The protesters were unequivocal as recently as March. “We are all in this together, Muslims and Christians,” they shouted in Tahrir Square as the revolution gathered pace. “One hand. One hand.”
It is less than three months since the regime fell, the dictator scurrying off to his beachside sanctuary as millions danced on the remains of his oppressive rule. But something has gone badly wrong with Egypt’s revolution: that one hand has splintered.

Fracas between Muslims and Christians that have returned to Cairo, involving little more than stones and harsh words are, in some capacity, understandable if not acceptable, in among a security apparatus concentrating on controlling (some would say stymieing) mass protests. But neglecting to nip the unrest in the bud has led to the shocking escalation in Cairo of interfaith violence that has left 12 dead and more than 60 nursing gunshot wounds. The situation would be worrying enough without the administrative vacuum Egypt now finds itself lumbered with.

 
Authorities have wheeled out the cliché of fearful or chaotic establishments: The Army will respond to any dissention with an “iron fist,” the same instrument wielding in the wake of previous disquiet with varying degrees of failure.
The decision to defer action in this matter shows dreadful judgment and offers little reason to be optimistic about forthcoming elections. Administrations demonstrate their wisdom by anticipating risk rather than reacting to consequence. Distrust and even violence has existed between some sections of the Muslim and Christian communities for a number of years. The Alexandria church bomb in January was the most striking recent example of the dangers of religious hatred.

That cowardly and bilious attack was, of course, utterly deplorable. But it occurred in an Egypt that was supposed to have been confined to the annals of Middle Eastern history.
The post Jan. 25 Egypt was meant to be different, to be a state galvanized by society’s mutual respect and nationhood. That violence is flaring once more risks sullying the image of a civilized and progressive country the revolution painted of Egypt.

Extremists on both sides cannot be allowed to divert the course of Egypt’s renaissance. Tolerance must replace hatred. It may take a long term and concerted effort, including better and more diverse religious education, social activities and civic equality to address the problem. But the exertion is necessary and the rewards ample.
Failure would shame Egypt and shame religions throughout the region. Authorities might be prepared to react with an iron fist. Better still would be to engender a return to Egypt’s “one hand.”