Nervana

Egyptian Aak 2016 – Week 26 ( June 26-July 3)

Posted on July 4, 2016 by nervana111

Apology for the late posting of my weekly Egypt’s compilation, as I was in a short trip abroad.

Top Headlines

Egypt Air MS804 cockpit recorder contents are not damaged
TV host Liliane Daoud is arrested and deported from Egypt
Coptic Christian priest killed in North Sinai
Egypt bans use of debit cards abroad/Central Bank governor denies
Egypt condemns terrorist attack in Turkey
Egypt welcomes lifting Sinai from no-fly zones

Main Headlines

Monday

France opens manslaughter inquiry into the crash of Egypt Air flight
Egypt police fire tear gas at high school students protesting against education ministry
President Al-Sisi ratifies amendments on weapons and armor law…
TV host Liliane Daoud is arrested in home raid
Sisi government met PKK three times: Turkish intelligence raid

Tuesday

Egypt welcomes lifting Sinai from no-fly zones
8 men were released on bail following Muslim mob attack on Christians on Upper Egypt
Egypt court sets ruling in former top auditor trial for July 28
Egypt to open Rafah border crossing with Gaza with Gaza for four days

Wednesday

Smoke is detected on board Egypt Air flight before crash
Sisi says exam leaks will not be repeated, state respects court ruling on islands deal
Egypt court upholds 6-month sentence for man who appeared on balcony naked
Egypt condemns terrorist attack in Turkey
Egypt’s parliament approves state budget for FY 2016/17
I will fight to return to Cairo soon, says renowned Lebanese TV host Liliane Daoud

Thursday

Egypt’s army celebrates 30 June anniversary of June 30
Six Egyptian border guards killed in shootout with smugglers near Libya
Coptic Christian priest killed in North Sinai
Italy blocks defense deal with Egypt over stalled investigation into Cambridge graduate’s brutal murder
Egypt expresses ‘discomfort’ over Italy halting warplanes supplies in response to Regeni’s case
Egypt’s Sisi: ‘Egyptian people regained identity in 30 June revolution
Egypt bans use of debit cards abroad amid hard currency shortage
Egypt’s Al-Azhar denounces ‘despicable’ murder of Coptic priest

Friday

France condemns deadly attack on Egyptian border guards, killing of Coptic priest in Sinai
Egypt repays Qatar final $1 billion in outstanding debt
Egypt’s central bank governor denies debit card are banned for use abroad
Egypt has no intention has no intention to amend Arab Peace Initiative: FM Shoukry
Prosecution releases twin high school students who were arrested for exam protests

Saturday

Egypt Air MS804 cockpit recorder contents are not damaged
Trial of Egypt’s Journalists Syndicate’s chairman is postponed again
Egypt Thanaweya Amma applied math exam is leaked for the second time
FM arrives in Baghdad to discuss supporting Iraq in terrorism fight
Egypt condemns terror attack in Bahrain
Egypt Air could lose up to $2 million if daylight saving time is cancelled

Sunday

Two military personnel are injured in Rafah explosion in North Sinai
Egypt in talks with UAE over US$500 million grant
Egypt due for another devaluation of its currency in 2016/17
Egypt facing ‘unprecedented’ challenges to human rights: NCHR report
More TV advertisements are suspended during Ramadan

Good Reports

In Egypt, Sisi’s star fades as problems pile up. Amina Ismail and Lin Noueihed
‘Thug Life:’ Exposing Egypt’s disturbing revenge attack industry. Shounaz Meky
Horrifying mob of 5,000 attacks Christians for building a church. Katie Mansfield
Annual water crisis: Broken promises and local action. Heba Afifi
Understanding 554 travel bans since 2011. Pesha Magid

Good Read

No neutral in the Egypt-Qatar quarrel. Oren Kessler and David Weinberg
June 30, 3 years on: Protesting intellectuals revisit their position. Hadeer al-Mahdawy
June 30, 3 years on: The Muslim Brotherhood at breaking point.
Egypt’s gender inequality has a price the country can’t afford.Rachel Aspden
Farag Fouda: The man who died for the love of Egypt. Mohamed Abul Ghar
Are Egypt’s courts carrying out their own revolution? Ayah Aman
When Egyptian high school students headed to Tahrir square to protest. Zeinobia

From Twitter

3 yrs ago, unprecedented millions in #Egypt demanded Morsi's ouster. MB claimed it was Photoshopped, refused to negotiate, paid heavy price.

— Eric Trager (@EricTrager18) June 30, 2016

Feminist Activist and Woman Human Rights Defender Mozn Hassan Banned from Travel – https://t.co/GwLXIsl5Cg #Egypt #WHRD

— Nazra for Feminist Studies (@Nazra_Mena) June 27, 2016

Ex husband of @liliandaoud narrates in detail the abduction of the Leb. TV host. She wasn't allowed to pack. #Egypt pic.twitter.com/VWNuJifMKX

— Dahlia Kholaif (@Dee_Kholaif) June 27, 2016

Egyptian series al-Kayser's episode yesterday indirectly suggested the Italian student Giulio Regeni was killed by a human rights org.

— Hassan I. Hassan (@hxhassan) June 27, 2016

Planet Egypt https://t.co/BcfIld1mIL

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) June 30, 2016

After Israel and Russia, Egypt seems to be next!
Turkish FM Çavuşoğlu says ready to meet with Egyptian counterpart.https://t.co/KpzBESzNiv

— Celil (@csagir2015) July 3, 2016

Real pic of #Egypt secondary school students' revolt against corrupt & bankrupt education system pic.twitter.com/KM07UAnazy

— Hani Shukrallah (@HaniShukrallah) July 3, 2016

30 June anniversary: Ahram Online video of pesidential palace mass protests (republished)https://t.co/Xkx0JzStUN

— Ahram Online (@ahramonline) June 30, 2016

Plus

King Farouk’s corner to open soon in Egypt’s Helwan
The 19 greatest cities in history in history.

Finally, here are Jayson Casper’s prayers for Egypt

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Egyptian Aak 2016- Week25 (June20-26)

Posted on June 27, 2016 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Administrative court has quashed a government decision to hand control of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia
Egypt government has lodged an appeal against a court decision to block Red Sea islands transfer to Saudi Arabia
Egypt Air flight MS804 black boxes to be sent to France to repair damages
British Airways has decided to abandon its route to abandon its route to Sharm El-Sheikh
Egypt parliament gives go-ahead to Saudi King’s Sinai development program

Main Headlines

Monday

Egypt’s stocks hit 3-month low on Monday amid local, foreign sales amid local and foreign sales
Low-ranking police officer shot dead in North Sinai
Egypt prosecution releases 11 education ministry officials accused of leaking exams
Egypt supports Bahrain in “measures taken to maintain internal stability”
‘Street Children’ satirical group referred to state security prosecution
Egypt Air offers $25,000 ‘temporary’ compensation for every family of flight MS804 victims
BP approves investment in Egypt gas field 15 months after discovery

Tuesday

Administrative court has quashed a government decision to hand control of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.
British Airways has decided to abandon its route to abandon its route to Sharm El-Sheikh
National Falcon Company for Airport Security signed an agreement with British company Restrata
Egypt’s administrative court overturns decision to freeze star footballer Abou-Treika’s assets
Egypt’s total budget deficit rose by 18 percent in the first ten months of the current fiscal year 2015/16
Germany’s Foreign and Security Policy Adviser in Cairo for 2-day visit
Egypt shuts two currency trading firms over black market dealing

Wednesday

Egypt government has lodged an appeal against a court decision to block Red Sea islands transfer to Saudi Arabia
‪MPs insist they have final say on islands deal with Saudi Arabia despite court ruling
Police sergeant shot dead in North Sinai
Egyptian court exonerates 22 defendants accused of illegally protesting islands deal

Thursday

Egyptian court sets Sunday to hear government appeal against quashing of Saudi island deal
Hijacker says he saw killed Italian student in a Cairo prison
Egypt’s first mistral aircraft carrier arrives at the Ras El-Tin naval base in Alexandria
Foreign Ministry slams Amnesty International for inciting against Egypt
Egypt wins membership in UN Human Rights Council
Egyptian government seizes hospitals, companies owned by the now banned Muslim Brotherhood

Friday

Egypt Air flight MS804 black boxes to be sent to France to repair damages
Eleven Egyptians repatriated from Syria to arrive on Cairo
HRW calls for release of members of online satirical troupe

Saturday

Journalist Syndicate trial adjourned for the third time to July 2
US Congress delegation to meet with Egypt’s El-Sisi for security talks
Russia announces 2nd round of naval exercises with Egypt
Russia has confirmed that Russia delivered a R-32 missile corvette to the Egyptian navy
FM Shoukry discusses Palestine issue with Norway’s peace envoy
Egypt’s Daqahliya Security Directorate HQ reopens after two-year reconstruction due to 2013’s bombing

Sunday

Egypt parliament gives go-ahead to Saudi King’s Sinai development program
June 30 is made public holiday to commemorate mass protests, museums open free of charge
Egyptian pound weakens against dollar on black market
Exam leaks case referred to national security prosecution
Egypt’s standardized high school math exam is voided after leak
Egypt’s supply ministry rejects wheat fraud allegations

Good Reports

Egypt’s Education Ministry rocked by high school cheating scandal. Sarah El-Shalakany
Facebook Envy Lures Egyptian Teenagers to Europe and the migrant life. Declan Walsh
Islamic extremists attack Christian village in Egypt, burn 80 homes. Lisa Daftari
Why Egypt’s ‘white gold’ production is now in decline. Ahmed Hidji
Transgender operations stall in Egypt. Heather Murdock
Egypt government opposes dropping of blasphemy law. Chiqui Guyjoco

Good Read

Support for Egypt’s Press Syndicate Khaled Dawoud
Hamas and Egypt makes amends? Oren Kessler and Grant Ramley
What does Brexit mean for Egypt? Nancy Allam
Disgraced Homeland Security adviser Mohamed Elibiary scapegoats Egypt’s Christians^____ Patrick Poole

From Twitter

The judge who defied the Egypt regime. Video shows the moment the verdict was passed. https://t.co/4V5K91eBGw

— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) June 21, 2016

Egyptian lawyer Khaled Ali After winning The Case in front of Council of State
Photo / Mohamed El Raai pic.twitter.com/EzmG3l3MV1

