mark’s Cathedral? How do we explain that loss to their children? How do we reassure their colleagues who may face another suicide bomber?

How do we dilute the hatred of self and others needed to carry out these atrocities be they international or domestic? Is it even possible to build a bridge between our world, one for all its faults we believe civilised, and medieval caliphate the barbarians demand?

Sadly, the pressure to answer these very difficult questions increases with every atrocity.