tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46679767832264913062011-07-08T01:04:09.987-07:00Was - Journalist Arabist Now - Pure Arabist A space for Arabists and English language enthusiasts to share and exchange languages . . .D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-944065979562194432009-09-14T14:59:00.000-07:002009-09-14T15:14:50.439-07:00

اوكي - أخيرا قررت إنني سوف أكتب العربي بسلن تكوم حلوة على إطلاق و يا ريت كل من يدخل على البلوج يساعدني بالكتابة و حاجات اللغوية مثلا النساجم اللفظي و المصطلحات التي أخمن و إخطىء فيها إلى آخره. هإبتدي بالأغنية ترجمتها لطارق الشيخكتبت علامة سؤال بالأجزاء ما فهمتش كويس يا ريت من عارف/ة يترجمها أو يشرحها أزي بالعربية، يحاولو كمان لو أي حد بينزل علبلوج و عايز مساعدة باللغة الأنجليزية بشكل عام أنا

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-6615764234025319372009-01-25T13:14:00.000-08:002009-01-25T13:47:42.148-08:00

The title link is to a piece in the Daily News Egypt, reporting on statements made by the Egypt's National Council for Human Rights secretary general. Mukhlis Qutb, the official who made the statement in Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, makes some quite big claims that weapons are being smuggled into Gaza from Israel. He goes on to make some even bigger claims that it is IDF members who are among

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-76419655608169396442009-01-24T16:25:00.001-08:002009-01-24T17:14:54.071-08:00

Egypt, the self-serving peace broker of the Middle East, has wriggled and twisted its way through the Gaza crisis. The noncommittal stance characteristic of the fragile Mubarak regime, has lurched uncomfortably between unconfirmed collaboration with Israel, to criticism verging on condemnation. Mubarak surely knows that the National Democratic Regime has little credibility in the eyes of the

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-43940325203497055842009-01-21T14:58:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:13:44.832-08:00

Another Egyptian blogger has been handed down stiff punishment for practicing freedom of expression.Egyptian blogger, Tamer Mabrouk, who blogs at http://elhakika.blogspot.com, was charged with libel, and given two fines of LE2,500 (around £250) and LE40,000 (£4000) respectively.He was arrested in July, accused of posting false reports about the Trust Chemicals Company, which operates near the

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-79836161592969652052009-01-11T17:03:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:14:08.096-08:00

My deep admiration goes out to the Independent's reporter in Gaza journalist and human rights worker Fares Akram, whose father, a former Judge who was both secular and nonpartisan, was killed on the first day of the raids/war.Akram has had the courage and equanimity, despite his father and cousin's tragic deaths, and fears for the saftey of his pregnant wife, to continue reporting for the

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-32166150207087456732009-01-11T13:48:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:15:34.472-08:00

I've been watching al-Jazeera Arabi on and off for the past couple of days. Just now, they are covering a childrens' march in Morocco. In terms of news coverage, this is all very well. I'm a big fan al-Jazeera, but there's something a little disturbing when they bring two kids into the studio, stick them on a chair with a radio mike and tell them what to say.The two children, a girl and boy aged

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-26294165469196282932009-01-09T17:53:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:15:12.591-08:00

This link to Columnist Daniel Finkelstein's feelings of the current situation provides a very honest and first-hand perspective on Jewish psychology. His historical narrative is slightly skewed, but its a telling piece nevertheless.دوس على ؛لينك؛ هتلاقي موضوع كاتبها واحد يهودي بريطاني. شخصيا أنا أعتقد إن معلمواته من التاريخ مثلا عن كامب ديفيد مش صحيح - هناك ؛قصص؛ كتيرة عن الي حصل بين برق و

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-83048948667236196032009-01-08T16:38:00.000-08:002009-01-09T18:13:17.982-08:00

Well put, Sune Haugbolle.The lessons Israel should have learned from the war against Hizbollah in 2006 is that such organisations which rest on social networks cannot be knocked over by bombs. Hamas is not a series of buildings, but an ideology of Islamic resistance that will only be strengthened by a long and bloody fight.

