[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Egypt and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Egypt Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to egypt@jadaliyya.com by Sunday night of every week.]
Regional and International Relations
Oil Reserves in the Mediterranean Open New Front between Cairo and Ankara
Al-Akhbar reports on the increased tensions between Cairo and Ankara following the trilateral summit between Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
UAE Adds Dozens of Groups to New `Terrorist` List
Tom Finn writes on the United Arab Emirates newly released “terror” list consisting of eighty-four organizations including Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and United States and London-based organizations.
Security
Police Arrest Forty-Two Muslim Brotherhood Members in Fayoum Raid
Police has confiscated weapons from the arrested Brotherhood group, according to reports.
Masked Men Claim Thursday`s Attack on Naval Ship in YouTube Video
Mada Masr reports.
Has ISIS Reached Sinai?
Khaled Okasha writes on the Ansar Bait al-Maqdis’ allegiance to the Islamic State.
The General’s Law in Sinai
The Economist argues Egypt’s military crackdown on militants in Sinai is making matters worse.
Egypt Struggles in Sinai, Militant Group Releases Video of October Attack
Middle East Eye repots on the gory video a Sinai militant group has released of the attack on a security checkpoint in October.
We Are Losing the War on Terror
Wael Eskandar argues state restriction of public space and expression leads to the rise of terrorism, and sheds light on state’s terrorist acts to oppress political dissident.
Human Rights and Rule of Law
Could Things in Egypt Get Much Worse?
Muftah reflects on the human rights conditions in Egypt.
Is George Orwell from the Brotherhood?
Ahmed al-Dariny reflects on the police arrest of a student possessing George Orwell’s novel “1984.”
Nightmare Continues for Children Rescued from Abusive Orphanage
Following the three-year sentence on orphanage manager Osama Othman for child abuse, reports claim the rescued children are facing similar mistreatment in another facility, Mada Masr reports.
Fact-Finding Group Set to Blame Islamists for Egypt`s Post-30 June Violence
Gamal Essam El-Din writes, “Report from fact-finding committee on post-Mohamed Morsi violence will blame Islamists for attacking Egypt`s Coptic Christians.”
Egypt Escalates Repression against Human Rights Groups and NGOs
Sharif Abdelkouddous writes, “A sense of malaise plagues activist circles, with energies largely spent supporting the thousands in prison.”
Egyptian Rights Group Divided Over Pro-Regime Support
Ahram Online reports on the fierce disagreement between two leaders of the Ibn Khaldun rights center.
Minister Sends Mixed Messages on NGO Crackdown
Mada Masr reports.
Ministry of Solidarity: Nine Foreign, Eight Egyptian Organizations Legalized their Status
Al-Masy Al-Yaum reports on NGOs’ legalization status following Monday’s NGO registration deadline.
Not the Time for Human Rights?
Dina Iskandar argues dichotomizing the need to establish human rights laws in Egypt from the need to fix the economic situation and resolve the security issue will not lead to stability anytime soon.
Virginity Tests, Vile Bodies: Stories from Sisi’s Egypt
A Paper Bird releases three stories on the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in Egypt with reflections on al-Sisi’s government’s imposed restrictions on male and female protesters, and all forms of political dissident.
Appeal Verdict for `Gay Wedding Video` Set for 27 December
El-Sayed Gamal El-Din reports.
The Burden of Education
Mai Shams El-Din writes, “Middle-class professionals recount difficulties of finding good schools for their kids.”
Searching for Public Space
Heba Afify writes on the changing perspectives of public space in Egypt socially and politically.
Press and Media Freedoms
Al-Jazeera English Chief Says More Must be Done for Journalists in Egypt Jail
Amanda Meade reports.
Egypt Decree Could Lead to Release of Jailed Australian al-Jazeera Journalist
Patrick Kingsley writes, “Edict on deportation of foreign prisoners raises hopes that Peter Greste could be freed before the end of his sentence.”
184 Violations Against Foreign Journalists in Egypt Since January 2011 – Rights Group
The Cairo-based Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE) releases a report on the violations foreign journalists face since the January 25 Revolution.
Economy
OneraSystems Offers to Build Ninety-Million Dollar Solar Power Plant in Egypt
Waad Ahmed writes, “OneraSystems offers to build four solar power plants following cabinet approval of feed-in tariffs; renewable energy bids to be decided 26 November.”
Washington Defends Egypt Investment Drive, Despite Human Rights Concerns
Ayat Al-Tawy writes while the United States has sent the largest-ever business delegation to Egypt, a portion of the annual aid “remains frozen.”
US Trade Mission Upbeat on Sisi Leadership; Vows Investment
Deya Abaza writes, “Largest-ever United States business delegation to Egypt eager to invest in light of recent economic reforms, practices `economic diplomacy` while skirting around civil liberties issue.” Click here to read Ambassador David Throne’s remarks on the United States’ Chamber of Commerce’s Business Mission to Egypt.
