President Al-Sisi is making Egyptians live through a nightmare. Their currency is deteriorating, investments are declining, there are no employment opportunities, and security is poor. Al-Sisi is either marginalising or criminalising his opponents. In return these opponents are doing their utmost to destroy the country that does not recognise them as citizens. The cement blocks surrounding many government buildings as protection from terrorists reflect the present narrow ruling mentality. These blocks are not only physical barriers; they also form a mental barrier which only allows decision-makers to see security from one angle. Meanwhile terrorists are finding many vulnerable targets to attack and regrettably quite successfully. Al-Sisi’s authoritarian style requires a stricter compliance with religious affairs legislation. This is not to the advantage of the large Coptic minority, who have been tolerated but now are being targeted. In the midst of this change there is a small but growing community of Christian converts. See also: