Coptic Christians
Nina Shea is free to fantasize at will, provided she does not defy common sense and obvious facts (“Oppression of Christians Is Ignored,” Commentary, March 17).
Any objective observer, or even casual visitors to Egypt, would realize it is nonsense to pretend that thousands of Coptic Christians are forced to flee or convert to Islam. Christians and Muslims live side by side as brothers, despite extremist criminals, who attack without discrimination, to promote an agenda that has nothing to do with religion.
There has never been, nor will there ever be, an exodus of Christians or a mass conversion to Islam. The Copts are proud of their heritage, which is part of the common Egyptian heritage, and nothing will alter the strong fabric of Egyptian society, which has always been united in fraternity and determination to fight terrorism, extremism and distortion of facts.
AHMED MAHER EL SAYED
Ambassador of Egypt
Washington
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
