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Egypt
Muslim Brotherhood online, interpreting the mixed messages
I originally published this article in The Los Angeles Professional Express. Several months ago, the Muslim Brotherhood’s English website, IkhwanWeb, published an article I wrote calling for the release of an Egyptian activist, named Maikel Nabil. The imprisoned blogger is not only an ardent defender of Israel’s right to exist but also a self-proclaimed atheist born … Continue reading
Targeting American interests in Egypt – Mubarakism settles scores
Over the past few weeks we’ve seen what seems to be an organized clampdown by Egyptian authorities on all things American within the country. Forty four officials, half of those Americans, working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) stand accused of breaking the law for receiving illegal foreign funds. This includes the son of US Transport Secretary … Continue reading
Port Said Clashes: Evidence of Division
Clashes between protesters and the Egyptian police have recommenced again in Tahrir Square, almost reminiscent to the November 18th clashes: gas masks, vinegar remedies for tear gas, motorbike angels – all in its essence. However this time around, it’s due to an incident at a football match; where the winning team al-Masry’s fans after the … Continue reading
Egyptian election problems and how exit polls can help
As Egypt votes for the first time after the ousting of President Mubarak, many are worried about election fraud. There are good reasons for concern. Egypt has a long history of systematic vote rigging. Many of those who administered fraudulent elections in the past remain in their jobs. The military council has barred most foreign … Continue reading
Egyptian Blogger Aliaa Elmahdy: Rebel with a Cause?
By now if you have been keeping up with the ‘Arab Awakening,’ you have probably heard of Aliaa Magda Elmahdy, the 20-year-old Egyptian blogger who posted a nude photo of herself. For those of you not familiar with the story, Elmahdy posted the photo as an act of expression against the ‘norm’ found in the … Continue reading
Why a referendum devalues the rule of law
Yesterday, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of Egypt’s ruling junta, made a speech in response to fierce street protests all over the country. “The army is ready to go back to barracks immediately if the people wish that through a popular referendum, if need be,” the army chief said, in what seemed to be … Continue reading
At the Muslim Brotherhood election campaign rally
It was around 7 PM Cairo time when I incidentally passed by an election rally set up by the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the Muslim Brotherhoods political wing. Conditioned no doubt by having grown up during Mubarak’s rule, I involuntarily walked away. Then, after actively reminding myself that elections were only a few days … Continue reading
Disenfranchisement as a means of political suppression in post-revolutionary Egypt
In an article, published on Voice of America’s Middle East Voices, I discuss the problem of disenfranchisement, or the act of preventing a citizen from voting, and concerns that it may be used as a means to undermine democracy in post-revolutionary Egypt. My article is based on an earlier report published by Aljazeera which deliberates … Continue reading
Egyptian girl naked photo. Is Egypt ready for nude art?
“All art is propaganda; on the other hand, not all propaganda is art.” (George Orwell) A young Egyptian girl, Aliaa ElMahdy, who claims to have among the protesters in Tahrir Square, posted naked photos of herself and a male friend on her personal blog. She calls this section of her blog “nude art” and displays … Continue reading
Natural Rights, Human Rights, Legal Rights, Civil Rights – Differences
As Egypt transitions towards self-rule, Egyptians need to know their rights. Rights come in many forms, so I thought I would write this article to outline the differences. If you think it’s useful, or would like to translate this article into Arabic just send me a note. Natural Rights (حقوق طبیعیة) Natural Rights, also known … Continue reading
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