— Mohamed El Raai (@mohammedelra3y) June 21, 2016

Pres Sisi wondering how Pres Erdogan purges judges…

— Steven A. Cook (@stevenacook) June 21, 2016

Language in #Egypt-ian laws are vague & empowers govt to bring people to trial without any explanation, says @HamzawyAmr #EgyptCrackdown

— The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (@TimepDC) June 22, 2016

https://twitter.com/BTelawy/status/746423058387329025

Customers in cafe discuss: 'next year all cafes will be closed, regime is trying to show there are better Muslims than the #MB' #egypt

— Eduard Cousin (@EduardCousin) June 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/Mokhtar_Awad/status/747168191328059392

Inspiring success stories of women innovators in Egypt’s technology sector 👏 https://t.co/PF9qoREOID

— Charlotta Sparre (@CSparre) June 25, 2016

90% of Ramadan TV commercials are either calls for charity or villas in guarded compounds. The dicotomy of Egypt.

— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) June 24, 2016

Plus

Egypt launches Ramadan campaign against child abuse

FACTBOX

Refugees in Egypt

Photo of the Week

Sarcophagi lids displayed in ‪Egypt after repatriation from Israel

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Egypt, EgyptAir, Red Sea, Saudi, Sisi, Tiran Sanafir | 3 Comments

Brexit and the Stubborn Liberals of the Western World

Posted on June 26, 2016 by nervana111

Brexit^____the unthinkable has happened. Britain has voted to leave the European Union, triggering both local and global astonishment. This result baffled even the closest followers of British politics, and the surprising responses are, in a way, understandable. What is not understandable, however, is the frenzy of rage or even mockery of the results. Such disdain about democracy, when it fails to provide a “desired outcome,” is a manifestation of the bankruptcy of progressive liberalism in the Western world and a good explanation of why many in Britain decided to “quietly” vote to leave the EU.

Following the announcement of the results, the main media outlets have opted to spin the outcome. The Independent posted a report of handpicked Leave voters regretting their decision because they did not think the UK “would actually leave.” The Guardian published a video highlighting how young voters supported the Remain Campaign. A piece in The Washington Post has opted for more sensationalism, painting an image of “ignorant Brits” by stating that the British were frantically Googling what the E.U. is just hours after voting to leave it. The New York Times has decided to vent its frustration by blaming British newspapers that “have thrown themselves shamelessly behind Brexit.” The commentary is all done as if the American newspapers, including the New York Times, are neutral and biased-free.

In fact, some Leave supporters did not think the UK would “actually leave,” but only because they believed the mainstream media and the political establishment that consistently told them that the Remain-Camp would win. This does not mean they made a misguided decision to Vote to leave, but it also indicates they felt like underdogs fighting to make their voices heard.

While it was true that most young Brits voted to remain in Europe, their turnout was low in areas with more young people. Thus, they have themselves to blame and no one else. Although this has been emphasized, it is also the case that a significant number of young people were openly pro-Leave.

Brexit age

At the moment, supporters of the Remain campaign have failed to accept and respect the will of the British public. Instead, they are bitterly criticizing the Brexit camp as the “undereducated, misinformed, xenophobic, stupid, old arseholes,” as one person wrote on Facebook. Many have even signed a petition, with signatories mainly from London, which was pro-remain, demanding a second referendum. The idea that Londoners and other Remain supporters think the rest of the country will change its mind in a second referendum shows some breathtaking lack of understanding of their fellow citizens.

A few days before the referendum, I wrote about how the Leave camp needs our empathy and not our disdain. The results of the referendum and the reactions after, however, have proven my worst fears. We live in an era of zero empathy. Such deficiency is the true reason behind the referendum results. Many native Brits fear backlash from the affluent, outspoken dominating minority that consistently labels opponents as backward and xenophobic. Such fear prohibited many from expressing their true views. Instead, Brexit Britain, as Radhika Sanghani put it, has opted to translate its beliefs to leave the EU quietly through ballot papers.

This fear, moreover, is also coupled with silent defiance and even respect of those who dared to articulate their rejection, even if their views are considered racist and xenophobic. Leaders of the Brexit camp, like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, are admired because of their daring defiance rather than their radical opinions.

Standing against the allegedly liberal progressive establishment has a growing appeal in the Western world. The more that so-called liberals act in an illiberal manner and denigrate those who dare to oppose them, the more the other camp will show defiance and rejection of globalization and other supposedly liberal Western values.

My friend Samuel Tadros reminded me of Edmond Burke’s reflections on the French revolution, when he wrote, “You will smile here at the consistency of those democratists who, when they are not on their guard, treat the humbler part of the community with the greatest contempt, whilst, at the same time, they pretend to make them the depositories of all power.” The rejection of the Brexit results indicates that Bruke’s reflection is still relevant and frankly alarming.

Toby Young is right, the Remain campaign has lost, and their supporters should stop “whining.” Although I voted to remain in the EU, the Remain campaign failed to engage and convince many British. Exposing “the lies” of the Brexit camp should have been done smartly before the referendum.

The more that the Remain side rejects the results of the referendum; the more they will alienate those on the central right. Many Brexit supporters are neither racists nor ignorant. Manufacturing a different reality will not work. It is time to start working towards healing the rift. A second referendum will only create more bitterness and divisions. Britain needs unity more than anytime before in its history.

Posted in Best Read, Politics | Tagged Brexit, Britain, England, EU, EU Referendum, The Leave Camp, The Remain Camp, UK | 16 Comments

On Britain and Brexit

Posted on June 20, 2016 by nervana111

“The universe would turn to a mighty stranger.” This quote from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, albeit in a different context, has always been in my mind every time I went fell walking in the Lake District. This area is an intriguing part of Britain, in which silence is the dominant theme, occasionally interrupted by shy noise from a lone sheep or footsteps from another walker.

Leaving the touristic towns and villages and heading up to the hills, one can find a different Britain, authentic, intriguing, and completely detached from multi-cultural trendy London. Those who are baffled by the desire of some British to leave the EU should head north to listen to communities quietly struggling to maintain their way of life and authenticity.

Fell walking has always been challenging. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. Coming from an urban suburb in Cairo had never prepared me to deal with rocks, tricky paths, and steep hills. The outcome, however, after hours of physical struggle has always been rewarding. The effect on a person is simply a blessing that I could not have imagined.

My favorite trail is to the Great Gable, or the Pyramid, as I like to call it. The mountain lying at the very heart of the English Lake District does indeed appear as a pyramid from the valley of Wasdale. The best day to visit Great Gable is on Remembrance Sunday in November, when the Fell and Rock Climbing Club holds a service to its members and others who have perished in conflicts around the world.

I never felt as spiritual as at that moment on top of Great Gable. A sense of being close to heaven, purified from the materialism of our world. There was no Costa Café, McDonald’s or Itsu, just a group of walkers gathering to watch a defiant sun appearing defiantly behind the cloud with golden rays that turned the entire valley into a magical place.

Living in the north Of England has helped me to better understanding the Brexit camp. It is easy to describe those who are anti-Europe as racist or ignorant. That is how things may appear to many Londoners enjoying their fine Italian cheese or French delicacies. For them, divorcing Europe might sound like a crazy idea or at least baffling.

Meanwhile, for others who have tried to dig deeper and look for rational reasons, there have been some sound arguments. Owen Jones rightly explained the grievances of working class Britain and how the referendum has opened up a chasm that reflects the inequality in the UK and the monsters of a deeply divided and unfair society. The class aspect of the dispute about the EU referendum, however, does not explain the whole matter.

Amidst a heated debate about staying or leaving Europe, an important aspect is completely ignored. The leave campaign is for many, not a debate about immigration or EU laws, but a fight for authenticity^___ a word that has slipped away from the vocabulary of many in Britain. Post-colonial Britain has actually developed a subconscious mind dismissive of its local culture, but deep in the hills of Britain, locals beg to differ. They are proud of their traditions, way of life, and feel utterly uneasy about the creeping changes affecting their societies. Staying out of Europe is their desperate way to maintain their way of life, which has been hijacked by the London elite.

The drift between London and the hells of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria has become wide and dangerous. The social fabric of British society is torn apart. For many, London has become an alien city, an unfriendly expensive place. Its red buses and old buildings are only the remaining reminders of its Britishness. Many of its elite has seemingly divorced the rest of Britain, and then looked surprised that Britain is growing rebellious at them.

It is true that anti-immigration, hatred and ugly nationalism has dominated the Brexit camp. The vile, brutal murder of Jo Cox is one glaring example. “The well of hatred,” as Labour party leader’s Jeremy Corbyn has described it won’t be defeated. However, by denigrating the Brexit camp and collectively labeling its supporters as racist fascists doesn’t reflect the whole story on the ground.

Without listening to the legitimate grievances of the Brexit camp, Britain will not recover from the aftermath of the EU referendum, even if the outcome turns out to be in favor of staying in Europe. I support staying in Europe, however I understand how Britain has become a mighty stranger to many of its subjects. The Brexit camp deserves our empathy, not our disdain.

Posted in Politics, Uncategorized | Tagged Brexit, Britain, EU | 6 Comments

Egyptian Aak 2016-Week 24 ( June 13-19)

Posted on June 19, 2016 by nervana111

Top Headlines

An Egyptian court sentenced ousted Islamist president Morsi to life in prison in an espionage trial
Egypt has recovered both black boxes from the crashed Egypt air jet
Prosecution appeals release order for Egyptian rights campaigner Mina Thabet
Giulio Regeni’s parents ask European Parliament to take severe measures against Egypt
Egypt’s central bank raises interest rates to the highest level in at least a decade

Main Headlines

Monday

Economists differ on interest rate decision amid record core inflation
MPs still mulling cancellation of “contempt of religion” crime
‪Egypt‪ strongly condemns nightclub shooting in Florida
Former chief auditor Geneina’s daughter is sacked from a government job
Egypt to cut gas supplies to industry in August
A Cairo court has issued a request to freeze the assets of the Andalus Institute for Tolerance and anti-Violence Studies
Court permits return of Faraeen TV channel without Tawfiq Okasha

Tuesday

An Egyptian court acquits 51 of illegal protesting in Egypt-Saudi islands case
Al-Azhar condemns ‘heinous’ Orlando shooting
Egyptian journalist is jailed after accusing a businesswoman of corruption
Shorouk Geneina makes first statement after dismissal
Egypt condemns Paris’s terrorist attack
Egyptian parliament’s media committee approves new amendments to press law
‪Egypt ‪issues media gag order in prosecutor’s burning evidence case

Wednesday

Egypt says wreckage from Egypt Air MH804 found has been identified
Egypt has become the world’s fourth-biggest weapons importer
Egypt’s top prosecutor heads to Cyprus to discuss extradition of plane hijacker
Egypt court issues gag order on murder of top prosecutor
Egyptian parliament approves tariff increase on hundreds of imported goods
Man sentenced to 6 months in prison for standing naked in balcony during Ramadan in Egypt

Thursday

Black box of crashed plane is found and pulled out of sea
Italy withholds ambassador from Cairo over Egypt’s handling of Regeni’s murder
Giulio Regeni’s parents ask European Parliament to take severe measures against Egypt
Egypt’s central bank raises interest rates to the highest level in at least a decade
Masked gunmen shoot dead 2 policemen in Sinai’s Al-Arish
Heads of Egypt’s national papers to remain in office until new press bill is issued

Friday

Egypt has recovered the second black box from the crashed Egypt Air jet
Turkey’s PM sends reconciliatory messages to Russia, Israel, Syria, and Egypt
Sisi says fight against terrorism is as important as 1973 victory against Israel
Palestinians begin sea border talks with Egypt with Egypt
Egyptian-European attempts to revive French peace initiative continue
Egyptian ministry of education temporarily suspends licensing of international schools

Morsi

Egypt’s ex-President Mohamed Morsi

Saturday

An Egyptian court sentenced ousted Islamist president Morsi to life in prison in an espionage trial
Egypt sentenced two former Al Jazeera employees to death in absentia
Al-Jazeera strongly denounces targeting its journalists
Prosecution appeals release order for Egyptian rights campaigner Mina Thabet
Fatah- Hamas reconciliation talks set to take place in Egypt next week ‪
Sectarian violence against Copts reported near Alexandria
Egyptian human rights activist Mina Thabet is released pending investigation
Egypt praises Iraqi forces retake of Fallujah from IS group

Sunday

Egypt tests black box recorders of crashed Egypt Air flight
Egypt slams Qatari criticism of Morsi espionage case verdict
Turkey condemns life sentence handed down by Egypt to Morsi
Jeff Sessions: Donald Trump’s travel ban could include Egypt
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority has set new toll rates for oil tankers
IED explosion kills Egyptian police captain, injures policeman in North Sinai
A Cairo court renewed the detention of Doctors Syndicate member Taher Mokhtar for 45-days
Egyptian low-ranking policeman detained for allegedly shooting a neighbor

Good Reports

How Egypt plans to address its growing water crisis. Walaa Hussein
Egyptian cotton in peril as exports slide. Deya Abaza
Egypt builds new homes to replace crumbling slums. Reuters

Good Read

The Muslim Brotherhood: Egypt’s main Islamist movement is tearing itself apart. The Economist
Egypt’s theory of terrorism. Zack Gold and Elissa Miller
Egypt’s costly nuclear project. Eric Trager

From Twitter

.@ECRF_ORG's Mina Thabet in pretrial detention 28 days. Read @Eshhad_'s Special Briefing https://t.co/BucxJ6xBe1 pic.twitter.com/TdLzOAM2RX

— Mai El-Sadany (@maitelsadany) June 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/mokhtar_awad/status/743583826157441025

Alex village attackers on Copts chanted "we don't want a church" Security arrested Copts for building church https://t.co/584oRxrxXJ

— Samuel Tadros (@Samueltadros) June 18, 2016

When sentences recommended, CPJ said Egypt hostility to independent journalism no secret, but death sentence new low https://t.co/Jw6ZGHzxTh

— Committee to Protect Journalists (@pressfreedom) June 18, 2016

https://twitter.com/orenkessler/status/743563689392017408

Egyptian Security Forces Say They Defused 100 kgs of Explosives Meant for a Terror Attack in Sinai
[Ar.] https://t.co/3LLe9Is2ok

— Oren Kessler (@OrenKessler) June 16, 2016

UK-based MB leader apologizes to terror org al-Gamaa al-Islamiya for accusing it (accurately!) of violence in 1980s: https://t.co/ktPndxiwhu

— Eric Trager (@EricTrager18) June 17, 2016

Producers of the Egyptian TV series Al Kayser (Ceaser) apologise for using a real photo from Rabaa in two episodes https://t.co/T94XTjhSla

— Hassan I. Hassan (@hxhassan) June 18, 2016

if you’re delusional enough to believe in freedom of faith/doctrine.. Now it is clear! Once a Muslim always a Muslim https://t.co/siCCzrrAVV

— Marwa Farid (@MarwaMfarid) June 17, 2016

Video

Subcommittee Hearing: Egypt: Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. policy
The Egyptians who ‘disappear’ who “disappear”
Egypt’s women bikers defy stereotypes

Interview

Former Egypt FM Nabil Fahmy says US election outcome won’t dictate US-Arabs ties. Al-Monitor

Plus

Egyptians among top 10 migrant populations to Italy
Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz sentenced to 3 years in prison for defaming actress Zeina
Almost 350 smoking & drug abuse scenes in Egyptian Ramadan TV series so far

Finally here are Jayson Casper’s prayers for Egypt

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Trope-A-Dope: How the Greatest gets used by the Worst