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-57100872058136160772009-01-07T18:37:00.001-08:002009-01-07T18:37:49.358-08:00

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-37530637815936965392009-01-07T16:27:00.000-08:002009-01-11T17:02:55.392-08:00

This evening, London's Jews staged a solidarity demonstration on Kensington High Street, a stone's throw away from the Israeli embassy, to show their support for Israel as violence in Gaza reaches its 12th day.The demonstration was due to be held outside the embassy itself, but perhaps for fears of repeat events of last weeks protests, when mere sight of the embassy led to violent eruptions and

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-54236269848224377072009-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:002009-01-04T17:21:07.211-08:00

In a footnote at this link Rob from Arabic Media Shack briefly refers to the possibility of not only an ideologically fortified Hamas at the end of the campaign, but a potential shift to religious extremes with the weakening of Hamas.Personally I can't see this happening in the Palestinian occupied territories. A Salafist group operating from Gaza would not be in the Palestinians' best interests,

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-11597064593894934002009-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:002009-01-04T17:21:31.637-08:00

Noah Pollack writes:Nobody knows at this moment whether Hamas is 'deterable'. The question depends on whether Hamas actually intends to fight to the last man and on the efficacy of the IDF’s ground war.Pollack later refers to Hezbollah's cessation of militant activity on the Northern border to suggest that Israel's 2009 offensive could be an effective move against Qassam rockets. The difference

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-13901277846215870732009-01-04T15:43:00.000-08:002009-01-04T17:21:52.905-08:00

Check out this link - seems like the gutsy journo who chucked his footwear at Bush has left a legacy in the protest-sphere.So Israel has launched its ground invasion, which, according to the IDF, will be short but intensive, in their words, 'major, but relatively short term.'Olmert, quoted in the same article from Haaretz above, stated that Israel will not stop until it has 'achieved its goals'

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-23191370041580984822009-01-01T19:58:00.000-08:002009-01-07T16:23:11.061-08:00

Israelis, in general, think the attacks on Gaza are a good thing. And why not, surely a state has the right, not to mention the duty, to defend its people. It's a point oft-made on post-article comment sections, by journalists and readers alike. For the Israeli citizens of Ashdod, Sderot, and Beer Sheva, living in the shadow of an oncoming missile can't be pleasant. Sure, they have the choice to

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-56400033376090865062008-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:002008-12-31T07:12:53.679-08:00

A recent press release from HRW states that 'Civilians must not be targets':New York, December 30, 2008) – Israel and Hamas both must respect the prohibition under the laws of war against deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch expressed grave concern about Israeli bombings in Gaza that caused civilian deaths and Palestinian rocket

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-52762276006824354852008-12-31T05:44:00.000-08:002008-12-31T06:28:17.188-08:00

and Hamas reaches Beer Sheva

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-18891258929233166682008-12-28T17:31:00.000-08:002008-12-31T07:33:06.212-08:00

Brain Drain....

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-59466476214477538962008-12-28T15:20:00.001-08:002008-12-31T06:49:44.187-08:00

There are some very industrious Bedouins who are bound to go out of business...

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-68694465296542993392008-12-28T14:30:00.000-08:002008-12-29T15:06:12.632-08:00

oh dearYa Salaam, Hamas, you've really deserved a ticking off from Gordon Johndroe, the Bush administration spokesman.If I could throw my shoe at him, I would.Speaking of which....shoe throwing gags galore at this link.

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-70667627424490948262008-12-28T07:52:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:01:49.511-08:00

How can a man sit in the front of a screen whilst two girls run from a school which faces imminent air bombardment and say authoritatively, 'serves them right'.Or something to the same effect.God forbid we might label such words similar dehumanization as, say, the 1930s facists of which we dare not speak that name.Who has the right to assert an golden opinion, or stand on holy ground and raise

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-81413392048796948152008-12-27T17:26:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:23:16.727-08:00

It was only a matter of time.Operation Solid Lead came down like a ton of molten hot bricks on targets in Gaza yesterday. Casualty figures are estimated to be up to 305, with many trapped under collapsed buildings, according to Palestinian Health Officials.And the world watches in anticipation/jaded boredom/melancholy/as children race across dusty streets and uninformed men with dull colored

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-2279767091679728202008-10-13T16:01:00.001-07:002008-12-28T16:36:58.270-08:00

دلوقتي أنا مقيمة في لندن بسبب شؤون معينة مؤسفةقبل ما رجعت من الفاهرة قلت لأصدقائي انني هتابع الشؤون البريطانية الي أنا شايفة مهمة في عيون العربمبعد شهرين من رجوعي أخيرا إبتدأت إكتبلآسف للغتي أكتر مكسرة من قبل و اتمنّي ان بعض القارئين هصلحليموضوع الفيديو قوق هي موضوع آنا شايفها مهمةالحكومة هنا كانت عايزة تصدر قانون لو اتفق عليه هيودي الشرطة قوات بتحبس آي حد مشبوه به من الإرهاب لفترة إتنين و

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-41502742819137135262008-08-09T15:58:00.001-07:002008-12-28T15:16:21.521-08:00

I haven't written for a while. Something to do with feeling the sense of utter uselessness cocktailed with boredom.Not with Egypt. One could never be bored with Egypt, it offers the foreign journalist a cradle of rich pearls each day, with its mass of human rights abuses, steady plod towards pure capitalism, and a political opposition that fluctuates between a state of utter moribundity and brave

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-64748970955421065852008-06-16T15:07:00.000-07:002008-12-28T16:41:33.652-08:00

I see Bush is doing his rounds.And have seen he's made a visit to Britain, where no doubt he'll be missing old slick company and making do with the newer and staider.I also see the socialist workers and friends went for a little jaunt outside Whitehall. Actually, I say a little jaunt, but on second reading of the Guardian website it seems several police were injured a 25 people arrested. Police

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-87433988944677607482008-06-05T15:55:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:28:42.893-08:00

المترو الاخيراتخيل ازي الناس تبقوا واقفة في المترو مستنين تمشي و الجو حار اوي اوي و هم مستنيين بينما تحشو المترو زي علبة ساردين (نوع من التواع السمك المعلب) ،فالناس الي بتدير بالهم على الشؤون المترو لازم تاخد بالهم بجد الا حتكون في مصيبة فالناس حتموت لعدم الهواء في المكان الصغير دّونفازي الناس اتعمل كدا في بلد مفروض عندهم معدل النمو كويس اوي الايام دول و تنقل الي "بلد متحضر" له نظامففعلأ انهردا

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-72504585283313332252008-05-29T07:37:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:29:19.322-08:00

Over 1230 farmers were arrested on last Sunday morning, 29th May, accused of failing to pay their land taxes. The taxes are approximately around LE20 per years, thats about £2. But for many farmers, coughing up the dough isn't easy, and they must wait until the harvesting season before they have enough cash to pay up.In that time, it seems, the tax collector, another cog in the hierarchy of

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-14926142781932610552008-05-29T06:25:00.001-07:002008-12-28T08:29:59.780-08:00

عتقل ١٢٣٠ فلاحين يوم الاحد الي فات عشان التأخير بتسديد الضرايب الاطيانحصل الاعتقالات في بعض القرى الصغيرة في المنطقةبس لما انا و واحد الي بيشتغل ب ؛تضامن لحقوق الفلاحينقالونا ان ناس كتير سددوا قبليها و الصراف ما بتقول لمسوؤل بتعاه عمدا عشان ياخد رشوة من الفلاح و بيخوفهم و بيسجلهم حجز عشانبالاخر بيفقدوا اراضيهم و مواشيهم و ادواتهم

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-83713872625563366862008-05-21T01:30:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:31:36.625-08:00

كنت راجعة من وسط البلد حوالي ساعة ٩ بالليل على المترو الي ما كانش مزدحم اوي اوي بس لسا كان في ناس كتيرة واقفة كتف لكتف تقريبا يعني دا معقول بما اننا في اكتر مدينة مزدحمة في شرق الاوسطفركبت ست عجوزة في كرسي عجلة حاملينها راجلين فكرت واحد منهم كان جوزها بس عرفت بعدين لما ابتدت تقول ؛ساعدوني؛ فعرقت طبعا انها بتشحتفكان للست المسكينة دي رجل واحد بسفابتدت تحاول تعدي الناس عبر الممر الصغير في المقصورة

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-87524570229308070412008-05-20T16:36:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:38:16.352-08:00

I was on the metro today - as usual - coming home. It was about 9 p.m, and quite packed, although not the sardine crush of the morning rush hour. Nevertheless it was nearly body to body. The doors opened and an old man with a crusty zabib boarded crying 'make room, make room'.With the help of a younger man he was carrying an old, one-legged woman in a cumbersome, 1920s wheelchair. The put her

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-23525411178587291202008-05-07T05:05:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:33:10.458-08:00

بقالي فترة ما كتبتش اي حاجة على البلوج بتعيفاتمنى انني حاكتب بشكل مستمر في الايام دولبصراحة انا اعني من غيبة عملالمسيطرة الاقتصادي غلبت العالم و دلوقتي الراسمالية تسيطرة على الناس بشكل اقتصادي و فكري و بالاحرى ما فيش مهرب منهاالسيارات التي تسوقهاالباصات التبي تركبهاالبضايع التي تشتريها و تبيعهاالخضروات التي تآكلهاالدواء التي تخليك تخفكل دول مستلزمات بقت ِجاية من مصدر واحد؛ الرآسمالية القاسيةو حتى

D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07581841736867199283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-84865837442434935152008-03-06T10:43:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:33:27.069-08:00

Despite the fact that most people back in Britain seem to think its compulsory for all women in Egypt to wear the veil, I want to clarify, especially for all those who asked me before I came out to Egypt whether I would have to walk around looking like I'd just walked out of Helmand province, that this is not the case.But for Halaat Tal'at, who works in the Um al-Mu'mineen school in el-Waraaq,

Kynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-1722181731702904872008-03-06T10:29:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:24:42.930-08:00

Mahalla "wages strikes" continued for a fifth day today - yes its slightly odd is it not - workers refusing to take wages....workers have joined in solidarity with their colleagues who take a lower incentive pay to bring their LE37 up to LE50 - it's said they will continue to undertake a strike from work should their demands not be met.Mahalla is currently without an official administration, the

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-27380808199087323192008-02-19T16:49:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:34:15.138-08:00

ممكن انا ساذجة شوي،لا اكيد ساذجة اوي، لسل بلاقي صعوبة حادة لما اجي حاول أفهم نفسية الناس في البلد دا ف طبعاً مش كل الناس - حاحول افسر، إنني مش فاهم نفسية الناس دي الي بياخدوا رشاوي و هم اصلاً أغنياء، او الناس الي تتعسف على الناس الفقراء كأنهم بلا دم و رحمة، او النس الي بتلكلك في عملهم و هم خدمة عامة للمو اطنين يهم. فالفهم مش الفهم بس فحي الإستيعابة و الإحساس.

Kynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-9473489763231021762008-02-19T14:01:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:25:34.212-08:00

كان في إعتصام قبل امبارح في ميدان الوبرة قام فيه حوالي ٢٠٠عامل عايزين تحقيق ظروف الشغل عشان بيشتغلوا في الانفاق فيصابوا بمرض الرئة من كثرة الكاربون و إصابات من الكهرباء والونش الخفزيادة عن ذلك لم يتعينوا بعد مع إن عدد كبير منهم يشتغلون للحكومة بالانفاق منذ ست سنوات و ما يزيد عن ذلكو من التقدير بالذكر ان نص الرئيس على ذلك في البرنامج الإنتخابية قال ان من يعمل في منصب حكومي أكثر من سثلاث سنوات فيجب

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-44579018592320740622008-02-14T06:03:00.000-08:002008-02-14T16:48:08.452-08:00

إتخيل آنك واحدة اجنبية ماشية في الشواريع المصرية و الناس خاصة الرجال بيحلق عليك وببوص بشكل وحش فكنت حتعمل آي؟فبحاول احلل نفسية الناس دي عشان مش ازعل او ضيق منهم بس بصراحة بلاقيها صعب اوي.صاحبي واحد مصري بيقول انهم يعانوا من الكبت الشديد فدا حو السبب انهم بيبوسوا على البنات.فايزة اقول لكل الرجال الي عاجبهم البصبصة ان انتوا السبب ان الرجال العرب سمعتهم وحش عند البنات في كل دول في العالم

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-65454090169660221492008-02-11T12:59:00.000-08:002008-02-11T13:20:15.787-08:00

إنهردا جبت السكارات بتاع الكيبورد الي يسهل الكتابة شوي مش عارفة ازي بكتب كويس بس ححاول قد ما فيك.المحكمة بتاع الإخوان حصلت إنهردا بس النتايج لسا ما طلعتش حنشوف الآًسبوع الي جاىكنت مرهقة إنهردا تعبان آوي فرحت سيد العيشة عشان إدي الجرنال لواحد الي عايش في دويقة كتبت عليه قبل كدا ففكرت آزي انا واحدة محظوظة اعيش في شقة فيها ماء و الصرف الصحي

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-38698371658815461172008-02-10T16:05:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:37:44.668-08:00

Even the doctor's are protesting - Click on title link

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-7105746089726359732008-02-08T06:19:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:26:21.974-08:00

Duweiqa - Manshayat NasrAbout twenty years ago, perhaps less, the Cairene answer to the New York projects began to take shape. "Suzanne Mubarak" Luxury, or as they say here, super lux flats were built for thepurpose of shifting families from shanty towns into government blocks. Sure, things takelonger here than elsewhere, anybody whose ever visited Cairo can tell you that, but the issue isn't

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-67013085684363329202008-02-05T15:59:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:27:00.127-08:00

Reported in el-bedeel Paper, today, that metro workers have achieved some of their rights, and the rest are expected to be delivered by the 2nd April...woe betide if not.As for our friends in the Social Affairs department - who are campaigning like their colleagues at the tax workers before them, to be moved to the ministry rather than remain in the governorate - it seems they are running out of

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-70663959969311898322008-02-03T11:48:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:27:25.997-08:00

Reported in المصري اليوم - The court for political parties has refused to allow the "Sadat" party the right to become a recognised political party. An appeal has also been delayed in the court against two parties - the 'Freedom party' and the 'awaken party' Hizb el-NahDa.

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-54947088591056285542008-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:28:47.584-08:00

Today over 200 employees for social solidarity affairs demonstrated outside the مجمع [Mugama'] in Giza, demanding higher wages and higher incentives.Incentives [حوافز] is like a reward for good work. Basically it's the same as the wage, but is given at the beginning of the following month and only if the worker has attended more than 22 days at work. The thing is, these people work for the محافظة

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-3191735313208572008-02-02T07:56:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:27:57.674-08:00

Press Conference at the Egyptian Women's Human Rights Centre, entitled "The Impact of Election Violence on Democratic transition and Women's Political Participation".Their results were interesting, if not slightly concerning...According to their findings, there was a huge rise in violence in the last elections held in 2005, seeing the highest recorded level since 1957. Since 1987 there has been

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-88365802385534123822008-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:28:14.814-08:00

Gaza's 'Berlin Wall' as the Telegraph's Tim Butcher aptly titled it, came tumbling down last week. Well, not just last week - breaches in the wall have been continuously made through armed groups (not always Hamas) taking the matter into their own hands and finding ways to get to Egyptian Rafah and stock up with supplies.I managed to get into Rafah with the help of a good Egyptian friend and

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-30642797317895329902008-01-24T18:10:00.000-08:002008-12-09T03:17:21.935-08:00

These were the words spoken by a colleague of mine whilst we were sitting in a house party in the luxurious ex-pat haven of Zamelek. 60,000 is the reported estimated number of Palestinian refugees to have flooded into the Egyptian half of Rafah from the Gaza Strip, three days or so after the Israeli government besieged the slither of land in a tit for tat response for a rocket attack into Israeli

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-22527961320106919182008-01-23T06:19:00.000-08:002008-12-09T03:17:22.061-08:00

As an ex-pat would-be journo it's pretty much imperative to at least browse the 'Britch' newspapers regularly. Gaza's been a bit hit, as expected. Even here things are going pretty mental demonstration wise, with thousands turning up nationally at rallies to demonstrate against the harsh sanctions imposed on Gaza. So the Israeli's following rocket attacks in their territory, have cut off supplied

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-75889749607700761082008-01-23T05:54:00.000-08:002008-12-09T03:17:22.105-08:00

2008Arrived back in Egypt two days ago. My plan to get a cheap flat to Sharm and get the bus up to Cairo for half the price of taking a direct flight to Cairo was a success. First day back and get a call from Victor - member of opposition group el-Kefaya, to attend a conference at the Ibn Khaldoun think tank on 'Democratic roots and awareness'. Some wise words were said by Dr. Ahamd Thabit, Dr.

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-8829269353249094782007-11-27T03:26:00.000-08:002008-12-09T03:17:22.452-08:00

Yesterday was spent in Khalouti in Basaatin al-Maadi. It must be pretty hard to live when there is a rubbish dump to the back of your house, and every time you have to get to the toilet you have to walk through a narrow path where one slip could send you into a pile of rubble and waste. Ahlan wa Sahlan in Egypt. Reeds for roofs and electricity that at any moment could blow out. The families

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-12966559514313567422007-10-25T07:14:00.000-07:002007-10-25T07:16:45.863-07:00

Hanafy’s romantic creation brings art to lifeAfter an arduous journey myself and my trusted driver Ayad finally reached our destination. Having driven through a maze of dusty narrow streets, hemmed in on both sides by rows of local shops, we reached an artistic oasis in the midst of the hectic but lively suburb of Ard El-lewa. This month’s exhibition to grace the walls of ‘Artellewa’ is that of

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-30650044925461120872007-10-22T04:46:00.000-07:002007-10-22T04:50:23.810-07:00

So I read there are going to be strike (thanks 3arabawy) of 55,000 in Giza - Tax workers who want to the same rates of pay and to be considered as part of the ministry of finance (I'll clarify details in my next post)...So armed with a camera I take myself off to Giza, but there is no sign of anything of interest, the only idiosyncratic Egyptian truck crammed with sardine esque young Sa3idi

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-20629187818266658812007-10-22T04:42:00.000-07:002008-12-09T03:17:22.630-08:00

When I relocated to Egypt - I didn't exactly imagine myself watching metal by the Nile - this was my reviewSirens leave crowd less than spellboundIf you need to release some stress tension or just want a good dose of loud music, it seems that al-Sawy cultural wheel is the place to go. This Friday the headliners were Cairo’s answer to Iron Maiden. Sirens are a tribute band to American death metal

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-19933350159592423572007-10-19T05:32:00.000-07:002007-10-19T05:58:46.581-07:00

It seems that Mansour will be able to able for the third and last time against this sentence for corruption and then insulting the head of the court. But Mansour, who used to be head of the Zamelek club, seems to be going dillusional, according to Nour's wife Jamila Isma'il, and he threatened to kill Nour, his parliamentary enemy....watch this spacehttp://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/843/sp2.

