Monthly Archives: October 2013

Egypt and Political Satire

Will political satire survive in Egypt? Since January 2011, satirist Bassem Youssef has become Egypt’s most popular comedian. He has poked fun at nearly every one of Egypt’s political elite, and his merciless, biting jokes about ex-president Morsi’s poor performance and … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, June30 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Egyptian Aak. Week 43

Main Headlines  Monday The attack on Warraq church: From wedding to funeral Egyptian Christians fear chaos after wedding bloodshed Egypt supports Saudi Arabia’s rejectionof UNSC seat Military intelligence denies illegal dealwith kidnappers of Egyptian drivers in Libya Ansar Bayt al-Maqdisclaims … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

General Sissi is no savior for Egypt’s non-Islamists

Quick glances at the events that lead to the June 30 protests and the subsequent army take-over on July 3rd are enough for any observer to understand that Sissi’s success came mainly in his ability to garner a wide coalition … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, June30 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Egyptian Aak. Week 42

Main Headlines  Monday Obama sends Eid greetings to Egypt Interim President Adly Mansour Latest mediation between Islamists and Egypt government reaches stalemate Police fire teargas at Alexandria  pro-Morsi protesters Public prosecution to investigate death of U.S. citizen in prison Authorities … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, June30 | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mosques and Politics in Egypt

Nothing reflects the essence of Islam better than the pilgrimage to Mecca. It sums up the faith in a nutshell; humility, reflection, and most importantly, equality. In the haj, women stand side by side with men; the rich stand alongside the … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Egyptian Aak. Week 41

Main headlines  Monday Triple attacks in Egypt following day of clashes Prosecutor general initiates investigation into violence of the last 2 days Egypt’s stocks climb to 8-Month high as investors ignore violence Canadians freed in Egypt still face travel ban … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

4 Reasons Why US Shouldn’t Reduce Aid to Egypt

I wrote this piece for AlMonitor.  I tried to provide an Egyptian  perspective on the U.S. military aid reduction move It’s hard to find any written analysis about America and Egypt without mention of the $1.3 billion aid package the United … Continue reading

Posted in Egypt | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Egypt’s Dreaded War Anniversary

In fractured nations, anniversaries and national days become dreaded occasions that ignite deep concerns, rather than joyful celebrations. The 40th anniversary of the 1973-Yum Kippur War is just one example. This year’s celebration is associated with the most divisive and … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Egyptian Aak. Week40

 Main headlines  Monday Egypt army chief El-Sisi pushed towards presidential run http://t.co/HMFb9eDMIb Gunmen kill 3 policemen in northern Sinai International Brotherhood establishes new organization to enable Islamists to power 146 protests and 10 student arrests in universities and schools Canadian Prime … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments