Nervana

This Week in Egypt: Week 33 ( August 13-19)

Posted on August 20, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Egypt’s Sisi ratifies law tightening control over websites
Egypt prosecution refers killers of Bishop Epiphanius to criminal court
Egyptian president Sisi meets Saudi King Salman in Neom City
Egypt’s central bank keeps interest rates unchanged
Israeli official confirms head of Egyptian intelligence met with Netanyahu
Abbas rejection of Israeli-Hamas truce creating tension with Egypt
Archaeologists excavating an ancient Egyptian tomb have found a 3,200 year-old piece of cheese

Main Headlines

Monday

Six terrorists have been killed in a security raid in 6th of October city, Giza
Police arrest suicidal monk for involvement in Egyptian Bishop Epiphanius’s murder
Police arrest terrorist cell behind suicide bombing of Cairo church
Sisi inaugurates national projects in Upper Egypt including new Assiut barrage

Tuesday

Egypt voices concern over Red Sea securityafter Houthi attack
Second sphinx discovered in Luxor
Egyptian Coptic Popemeets with brother of monk who killed Bishop Epiphanius
East Port Said receives €70m in German investments

Wednesday

Egyptian president Sisi meets Saudi King Salman in Neom City
Egypt’s unemployment rate dropsto 9.9% in Q2 of 2018
Egypt to send emergency aid to flood-stricken Sudan
Egyptian actor Khaled Abol Naga reiterates his support for gay rights

Thursday

Egypt’s central bank keeps interest rates unchanged
‎Egypt’s strategic wheat reserves enough for 4 months
Egypt’s Sisi discusses solutions for Libya, Syria conflicts with France’s Macron
Egypt’s Sisi approves USAID grant to improve water services
Egypt’s Sisi allocates 94.49 feddans of South Sinai to Armed forces
Ethiopian ambassadorhas concluded 18 months of work in Egypt
Egypt’s railway introduces mobile application for ticket booking

Friday

Israeli official confirms head of Egyptian intelligence met with Netanyahu
Archaeologists excavating an ancient Egyptian tomb have found a 3,200 year-old piece of cheese

Saturday

Egypt’s Sisi ratifies law tightening control over websites
Coptic Orthodox Church calls on unrecognized monasteries to be supervised
Former Egyptian presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq has decided to retire from politics
Family of imprisoned activist Ahmed Douma reveals details of assault
Journalist Peter Greste is prepared to sue Al-Jazeera

Sunday

Cyprus extradites Egyptian hijacker who dropped legal fight
Abbas rejection of Israeli-Hamas truce creating tension with Egypt
Egypt reveals details of skeletons found inside a sarcophagus
Egypt prosecution refers killers of Bishop Epiphanius to criminal court
State-security prosecutionadds blogger Islam al-Refai, photojournalist Zeinab Abu Ouna to Case 441/2018

Good Reports

Egypt has transformed from a crisis zone into a haven for debt investors. Bloomberg’s Netty Idayu Ismail and Ahmed Feteha
Hajj plans are jeopardisedby higher fees, living costs in Egypt. Reuters
Harvard Ranks Egypt third fastest developing economyin the coming decade. Egyptian Streets

And related to Egypt:

How deep is Dahlan involved in Israel-Hamas talks? Al-Monitor’s Shlomi Eldar

Good Read

On feminism and marriage in Egypt. Ghadeer Ahmed
Egypt’s new political system of one: its president. Ellis Goldberg

From Twitter

https://twitter.com/romanysh/status/1029049459576061952?s=21

https://twitter.com/romanysh/status/1029049462210142208?s=21

https://twitter.com/romanysh/status/1029049463334232065?s=21

https://twitter.com/romanysh/status/1029049464705757195?s=21

#Egypt’s Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Mohamed Zaki travels to #Russia Today in an official visit extends for several days, During it he will attend the 5th Egyptian-Russian Military Committee & participate in the International Military Forum (#Army2018). pic.twitter.com/3aUlFoYggL

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) August 19, 2018

#ISRAEL The head of #Egypt's General Intelligence, General Abbas #Kamel, visited #TelAviv today to discuss with Israeli officials ways forward to reaching an agreement with #Hamas in #Gaza, says the Pan-Arab daily Al Hayat. pic.twitter.com/6zCU5zCR0e

— Children of Peace (@ChildrenofPeace) August 16, 2018

The death of a bishop in the Coptic Christian Church in Egypt, under circumstances that seem worthy of a Dan Brown novel, has become "a shock to the entire church," says an expert on the faith https://t.co/DK5DF04c4L

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 19, 2018

The detention of #Egypt|ian blogger Wael Abbas was extended 15 days today in relation to Case No. 441, via @KarimAbdelrady. He's been in pretrial detention since he was arrested from his home on May 23 at dawn, making for a total of 85 days. pic.twitter.com/qQsOXjPF8j

— Mai El-Sadany (@maitelsadany) August 16, 2018

Update: Giza Criminal Court renewed on Saturday the detention of journalists Hassan al-Banna and Mostafa al-Asar for an additional 45 days, according to lawyer Mokhtar Mounir, who added that the court session took place two days prior to the announcement of the detention renewal pic.twitter.com/XFdciCDFoY

— Mada Masr مدى مصر (@MadaMasr) August 18, 2018

Sometimes voices on Twitter are a reminder that #Egypt has myths not history & rememberances but not memory.

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1031331044232900608

#Egypt’s waters hold some of the richest ecosystems in the world.I accompanied the Minister of Environment,Dr. Yasmine Fouad,in one of the most formidable of these waters, Ras Mohammed Protectorate & National Park.Safeguarding and nurturing these treasures is a national priority. pic.twitter.com/wnYqAk1ejE

— Rania A. Al Mashat (@RaniaAlMashat) August 7, 2018

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Cairo, Egypt was built in 1924. It was designed by Levon Nafilyan, a French-Armenian architect. Armenians have had a presence in Egypt that dates all the way back to the 5th century. pic.twitter.com/esGwLUbztp

— Armenian History (@ArmenianHist) August 17, 2018

Ancient Egypt: Cheese discovered in 3,200-year-old tomb https://t.co/6Lr4CAIQIG pic.twitter.com/mjoVspAryu

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) August 18, 2018

https://twitter.com/Masroholic/status/1031204995847389184

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Ancient cheese, Cyber-law, Cyprus, Egypt, Neom, Palestinian reconciliation | Leave a comment

This Week in Egypt: Week 32 ( August 6-12)

Posted on August 12, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Egypt’s security forces thwarted a suicide bomb attack on a church outside Cairo
Egypt’s Sisi receives Abu_Dhabi Crown Prince in Cairo
Egypt rated ‘B’ by global credit agency, with ‘positive outlook’
Egypt’s annual core inflation down to 8.5%
Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues hit $15.8 billion in past 3 years
Disgraced monk confesses to murder of Egyptian Bishop Epiphanius
UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed briefly visited Cairo

Main Headlines

Monday

Egyptian air forces destroy 15 smuggler vehicles at western border
Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues hit $15.8 billion in past 3 years
Troubles continue for Egypt’s Saint Macarius Monastery as one Monk is dismissed and another attempted suicide

Tuesday

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed begins official visit to Egypt
Egypt is rated ‘B’ by global credit agency, with positive outlook
Egypt football fans are gradually allowed to return to stadiums

Wednesday

Egypt announces solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its spat with Canada
Egypt’s cabinet approves law to protect personal data of citizens
Alexandria to receive first electric bus in a few days

Thursday

IMF director claims Egypt’s economy will improve after 3 years
Haram district chief is arrested for receiving a bribe

Friday

Egypt’s annual core inflation down to 8.5%
At least 12 governors to be reshuffled next week in Egypt
Parliament approves Egypt’s first sovereign wealth fund
More housing units are available in the New Administrative Capital
Egypt’s real state taxcountdown begins
Police seize 4.6 million smuggled narcotic tablets through the Suez Canal

Saturday

Egypt’s security forces thwarted a suicide bomb attack on a church outside Cairo
Prosecutors order the detention of the defrocked monk over Bishop Epiphanius murder
Disgraced monk confesses to murder of Egyptian Bishop Epiphanius
Boat crew rescues 30 German tourists from drowning in Egypt’s in Hurghada

Sunday

Egypt: Security Forces Kill 12 Islamic Militants in Sinai
Egypt police reveal identity of bomber behind Saturday’s failed church attack
Egypt hands Muslim Brotherhood leader another life sentence
Egypt’s private sector activity kicked off the new fiscal year with expansion
Death toll among Egyptian pilgrims rises to 9 ahead of Hajj
Sisi inaugurates major power project, national museum in Upper Egypt

Good Reports

Cairo breathes sigh of relief as Saudi oil exports resume through Bab el-Mandeb. David Awad
Cairo and Rome are carefully repairing relations 2 years after researcher’s murder. Muhammed Magdy

Good Read

On the Egyptian democratic transition– Review of David Kirkpatrick “Into the Hands of the Soldiers. Maged Atiya
Water Wars on the Nile. Daniel Benaim and Michael Wahid Hanna

From Twitter

#Egypt police reveal identity of bomber behind failed #attack on #Qalioubiya #church https://t.co/s4CtNiPfUB #mostorod #VirginMary #Mostord pic.twitter.com/rHYY27FGoH

— Ahram Online (@ahramonline) August 12, 2018

Thankful for failure of suicide bombing attempt in #Egypt today. Could potentially have killed/injured hundreds because of #StMaryFast vigils across the country. Praying safety on all gathered for prayer and worship. Praying also for family of the bomber, who alone lost his life

— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) August 11, 2018

#Erdogan looks increasingly like a #Hitler as he asks the audience to stand up and salute with his invention of #Rabia sign he borrowed from the street protests of Muslim Brotherhood in #Egypt. He says the cost of freedom is sacrificing lives. pic.twitter.com/JvRkX4LDJE

— Abdullah Bozkurt (@abdbozkurt) August 12, 2018

#Saudi – #Canada row update:
•Saudi freezes scholarships, student exchanges, trade (~15,000 Saudi student in Canada)
•OIC, Egypt, UAE, Palestinian Authority express support for Saudi
•CA Ambassador due to leave tonight
•No official Canada reaction yet

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) August 6, 2018

Conscripts Who serve in The #Sinai Peninsula Are divided to 2nd/3rd Armies & CSF (Ministry of Interior)

The training of thoses conscripts are differ from 2nd to 3rd armies according to the terrorism activity & risks faces the troops in Sinai areas (North/Central/South).

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) August 6, 2018

Army Forces recruits who deploy to northern Sinai get highly Physical training in compare with other [recruits] Who serve in any other area in #Egypt despite those who are in the (SF/ RDF). pic.twitter.com/JrZhtp4kMQ

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) August 6, 2018

One of the Main Training Stages For Conscripts Who serve in Northern #Sinai, Is the Training on Check points & military outposts And dealing with the Sinai Peninsula Terrain before being deployed to the Operations areas. pic.twitter.com/FfC6aFCgzt

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) August 6, 2018

https://twitter.com/mahmouedgamal44/status/1026275290706862081

Young girls in #Egypt are defying their community's gender and societal norms by practicing parkour with hopes of becoming the first #women to join Parkour Egypt team. pic.twitter.com/P7om3MQ7ae

— Egyptian Streets (@EgyptianStreets) August 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1028537336114511872

40% of #Egypt’s 104.2 million people are under the age of 18, which means the country needs to create about 42 million jobs in the next 30 years to absorb them into the labor market! https://t.co/6AwZ99dmFh #YouthDay pic.twitter.com/SoELiytERf

— World Bank (@WorldBank) August 11, 2018

A wonderful promotional film sent to us by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities celebrating the opening of the Sohag museum! Enjoy! #Egypt #History #Archaeology pic.twitter.com/89l85e3OKr

— Nigel J.Hetherington (@Pastpreservers) August 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/Egypt_Football/status/1028627825023172609

One of the main reasons to live in Egypt is mango, if you haven’t tasted Egyptian mango, you probably don’t know what good mango tastes like, a gift we got tonight 🙂 pic.twitter.com/fy0n7TLFG3

— Hany Ragy (@Hragy) August 11, 2018

Sports

After 22 years, Essam el-Hadary, Egypt’s National team goal-keeper quits international football

Plus

British tourism thrives in Egypt, bookings are up 51%
Egypt finally opens doors for branches of foreign universities

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Coptic Bishop, Coptic Church, Egypt, Sinai, UAE | Leave a comment

Twitter Thread: The Crisis within Egypt’s Coptic Church

Posted on August 5, 2018 by nervana111

In the light of last week’s sad murder of Coptic Bishop Epiphanius, here is a fascinating collection of tweets discussing the delicate crisis within Egypt’s Coptic Church, mainly by Samual Taros, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute, with contribution from Maged Atiya (@salamamoussa).

After its early centuries, when the Church of Alexandria was the leading center of Christian thought and theology, the church went through a period of decline for several reasons:

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

The move to Cairo and slow embrace of Arabic further separated the church from its own tradition and fathers. The Theological School’s replacement by the monasteries contributed to this development and so did the later destruction of the monasteries at the hands of Berbers.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

A vision of Revival and Reform emerged at hands of Pope Kyrillos IV which focused on education and reform of church administration, but was short lived.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

One light in the dark was Saint Habib Guirguis who attempted to revive the church through his writings and establishment of Sunday school. (Read @BishopSuriel book on him)

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

However, unable to access the writings of the Fathers, such efforts often relied on Catholic criticism of Protestantism and Protestant criticism of Catholicism to counter both sides. Some of these idea continue to shape current Coptic understandings.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

In the 50’s and 60’s fights were mainly between Giza & Shubra. Between a vision that emphasized social work & one focused on spiritual revival. Ultimately however fights became the fiercest between Nazir Gayed (later Bishop/Pope Shenouda) & Yousef Iskandar (Fr. Matthew the Poor)

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

Pope Shenouda had been a disciple of Fr. Matthew and abandoned his group in late 50’s. The feud started on personal grounds but soon took a theological grounding.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

On one hand was Fr. Matthew, with a vision that rejected church involvement in both social work & state affairs. Only mission of Church is to lead sinners to Christ. Moreover, his writings driven by a rediscovery of Fathers took a sharp turn away from contemp Coptic teaching

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

On the other side was Pope Shenouda who rejected Deification and emphasized Substitution theories of Salvation. Part of the clash took a political form with the role Fr. Matthew played in the conflict between Pope Shenouda and President Sadat.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

There remained Fr. Matthew. His books were banned, his followers persecuted. He remained in his monastery where disciples gathered around him. By early 2000’s Pope Shenouda devoted his sermons to attacking Fr. Matthew. Bishop Bishoy was his enforcer in this.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

The translation of the Fathers’ writings into Arabic by people like Noshy Abdel Shahid & Dr. Joseph Faltas revolutionized the conversation. Young Copts began accessing the Fathers and making their own judgments, often in opposition to Pope Shenouda's views.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

@PopeTawadros views on ecumenicism, willingness to cancel rebaptism of Catholics, change dates of Christmas and Easter, and other steps angered the old guard.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

The old guard went nuts. For them this was pure heresy. Utilizing social media they launched groups like Defenders of the Faith to attack their opponents such as Bishop Epiphanius, Bishop Angelous, Fr. Seraphim El Baramousy.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

These groups are directly backed by the Bishopric of Youth and used to counter what they deem as heresies among clergy and among new generation of scholars emerging in church such @amgd_beshara, Ashraf Bashir & @DonnaMRizk (everyone should follow her)

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

Let me add in case my own views are unclear. I was a student of Pope Shenouda in Theological Seminary in early 2000's, my father was a friend of Bishop Samuel (named me after him). I am no theology expert, but my own views align with Fr. Matthew

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

For those interested in Father Matthew the Poor's writings, I would start by reading the Orthodox Prayer Life https://t.co/4LuSSXLmuM

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 30, 2018

Today the Monasticism Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church issued a number of decisions https://t.co/fu3SpFKoON

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) August 2, 2018

4. No ordination of monks into priesthood for 3 years
5. Laity is not allowed to attend monastic ordinations
6. Monasteries welcome visitors only during 3 days of week & no visitors during Fasting before Christmas & Easter
7. Focus on monks' spiritual life

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) August 2, 2018

11. Monks with social media accounts given a period of one month to close their accounts.
12. Application of Monastic Guidelines issued by Holy Synod in June 2013

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) August 2, 2018

At same time, old guard must be very happy with the social media part as they were going nuts with the success Fr. Seraphim El Baramousy was having on social media.

