I read with interest the article “Egypt is not Iraq” (July 4) by Abdulrahman Al-Rashed. The writer has a unique way of highlighting pressing issues. He does not rely on rhetoric to prove his point. His articles are based on facts and figures. We need more of such intellectuals in the Muslim world who have the courage to highlight even the weaknesses of their own people. I fully agree with the views expressed by the writer in his latest article. The problem with most analysts — western or non-western — is that they try to assess all the countries in the Middle East using the same approach and tend to ignore their unique characteristics. It is true that the countries facing problems are Arab and predominantly Muslim but they all have a distinct culture and different social and political traits. An approach that might work in Iraq will never work if used in Syria or Egypt. Without properly understanding the social fabric of a country and realizing the political dynamics, permanent solution to the ongoing problems will remain elusive. The sectarian divide in Egypt is not as deep as in Iraq. Treating Egypt as Iraq will be a huge mistake and will aggravate the situation.