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Democracy
Can an election boycott in Egypt work? A few thoughts
The answer is NO and here’s why. Last year, calls for an election boycott were louder and it still had little effect. This year the calls are hesitant, and weak. In another article, I discuss the historical lack of effectiveness and the dangers of election boycotts in general (Egypt, how effective are election boycotts?). Here I … Continue reading
Egypt, how effective are election boycotts?
Please also refer to this related article: Can an election boycott in Egypt work? A few thoughts November 28, 2010 was the date that marked the most fraudulent election polls in Egypt’s history. And exactly one year later, Egypt’s first post-revolution elections will take place. This should be cause for jubilation; sadly however, many of the … Continue reading
Religious slogans between freedom of expression and social responsibility
As I write this article, news has surfaced that the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing, will not use the Brotherhood’s famous motto “Islam is the Solution” in their political campaigns. Last week, the High Elections Commission issued a ban against the use of religious chants, symbols or slogans in the … Continue reading
Egypt’s first anti-discrimination law raises concerns
Egypt’s military rulers approved Egypt’s first explicit anti-discrimination law this Saturday. The announcement comes a week after clashes between Coptic protesters and the military resulted in the death of more than twenty Christian protesters. The amendment to Egypt’s Penal Code prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, language or ideology. Discrimination was … Continue reading
Michael Nabil’s father summoned to meet with head of Egypt’s military court
After Michael Nabil’s father went on air with Reem Maged of Arabic satellite TV channel ONTV with a letter to Marshall Tantawi head of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Armed Forces, Nabil’s father was summoned to meet with head of military court tomorrow. Previous requests over the past 5 months had been denied.
Michael Nabil’s release is essential for Egyptian democracy & rule of law
Dr. Michael Nabil Sanad, a 25 year old Egyptian veterinarian, has been sentenced to three years behind bars by a military tribunal. Today marks the 42nd day the blogger and pacifist has been on hunger strike for what his family says is the “ill-treatment” he has received at Al-Marg military prison, in Quliubia. Michael’s health … Continue reading
Israeli Embassy Raid in Cairo, Pointless Setback for Democracy
September 9th was to be a day of protests in Tahrir Square not seen since prior to the month of Ramadan. Known as “correcting the path” amongst organizers, it was to express frustration at the military’s handling of the Mubarak trials and such. Here is a translation of the demands from a website (http://www.elshaheeed.co.uk/): Egyptians … Continue reading
Egypt: What’s Next?
On Thursday morning, rumors were circulating that Egyptian President Husni Mubarak may potentially deliver his resignation on State Television. Media outlets confirmed that the Egyptian Army had told the people their “demands would be met” and the continuous repetition of a top CIA official confirming the rumor. Egyptians watched with utter shock and dismay when President Mubarak … Continue reading
U.S. should save face, take cues from past and stay neutral on issues in Egypt
In a domino effect, the Arab world has resorted to social uprising due to its displeasure with the continuous decline of the economic and political situation in its countries. Rising unemployment, poverty, corruption and police abuses are some of the reasons why Tunisia, Lebanon and now Egypt have made widespread outcries by taking to the … Continue reading
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