[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
Security Upped at Gaza-Egypt Borders to Protect both Territories: Hamas
“The relationship between Egypt and Hamas has soured since the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.”
Egypt`s Sisi Heads to Saudi Arabia for Talks with King, Officials
“The visit comes days after King Salman ordered a reshuffle in the kingdom`s top leadership, and ahead of major joint military man oeuvres in Saudi territory,” according to Ahram Online.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Arrives in Cairo for more Dam Talks
Ahram Online reports, “Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have signed a declaration of shared principles regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam.”
Egypt Renews Travel Warning on Libya
Ahram Online reports, “Egypt`s foreign ministry has reissued calls for Egyptians to avoid conflict-ridden Libya, where kidnappings and killings have targeted expatriates.”
Cyprus, Greece and Egypt Agree to Step up `Terror` Fight
The three countries agree to increased anti-terror cooperation in the “troubled eastern Mediterranean region.”
700m Cubic Feet of Gas to be Imported Daily from Cyprus by 2017: EGAS
Mohamed Adel writes, “Marine pipeline will be established to Aphrodite field within three years.”
Egypt, Greece, Cyprus to Hold Summit Tuesday
The three countries aim to develop trade and investment projects.
Irish FM Tells Shoukry of ‘Disappointment’ on Case of Imprisoned National
Emira Nader writes, “Nineteen-year-old Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa has been detained in Egypt for over 600 days.”
Egypt, Iran FMs Discuss Nuclear Non-Proliferation in New York
“The ministers discussed the stance of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which they are both part, regarding a conference on nuclear non-proliferation held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.”
Stranded Yemenis in Egypt Protest Embassy ‘Lies’
Adham Youssef writes, “Amid heavy security presence, angry Yemenis accuse their embassy of lying over deportation trips.”
Egypt Returning to Central Role in World: Mehleb
Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb visits Indonesia as part of the Asian African Conference during which they discussed economic cooperation between the two countries.
Human Rights and Legal Institutions
Protest Law Stops Cairo Band from Playing Free Shows in Metro
Mariam Berger writes, “Egyptian transit officials have made it difficult for the student band Metro Tune to brighten train riders’ days with performances of popular folk songs.”
British Supermarket CEO Sentenced to Two Years by Giza Court
Mada Masr reports, “The chief executive of UK-based grocery chain Sainsbury’s has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Giza court on charges relating to a 2001 business deal between the grocery chain and a local company.”
Imprisoned Christian Journalist to Face Blasphemy Charges
Emir Nader writes, “Former-Muslim previously charged with ‘inciting sectarian strife’ appears to be state security target.”
Egypt Military Court Sentences Brotherhood Leaders to Life in Prison
Ahram Online reports, “The military prosecution charged the defendants with joining an outlawed group, inciting violence, using force and possessing weapons.”
Sisi`s Egypt Pushes Migrants Into the Sea
David Hearst writes on the conditions in North African countries, namely Egypt and Libya, which are pushing large number of migrants to seek refuge in Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
Security
Egyptian Army Raids in Sinai Kill Twenty-Nine Alleged Militants: Spokesman
“Latest statement from Egypt`s military says that twenty-nine alleged militants were killed in Sinai from 20-30 April,” Ahram Online reports.
Egyptian Director Reportedly Killed in Libya
Mahmoud Mostafa writes, ““Islamic State” affiliates kidnapped TV station crew in August, corpses found Monday.
Economy
Russian Trade Delegation to Visit Egypt in May
The Russian Trade Delegation to attend Russian-Egyptian investment forum in May.
Egypt Imposes New Limits on US Dollar Cash Deposits in Fight against Black Market
Ahram Online reports, “The move is the latest in a fight by the Central Bank to eradicate the country`s foreign currency black market.”
Reports and Opinions
Sisi Pulls the Plug on the Religious Debate
Khaled Dawoud argues al-Sisi’s move to put an end to religious debate reflects his limited understanding of how to go about confronting religious extremism and calls for jihad.
Egypt`s Phosphate Barge Crisis is Over: Irrigation Minister
A joint force of the security forces and water resources experts has ended the phosphate crisis in twelve days, says Irrigation Minister.
Whatever Happened to Egypt`s Independent Unions?
Jano Charbel explores the underlying causes to the increasing weakness of independent unions in Egypt.
