Bombing in Egypt's north

A bombing in Egypt's northern city of Alexandria has raised fresh fears of an Islamist extremist revival. On 1 January, a bomb, possibly a suicide bomber, exploded near a church in Alexandria. The blast killed 29 people and wounded 79 others. There have been no claims of responsibility; however, the target indicates that Islamist extremists were the likely culprits. Egypt has had a long and troubled history of Islamist terrorism but in recent years has successfully avoided any major incidents. Attacks that have occurred have been relatively unsophisticated and carried out by lone wolf extremists or small groups of self-radicalised elements unrelated to larger bodies. In recent months there have been increasing concerns that al-Qaeda through its affiliate the Islamic State if Iraq may conduct attacks against Christian interests in Egypt. The ISI has issued several threats against the local Coptic church for its alleged detention of two Muslim woman. Although the claims are unfounded the ISI has used the 'detention' to stir anti-Christian sentiment in Egypt, where tensions are already elevated between the majority Muslim population and large Christian minority. It is possible that an ISI cell conducted attacks; however, as stated the attack remains unclaimed and may well have been the work of a lone wolf. MECASR will continue to monitor this incident with interest. Any ISI involvement will and should cause significant concern for locals and foreigners alike.