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) August 2, 2018

The increased interest in Abouna Matta El Meskeen by young well-educated #Copts born or raised in the West is understandable. He is a very seductive figure. But we could benefit from a fuller understanding on the ultimate impact of his message

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

The surprising thing is the absence of interest in an equally towering figure from the same era as Abouna Matta – Bishop Gregorious. An educated, urbane, devout & thoroughly modern man who shied away from mystical wanderings.

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

The "theological crisis" is a proxy for a deeper identity problem- 2 questions face today's #Copts without easy answers
1- Can one be a Copt without any connection to even vesitigal #Egyptian identity?
2- Can one be a Copt without being religiously observant?

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

Matta El Meskeen offers young educatd #Copts an authentic hermeneutics that bypass these difficult questions – for the moment. But answered they must be- and a reckoning with the #Coptic identity is inevitable

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

Bishop Gregorious (1919-2001) offers an entirely different model for a church leader – away from Shenouda's political activism or Matta's mysticisim. A vision of being a #Copt as an intellectual pursuit with moderation & tolerance

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

As a layman (Wahib Attallah) Bishop Gregorious ran a series of lectures in the Tawfiqia school in Shoubra for young #Copts. His message was that the study of modern Western philosophy is essential to the humane & moral life

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

Gregorious' interest in philology & history ultimately placed him on the same side as Western scholars whose interest in the Copts stemmed from these pursuits. His spiritual life was inseparable from his intellectual pursuits.

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

This fascinating snippet from Gregorious August 1954 letter to Pope Yus'ab hoping for creation of #Coptic churches in the West is perhaps the moment of conception for the current growth pic.twitter.com/IRry54WbCE

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) August 5, 2018

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, Twitter Thread | Tagged Coptic Church, Egypt | Leave a comment

Twitter Thread: The Farcical Al-Jazeera Report on Egypt’s Counter-terrorism Operation in Sinai

Posted on August 5, 2018 by nervana111

This is an excellent thread on Al-Jazeera Arabic TV’s farcical report on Egypt’s ’s anti-terrorism operation in #Sinai.

Thread. Everything wrong with the first episode of Aljazeera's new programme on #Sinai. #سيناء_حروب_التيه https://t.co/1QFJNoYVdM

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

First is the utterly misleading way they presented Egyptian casualties. Claiming an estimated 2000 killed in action during operation Sinai alone from 2014 to now.

They base these figures on an average taken from @EgyArmySpox and Sinai Province releases. One pic.twitter.com/yQFaRqbRSL

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

One tends to oversell casualties while the other rarely reports on any KIA unless it is a result of a large attack. This average is way off.

Open Source investigations put Egyptian casulties as a result of Counter Terror actions or attacks at 1163 from 2011 in Sinai. pic.twitter.com/RbIXIjH3T1

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

They have nearly doubled the amount of Egyptian casualties and attempted to make it look much worse than it is (it is still bad) by claiming that number [2000] were killed in four years rather than seven. https://t.co/UIvqmj1FxW

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

Second, they continually attempt to pin Egyptian HVT killings on collaborators within Security Forces. Yet present no evidence to back up the assertions or even look at other rational possibilities.

For investigators confident in this theory they haven't identified one suspect pic.twitter.com/PZjdtEFOE2

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

Third, attempts to paint former military personnel and Officers (Eshmawi et al) as defectors to the Islamic State. This shows both a misunderstanding of timelines and the jihadist organisations operating in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/j3tSiLJAX2

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

The "expert" who is brought in attempts to pin these ex Officers as the founders of the group and current leaders. Most of these men (who were kicked out of the Army well before insurgency) jumped ship to AQ when Ansar Beit Almaqdis pledged fealty to IS in November 2014. pic.twitter.com/lO54N4OjpW

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

There are only a handful of these cases and most are either dead or on the run.

Eshmawi's Almurabitun (AQ) operating out of Libya suffered heavily after the Wahat attack and subsequent LNA operations to take Derna.

This whole defection narrative falls flat when analysed. pic.twitter.com/nMfm2Lgdz1

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

Fourth mistake is parroting Sinai Province propaganda. Equating Egyptian state backed militias (@SinaiTribes) to US support for Sunni militias (Sahwat) in the occupation of Iraq.

Stripping the locals of Sinai of their agency and completely misunderstanding the nature of the coop pic.twitter.com/fGxowA2JbN

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

I actually hate myself for watching 50 minutes of over dramatized guess work.

They continually refer to Sinai Province as its 2014-15 self. Not what the group is like today.

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 30, 2018

Al-Jazeera’s goal, by publishing such despicable program, is to discredit the Egyptian army’s anti-terrorism operation #Sinai2018, but it indirectly vindicates Sisi’s claim that #Qatar plots against #Egypt and backs terror groups.

— Nervana Mahmoud (@Nervana_1) July 30, 2018

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt, Twitter Thread | Tagged Al-Jazeera, Egypt, Sinai, Sinai2018 | Leave a comment

This Week in Egypt: Week 31 (July 30- Aug 5)

Posted on August 5, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Sudan frees 5 Egyptian troops captured by Libyans
52 alleged militants killed in past month in extensive operation “Sinai 2018”
Egypt’s FM Shoukry heads to Washingtonto meet with Pompeo, Bolton
Egypt to conclude economic reform program by 2019: IMF official
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church defrocks a monk after mysterious death of bishop
Egypt’s President Sisi jokes about Kiki challenge by asking Minister of Petroleum to raise fuel prices
Italy released Egyptian Islamist opposition demanded by Egypt

Main Headlines

Monday

Sudanese forces help return missing Egyptian patrol
Monk says death of bishop in Egyptian monastery is not an act of terror
Egypt’s President Sisi jokes about Kiki challenge by asking Minister of Petroleum to raise fuel prices
Several opposition factions in north-eastern Syria have signed a ceasefire agreement in Cairo under Egyptian and Russian auspices
Egyptian parliament considers 30% tax on rich
Hurghada has been put under electronic surveillance 24/7 to boost security

Tuesday

Egypt‘s army spokesperson thanks Sudanese army for returning “missing patrol”
Grieving Pope Tawadros II and hundreds of mourners bid murdered BishopEpiphanius farewell
Egypt-US joint military training ‘Eagle Response 2018’ continues in Red Sea with Saudi Arabia, UAE participation
Egyptto continue maintaining customs exchange rate at EGP 16 per dollar
Egypt‘s Sisi, endowments minister discuss countering extremist ideologies
Egypt and UK saw $1.3 billion in trade exchange in first half of 2018

Wednesday

Egypt’s government debt service climbs to EGP 406,2 billion in 2017/18
Consent must be obtained for post-mortem organ removal:Egyptian religious authority
Egypt urges World Cup fans to avoid illegal stay in Russia
Egypt to renovate Cairo’s oldest metro linewith fund of 205 million euros

Thursday

Egypt Coptic Church stops accepting monks after Bishop death
Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod issues 12 decisions on monasticism in Egypt
Egyptian president may seek to break two-term limit, petition suggests
Egypt names Mexican Aguirre as the new national football coach
Italy releases Egyptian opposition leader, refuses extradition to Egypt

Friday

Israeli army fire into Gaza protests as Egypt tries to negotiate a wider truce
New airport to be established in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital
Egypt to open Rafah crossing for Palestinian pilgrims

