May 24, 2013

What “Arab Spring”?

Posted by on June 29, 2012 · 5 Comments 

In Egypt, where the military still seems to be holding all the cards even after the election of a new president, the Arab Spring seems like a distant dream as protesters have returned to Tahrir.

BY FIRAS AL-ATRAQCHI Is anyone else tired of the bizarre label used to describe the upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa? Arab Spring. What on earth does it mean? Considering historical allusion, the “Spring” part is used in reference to such leaps in human development that came about during the Renaissance (French for rebirth), which is synonymous to the blossoming of flora as snow thaws; fresh brooks and creeks to run through the land, a time of re-invigoration, reformation, and reawakening. In a nutshell, think new beginnings. The first part of the term, Arab, is a misnomer. In…

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Why I’m voting

Posted by on June 17, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

Outside the Constitutional Court on Thursday, protesters waited for an "expected" verdict. (Photo by Sarah El Sirgany)

BY SARAH EL SIRGANY Cairo: When the results of the first round were announced, the choice was clear for me. It wasn’t difficult. In case of a runoff between a representative of the Mubarak regime and another candidate, then I’m choosing the latter. No brainer. Ahmed Shafik is an ex-air force commander, a long-time civil aviation minister under Hosni Mubarak and the last prime minister appointed by the ousted president in a theatrical attempt to appease the masses in January 2011. His incompetence as prime minister — showcased in his inability for over a month to do any of the…

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Anger at Mubarak verdict

Posted by on June 6, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

BY FARAH SAAFAN Cairo: The celebrations of the families of martyrs killed during the January uprising were short-lived when, within minutes of the announcement of Mubarak’s life sentence, the scene outside the court changed from tears of joy to screams of anger. Mubarak’s two sons, his security chief and six aids were acquitted of all charges. If you can’t see the video, click here.

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