Violence shows need for moderates in Egypt, Pakistan

The new year began on a somber note when a Coptic Christian church in Egypt was bombed while worshippers were leaving from a New Year's Mass. Christian and Muslim relationships worsened when, on Tuesday, the bodyguard of Pakistani governor Salman Taseer assassinated him. The bodyguard stated that he assassinated Mr. Taseer because the governor spoke out against Pakistan's blasphemy law and defended Asia Bibi — a Christian woman who is accused of blasphemy and may face the death penalty. In Pakistan, Ahmadi Muslims, Christians and Hindus have all been charged, some executed, due to what Mr. Taseer rightly deemed a "black law."

Countries like Egypt and Pakistan must empower moderates, thereby marginalizing state and non-state sponsored terrorism. Otherwise, these events will become more and more prevalent.

Ahmed Khan, Aberdeen