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-36375983173909301682007-10-19T03:17:00.000-07:002007-10-19T03:34:37.154-07:00

Egyptian converts to Christianity have gone missing - the couple Mohamed Hegazi and his wife Zeinab who is carrying their child - have been confined to their house out of fear for the past month. Hegazi was having problems with the Egyptian government because they were refusing to recognise his new religion on his identity card.

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-67813574565135201892007-10-18T04:19:00.000-07:002008-12-09T03:17:22.848-08:00

Its official, the charity concert to 'raise awareness', has hit Egypt. It spread through the West like wildfire, under the aegis of the Great and the Good, Geldof and the G8. And now its arrived in Egypt, in the form of Stand up Against Poverty. It's not that I'm against concerts, in fact, the contrary, I'm totally far a big party wth a consummate amount of rocking and rolling, with or without

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-76487706911026322652007-10-15T15:34:00.001-07:002007-10-15T15:37:12.771-07:00

Looks like Sheikh Tantawi is having fun - a few days ago, at 'Eid prayers, he announced his undying support for the glorious leader His Majesty, by calling for any slanderer of the royal name to receive no more and no less than eighty lashes. So watch your backs.

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-17719520742338938692007-10-15T13:07:00.000-07:002008-12-09T03:17:24.488-08:00

Egypt might have started to cool down after a blazing summer, but its tens of thousands of workers will keep on burning for a long time yet. This summer, Egypt saw the largest strikes for twenty years. A massive twenty seven thousand workers threw off the plough and took to the streets surrounding the ghazal al-Mahalla factory. Mahalla al-Kubra, the which is home to the largest textile factory

Kynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-48193034373079677482007-10-09T03:09:00.001-07:002008-12-09T03:17:24.732-08:00

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-41595698605200300442007-10-09T03:08:00.000-07:002007-10-09T03:09:03.365-07:00

Its 6.37 in the morning, and I’ve just crushed the monster thats been tormenting me all night. My tender back is awash with fierce red blemishes, my hair matted from tousling in an aggravated sleep, my eyes thick and gritty and my far flung belief I was immune to mosquitoes shattered to the core. I killed the little fucker using the most elite tactics of patience and stealth. At 5.30, just over

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-60747437124283146102007-10-09T03:07:00.000-07:002007-10-09T03:08:31.572-07:00

“I’ve found a flat”, I say to Mido. “Aaah” he exclaims, a perfunctory requisite to the question that I know will come next. “How much is it”. The words could be excited children walking towards a cliff face, fully aware of the harsh and rocky reprimand that awaits them. “One thousand three hundred”“That is too much”, says Mido, calmly and sternly, “too much, too, too much”. The words echo on the

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-17069323987093518622007-10-09T03:05:00.000-07:002007-10-09T03:07:18.351-07:00

As I turn to the right, taking a breath and a glimpse at the scene laid out below me like a children’s play mat, I notice immediately the green neon dots peppered between the clusters of orange. It’s at that moment, the second you can pick out that unmistakable warm neon collage, that you know you’ve reached Cairo. One could argue it could be mistaken for Damascus, where those proud

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-40176622023040903512007-09-29T18:56:00.000-07:002007-09-29T19:30:23.190-07:00

Being spat out of the cogs of institutionalised private school and elitist university education at the grand old age of 22 can leave one more than a little exasperated. Where is the unbounded sense of freedom, the oyster washed up on the shore just where you happen to be standing, watching the sun set on the horizon in your tye-dye sarong? If that oyster did appear, I think I got my big toe stuck

Kynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4667976783226491306.post-51530886060436347042007-08-24T14:45:00.000-07:002008-12-09T03:17:24.868-08:00

Area: StockportSubject: travellersThey came, they littered, and although they haven't really done any serious conquering, they've occupied sites in most areas of Stockport. Despite complaints from local residents, it has been two weeks and nothing's been done. The 'travellers' as is the post-P.C designated terminology for these itinerant peoples of the U.K, will probably stick around for the next

Kynoreply@blogger.com0