Posted on June 16, 2016 by nervana111

I am a strong admirer of Muhammad Ali, still I think it is important to read this piece to understand how Al-Jazeera’s Mehdi Hassan has portrayed Muhammad Ali in a certain way that fits-in with his own unhealthy politics.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Egyptian Aak 2016- Week 23 (June 6-12)

Posted on June 12, 2016 by nervana111

Top Headlines

BP, Eni announce new “significant” gas discovery off the Egyptian coast
Egypt says time running out to find Egypt Air’s black boxes
Egypt to amend controversial protest law
Former Al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy regains his Egyptian nationality

Main Headlines

Monday

Holy month of Ramadan starts on Monday: Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta says publicly violating fast “is an assault on the sanctity of Islam”
Egypt prosecution orders detention of 12 education ministry officials pending investigation into the leakage of exams online
Court sentences one to life, another to 10 years for photographing police facilities
Egypt rescues 31 migrants in the Mediterranean
Deadly shark attack is less likely than death by coconut falling on head

Tuesday

‪Twenty-six people were sentenced to death and 21 to life in prison for involvement in tribal violence in Aswan
Appeal court reduces political activist’s jail sentence to one month
Egypt’s prime minister vows tough legal measures against examinations leaks
Egypt arrests more Facebook admins as more examinations were leaked online
Three arrested, 3 killed in police operation to capture Helwan’s attack suspects
Egypt condemns bomb attack in Istanbul
Ain Sokhna imposes swimming ban, other measures after shark attack
2 pro-Morsi TV hosts sentenced to 2 years in jail for “incitement against the state”

Wednesday

Islamic State posts video threatening to blow-up Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
Egypt’s foreign ministry: Incident involving alleged racial slurs against Sub-Saharans is over
Moody’s bets on foreign investment in Egypt to ease dollar shortage
State Council panel recommends formation of committee to determine sovereignty of Tiran and Sanafir
Sums constitute 6 percent of Egypt’s inhabited land
Egypt Air plane to Beijing resumes flight after hoax bomb emergency landing
Egypt signs EGP 6 billion contract to resume construction of a third metro line
Egypt’s index hits 6 week high on positive financial sector news

Thursday

BP, Eni announce new “significant” gas discovery off the Egyptian coast
Second specialist vessel will join the hunt for the “black box” flight recorders of Egypt Air jet
Former Al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy regains his Egyptian nationality
Egypt arrests 13 persons in Alexandria for alleged Brotherhood ties http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/17095
Egypt’s core inflation jumps to 12.23 percent in May
Egypt to introduce prison sentences for traders selling foreign currency outside the official exchange rate
Egypt returns to zero tolerance of ergot fungus in wheat

Friday

Egypt to amend controversial protest law
Egypt prosecutors renew mother’s detention over daughter’s FGM death
Egypt to raise state pension by 10 percent
Police raid Agouza cafes
Egypt foils illegal migration attempts off its coasts

Saturday

A ‘spirit of positivity’ should prevail over Renaissance Dam negotiations: Egypt’s Sisi:
Court sentences 7 islands transfer protesters to 8 years in prison
Egypt condemns attacks against Ethiopian troops in Somalia

Sunday

Egypt says time running out to find Egypt Air’s black boxes
Egypt’s parliament approves Hesham Badawi as country’s new top auditor
Egypt’s Consumer Protection Agency to ban “immoral” Ramadan commercials

Good Report

Is Sisi selling Egypt to Saudis? Ahmed Hidji
What 3 Egyptian women have to say about Sisi 2 years into his presidential term http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/17098 Yasmin Selim
How will Egypt rein in its explosive population growth? Dalia Rabie
Islamic State Affiliate’s rise alters Middle East’s security. Rory Jones and Tamer El-Ghobashy
Selling Dollars instead of lanterns Highlights Egypt crunch. Ahmed Feteha
New legislation to bolster services for Egypt’s disabled. Ahmed Hidji

Good Read

The shameful Minya incident and the need to apply the law. Mohamed Abul Ghar
Of two Kings. Maged atiya

From Twitter

MP @AhmedHassanSaid submits draft amendment, to change maximum sentences related to publishing crimes #Egypt https://t.co/fAtojV403h

— Ramy Yaacoub (@RamyYaacoub) June 12, 2016

https://twitter.com/minafayek/status/741627357606367233

https://twitter.com/Mokhtar_Awad/status/740424910997225473

MB ldr Ezzat releases audio criticizing youth wing and confirming that Mohamed Abdel-Rahman now leads org in #Egypt: https://t.co/T6ACDAtBaV

— Eric Trager (@EricTrager18) June 9, 2016

Folks in Cairo and DC would benefit from trying to figure how to manage a changing relationship. #TheLongGoodbye https://t.co/Q68ybytj7O

— Steven A. Cook (@stevenacook) June 9, 2016

For first time, Egyptian textbook showcases Menachem Begin next to Anwar Sadat https://t.co/RE8qPCJe8x #Egypt pic.twitter.com/J2z5DpLDJd

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) June 7, 2016

#Egypt’s Islamic authority downplays ISIS threat to destroy #pyramids https://t.co/gWCNqjQKAI

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 11, 2016

Preserving Egypt's Jewish heritage through recipes https://t.co/dMzxGNm2lT pic.twitter.com/24WvYruy55

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) June 7, 2016

Interview in Daily News Egypt on 🇸🇪 in 🇪🇬 & the 🌍 https://t.co/yBGSZL9lrZ

— SweAmbEgypt (@SweAmbEgypt) June 7, 2016

How cruel & insane! -> #ISIS kidnap of actress is actually a prank by Egypt TV show. @akhbar https://t.co/GJEZkDA9wA pic.twitter.com/Eks0X3EMPp

— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) June 10, 2016

Interview

An interview: Remembering Shahenda Maklad (1938-2016) Reem Saad

Plus

Tombs of Nefertari and Seti I in Egypt’s Luxor to reopen to visitors
Egypt tourist numbers down 54 percent in April

Photo Gallery

Celebrations in Cairo streets as Egyptians mark the first day of Ramadan

Video

The making of Ramadan lanterns in old Cairo

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Podcast: Religion

Posted on June 10, 2016 by nervana111

Here is our latest podcast with Prof. Matt Sienkiewicz from Boston College and our guest Ambassador Alberto Fernandez discussing religion and media. Enjoy …

Posted in Podcasts | Tagged Catholicism, Hijab, Islamism, Judaism, religion | Leave a comment

The Cleansing of Mosul

Posted on June 7, 2016 by nervana111

Important read on ISIS destruction of Mosul’s historic monuments and the archaeological sites from ancient Assyria.

Gates of Nineveh: An Experiment in Blogging Assyriology

As the focus has shifted to Palmyra, relatively little media attention has been paid over the past several months to ISIS’ continued destruction of cultural sites in and around Mosul. Nevertheless, ISIS’ campaign to eliminate anything it perceives as being opposed to its ideology has continued. Over the past few months, many structures previously left untouched have been destroyed.

The Southwest Palace of Sennacherib

Situated atop the ancient tell of Kuyunjik, the Southwest Palace was one of the first buildings of Nineveh to be excavated by Austen Henry Layard in 1847. The palace contained the famous Lachish siege reliefs now preserved in the British Museum.

Over a hundred reliefs were left in situ and the palace was preserved as a museum. Some of the reliefs were broken or looted in the 1990s.

Left: Image taken by Digital Globe/ASOR on May 2, 2016 showing the Southwest Palace missing its roof but…

View original post 1,424 more words

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Egyptian Aak 2016 – Week 22 ( May 30-June 5)

Posted on June 5, 2016 by nervana111

Top Headlines

Egypt journalist union chiefs are charged with harboring wanted colleagues
Egypt investigates teenage girl’s death during illegal FGM
6 Egyptian soldiers were killed, 6 were injured in North Sinai
Egypt Air crash: Black box signals have been detected by search team
Egypt receives first of two French Mistral worship
Appeals court acquits 33 convicted for 2 years over island deal protests

Main Headlines

Monday

Egypt journalist union chiefs are charged with harboring wanted colleagues
Egypt’s press syndicate leaders were released on bail
Egypt investigates teenage girl’s death after female genital mutilation procedure
Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie sentenced to life in prison for the 7th time for Ismailia violence
Guardian denies that Joseph Mayton, whom it accused of fabricating quotes and sources, was its Cairo correspondent
Sisi pledges to eliminate slums within two years as he inaugurate housing project
Fitch affirms Egypt rating at ‘B’ with stable outlook

Tuesday

Egypt FM opens inquiry into an official’s alleged reference to Sub-Saharan Africans as “dogs and slaves”
6 Egyptian soldiers were killed, 6 were injured in North Sinai
Hungarian PM in Cairo to boost ties and economic cooperation
Egypt’s Journalists Syndicate can’t be broken, says chairman Yehia Kalash
Nineteen Egyptian human rights groups denounce charges against leaders of press syndicate
Egyptian TV figures El-Ibrashi, Shobeir, El-Tayeb are banned following on-air fight

Wednesday

Egypt Air crash: Black box signals have been detected by search team
Egypt denies one of its officials called Africans ‘dogs and slaves’
Egypt reopens Gaza crossing for first time in 3 weeks
‪Hungry‪ to finance Egypt’s €900 million purchase of 700 train carriages
Egyptian FM: Egyptian territories are not on table in Palestinian-Israeli peace talks
Egypt, Kuwaiti fund sign first development deal for Sinai worth $100 million
Egyptian FM: It is pointless not to acknowledge Ethiopia’s dam
Egypt Air cancels flight to Bangkok after false bomb scare

Thursday

Egypt receives first of two French Mistral worships
Egyptian military court sentences 187 Morsi supporters to life in prison
Egypt’s former top auditor referred to court “for spreading false news”
Egypt’s army says it killed 22 militants in North Sinai in 3rd phase of Martyr’s Right
Egyptian veteran activist Shahenda Maklad dies at 78
Egypt’s Foreign ministry hits back at EU statements criticizing ‘crackdown’ on journalists
Team testing new scanner on Egypt’s Great Pyramids

Friday

Egypt’s former top auditor was released on bail ahead of corruption trial
Egypt wants Kenya diplomat fired over “fabricated” racism charge
Egypt Air plane made no emergency landings day before crash: Egypt Air chairman
Blackouts in North Sinai as terrorists attack power line
Palestinian state must become a reality: Egyptian FM addresses Paris conference
Egypt’s Sisi to discuss first two years of presidency in a TV interview
Egypt’s military sends forces to rescue a migrant boat

Saturday

Sisi has launched the national project for Sinai development worth 150 billion Egyptian pounds
Trial of Journalists Syndicate chairman is adjourned to June 18
After 2 years in office, 91% of Egyptians are satisfied with Sisi

Sunday

Appeals court acquits 33 convicted for 2 years over island deal protests
Egypt’s population to hit 91 million on Sunday
Amid leaks, general secondary certificate religion exam is cancelled
Egypt police stop Sepultura heavy metal concert for “incomplete permission”
Egypt’s non-oil business activity slows for the 8th month

Good Reports

How the luxury resorts on Egypt’s perfect beaches turned into abandoned “ghost hotels”. Bethan Staton
Ahead of Paris Summit, Israel sees Egypt’s regional initiative is preferable to the French peace plan. Barak Ravid
In Egypt’s broad crackdown, prominent journalists are now facing trial. Leila Fadel
Breaking the back of the Journalists Syndicate. Omar Said
Gender-based violence in Egypt costs between EGP 2.17 and 6.15 billion annually: Survey. Mariam Mecky
Women’s rights activists launch “Say No” campaign to stamp out abuse. Hend El-Behary
Egypt’s battered tourist industry anxiously awaits the results of Egypt Air crash investigation. Isabel Esterman
Experts look at human factors to explain Ain Sokhna shark attack. Mada Masr

Good Read

Will Sisi squander his chance to fix Egypt’s economy? David Shenker
An outrageous anti-Christian attack in Egypt. Lela Gilbert
Transitional Justice Project:Egypt’s court system 101.The Tahrir Institute
What if the June 1967 War” never happened? Maged Atiya

From Twitter

A new French warship will be headed to Egypt soon, and it's all thanks to Russia https://t.co/we6IJ1DP57 pic.twitter.com/eVjCIKwuyS

— Intl. Business Times (@IBTimes) June 5, 2016

💥 #Egypt's army discovered largest ABM tunnel 'right next' to the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) in n.Sinai. pic.twitter.com/bU7HQb5Qo4

— 🔴 Hasan Sari (@HasanSari7) May 30, 2016

#Kenya says #Egypt should resign from African Ministerial Conference on Environment after minister's racist remarkshttps://t.co/ZOocjuUWpF

— Michel Arseneault (@miko75011) May 30, 2016

#Egypt's foreign ministry says alleged 'dogs and slaves' remark was 'pure fabrication'https://t.co/RyPLdrOkrD

— Aswat Masriya_En (@AswatMasriya_En) June 3, 2016

But "Western observers" do accept this. Many Muslims (eg in Egypt), however, do not. And it's ultimately up to them. https://t.co/GIXXKD60CK

— Eric Trager (@EricTrager18) June 5, 2016

https://twitter.com/btelawy/status/737323915895279617

https://twitter.com/BTelawy/status/738705190430375937

The one #Egypt'ian pound note is back in circulation. The coins apparent production costs outweighed their value. pic.twitter.com/2OyuXmXz0m

— Amro Ali (@_amroali) June 2, 2016

To view #Egypt only thru the lens of Arabism or Islamism is to ignore Egyptianism which remains the bedrock of its nationalism.

— salamamoussa (@salamamoussa) June 5, 2016

https://twitter.com/Reem_Abdellatif/status/739550393227706368

VIDEO: Calls for Egypt to end FGM after death https://t.co/bRoW0DUEIR

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) June 3, 2016

#Egypt – "we must prosecute" after 17 yr old girl dies post #FGM https://t.co/KNGqVBcmQA pic.twitter.com/gKa0Ae7hFy

— Clarion Project (@clarionproject) June 1, 2016

Visited the Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt @KurdistanRegion today to emphasize on partnership & cooperation pic.twitter.com/g1Y6uUJ7LQ

— Falah Mustafa (@FalahMustafa) May 30, 2016

🇪🇬 Egypt are going to the Africa Cup of Nations – congratulations, @ElNennyM https://t.co/gq9JyOZCp6

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 4, 2016

Video

Ceremony of raising the Egyptian flag on the Mistral in France.
Rare look at Egypt’s sunken cities

Interview

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri spoke about the improvements in Hamas-Egypt ties

Photo Gallery

When boxing legend Muhammad Ali came to Egypt
Ramadan lanterns light up Cairo’s streets

Plus

An Emerging Tattoo Culture in Egypt. Ines Della Valle
King Tut’s dagger was made from a “space iron”
Cairo metro doubles fines on passengers who violate rules

Finally here are Jayson Casper’s prayers for Egypt

For new followers, Aak means “a mess” in Arabic

A blessed and happy Ramadan for all -Ramadan Karim

Posted in Diary of Aak, Egypt | Tagged Egypt, FGM, Journalisst syndicate, Mistral, Sinai, Sisi | 1 Comment

Nervana

Egyptian Aak 2016 – Week 26 ( June 26-July 3)

Egyptian Aak 2016- Week25 (June20-26)

Brexit and the Stubborn Liberals of the Western World

On Britain and Brexit

Egyptian Aak 2016-Week 24 ( June 13-19)

Trope-A-Dope: How the Greatest gets used by the Worst

Egyptian Aak 2016- Week 23 (June 6-12)

Podcast: Religion

The Cleansing of Mosul

Egyptian Aak 2016 – Week 22 ( May 30-June 5)

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