Letter: Fundamentalism in Algeria and Egypt

Sir: I have no intention to address the issues raised in Robert Fisk's article 'Algeria's past may be Egypt's future' (21 February) in any detail. Unfortunately, some observers and analysts of the Middle East have fallen before into the trap of comparing Egypt to Algeria when it comes to Islamic fundamentalism. Surprisingly, Mr Fisk was not immune from that.

Algeria and Egypt are sister Arab countries. However, comparing Egypt to Algeria in the present circumstances ignores the historical and cultural backgrounds, social fabric, socio-economic relations as well as the institutional and educational set-ups in both countries.

Yours sincerely,

MOHAMED SHAKER

Ambassador

Embassy of the Arab Republic

of Egypt

London, W1

18 February