Author Archives: nervana111

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About nervana111

Doctor, blogger and Commentator on Middle East issues. The only practising doctor who write in Middle Eastern politics in UK.

Short Comments: Terrorism in Egypt

Posted on August 17, 2015 by nervana111

 In August, security was on very high alert in Egypt . Two events were particularly important: the inauguration of the Suez Canal on August 6, and the second anniversary of the forced dispersal of the sit-ins at Rabaa al-Adaweya and … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Short Comments | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Egyptian Aak 2015 – Week 33 ( August 10 – 16)

Posted on August 16, 2015 by nervana111

Top Headlines President Sisi establishes economic zone around the Suez Canal. (Tuesday) Islamic State’s Egyptian ally says it beheads a Croatian hostage. (Wednesday) Egyptian military aircraft crashed near the border with Libya. (Thursday) Minimal protests to mark Rabaa anniversary. (Friday) … Continue reading →

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Anti-Suez Canal campaign: A belated exercise in popcorn politics

Posted on August 12, 2015 by nervana111

Initially published in Egypt’s Ahram The New Suez Canal has been inaugurated amidst controversial scenes, ranging from the expression of public joy, to mocking, skepticism, and endless articles questioning its economic worth. However, at the heart of the controversy is not … Continue reading →

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Egyptian Aak 2015 – Week 32 ( Aug 3 – 9)

Posted on August 10, 2015 by nervana111

Top Headline Egypt inaugurates a New Suez Canal. (Thursday) Deadline passes for Croatian hostage held by ‪ISIS militants. (Friday) Ousted former president Morsi complains about prison food (Saturday)   ( Photo and comment from Twitter) Main Headlines   Monday Obama … Continue reading →

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Short Comments: On Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Posted on August 5, 2015 by nervana111

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Egypt Ahmad Qattan  (Al Arabiya) Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Qattan, has played down media reports suggesting ties between both countries are strained, adding that bilateral relations are “at their best.” The Saudi Ambassador has … Continue reading →

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Egyptian Aak 2015 – Week 31 ( July 27 – Aug 2)

Posted on August 2, 2015 by nervana111

Top Headlines  Washington delivers F-16s to Egypt. (Thursday) Saudi Arabia and Egypt sign “Cairo declaration.” (Friday) Egypt extends military mandate in the Gulf and Red Sea for 6 months. (Saturday) Schedule for Egypt’s parliamentary elections is expected to be announced next … Continue reading →

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

A collection of posts on the recent Turkish move in Syria and Iraq

Posted on July 28, 2015 by nervana111

Here is a selection of articles on the recent Turkish decision to strike the Kurdish PKK and the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. First, this EDAM discussion paper articulates the possible rationale of the recent Turkish intervention: “The rationale for … Continue reading →

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Egyptian Aak 2015 – Week 30 ( July 20 – 26)

Posted on July 26, 2015 by nervana111

Top Headlines France delivers first batch of Rafale fighter jets to Egypt. (Monday) Egypt’s most wanted militant urges jihad against Sisi. (Wednesday) Ships cross Egypt’s New Suez Canal in first test-run. (Saturday) Egypt extends state of emergency in North Sinai … Continue reading →

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

Iran Deal: A potential kiss of death for liberalism in the Middle East

Posted on July 21, 2015 by nervana111

Initially published in Egypt’s Ahram. After 12 years of diplomatic proposals and 20 months of tough negotiations, theocratic Iran and world powers have reached a nuclear deal that, regardless of its potential advantages, is undoubtedly a victory for smart illiberalism and … Continue reading →

Posted in Best Read, Iran, Middle East, Politics, Syria | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Egyptian Aak 2015 – Week 29 ( July 13- 19)

Posted on July 19, 2015 by nervana111

Top Headlines Italy vows to help Egypt fight terrorism (Monday) El-Sisi says Al-Azhar has failed to renew Islamic discourse (Tuesday) Egypt’s Islamic State affiliate claims rocket attack on naval boat (Thursday) Islamic State claims attack on military checkpoint in North … Continue reading →

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