The United States of America welcomed the democratic transitions occurring in North Africa and the Middle East, especially in Egypt, Libya and Tunis. However, in the Department of State annual report, the U.S. expressed its concerns over religious minorities in these countries, including Christians in Egypt.

Likewise, the report condemned the status of freedom of belief in the world, especially aggression against Muslims in Europe and laws opposing the wearing of the niqāb (full facial covering for women) in France and Belgium. [Author not mentioned, al-Ahrām, July 31, p. 1] Read original text in Arabic