Thousands of tourists are drawn to Sharm for its sun, clear blue water, and coral reefs. It also has been a meeting place where world leaders have tried to hammer out a Mideast peace agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas met there in February and agreed to a cease-fire.

This has nothing to do with Iraq. It has to do with Egypt, a leading Muslim/Arab nation, having a secular government. It may also have a lot to do with Egypt having reasonable conversations with Israel, and brokering other such conversations.

Mubarak is especially proud of this resort area. These crimes will sit especially poorly with the government for that reason. Unfortunately, it may result in a crackdown on all political opposition just at a time when Mubarak was beginning to respond to pressure to open the political process a little.

But maybe that was the point. If you are a radical, the whole idea is to make sure we are all radicals. That way there is no sane choice left. Oh, oops. No right choice left. Trying again: No sane choice remaining.