A clash between two Islams

So it is not merely Western critics who believe that Islamic fundamentalism is damaging and endangering the place of Islam in the world, but the Muslim leader of the most populous Arab nation. Al-Sisi underscored his words by visiting a Coptic Christmas mass, something that no other Egyptian president has ever done.

At a time when some Muslim spokespeople — like radical cleric Anjem Choudary — choose confrontation and threats, an actual leader is pursuing peace and reconciliation. Some have even suggested that al-Sisi should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, though it is perhaps a bit early for that kind of talk.

At any rate, it is clear, from Pakistan to Iraq to Nigeria, that there is Muslim support for the angry and violent approach. It will be interesting to see whether there is similar support for President al-Sisi’s more civilized take. The future of the Islamic world, and of the world as a whole, will depend on which approach wins out.