Islamic State claimed credit for both massacres, as it likes to do whether its minions were responsible or not. But the killings were the devil\u2019s work, another case of the expanding jihadist campaign against Egypt\u2019s Christian minority. Coptic Pope Tawadros had finished leading Palm Sunday services when the bomber struck at Saint Mark\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi denounced the attacks, but they raise more questions about his government\u2019s competence in protecting the Copts. The jihadist assaults have become as regular as Easter or Christmas. Three policemen lost their lives trying to stop the bomber, but Egypt\u2019s intelligence and security services appear to be on the back foot against the Islamic State\u2019s Egyptian affiliate, Sinai Province. Copts make up about 10% of Egypt\u2019s 92 million people, but many are looking to emigrate amid the jihadist terror wave.<\/p>\n
The attacks also cast doubt on Mr. Sisi\u2019s ability to protect Pope Francis when he visits Egypt later this month. <\/p>\n