"If there is a new state, presumably there will be more religious tolerance," says Middle East author and analyst Geneive Abdo. "We can only hope so."

"Many people are hoping there will be a more pluralistic government that will embrace the Christian Copts," says Qamar-ul Huda, a senior program officer at the US Institute of Peace.

Watch excerpts from remarks by Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan, who made his first visit to the US since the Obama administration lifted a six-year-old ban against him.

Former diplomat Thomas Farr is concerned the Obama administration has yet to fill this important position.

"Any conflicts between Muslims and Copts, in the subway or the market, will always end up being taken in the religious context," says Refat Lakousha, a professor at Alexandria University.

Watch a panel of reporters discuss the most significant religion and ethics news of 2009.

Tufts University international relations professor Vali Nasr and veteran Middle East correspondent Kate Seelye, now a vice president at the Middle East Institute in Washington, discuss President Obama's speech to the world's Muslims.

Read comments and analysis by religious leaders, scholars, and others on President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim world.