In the 1954, there was a movie in Egypt titled "Hassan, Marcus and Cohen." It was based on a stage play written by Naguib Al-Rihani and Badi' Khayri. The movie told the story of three businessmen -- one Muslim, one Christian, and one Jew -- who were able to work together despite their religious differences.
If the movie were to be made today, it would tell a different story. Hassan has driven off Cohen and is in the process of driving off Marcus.
The question Egyptians face today is if Hassan is better off without the friendship of Marcus and Cohen?
Can Hassan really do without the expertise and friendship of Marcus and Cohen? If so, then why do Egyptian leaders go to Europe for medical treatment?
Salafist Imam Abo Ishaq Alheweny recently went to Germany for medical treatment. And when he was well, he sent a message to his Egyptian followers telling them that the west is "hell on earth."
Even though this movie was written in 1954, Hassan, Marcus and Cohen is a beautiful invitation for Egyptians to rethink the world the extremists are creating for them.
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