Monthly Archives: December 2013

Middle East Digest: December 2013. Part I Turkey

(Photo from an anti-corruption protest in Ankara, via Twitter) This is a special edition covering December’s events in Turkey, particularly the recent corruption scandal. Hope you enjoy it Main Headlines Deputy PM rules out  “ill will” against Gulen community Gulen rejects labeling … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Turkey | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Egyptian Aak. Week 52 ( Dec 23-29)

Main Headlines Monday Militant group in Egypt’s Sinai warns the military National alliance to support Legitimacy will boycott referendum on draft constitution. Al Jazeera journalist detained in Egypt begins hunger strike Activist sentencing draws domestic and international criticism Brothers Mekki … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organisation?

This piece initially published in The Globe and Mail The designation of the Muslim Brotherhood group as a terrorist organization is the most recent example of a growing political agitation in Egypt, a new climax of an ongoing crisis that has shattered Egyptian … Continue reading

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

Egyptian Aak. Week 51 (Dec 16-22)

Main Headlines  Monday Constitution referendum to be held over one stage in all governorates Egyptian police clash with students outside Cairo University Pro-MB female students shut down faculty of engineering Nour Party confused as Salafi preacher’s edict ordered referendum boycott … Continue reading

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

Morsi, the last caliph-president of Egypt

This piece is  written by Mbayo Lo for Mondoweiss. I read it here  when the former deputy PM of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim has re-blogged it today.    The ousting of Egypt’s now former President Muhammad Morsi, by popular protest in some interpretations, or … Continue reading

Posted in Egypt, Islam, June30, Middle East | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Muslim Brotherhood’s new TV channel unlikely to influence viewers

This piece is published in  Al-Monitor The Rabaa TV channel is in its early days, but already stirring widespread debate — even sarcasm — among some Egyptians. An overtly anti-regime channel broadcasting from Istanbul in support of the Muslim Brotherhood seems an intriguing concept … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, Turkey | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Egyptian Aak. Week 50 (Dec 9-15)

Main Headlines  Monday Fresh clashes between Al-Azhar students and police Egypt army says jihadist leader killed in Sinai Egypt court acquits Qaddafi’s cousin Strong Egypt Party calls for a “no” vote in the upcoming referendum 15 killed in a gasoline … Continue reading

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

Egypt-Turkey: Long, turbulent history

Initially published in Islamist Gate  Ottoman Sultan Selim I, the conquerer of Egypt “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” This famous quote by Mark Twain is highly relevant to the relationship between Egypt and Turkey. Egypt’s decision … Continue reading

Posted in Egypt, Middle East, Politics, Turkey, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Egypt reacts to the news of Negm, Mandela, Sisi

This piece is published in Al-Monitor Two great losses and one poll summarize Egypt’s current struggle in a nutshell. The widespread mourning following the death of Egyptian poet Ahmed Fouad Negm; the sorrow in Egypt for the passing of iconic South African leader Nelson … Continue reading

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Egyptian Aak. Week 49 ( Dec 2- Dec 8)

Main Headlines  Monday Egypt tweaks roadmap; may see presidential vote held first UN calls for amending protest law 23 protesters detained under new protest law to be released on bail Prosecution: appeals release order of 23 protesters detained under new … Continue reading

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