University Protests
Five Al-Azhar Students Sent to Military Court for `Torching University`
Ahram Online reports.
The Falcon Has Landed: The Problematic Rise of Egyptian Private Security
Alessandro Accorsi and Giovanni Piazzese write, “The hiring of a private security firm to guard Egypt`s public universities raised tensions between the state and students at the start of a new academic year.”
Reports and Opinions
Curse 25 January, It Is Easier
Esam Sayed Ahmed argues Egypt’s regime has managed to direct the people’s anger towards certain groups.
Losing Hope in Iran and Egypt
Parastou Hassouri writes on the reminiscence of deciding to leave Egypt as a result of the deteriorating political and economic conditions in the country with her parents’ decision to leave her home country (Iran) following the 1979 revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. This article is translated and published in Arabic.
The Holy Path to Tourism
Pesha Magid writes on the state’s intention to boost religious tourism in Egypt.
Interview: Maersk Talks with Egypt Government on Suez Canal Expansion
Salma Hussein writes, “Maersk, the major player in commercial shipping in Egypt and the Suez Canal, laments a lack of government enthusiasm for expansion plans that would serve mutual interests.”
Under the Ships in the Suez Canal
Juli Berwald writes on the environmental concerns arising from the Suez Canal which may increase with the Canal’s expansion project.
Parliamentary Polls to be Held before End of March, Says al-Sisi
Ahram Online reports that no specific date was set for next year’s parliamentary elections.
Nour Party Distances Itself from Sex Tape Allegations, Files Charges against Media
Mada Masr reports.
In Arabic
لذلك لم يرد الشباب على الرئيس
Tamer Abu Arab reflects on the political oppression and economic hardships Egypt’s youth is facing under al-Sisi’s government.
الرضا بالانكسار؟
Mustaf al-Najjar argues that Egyptians must keep hope alive in spite of the human rights violations and oppressive tactics used on political activists in Egypt.
مصر تكسر أعداءها
Abdelrahman al-Tarir argues Brotherhood supporters are the source of terrorism in Egypt.
عن بعــض عناصر الأزمة المصرية
Amr Hamzawy writes on the domestic and regional elements that are exacerbating the security situation in Egypt.
اتّفاق الإسلاميّين في مصر حول داعش: هل يعني أنّهما وجهان لعملة واحدة؟
Reham Mokbel argues Egypt’s Islamists have forged an agreement against the Islamic State, although they do not see eye-to-eye on domestic issues. This article is translated and published in English.
الفلاّحون المصريّون يتوعّدون حكومة محلب بإجراءات تصعيديّة
Rami Galal writes on farmers’ threats to strike to call attention to the industry’s conditions in Egypt. This article is translated and published in English.
المحاكمات العسكريّة: خصم من اختصاصات القضاء لمدّة عامين
Ahmed Fouad writes, “President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a new law, whereby the perpetrators of assaults against public and government facilities shall be referred to military courts.” This is article is translated and published in English.
الأمعاء الخاوية... معركة المقاومة التي يخوضها المعتقلون في السجون المصريّة
Ayah Aman writes, “At least 110 Egyptian political prisoners are on hunger strike to protest their treatment, receiving assistance from activists who are highlighting their plight.” This is article was translated and published in English.
المجلس الأعلى للصحة، مقترح من المبادرة المصرية لإصلاح المنظومة الصحية بالتعاون مع وزارة الصحة والسكان
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights releases a proposal to the government to develop the Supreme Council for Health Services in Egypt. This statement was translated and published in English.
حمدين صباحي: نحتاج إلى دولة العقل والعلم.. لا جمهورية الخوف والظلم
In a two-part article, Hamdeen Sabahi reflects on the socioeconomic conditions in Egypt.
متى نرى حكّامَنا يخالفون الهوى؟
Osma Farhat reflects on the ways of achieving true democratic transition in Egypt.
لا.. لسنا "كُلنا فاسدون"
Fadi George counters the popular notion among Egyptians that they are all corrupt in light of the fatal bus accident in al-Buhaira.
إعادة صوغ الهوية: البروباجندا المؤداة ١٩٥٨-١٩٦٥
Ismael Fayed writes on the military-backed regime’s exploitation of social unity and nationalistic rhetoric since the 1950s.
الشروق» تنشر حيثيات الحكم على متظاهري الاتحادية: «قصدوا تكدير السلم العام وإثارة الفتن»
Al-Shorouk releases details on the court ruling against the Ittihadiya incident defendants.
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Maspero II: The Sequel
Medrar TV reports on Ali Abdelmohsen’s second-part exhibition entitled: “Maspero.”
Next to Here
Medrar TV reports on “Next to Here,” a photography exhibition that presents the work of eighteen young photographers from the North African and the Middle East.