Rising Religious Tension Sparks Fear In Egyptian CityMany who took part in Egypt's popular uprising hoped it would lead to improved relations between the country's Muslims and the Christian minority.
But in some Egyptian cities, residents say religious tensions are worse than ever. One of the hotspots is the southern Egyptian city of Qena, where there have been several attacks on Christians by Islamist extremists.
This week, thousands of Muslim hardliners are blocking railroad tracks and roads in and out of the city to protest the appointment of a Christian governor.
Qena is a rural governorate renowned for its sugar cane fields. But its capital by the same name has a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel.
Veiled Muslim girls in loose-fitting clothes chat with unveiled Christian friends wearing short sleeves as they amble past fancy shops.
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http://www.npr.org/2011/04/21/135581316/rising-religious-tension-sparks-fear-in-egyptian-city