Saturday

Egypt, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia conclude joint naval drill in Red Sea
Egypt’s government races against time to inaugurate New Administrative Capital by 2020
Egypt’s Naguib Sawiris pledges to hire detained minors following online controversy

Sunday

Egypt forces kill 52 ‘takfiris’ in an operation in Sinai
Italy praises Egypt over on-going investigation into Regeni’s death
Egypt to conclude economic reform program by 2019: IMF official
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church defrocks a monk after mysterious death of bishop
Egypt is keen to boost cooperation with Italy, President Sisi tells FM Milanesi
Egypt’s FM Shoukry heads to Washington to meet with Pompeo, Bolton
Former parliamentary candidate Samy al-Kashef was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in front of his home in Sinai’s Al-Arish

Good Reports

A look at Hanafy Gebaly, the Supreme Constitutional Court’s new chief justice Supreme Constitutional Court’s new chief justice. Rana Mamdouh
Abduction and release of Egyptian intelligence unit points to proxy fighting in South Libya. Mada Masr
Palestinian reconciliation: Regional and international efforts await Fatah approval. Mada Masr
Egypt builds a new capital city. Jane Arraf
Egypt welcomes back tourists after seven years of political instability despite security concerns. Walt Curnow

Good Read

Egypt – The state versus the Keke challenge. Dina Shehata

From Twitter

#Egypt– @EgyArmySpox release gun cam footage showing recent days' airstrikes that targeted 15 vehicles loaded with weapons and ammo that attempted to infiltrate from #Libya, 17 others in the Southern Military Region pic.twitter.com/WQJxcp8jnh

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) August 5, 2018

#Egypt– photos of PBIED, EFP IED recently discovered in North #Sinai during #OperationSinai2018 pic.twitter.com/g5fkFlKcWC

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) August 5, 2018

#Egypt– @EgyArmySpox photos showing #Romania|n PSL rifle with seperate PSO-1 scope (?) and ancient cell phone with Hebrew letters smuggled from #Israel, possibly through #Gaza pic.twitter.com/5g2WMcClKH

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) August 5, 2018

At this point I think it's one of the longest-running conspiracy theories everhttps://t.co/WIpQ6xEGkS

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) August 4, 2018

The #Egyptian Ministry of Interior:- five militants belonged to Hasam terrorist group were killed in Qalyobia Today.

Also 5 other members of the terrorist group were captured seized with them number of Rifles, Shotguns, and Ammunition during security raids in Cairo. pic.twitter.com/weSbln3Q1n

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 31, 2018

Canada-based company Bombardier will cooperate with #Egypt's ministry of military production in the manufacturing of locomotives https://t.co/c7RSXvuR8r

— Eduard Cousin (@EduardCousin) July 30, 2018

Judge Hanafy Gebaly maintained a low profile until his controversial ruling on Tiran and Sanafir. The new chief justice — the only recently appointed judge in a senior position not hand-picked by #Egypt's president — now heads the constitutional court https://t.co/MSDGPZB8Ly pic.twitter.com/00i6fQE0bC

— Mada Masr مدى مصر (@MadaMasr) August 3, 2018

The detention of #Egypt|ian blogger Wael Abbas was extended 15 days today in relation to Case No. 441, via @afteegypt. He's been in pretrial detention since he was arrested from his home on May 23 at dawn, making for a total of 74 days. pic.twitter.com/4dZEj79zf1

— Mai El-Sadany (@maitelsadany) August 5, 2018

Russian-produced attack helicopters spotted at Egypt’s airbasehttps://t.co/j0x8QF57lB pic.twitter.com/sHSkuRibsD

— Defence Blog (@Defence_blog) August 4, 2018

Somewhere in the middle of the article written:

“Mahsoub was released later on Thursday afternoon.” https://t.co/AzMUXBGZrH

— Nervana Mahmoud (@Nervana_1) August 2, 2018

An Egyptian zoo is accused of passing off a painted donkey as a zebra. What’s the issue? pic.twitter.com/x5X98iPEiG

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) July 31, 2018

Okay, it's just his character to say "the hand of Israel" is behind false flag terrorist attacks to destabilise Egypt. He didn't call her names, he implied she was more loyal to Israel than Britain, which is ENTIRELY fitting with his character and his 35 year history as an MP

— Oz Katerji (@OzKaterji) August 5, 2018

When a delegation of workers visited Muhamad Naguib at his home he was wearing a "bijama Kastour", for much of the 1950s thru 1980s was unifying symbol of social equality. https://t.co/daxHNUYfu9

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) July 30, 2018

Here is Naguib receiving a delegation of workers in his "bijama Kastour". Incidently, the production of such items were the first fruits of the Egyptianization campaign of the 1930s pic.twitter.com/fgXM99kG4e

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) July 30, 2018

The same year the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood mlitia, Al Nizam A Sirri, was arrested also in his "Bijama Kastour" pic.twitter.com/anTdD9zsSL

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) July 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1023984065714642948?s=21

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1026128192405291008

President Gamal Abdel Nasser addresses a public rally during his state visit in #Zanzibar in 1965. Maalim Amour Ali Ameir translated President Nasser's speech into Swahili while Bwana Nadhim Ali Sadiq Al Farsi translated Zanzibar President Abeid Karume's speech in Arabic. pic.twitter.com/zteVxxUSUa

— Ismail Jussa (@IsmailJussa) August 3, 2018

Glymonopoulo Beach, Gleem, Alexandria, Egypt 1950s pic.twitter.com/ir4h3jrzex

— Zahraa Adel Awad (Zaradel) (@zahraaawd) August 2, 2018

#Egypt's Mo Salah scores second goal in pre-season as Liverpool thrash Napolihttps://t.co/qfnZFHNuEs pic.twitter.com/SDCkeomSVf

— AhramOnlineSports (@AO_Sports) August 4, 2018

Plus

Shark Kills Czech Tourist in Egypt’s Marsa Alam
A new advertising campaign motivating citizens to pay property taxesin Egypt
Go Natural: The heat-free craze sweeping Egypt

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Al-Jazeera, Coptic Church, Egypt, Italy, Libya, Sisi, Sudan | Leave a comment

This Week n Egypt: Week 30 ( July 23 -29)

Posted on July 30, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

US releases $195M in military aid to Egypt that was previously withheld
Tweets scorn Egypt’s Sisi in renewed online criticism
Egypt seeks 75 death sentences over 2013 sit-in
U.N. award-winning photographer awaits verdict in Egypt terrorism trial
Egypt’s budget deficit falls to less than 10 percent for the first time since 2011
Cairo zoo denies painting a donkey and passing it off as a zebra
Egyptian authority investigates Coptic Church Bishop found dead in a monastery

Main Headlines

Monday

Egyptian security forces kill 13 suspected militants in shootout in Sinai
Islamic State announces death of one of its Egyptian branch leader
Egypt’s Sisi to inaugurate “largest wind farm in the world’

Tuesday

Siemens hails electricity project in Egypt, says it’s “never been done before”
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is shortlistedfor ‘the best’ FIFA player award
Egypt’s Prisons Authority on Monday released 683 prisoners after the Tahya Misr Fund helped clear their debts

Wednesday

US to release $195 million of suspended military aid to Egypt
US Pompeo to FM Shoukry: Washington is committed to supporting Egypt through aid programme
Egypt’s economy to grow 5.2 percent in FY 2018-19

Thursday

Egypt’s budget deficit falls to less than 10 percent for the first time since 2011
Egypt participates in Global Coalition against Daesh meetings in Washington
Egyptian government allocates LE 60 billion to develop Upper Egypt

Friday

Cairo zoo denies painting a donkey and passing it off as a zebra
UN award winning photographer Shawkan awaits verdict in Egypt terrorism trial
Egypt’s Zohr gas fieldcapacity stood at 1.6 billion cubic feet (bcfd) and would reach 2 billion bcfd by September

