Latest in Politics Highlight
Latest in Politics
Protests, demonstrations, a public outcry of anger
What it takes to make patient Egyptians stand up and be counted CAIRO: Egyptians surely rank amongst the most patient and non-confrontational of peoples. But every now and then they get fed up and explode. It happened in 1952 as a result of colonial tensions coupled with the inaction of an opulent monarchy. While King …
A coalition to fight corruption
Transparency International launches activities in Egypt CAIRO: Transparency International (TI), the global coalition against corruption, held a seminar in Cairo to launch their activities in Egypt and to promote an adapted edition of The Source Book on corruption-related issues. The seminar was organized with the Center for Egyptian Women s Legal Assistance (CEWLA) and was …
India to triple its investment in Egypt in the next four years
CAIRO: The Embassy of India in Cairo held a press conference yesterday celebrating the 59th anniversary of India’s independence. A. Gopinathan, Indain ambassador to Egypt discussed India’s position on the region’s strained political affairs along with Indian-Egyptian economic relations. Gopinathen emphasized his deep worry regarding the rising tension between Israel and Lebanon reiterating earlier statements …
A bookstore for book lovers
Kotob Khan whisks you away from the bustle of everyday life CAIRO: It is not just a foreign-language bookseller. It’s a reader’s haven. A cozy atmosphere, good coffee, comfy chairs, free Wi-Fi access, and most of all a variety of above-average quality books, Kotob Khan (which literally means book market ) is the place for …
Jailed politician's artery implants delayed
Imprisoned politician Ayman Nour has returned to jail from hospital without having stent implants inserted in his arteries because of a disagreement over his care, his wife said on Sunday. Gameela Ismail told Reuters authorities had not allocated enough time for Nour to prepare for the procedure, or to receive proper follow-up care afterwards. They …
UN council considers French-US Mideast resolution
Reuters UNITED NATIONS: UN Security Council envoys attempted on Sunday to put finishing touches on a draft resolution from France and the United States calling for a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas and setting terms for a settlement to the conflict. The text calls for a full cessation of hostilities, asks UN …
Al-Zawahiri claims Egyptian group's leaders have joined Al-Qaeda
DUBAI: Al-Qaeda second in command Ayman Al-Zawahiri on Saturday announced that a string of key players from Egypt s Jamaa Islamiya militant group were joining the global terror network, in a taped message aired by Arabic television Al-Jazeera. In the message, the Egyptian-born Al-Zawahiri welcomed a number of the Jamaa Islamiya s leadership under the …
New study points at violations in 2005 elections
CAIRO: Criticism of the electoral process and the consequent results led the latest report released by the legally-oriented United Group regarding the parliamentary elections in 2005. This election evaluated the real political will to push forward. The democratic and political reform Egyptians are aspiring for, reads the report. The reason why this election was the …
A city under siege
An eyewitness account of Beirut under attack BEIRUT: No one moves in Beirut in the evening. Lately, the bombing has started again and for the last couple of nights (not last night), Beirut has been bombed from about 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. First, you hear the drones, unmanned planes used for reconnaissance. They buzz …
Most Egypt Jamaa unlikely to join Qaeda-ex-member
CAIRO: A former official of Egypt s Jamaa Islamiya said on Sunday that even if some members of the Islamist group had joined Al-Qaeda it was unlikely that most would. Al-Qaeda s deputy head Ayman Al-Zawahri had said in a video aired on Al-Jazeera television on Saturday that some Jamaa leaders had joined the militant …
Emaar Properties wins bid in prime real estate deal
Site in Sidi Abdel Rahman, North Coast worth over LE 1 bln CAIRO: The Holding Company for Tourism and Cinema (HOTAC) announced that Dubai-based Emaar Properties has won the bid for a prime real estate site in Sidi Abdel Rahman on the North Coast. The land, which will be developed into a large tourist resort, …
Hamas says no prisoner swap imminent, despite Egyptian mediation
Associated Press DAMASCUS, Syria: Six weeks after Hamas militants captured an Israeli soldier near Gaza and Egypt stepped in to mediate, a prisoner swap for Palestinians was still not imminent, a senior Hamas official said Saturday. Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas political bureau, told The Associated Press that Egypt had put forth many …
More than 2,000 protesters in Cairo demand to be allowed to fight with Hezbollah
CAIRO: More than 2,000 people marched in downtown Cairo on Saturday, demanding authorities allow them to fight in Lebanon in support of Hezbollah, police said. The crowd, including activists from several political factions, shouted anti-Israel slogans and vowed to support the guerrillas. We will all be resistance in the Arabs struggle against Israel, they yelled, …
CIB emerges as lead candidate for Bank of Alex sale
Bids are due end Sept, with final announcement planned for end Nov CAIRO: Of the six finalists announced by the Central Bank (CB) on Friday, Commercial International Bank (CIB) appears to have emerged as a leading candidate for the acquisition of the Bank of Alexandria (BoA), say local banking analysts. Bids are due for submission …
Egyptian mobile market not yet saturated
