Tragedy of a Student Bomber

Days after the bombing in Khan El-Khalili, the police were still searching around Al Musky street for the perpetrator’s hands to find a way to identify the killer. At the same time, the uncle of Hassan, 17, watched the news and thought pictures of the blasted corpse resembled his nephew, missing since 24 hours before the explosion. He called the authorities. Today Hassan is world news.

In his apartment, police found CD’s about raging holy wars and making bombs. In his aunt’s home, 43 fireworks were found, from which gunpowder had been extracted.

Difficulties in dealing with his father’s death in August led Hassan to extreme ways of interpreting religion. Outwardly, he was just pious. Inwardly, he was so hurt he had to find answers to all injustices done to him -- and someone to blame.

This is what scares me, Suzi. Again we hear the story about how disenchanted young Egyptian men seek comfort in religion, but find justification for revenge.