Saturday

Egyptian court sentences 75 people to deathover 2013 demonstration
Tweets scorn Egypt’s Sisiin renewed online criticism
Egypt’s Sisi: Egypt’s people are the real hero of the reform process
UK warnscitizens visiting Egypt to avoid writing any negative opinion on the country
Egypt PM tells youth conference cabinet aims to develop “Egyptian character”in 4-year programme

Sunday

Egyptian authority investigates Coptic Church Bishop found dead in a monastery
Egypt’s Sisi promotes Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki from Lieutenant General rank to General
After anti-Sisi hashtag, a new hashtag is launched in support of the Egyptian president
Egypt will be self-sufficient in infant milkby next year

Good Reports

Egypt makes its case in stormy Washington sea. Ezzat Ibrahim
What will Egypt’s first sovereign wealth fundlook like? Mada Masr
Did this Cairo zoo paint a donkey to look like a zebra?Marina Pitofsky

Good Read

Samuel Tadros’s testimony in US’s Foreign Affair Committee on Egypt

Interview

Interview with Egypt’s army spokesperson: Operation Sinai 2018 destroyed terrorism infrastructure in N Sinai

From Twitter

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1023035040622493697

https://twitter.com/SameralAtrush/status/1023191666944106499

https://twitter.com/SameralAtrush/status/1023192464121835522

https://twitter.com/SameralAtrush/status/1023219250717241347

https://twitter.com/SameralAtrush/status/1023219590103486464

Jason Greenblatt and Jared Kushner met with the Director of the Egyptian Intelligence Service to discuss the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Egypt, as well as Egypt’s leadership role in the region. https://t.co/auoXH500Cg

— U.S. Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) July 25, 2018

Footage From the Joint #Egypt – #US Training “Eagle response” which is a part of the naval drill “Eagle Salute-18” that conducts in Safaga Naval base in the Red Sea. pic.twitter.com/dekNuFAZEr

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 27, 2018

#Egypt’s Army organised a visit for foreign & state media to El-Arish city, the capital of North #Sinai For the First time since 2013. pic.twitter.com/CXOKaimqNS

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 29, 2018

https://twitter.com/BishopSuriel/status/1023759429580115969

From my Congressional Testimony: “Egypt cannot be simply ignored by the United States. Abandonment is not a strategy nor will imaginary solutions of cutting U.S. aid result in Egypt’s transformation into a liberal democracy." https://t.co/CsU4XGYxuw

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) July 27, 2018

https://twitter.com/jdgreenblatt45/status/1021894173182619649

New #WorldRecord for fast track #power projects: Three new @Siemens #powerplants will add enough capacity to supply 40 million people in #Egypt with #electricity https://t.co/hLUWdfrmy2 pic.twitter.com/7qHDCOAVXD

— Siemens Press Office (@siemens_press) July 24, 2018

#Egypt– CSF raided a house under construction west of al-Arish, North #Sinai, killed 13 #ISIS militants and seized 4 assault rifles, 2 shotguns, 3 IEDs, ammo and detonators. pic.twitter.com/0dRlrYCXKM

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) July 25, 2018

#Egypt: Copts celebrate first mass in new church, seven years since last church’s closure in the village of Kom El-Loufy, 250km south of Cairo. Two years ago angry extremist Muslims set fire to four Coptic homes in the village, suspecting a house would be turned into a church. pic.twitter.com/ztP7iEPRkl

— The European Post (@theEUpost) July 24, 2018

This story about Cairo’s Zoo painting a donkey to look like a zebra is such a metaphor for the Middle East https://t.co/oGPkm1mF5K

— Liz Sly (@LizSly) July 27, 2018

🇪🇬 Egypt's #GASC booked 420KT of #wheat [of which 240KT 🇷🇺, 120KT 🇷🇴 & 60KT 🇺🇦] at an avg FOB price = ~$219.8/T ie +$16 vs previous tender (10/07/18) & LY. pic.twitter.com/MALexefAfl

— CRMAgriCommodities (@CRMagri) July 24, 2018

Palestinian sources indicate Abbas will send a delegation to Cairo tomorrow to respond to the new Egypt and UN-led effort to renew reconciliation talks as part of the broader effort to stabilise #Gaza

— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) July 28, 2018

British Foreign Ministry alerts it’s citizens traveling to #Egypt from voicing criticism of regime or situation or else end up in jail. Welcoming tourists to our democracy! https://t.co/vgSn99XXxy

— Amira El-Fekki (@afekki) July 28, 2018

Ezzedine Fishere argues opposition groups in #Egypt are unfit to govern for 4 reasons: They share a political vision with ruling regime, they have a shortsighted view of politics, they cannot mobilize, and they have no plan for political bargaining https://t.co/jPfwWXrEjG pic.twitter.com/LI5LU0MToq

— Mada Masr مدى مصر (@MadaMasr) July 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/Reem_Abdellatif/status/1022174653656297472

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1021543069244477442

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1021413186614906880

CAA prepares third disciplinary complaint against @JeremyCorbyn over 2012 interview in which he blamed Islamist terrorist attack in Egypt on the “hand of Israel”https://t.co/KQ2yO5bTIh

— Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) July 28, 2018

250,000 fans like Abou-Treika's empty Facebook post https://t.co/GTT3GB0Tyw pic.twitter.com/h2Fcz9APy8

— AhramOnlineSports (@AO_Sports) July 24, 2018

https://twitter.com/DanieleSalvoldi/status/1021787128387301379

Plus

Egyptians win 86 gold medals in African Youth Games

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

This Week in Egypt: Week 29-2018 ( July 16-23)

Posted on July 22, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Islamic State announces death of one of its Egypt branch leaders
Egypt’s Sisi says false rumours are the main threat to Arab countries
Egypt parliament passes a bill giving immunity to security commanders during 30 June revolution
Egypt increases natural gas prices by up to 75 percent
Egyptian parliament approves granting nationality to foreign residents for LE7 million deposit
Egypt passes bill to block popular social media accounts that publish “fake news”
Egypt”s Sisi concludes two-day visit to Sudan
Egypt has mediated a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas

Sisi Bashir

Main Headlines

Monday

Egypt ranks second worst country in the World Cup, Elneny second worst player
Egyptian parliament approves granting nationality to foreign residents for LE7 million deposit
Health minister denies forcing hospitals to broadcast national anthem

Tuesday

Twitter users in Egypt with more than 5,000 followers will be classed as media entities amid crackdown on dissent
Egypt to set up sovereign wealth fund
Indian leader of Dawoodi Bohra sect donates EGP 10 million Egypt’s Tahya Masr fund

Wednesday

Egypt parliament passes a bill giving immunity to security commanders during 30 June revolution
Egypt’s Sisi reiterates Egypt’s commitment to bring killers of Italian student Regeni to justice
Sisi issues new law to develop Upper Egypt
Egypt has denied media reports of closure of the Rafah border crossing
Billionaire Samih Sawiris steps in to end a dispute between Egyptian government and group of international investors

Thursday

Egypt’s Sisi begins two-day visit to Sudan
Egypt’s Sisi vows to back South Sudan peace bid and praised Khartoum for hosting peace talks between the country’s warring groups
Hamas accept Egyptian Paper for Palestinian reconciliation: Ismail Haniyeh to Egypt Intelligence Chief
Mysterious, black sarcophagus found in Egyptis finally opened, and it turned out that it was filled with skeletons and sewage water
Saudi Turki al-Sheikh stops all legal complaints against against Egypt’s Al-Ahly sports club

Friday

Egypt, Qatar and Turkey pressuring Hamas to calm the situation in Gaza
Egypt passes bill to block popular social media accountsthat publish “fake news”
Egypt’s Mo Salah reports is back for training in Liverpool ahead ofnew season
English club Villa to receive fresh investment from Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris

Saturday

Egypt warned Hamas: Israel will go to war ‘in two hours’ if you respond to raids
Egypt: Israel’s Jewish nation-state law undermines Middle East peace
110 Hawaii-based soldiers to be deployed to Egypt’s peace keeping mission in Sinai
New health insurance lawto be implemented in Egypt soon