With 3rd service provider set to come online, growth expected in lower income brackets CAIRO: There is plenty of room for growth in the Egyptian mobile market, but turning that growth into profit will be a challenge for telecom operators in the country. Even with a third mobile network coming online, mobile providers have a …
New customs facilities to Egyptian expatriates from Lebanon
NOOZZ CAIRO: Minister of Finance Yousef Botrus Ghali has ordered the country’s customs clearance venues to provide greater facilities for Egyptians returning from Lebanon as a result of the Israeli offensive in the country The facilities include temporary admission for Egyptian cars for one month, renewable to a similar period upon approval from the Customs …
Beaches that rock the North Coast
Whether you like the crowds or quiet, this summer s beaches offer both NORTH COAST, Alexandria: The lake coast at Marina s seventh gate is the new hottest beach this summer. The long extended beach across the lake is a mixture between greenery and sand. The entrance via Marina’s seventh gate, which commonly known as …
If you can't handle it, take time off or breathe
Five ways to relieve stress, freshen the body and mind CAIRO: When people say they are “under stress or “feeling stressed it can mean anything from over-exhaustion and emotional anguish, to basic bouts with everyday anxiety. The problem is that many people don’t understand the meaning of the term in the correct sense. Stress is …
Egypt orders Avenger system from Boeing
Deal signals health of Egyptian-U.S. relations despite recent events CAIRO: A $50-million Avenger air defense system purchase by the Egyptian military from Boeing is helping restart the company s production lines which have been inactive since 2004, according to a Boeing statement. It is also signaling that Egyptian and American core mutual interests continue to …
Everyone needs oxygen
ŠΘ # # # The beach is famous for its party themes and youngsters can be seen socializing and dancing the days and nights away, here, Ruby, Barry and Karim Gamil # # Mohammed Hussein and Hind Shawky
Egypt police detain MB members over protests
ASSIUT: Egyptian police detained more than 100 Islamists in connection with protests against Israel and in support of the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah, police and the opposition Muslim Brotherhood said. The Brotherhood alleged on its official Web site that 130 demonstrators were held in the southern province of Assiut on yesterday after demonstrations that followed …
A mélange of artistic masterpieces
Several prominent artists display their work in one collection CAIRO: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls, said the legendary Pablo Picasso, some time ago. The galleries usually take the slow month of August, when their regular patrons and visitors are usually escaping the city heat, to exhibit …
Small projects for real development
Fathet Kheir extends opportunities to El-Mokattam residents CAIRO: With difficulty, holding in her hands two large wooden sticks to support her handicapped legs, Affaf, a 30-year-old mother, entered Fathet Kheir in 2004, with a cheerful smile, hoping to receive a small amount of developmental support to assist her in her bleak circumstances. Living in a …
Enjoy an aromatic summer with the 'King of Fruits'
A quick guide to buying and eating everyone’s favorite fruit: mango CAIRO: Known to man for over 4,000 years, the mango has been at the top of the favored tropical fruit list with its mouth watering taste and aroma. But this doesn t mean that every piece of mango in the market is a culinary …
Al-Azhar sermon incites protests
Friday prayers call for Hezbollah victory CAIRO: Thousands of people at Cairo s Al-Azhar mosque prayed Friday for a victory of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah against Israel. God give victory to Hezbollah, and inflict defeat on the Jews, hammered Sheikh Eid Abdelhamid, the Al-Azhar cleric who delivered the Friday sermon to the faithful gathered …
For squash's sake
Egyptian squash players fare well internationally, but where are the rewards? CAIRO: Egyptian squash has never seen a year quite like this one. In April, Amr Shabana became the world’s number one player, the first Egyptian to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Last month, Shabana’s countrymen also attained heady heights. Ramy Ashour became the …
Mubarak urges Bush to back immediate Lebanon ceasefire
CAIRO: President Hosni Mubarak has urged his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush to support an unconditional and immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, the official MENA news agency said Thursday. In a message sent to the U.S. leader on Wednesday, Mubarak reviewed the dangerous situation in Lebanon and its consequences on the situation in the Middle East …
Conference discusses African Court on Human Rights
Well-established human rights and judicial groups confer on the challenges ahead CAIRO: An international conference was held in Cairo to discuss the African Court on Human Rights, taking its establishment and the challenges it faces as the main points of discussion. The organizers were the Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and Legal …
Are we there yet?
Put a stop to children’s restlessness in the car with fun, educational games ALEXANDRIA: Children get bored quickly, but at the same time it doesn t take much to relieve their boredom. The true challenge, however, comes when children are cooped up in a vehicle for hours at a time. Instead of unfastening their seatbelts …
Present and Tense: A regional omelet, a recipe for disaster
CAIRO: Since my recent lecture in Vienna, many have written to ask about my regional omelet theory. Let me start by saying that I am not out to discredit the views of Prime Minister Blair or Secretary Condoleezza Rice. I find their recipes for a new Middle East both refreshing and tantalizing. But as you …