Another Wave of Terrorism in Egypt

An Explosion in the Heart of Islamic Cairo that Hits Tourism Industry
Aya Kordy

Tourism in Egypt expanded rapidly over the past few years and was greatly supported by an aggressive worldwide advertisement campaign encouraging tourists to visit the historical capital of the world. The Passport and the Immigration Office in the Ministry of Interior Affairs stated that 11.1 million tourists visited Egypt in 2007, compared to about 12.8 million tourists in 2008, with an increase of 15.9%.

The positive increase of the number of tourists in 2009 was later threatened due to a terrorist attack in Egypt’s most visited market. This took place on the 22nd of February at 6:30 pm when the tragic terrorist attack occurred in one of the most historic markets in the world, Khan el-Khalili market, killing a 17-year old French teenager and injuring around 24 others including Egyptians, Saudis and Germans. The blast took place in front of one of Cairo’s most respected holy places, the Hussein mosque. Blood blemished the stones in front of the mosque, where men had been performing their evening prayers. Seconds later, military forces rained on the area and directed a total lockdown of the square. While officers were investigating, ambulances carried the wounded to the nearby Al-Hussein University Hospital.

Police investigators came up with two theories; one theory believed that the bomb was placed in a bag left under one of the stone benches around the square. The other believed that the bomb was purposely thrown from the window of the nearby Al-Hussein Hotel; nevertheless, none of the theories has yet been confirmed.

A few hours later, a sound of another explosion took place; luckily it was a controlled explosion after the police found the bomb and safely diffused it. Security officials stated that there was no immediate claim of responsibility by any activist or religious group; nonetheless, three suspects had been taken into custody. Furthermore, Islamic extremists regard the attack as a reaction to Israel’s appalling attack in Gaza last month, and Egypt’s non-cooperation with the Palestinians.

Over the last 20 to 30 years, the United Nations has approved more than 13 conventions that attempted to eliminate terrorist activities; however, terrorism is still on the increase in the world. Among other countries Egypt was placed on the map of possible terrorist attacks. Examples are numerous. In September 1997, 10 foreigners were killed due to terrorists throwing firebombs on a tourist bus, outside the Egyptian Museum. In November 1997, Egypt’s Islamic militants killed 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians near the southern city of Luxor. In October 2004, 34 were killed and dozens injured when suicide bombers attacked Taba and Ras Shitan. In April 2005, three tourists were killed when a suicide bomber set off his explosive device on Al-Moski Street near the popular Khan al Khalili bazaar in Cairo. In July 2005, at least 83 were killed and more than 200 were injured in a triple bombing in Sharm el-Sheik, “Egypt’s deadliest terror attack ever”. In April 2006, 23 were killed and 85 wounded in a triple bombing in Dahab.

Evidently, terrorism has increased since the end of the 20th century. Statistics prove that the probability of a terrorist attack occurring increases every year. Many would agree that terrorism threatens to undo a generation of multilateral efforts for human development, encouraged by principles of social justice and human rights. Tourism is Egypt’s most profitable industry, worth about $6.6 billion a year; therefore, officials fear that over time tourism’s income would decrease.

Furthermore, reacting to the Khan El Khalili crisis, more than three thousand Egyptian youth belonging to the newly established 14th of February Movement meandered around the market giving a rose to every tourist, apologizing for the outrageous behavior of other fellow citizens. The Egyptian youth explained that those terrorists do not embody the Egyptian people, and that Egypt respects and values foreign countries. These young Egyptians stunned the world and gave hope in a better future.