Repression in Egypt Worse than Mubarak
The Economist writes a piece on al-Sisi’s oppressive tactics since he held power.
Fear Makes Everything Possible
Wael Eskandar reflects on the state’s intimidation and oppression.
‘Bring Back Expelled Students’: AFTE Campaign
Jihad Abaza writes on the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression campaign condemning authorities’ expulsion of university students who participated in political activism on university campuses.
Backlash Ensues against Egypt`s Anti-Veil Campaign
Drew Brammer writes on the public’s reactions to the anti-veil campaign in Egypt. Click here to read Sherif Tarek’s article entitled: “Veil or no veil, Egyptian women are often stigmatized, or worse.”
Yousri Fouda: Egypt Suffers from Depression, Media Biased
TV presenter and journalist comments on the social conditions in Egypt following the political developments in the country on 25 January 2011 and 3 July 2013.
Egypt`s Sisi Says Country Will Take Two Years to "Get Back on its Feet"
During Labor Day celebration al-Sisi reiterated “that citizens should help the government to combat terrorism,” and added that parliamentary elections will not take place before Ramadan which ends in mid-July.
Mohammad Mursi, Bassem Sabry and April in Egypt
H. A. Hellyer remembers Bassem Sabry one year after his death.
Street Vendors Removed from Ramsis Square
Aya Nader reports on the security forces’ removal of street vendors in Cairo.
Egyptians Should Stand behind their President, Says Hosni Mubarak
Former President Hosni Mubarak spoke briefly on the phone with TV host Ahmed Moussa on a private channel.
Arabic
الاتّفاق الإطاريّ الإيرانيّ قد يفتح الطريق أمام سياسات التقارب بين القاهرة وطهران في وقت قريب
Ayah Aman analyzes Egypt-Iran relations in light of the two countries talks on Nuclear Non-Proliferation in New York. This article is published in English.
الإضراب حق دستوري
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights releases a statement on May Day condemning the oppression of works’ strikes in Egypt arguing that strikes are constitutional.
من "الإدارية العليا" للعُمال: لا تُضرِبوا.. وأطيعوا رؤساءكم
Omar Said reports on the Supreme Administration’s forcing workers into retirement as punishment for their strike.
علمانيون يعتزمون تأسيس حزب جديد في مواجهة "الدولة الدينية
Egypt Secular Party to be established in Egypt as an entity against the “theocratic state.” This article is published in English.
التوسع في استخدام الملاذات الضريبية هو تعدي على الحقوق الضريبية للدولة والمجتمع
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights publishes a paper entitled: “Tourism Tax: A New Obstacle to Social Justice.”
ولماذا لا نحاسب الرئيس؟
Mohamed al-Shamma’a questions the possibility of holding the president accountable.
"التضامن" بالشرقية تغلق حضانة تعلم الأطفال المذهب الشيعي
Kindergarten school closed in Sharqiya governorate for teaching “Shi’sm.”
المؤتمر: قرار الرئيس بتأجيل الانتخابات يفشل كل المؤامرات ضد االبلاد
Deputy President of Conference Party Hussain Abu al-Ata said al-Sisi’s decision to postpone parliamentary elections until after Ramadan is only an indication of the president’s intent to “continue the road map process.”
فى أقسام الشرطة:من لم يمت بالتعذيب.. مات بالاختناق
Fatima al-Dousouki and Mona Yahya write that in police departments detainees die not only from torture, but also from suffocation.
"المصرى لحقوق الإنسان" يصدر أول مشروع قانون لمكافحة الهجرة غير الشرعية
Egypt to draft illegal immigration law, Al-Masri Al-Youm reports.
Articles on Jadaliyya Egypt
Highlights from the Fourth Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival
Medrar TV highlights the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival.
ما زلنا نغني للثورة: مقابلة للوضع بين رامي عصام وبسام حداد
Status Audio Journal Hosts Page releases an interview between Bassam Haddad and singer Ramy Essam.
Experimenting and Exploring II: Student Photography from Cairo
German University in Cairo 2014 Photography Students Page reports on the students’ work and projects.
`Abd al-Rahman al-Abnudi (1938-2015)
Noha Radwan commemorates Egyptian poet Abd al-Rahman al-Abnudi.