CBS Surprisingly Highlights Persecution of Christians in 'Majority Muslim' Egypt
Sunday's CBS Evening News refreshingly spotlighted the continuing
persecution of the Coptic Christians in Egypt, an ongoing story that the
Big Three networks have largely ignored for months. Correspondent
Elizabeth Palmer zeroed in on the uncertain future for the religious
minority as the country gears for a rare election: "[Egypt's] Christians are deeply worried....Two of the frontrunners in the race with a realistic chance of winning are deeply devout Islamists."
The last time CBS reported on the anti-Christian violence in Egypt was a
news brief on the October 9, 2011 edition of Evening News, according to
a Nexis search. Since January 2011, ABC, NBC, and CBS's morning and
evening newscasts have only mentioned the issue six times.
Anchor Jeff Glor introduced Palmer's report by noting that "Egyptians vote this week in the first free presidential election in six decades. There are thirteen candidates running from all over the political spectrum. But Elizabeth Palmer reports tonight Egypt's largest minority fears their situation may go from bad to worse."
The correspondent began with footage of a Christian worship service in
Cairo, stating that "the Coptic Christian ritual is ancient and
familiar. But outside the door, Egypt now feels unwelcoming and unsafe.
Last May, a Coptic church was set on fire in Cairo. Locals blamed
Muslims in the neighborhood. And then, in October, Christians protesting
the destruction of another church were mowed down by military vehicles."
Palmer
interviewed a Coptic priest and a Christian layman for her report, both
of whom expressed concern for their well-being. Father Pola Marqus of
St. Mary's in Cairo outlined, "We see that in neighboring countries with Islamic leaders, Christians aren't safe...So we're concerned now about getting an Islamist president, too."
The CBS journalist concluded the segment with a sobering figure: "Since the start of Egypt's political upheaval, an estimated 100,000 Christians have already left the country."
While the liberal media have collectively yawned over the persecution
of Christians in Muslim countries, they hyped the supposed
"Islamophobia" of the U.S. Back in 2010, the Big Three networks devoted
52 stories to the controversy over the planned mosque/Islamic center
near New York City's Ground Zero, according to a study done by the MRC's Rich Noyes. More than half (55%) of the clips or reporter comments during these stories slanted towards the pro-mosque side of the issue.
The full transcript of Elizabeth Palmer's report from Sunday's CBS Evening News:
JEFF GLOR: Egyptians vote this week in the first free presidential
election in six decades. There are thirteen candidates running from all
over the political spectrum. But Elizabeth Palmer reports tonight
Egypt's largest minority fears their situation may go from bad to worse.
ELIZABETH PALMER (voice-over): Mass at Saint Mary's in Cairo starts
early at 7:30. Even so, the church is nearly full. The Coptic Christian
ritual is ancient and familiar. But outside the door, Egypt now feels
unwelcoming and unsafe. Last May, a Coptic church was set on fire in
Cairo. Locals blamed Muslims in the neighborhood. And then, in October,
Christians protesting the destruction of another church were mowed down
by military vehicles.
A year and a half ago, millions joined the call from Tahrir Square for
Egyptian democracy. Since then, in this majority Muslim country, Islamic
politicians and parties have flourished. So Christians, says Father
Pola Marqus of Saint Mary's, now feel under siege.
(translating Father Pola Marqus): 'We see that in neighboring countries
with Islamic leaders, Christians aren't safe,' he says. 'So we're
concerned now about getting an Islamist president, too.'
PALMER (on-camera): Egypt's presidential elections are just three days
away now, and the country's Christians are deeply worried. They are
Egypt's largest religious minority, and yet, they don't think that any
of the candidates has made them a priority, or is really capable of
protecting their community.
PALMER (voice-over): Two of the frontrunners in the race with a
realistic chance of winning are deeply devout Islamists. So Christians,
like Youssef Radana, just don't know what to expect.
YOUSSEF RADANA: We are in a hazy period where you cannot predict
exactly what's coming. Could it be good? Yes, but it might be worse.
PALMER: And if it does get worse, what does the future hold for Saint
Mary's? It's full this morning, but perhaps, it won't be for long.
PALMER (on-camera): Since the start of Egypt's political upheaval, an
estimated 100,000 Christians have already left the country. Jeff?
GLOR: Elizabeth Palmer in Cairo- Liz, thank you.