Sunday

Islamic State announces death of one of its Egypt branch leaders
Egypt’s Sisi says false rumors are main threat to Arab countries
Egypt increases natural gas prices by up to 75 percent
Dollar prices are stable at major banks in Egypt

Good Reports

Egypt’s activists fear social media law is anti-social. Menna Farouk
Israel, Egypt cooperate in efforts to calm Gaza.Shlomi Eldar
Inside that black sarcophagus in Egypt? 3 Mummies (and No Curses). Megan Specia
Why 2018 is the year to visit Egypt. Forbes
What a new committee organizing festivals means for the future of artistic events in Egypt. Mada Masr

Good Read

“The sorrow of Egypt,” Samuel Tadros

From Twitter

Presenting its Voluntary National Review at #HLPF for the 2nd time, 🇪🇬 Egypt said it has scaled up its social protection programs to #LeaveNoOneBehind & has allocated more resources to deprived areas to improve public services and infrastructure. Report: https://t.co/urUmXso04f pic.twitter.com/liwXEVLxf2

— ESCWA (@UNESCWA) July 19, 2018

Have more than 5000 Twitter followers? Under new Egypt law you're now a "media outlet" and can be fined for not obtaining license from the Supreme Council for the Administration of Media and arrested for putting out "fake news" (i.e., posts gov dislikes). https://t.co/f1v2g4fo3g pic.twitter.com/uWwIqIZRPV

— James Hall (@hallaboutafrica) July 19, 2018

This article in @ynet is outrageous nonsense that express some #Israeli dreams, but disconnected from reality. #Egypt will NOT abandon even an inch from #Sinai
https://t.co/Rj9R859mxv via @ynet

— Nervana Mahmoud (@Nervana_1) July 20, 2018

London has been the main headquarter of the European Muslim Brotherhood for decades. The UK is still the country with the largest MB presence. 81 Islamist organizations in the UK at: https://t.co/69ehuP5jn9 pic.twitter.com/MTGbNxgkKB

— Islamism Map (@IslamismMap) July 18, 2018

In Bagdad tens of thousands chanted: “Not Sunnism, not Shiism! Secularism, secularism!” Across Middle East, the least well organized constituencies are now secularists. Even in Turkey, Iraq & Egypt, where they once dominated, they are confused, divided, leaderless, demoralized. https://t.co/ytzoJGtJut

— Timur Kuran (@timurkuran) July 22, 2018

1,000+ people have signed a petition to drink the liquid in the black mystery sarcophagus found in Egypt 🤢

(The liquid is sewage water.) pic.twitter.com/MlmUzBRWJc

— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 20, 2018

3 days ago, #Egypt|ian rights lawyer & defender @Mahienour was stopped at Cairo Airport when returning from South Africa. She was made to wait 3 hours, taken to the State Security office at the airport & her passport was confiscated. It was not given back https://t.co/FqDCDuEOBY pic.twitter.com/8qnz2HG2a4

— Mai El-Sadany (@maitelsadany) July 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1020671311184580608

Much of this growth can B attributed 2 the revaluation of the Egyptian pound in 2016 which allowed many agricultural crops critical 2 Egypt's economy 2 become profitable again. It also energized explosion of entrepreneurship, esp among youth, which critical 4 future job growth https://t.co/Ksah292MDP

— Eric Davis (@NewMidEast) July 21, 2018

#SaudiArabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, #Egypt president Sisi & UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed are all #Zionist collaborators, declares #Erdogan's newspaper from headline today in #Turkey pic.twitter.com/v8tmDAMTl1

— Abdullah Bozkurt (@abdbozkurt) July 21, 2018

The Turkish model was pushed by many during Egypt's transition years.

A secular democratic state with moderate Islamists at the helm they said. Now a couple years later the model is in tatters. Shallow ideas for complex problems rarely work. https://t.co/sAW19a9DXL

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) July 22, 2018

📺 Another win in the fight against #IllicitTrafficking of cultural goods. 8 artifacts discovered and returned to Egypt!

Stealing #CulturalProperty is stealing identity.#Unite4Heritage pic.twitter.com/7HebfTK3Ae

— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) July 17, 2018

Beer ad in Egypt, 1963.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/vetkgZkFoI

— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) July 20, 2018

The globally-acclaimed Egyptian football player @MoSalah chooses Maldives for a post-world cup family vacation. Have you made up your mind to visit us yet?

Photo courtesy: Mohamed Salah / Twitter#Maldives #VisitMaldives #SunnySideofLife #WorldCup #Egypt #ThePharaohs #LFC pic.twitter.com/L4fcckO9MY

— Visit Maldives (@visitmaldives) July 19, 2018

Sisi Bashir

Q&A

Egypt’s new ‘deposit residency’ option for foreigners seeking citizenship.

Plus

Egypt’s historic Al-Alamein Hotelreopens after EGP 1.5 billion renovation
Mo Salahis sole sportsman featured on Forbes “Top Arab Stars On The Global Stage” list

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Egypt, Gaza, Hamas, ISIS, Sinai, Sudan | 1 Comment

The Arab audience that claps with one hand for Erdogan

Posted on July 18, 2018 by nervana111

Erdogan

“You have a big heart, you shower us with your blessing and kindness. In your wisdom we are in awe, as you mirror our civilization.”

I could not help but remember these lines from the classic Egyptian adaptation of the British musical play “My Fair Lady” whenever I read amusingly passionate praise from Arab fans for Turkish President Recep Erdogan. To them, he has been like a prophet, a unique leader, and a good father. They prayed relentlessly for his victory, saw him in their dreams and always celebrated his political victories. Ironically, the story of Erdogan and his Arabs fits well with the old Egyptian play, which was not just a romantic adaptation of a Western story, but a satire against Ottoman rule and our “Efandina the Khedive).”

Initially, the fascination with Turkey was understandable, particularly at the peak of the Arab Spring, when Turkey, as a modern Muslim nation, led by the charismatic and successful Erdogan, looked like the ideal “model.” Many Arabs, regardless of their ideological and political affiliation, were appropriately impressed by Erdogan’s political and economic achievements.

Later, however, many non-Islamist Arabs became less impressed with Erdogan’s wild and overt support for the Muslim Brotherhood, and his limited understanding of the dynamics in Arab countries, particularly Egypt. Islamist Arabs, on the other hand, have become increasingly dogmatic and loyal to the Turkish leader, as that country has become a mecca for them. They have romanticised Turkey, despite their beloved leader’s clear drift towards authoritarianism.

Since the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016, hundreds of thousandsof people have been jailed, intimidated, and sacked, labelled as traitors, and declared enemies of the state. Turkey now has the unenviable reputation of being the world’s worst jailer of journalists. Even the judiciary has become politicised, and jailed pro-Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas has pointed out that fair trial is impossiblein Erdogan’s Turkey. In 2017, Human Rights Watchdescribed the constitutional changes in Turkey towards the executive presidency as “a huge threat to human rights, the rule of law and the country’s democratic future.”

Moreover, Erdogan’s foreign policy in the Arab world, particularly in Syria and Iraq has been troubling to say the least. In Syria, following an initial ultimatum to Assad, Erdogan softened his approach, and signed the Aleppo dealwith the Russians that paved the way for the Assad regime to regain control of the city. President Erdogan also sanctioned the invasion of the Syrian city of Afrin, where armed groups working with Turkish forces looted and destroyed properties,quietly orchestrating a demographic shiftthat aimed to change the balance of Afrin’s population from predominantly Kurdish to majority Arab. On a different front, Turkey started filling its Ilisu Dam earlier than promised, threatening Iraq with a water shortage.

