It is really sad to read about the ongoing bloodshed in Egypt. All parties in Egypt should realize that at the end of the day they alone would be affected by the current situation.

Political and religious leaders from across the country should rise to the occasion by urging their supporters to refrain from violence and settle their differences peacefully.

Waste of precious lives and properties will only weaken an already crumbling economy of Egypt. It is a litmus test for the Egyptian Army chief’s abilities to pull the country out of this crisis. On the other hand, the Muslim Brotherhood should also act in a responsible manner and in the larger interest of the country and the people of Egypt.

They should accept people’s verdict, although the manner in which it was implemented (through army intervention) is highly questionable. But somebody has to take an initiative to stop the bloodshed. Vice-President Mohammad El-Baradei has set a very noble example by tendering his resignation in protest over the use of excessive force that led to scores of death. Brotherhood and other stakeholders should also play a positive role to find an amicable solution to the standoff. — Shahzad Khan, Dammam