The Middle-East Observer
Egyptian elections
Amr Moussa’s vision for Egypt could upset military
Former Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa is a top contender for the presidential seat in Egypt’s new-found democracy. In a recent interview, he said that the military, under his leadership, would be one of the basic institutions in Egypt and not a separate one with its own rules which the military has enjoyed under Mubarak’s regime. He … Continue reading
Analysis: Deep in the Sinai, a looming crisis threatens Egypt-Israel peace treaty
Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak, the security situation of the Sinai Peninsula has deteriorated significantly and consequently is endangering Israeli-Egyptian peace. Yesterday, disgruntled Bedouins abducted 25 Chinese workers as a sign resistance, demanding the release of those still held in jail since the 2004 Sinai terror crackdown enacted by Hosni Mubarak. Militant Bedouins are … Continue reading
Debate: Egypt one year on: what next for the unfinished revolution?
While the West has been focusing on the electoral victory of Islamists, Egyptians main concern has been the military and its promise to transfer power to a civilian government. Guests: Ismail ALEXANDRANI, Blogger and activist; Dina ZAKARIA, Member, Muslim Brotherhood and Co-founder, Freedom and Justice Party; Ahmed ABD EL-FATAH, Videojournalist, Al Masry Al Youm news … Continue reading
Focus: Egypt’s Salafist surge
In a matter of months, Egypt’s ultra-conservative Salafists have beaten a path from marginalised religious sect to major political force. But what do we know about them, aside from their heavily religious roots? France24, France
Scorecard: Egypt since the revolution
Egypt’s revolution came to life on January 25th, 2011 and since then the military generals of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces have been the de facto rulers of Egypt. Egyptian protesters had many demands that had to be met quickly by the military after the toppling of former president Hosni Mubarak currently on … Continue reading
Islamists win 70% of Egypt People’s Assembly party list seats
Egypt’s electoral commission has published the final results of the first parliamentarian elections in the country since the ousting of President Mubarak. Islamist parties received, as a whole, account for 70% of the People’s Assembly. The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), party of the Muslim Brotherhood, secured 38% of the seats. The Salafist Al Nour … Continue reading
Analysis: There is no ‘Turkish model’ for Egypt
Egypt’s young revolutionaries hold Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) as an example for Egypt in its democratic struggle. Their praise the AKP’s ability to cope with secular democracy in a mostly Muslim society. But the reason behind the Turkish islamists’ pragmatism and acceptance of secular democracy is clearly identifiable: it is those neoliberal reforms … Continue reading
Egypt’s transition to democracy grows more messy
Mohammed ElBaradei’s decision to pullout of the presidential race in Egypt came to some as a surprise while others believe it is a calculated move to discredit the political process for it’s disordely and fast pace. The Nobel Peace prize laureate made harsh criticism aimed at SCAF’s generals during Saturday’s announcement. In his withdrawal statement, … Continue reading
Debate: Egypt’s Islamists: Threat or opportunity?
As Islamist parties emerge from elections as the country’s leading political force, should Egyptians be concerned? Guests: Joshua Stacher, a professor of political science at Kent State University; Dia’a Rashwan, al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies; and Dr Sherif El-Haggan, a professor, AUC. Al Jazeera, Qatar
Analysis: Egypt’s triumphant Muslim Brotherhood eyes political credibility
Analysts say the Muslim Brotherhood is looking to show the world it’s credibility as Egypt’s leading party. After winning the majority of seats in the parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood wants to establish a coalition with other Egyptian parties. Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) chief Mohammed Mursi said “The party believes that all political powers … Continue reading
Al-Azhar sheikh proposes bill of rights for Egypt
In a move to reassure the nervous Christian minorities of Egypt, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the head of Al-Azhar, an institute of Islamic learning in the Sunni world, proposed a bill of rights for Egypt’s future constitution that would guarantee equal citizenship rights as well as freedom of religion. The institution has been working on the bill for the … Continue reading
Analysis: Political Islam Without Oil
Egypt’s Islamist parties – Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist Al Nour party – secured more than 60% of the seats in the country’s parliamentary elections. With the beginning of the first parliamentary session approching quickly, all eyes are turned on the Islamists and on how they will cope with the realities of Egypt, such as corruption, … Continue reading
U.S. says Egypt’s Brotherhood has reassured its support for peace with Israel
Egypt’s powerful Muslim Brotherhood, which has dominated Egyptian parliamentary elections, has offered Washington assurances that it would respect the 1979 peace accord with Israel, a top U.S. official said on Thursday. Al Arabiya, Saudi Arabia Click here for the full story
Egyptians vote in final phase of landmark polls; Islamists have biggest share of seats
Egyptians were set to vote on Tuesday in the final round of a landmark post-revolution election that has propelled Islamist movements into the center stage of politics. Al Arabiya, Saudi Arabia Click here for the full story
Muslim Brotherhood: We will never recognize Israel
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood confirmed that it will never recognize Israel under any circumstances. It hinted it will put the signed peace treaty with Israel to a national referendum. Al Bawaba, Jordan Click here for the full story
Opinion: Fostering Political Change in Egypt
Egypt will not become a liberal democracy overnight. Washington is betting on the wrong horse in Cairo. The National Interest, United States Click here for the full story
Opinion: SCAF’s psychological warfare
SCAF is engaging in highly proficient psychological warfare, complete with leaked reports of a grand conspiracy concocted by “external elements” and their “internal allies” to ruin Egypt on none other than Jan. 25, 2012. The alleged plot aims to provoke confrontations between protesters and the army, to fuel chaos and civil strife to be used as … Continue reading
Egypt Islamists continue gains in 2nd round vote
Islamist parties have consolidated earlier gains in Egypt’s multistage parliamentary elections, winning nearly 70 percent of the seats determined so far, according to results announced Saturday. Associated Press, United States Click here for the full story
Egypt’s Islamists seek changes to Israel peace treaty
Egypt’s peace treaty with Salafi party stressed it will not work to revoke the agreement but will try to amend “its exploitative clauses” using all legitimate means. Ynetnews, Israel Click here for the full story
Salafist Nour Party denies meeting with Israeli officials
Spokesman refutes reports that members of the conservative Islamist party met with Israeli officials, adding that his organisation’s position on Zionist state is ‘very clear’. Al Ahram, Egypt Click here for the full story
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