All the above, should be logical enough to convince Erdogan’s Arab fans that he is not the Messiah they have been dreaming about. But logic alone has proven to be futile against ideological emotionalism. To understand the reasons, it is important to distinguish two types of Erdogan’s Arab supporters:

First, is the Hard-core Islamists: In Kuwait, for example, some celebrated his victory with a giant cake, adorned with the Turkish flag and that of the original Ottoman Kayi tribe. This a group that seeks an Islamist caliphate, regardless of its democratic values, and see Erdogan as the only available leader with the power, intention, and the ability to transform the region into an Islamic State. The rest, for them, is gibberish. They believe a bad caliph is better than any non-Islamist leader. Erdogan’s quasi-totalitarian behaviour does not bother them, and they are willing to repeat his propaganda, describing his opponents as traitors. They are also content to frame all Kurds as terrorists and cheer Erdogan’s Syrian adventures as a nucleus for a future caliphate.

The soft-core Islamists, on the other hand, consider themselves “revolutionary”, and feel the need to be perceived as pro-democracy. They are happy to blur the differences between imperfect democracy and an autocracy delivered through ballot boxes, such as Erdogan’s Turkey, in order to justify their farcical moral high ground. They insist Erdogan’s rule is much better than Arab regimes. Such a claim may have had a grain of truth a few years ago, but now, after Erdogan’s new executive presidency, in which he controls every pillar of the Turkish state, it is just a farce.

Arab Islamists, regardless of their shades and differences, have never been democrats. Their relationship with Erdogan is based on mutual exploitation. Erdogan needs them to prove his popularity in the Arab world, while they need his success as proof of the soundness of their political stances. That is why even if Erdogan is not perfect; they will portray him as perfect.

This is an English version of my original Arabic piece published in Al-Hurra

Posted in Best Read, Middle East, Syria, Turkey | Tagged Arab Islamists, Erdogan, Turkey | Leave a comment

This Week in Egypt: Week 28-2018 ( July 9-15)

Posted on July 16, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Egypt denounces reports that 2016 Paris-Cairo Egypt Air crash was due to cockpit fire
Hamas said it had reached a ceasefire with Israel brokered by Egypt
Italian company Eni reveals second oil discovery in Egypt’s Western desert
Egyptian hospitals are ordered to play the national anthem daily
Senior US lawmaker urges US Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood group as a terrorist organization

Main Headlines

Monday

Egypt refutes media reports that Paris-Cairo 2016 Egypt Air crash was caused by cockpit fire
Italy’s Eni announces oil discovery in Egypt’s Western Desert
An Egyptian court orders release on bailof editor-in-chief of Masr Al-Arabiya website
Remittance from Egyptian abroadjumped up 48.2 percent in first 10 months of FY 2017/18 to $26 billion
Head of Egypt’s customs authority is arrested on corruption charges
Mummies, embalming equipment ate discovered south Pyramid of Unas in Egypt’s Saqqara

Tuesday

Egypt’s annual urban consumer price inflation surged to 14.4 percent in June
Egypt’s foreign minister heads to Belgium for the ‘mini-summit’ on Syria
Egypt in talks with World Bank for additional $500 million fund for social housing projects
Head of Egypt’s customs authority is detained for 4 days on corruption charges
Three children found slaughtered and wrapped in garbage bags in Giza
Egypt to receive 500,000 Thomas Cook tourists in 2018 in 2018

Wednesday

South Korea to revoke entry visa for Egyptian nationals
Egypt’s hospitals are ordered to play the national anthem daily
Senior US lawmaker urges US Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood group as a terrorist organization
Egypt’s security forces have killed 11 takfiris in a shootout in the North Sinai city of El-Arish

Thursday

Twelve hurt in huge blast near Cairo International Airport
Egyptian courts sentence 31 to death for killing and prison escape
Egypt announces immediate cigarette price hikes, directed towards new national health insurance system
An Egyptian MPproposes draft law to execute children kidnappers and molesters

Friday

Hamas concludes comprehensive talks with Egyptian intelligence officials
IMF continuesto praise Egypt’s economic reforms in its third review
Egyptian and British naval forcescarry out joint exercise in MediterraneanSea
Egypt establishescommittee to regulate festivals and special events inside the country
At least 34 injured in Giza train accident: Egypt’s health ministry
300,000 foreign touristsvisit Red Sea in June

Saturday

Hamas said it had reached a ceasefire with Israel brokered by Egypt
An Egyptian court sentences 24 Muslim Brotherhood members to life in prison
New Administrative Capital to become Egypt’s first smart city

Sunday

Egyptian village hunts down snakes after 1 death and 8 injuries
Egyptian parliament approves amendments to 3 controversial media and press laws
Indian-owned SPP Pumps injects LE100mn investments to Egypt by 2022

Good Reports

Egypt’s young Nubians revive dream of return to homeland. Hamza Hendawi
Benefits of devaluation slow to emerge for Egypt’s exporters. Reuters
Egypt’s dwindling Jewish community struggles to maintain its heritage. George Mikhail
‘A goldmine’: mummies’ secrets are uncovered in Egypt. Ruth Michaelson
The secret Jewish identity of the Jamal twins, Egypt’s belly dancng stars.Ofer Aderet

Good Read

Egypt’s millennials turn to Sufism. Yasmin El-Beih
What really happened to Egypt Air flight 804? The Economist

From Twitter

#Egypt’s strong program implementation and generally positive performance has been instrumental in stabilizing the economy, accelerating growth, reducing inflation and unemployment and narrowing fiscal and external deficit. See the report published today https://t.co/O7qYFLc4WV pic.twitter.com/ELAwgslcq0

— IMF (@IMFNews) July 12, 2018

The Governer of Northern #Sinai anounced that the sand Barriers & Barracks in all Check points & security forces outposts near the Important Facilities in #Arish city will be removed & replaced with new Improved Barriers (Joesco Barriers). pic.twitter.com/2AgQtLquuP

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/EgyGreenfly/status/1017465051488444416

The Governer of Northern #Sinai anounced that the sand Barriers & Barracks in all Check points & security forces outposts near the Important Facilities in #Arish city will be removed & replaced with new Improved Barriers (Joesco Barriers). pic.twitter.com/2AgQtLquuP

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 11, 2018

#Egypt– rare (as of late) #ISIS photo showing spoils taken from Kilo 17 attack near al-Arish, North #Sinai.

Relatively advanced equipment including 2 AN/PVS-7 NVGs, 1 laser rangefinder (?), 1 Milkor MGL (+21 40mm grenades) & demo charge fuse&trigger, indicating quality target. pic.twitter.com/dWSUmkA3gY

— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) July 14, 2018

https://twitter.com/miskelayla/status/1017133659516698625?s=21

Bravo Dr. @DrZuhdiJasser for such powerful testimony against the Muslim Brotherhood https://t.co/Zg3RCX6wFh It is sickening to see some still defend this oppressive cult.

— Nervana Mahmoud (@Nervana_1) July 13, 2018

Born after expulsion from ancestral lands along the Nile, young Nubians say they’re sick of waiting, demand return. https://t.co/qjja9Mw14b

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 15, 2018

An enormous 2,000-year-old sarcophagus has been discovered during an archaeological dig in Egypt https://t.co/nZjjaYUNEe

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 11, 2018

#Egyptian local history is often elitist – which means that a neighborhood like Zamalek gets its own history told & retold while a vital place like Shubra is ignored.

