As turmoil from Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt spreads throughout the Muslim world, Christian communities in the region are increasingly concerned. They fear Islamic extremist groups could exploit political instability throughout the Middle East and create dangerous conditions for C

Many believe the rash of uprisings gained momentum after weeks of unrest in Tunisia, where extended protests toppled President Zine al-Abidine Ben in January. The call for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down was mirrored by King Abdullah II of Jordan’s removal of the country’s prime minister and cabinet.

Christians in these Muslim-led countries have battled persecution for decades. Now, with unrest rising throughout the region, the crisis for Christians could reach epic proportions.

Coptic Christians Seek Refuge

Nabil moved his family to the United States from Egypt twenty years ago. With the Internet down in the North African country, the Coptic Christian learned by telephone his relatives have been locked down in their home since the protests began. He told Crosswalk.com that they haven’t left their home to buy food or tend to their jewelry business because of safety concerns.

Coptic Christians like Nabil make up about ten percent of the total population in Egypt. Believers in both the U.S. and Egypt say the future doesn’t look good for Christians in the Middle East.

“The Muslim Brotherhood wants to use Shari’a law and it is really very bad for Egypt,” said Nabil. “They want everyone to convert to Islam.”

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Russ Jones is an award winning journalist and co-publisher of Christian Press Newspaper (ChristianPress.com) and media consultant located in Newton, Kansas. Jones holds degrees from the University of Missouri and St. Paul School of Theology.