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) July 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/maymanelashry/status/1016972484841758720?s=21

https://twitter.com/HosamDakhakhni/status/1018384130021584896

Arab Communist artists are for me by far the most interesting ones. From Iraq's Mahmoud Sabri to Egypt's Inji Efflatoun their artworks reflected the everyday man & woman, their struggles & aspirations. Here is Sabri's "The Hero" (1963) & Efflatoun's "Dreams of a Detainee" (1961) pic.twitter.com/O9THvY8nmu

— سلطان سعود القاسمي (@SultanAlQassemi) July 12, 2018

Priest of Serapis.Fayum mummy portrait, [+150] Egypt. Britush museum.* pic.twitter.com/NJbE0WINup

— BASILIO NOVARTI (@BasilioNovarti) July 14, 2018

Sport

Liverpool’s Klopp calls Egypt’s Salah for US tour

Plus

A mysterious sarcophagus that may not have been opened in 2,000 years was found in Egypt

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged CairoAirport, Egypt, Egypt's national anthem, Gaza, Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood | Leave a comment

This Week in Egypt: Week 27-2018 ( July 2-8)

Posted on July 8, 2018 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Egypt Air flight MS804 crash “caused by cockpit fire”, French investigators find
Lebanese tourist sentenced to over 8 years in prison for insulting Egypt in a viral video
Egypt opens Rafah border with Gaza, allowing passage in both directions
Egypt Supreme Administrative Court issued a verdict supporting a number of police officers fired from duty for having beards
Egypt’s football star Abu Treika has terrorist list verdict overturned but remains on list due to second ruling in similar case
Coptic Pope Tawadros heads to Italy for ecumenical prayer for Mideast peace with Pope Francis

Main Headlines

Monday

Egypt opens Rafah border with Gaza, allowing passage in both directions
Egypt and Polanddiscuss Polish industrial zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone
Moussa Mostafa Moussa, the former presidential candidate and head of the Ghad Party, said he would work to form a nationalopposition party
Liverpool officially announces that Mohamed Salah’s contract has been renewed

Tuesday

Egypt’s Armed Forces issues Communiqué 25 on Operation Sinai 2018 against terrorism
Egyptian Football Association chief:Some Egyptian players could face up to one-year bans after doing unauthorized TV interviews
Egypt urged to free jailed Ola Al-Qaradawi jailed arbitrarily since last June: UN rights office
Egypt puts relics recovered from smugglers in Italy on display

Wednesday

Egypt Supreme Administrative Courtissued a verdict supporting a number of police officers fired from duty for having beards
Parliament gave preliminary approval to a bill allowing the president to grant highranking military officers impunityfor acts committed between 2013-16
Egypt’s Sisiannounces a major transport network development plan
Parking fees at Cairo International airport have risen by 100%

Thursday

Egypt says has primary budget surplusfor the first time in 15 years
Egypt sentences former Morsi advisor to life in prison
EU cancelsadditional inspection requirement for exported Egyptian strawberries
Egypt will fully pay its debts to foreign oil companies by the end of 2019: Minister of Petroleum
Egypt pushes population control: “two is enough”

Friday

Egypt repositions itself as a “global investment destination”amid reform drive
Egypt’s cotton exportsare up nearly 37 percent as crop quality improves
Egypt to open tourist-only beaches in Alexandria – to give holiday makers privacy

Saturday

Egypt Air flight MS804 crash “caused by cockpit fire”, French investigators find
Egypt’s prosecution summons head of Supreme Council for Media Regulation, issues media gag order on investigations related to the 57375 cancer hospital
Egypt‘s Petroleum Minister says no further fuel priceincrease in 2018
Pope Tawadros II and Catholic Pope Francis pray with Middle East church leaders in an ecumenical day for prayers

Sunday

Lebanese tourist sentenced to over 8 years in prisonfor insulting Egypt in a viral video
Egypt strongly condemnsattack on Tunisian military patrol
Sudan to establishtripartite investment fund with Ethiopia and Egypt
Egypt Football Association Chief insists there is no problem with Salah
Heat wave to ease in Egypt
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbuly has pledged to create 900,000 new job opportunitiesannually over the coming four fiscal years

Good Reports

Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: no breakthrough in negotiations.Doaa El-Bey
Egypt is optimisticabout new gas discoveries in the Mediterranean. The Economist
Egypt’s domestic debt: An expert analysis. Safeya Mounir
Egypt creates Sahel-Saharan anti-terror center. Rasha Mahmoud
Foreign belly dancers? Egyptians shake their heads (and hips). Declan Walsh

Good Read

Mideast Christians see Russia—not the US—as defender of their faith.Jayson Casper

From Twitter

According to Security Source, Army Forces succeeded in Eliminating large number of terrorists in #Rafah city after arresting terrorist element who guided them on more than 20 terrorist hideout in several villages southof the city. #Sinai pic.twitter.com/p8nGtJusuE

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) July 2, 2018

#Egypt June PMI 49.4 vs 49.2 in May. New orders & output slipped & inflation still hurting. Worryingly, the private sector continues to shed jobs. 37 months of falling non-oil private sector employment. The govt needs some new ideas

— Angus Blair (@AngusBlair1) July 3, 2018

Parliament gave preliminary approval on Tuesday to a bill allowing the president to grant high-ranking military officers impunity for acts committed between 2013-16, during which the Rabea sit-in dispersal and Republican Guard incidents occurred. https://t.co/oBdSH825LA pic.twitter.com/pToZZzBVIS

— Mada Masr مدى مصر (@MadaMasr) July 4, 2018

Medhat al-Haddad, Muslim Brotherhood's senior leader, is speaking out against #Egypt regime from his sanctuary in #Istanbul, courtesy of #Erdogan who sponsors Ihwan global network. pic.twitter.com/GbmCSOhZVC

— Abdullah Bozkurt (@abdbozkurt) July 3, 2018

Thread on Egyptian Army Special Forces and what to look out for if you're trying to ID them /1 pic.twitter.com/h7mdcNPfoK

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) December 16, 2017

Egyptian Army Special Forces are divided under two parents so to speak. The Thunderbolt ( Units 777 + 888 + 999 ) and the Paratroopers ( 24th Parachute Battalion). All wear the Special Forces TRF but have different emblems, patches, and uniforms.

— Egypt Defence Review (@EgyptDefReview) December 16, 2017

On Facebook, a Lebanese tourist complained about the harassment she suffered on Egypt’s streets. She was stopped at the airport before leaving and this weekend was sentenced to 8 years in prison for "attacking" the Egyptian people. https://t.co/TfFCvy9MBx

— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي💙 (@NTarnopolsky) July 8, 2018

Unexpected honor to greet #Egypt & #LiverpoolFC footballer @MoSalah today as we were about to board respective flights. He is such an inspiration to youth in the region and far beyond! pic.twitter.com/Hvce0rkDCP

— Pierre Krähenbühl (@PKraehenbuehl) July 4, 2018

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1016079480048123904

“It feels like the Egyptian dancer is an endangered species, which is very sad,” an American belly dancer said. “Sad for the art. Sad for Egypt.” https://t.co/SvRHGM08QN pic.twitter.com/Qp5KqdOFEP

— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) July 8, 2018

After years of officiating lower-level football matches in Egypt, women referees push to officiate in the premier league pic.twitter.com/kVfFWIyBAa

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 5, 2018

In 1956, Egypt’s tallest man, Omar Hesmakingeyesatme, was hired as official “Egyptian State Cleaner of Historic Monuments” as he was the only person tall enough to dust the top of the Sphinx’s head.
He retired after an accident in 1959, when he sat down too sharply on a pyramid. pic.twitter.com/EDk6twjDCF

— 𝕮𝖚𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖚𝖘 𝙵𝔬𝔯𝔤𝔬𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔫 ࠋ𐍈𐍂𐌴 (@LoreCurious) July 6, 2018

Some might think it’s over but it isn’t over. There needs to be change.

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) July 1, 2018

Plus

Egyptian website seeks to combat female genital mutilation

Petition

A petition against Coptic discrimination in Egypt

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Abu-tre, Abu-Treika, Copts, Egypt, Egypt Air flight MS804, Football, Lebanese tourist, LetsCoptsPlay | 1 Comment

Nervana

This Week in Egypt: Week 33 ( August 13-19)

This Week in Egypt: Week 32 ( August 6-12)

Twitter Thread: The Crisis within Egypt’s Coptic Church

Twitter Thread: The Farcical Al-Jazeera Report on Egypt’s Counter-terrorism Operation in Sinai

This Week in Egypt: Week 31 (July 30- Aug 5)

This Week n Egypt: Week 30 ( July 23 -29)

This Week in Egypt: Week 29-2018 ( July 16-23)

The Arab audience that claps with one hand for Erdogan

This Week in Egypt: Week 28-2018 ( July 9-15)

This Week in Egypt: Week 27-2018 ( July 2-8)

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