22 - 28 January 2004 [674]
Graphic version | Current issue | Previous issue
Facing up to the wall
Israel's separation wall and threats of transfer have sparked a flurry of Arab diplomatic activity, reports Dina EzzatIt's our turn
The FIFA committee responsible for assessing who will host the 2010 World Cup arrives tomorrow, reports Inas MazharPhoto caption
POTS AND PANS: Beneath the waters of Abu Qir Bay, site of the inundated ancient port of Heracleion, archaeologists have discovered the remains...
Strategising for peace
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, America's Syria bashing and reforming the Arab League topped Cairo's diplomatic agenda this week. Gamal Essam El-Din reportsIroning out the differences
Khartoum looks to Cairo to throw a lifeline, and Egypt readily obliges, reports Gamal NkrumahAsserting the 'priceless value' of rights
With the National Council for Human Rights becoming a reality, Amira Howeidy seeks answers to pertinent questionsOpen season on Ebeid government
Prime Minister Atef Ebeid's government had one of its toughest weeks -- both in parliament and in the press. Gamal Essam El-Din reportsSettling for small steps
What's next for the Muslim Brotherhood? Omayma Abdel-Latif speaks to the group's new supreme guide about future plansPiecing together a tragedy
While private Egyptian airlines have come under fire, investigations into the cause of the Sharm El-Sheikh plane crash continue. Amira Ibrahim reportsAncient pots and pans
An underwater archaeology expedition at Abu Qir bay yields yet another treasure trove. Nevine El-Aref examines the newly emerged collection
Hamas remains defiant
Israeli threats to assassinate Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, leave Hamas leaders unimpressed. Khaled Amayreh reports from the West BankPeace is in the pipeline
The Arab League is planning a host of activities for post-peace Sudan. Dina Ezzat reportsShows of strength
As Paul Bremer met with the UN and the IGC to discuss their vision of the future, thousands of Iraqi Shi'ites marched in Baghdad to demand theirs. Graham Usher reports from BaghdadAl-Hawza's muscle
The political battle for the representation of Iraqi people is in full force, but as Omayma Abdel-Latif reports, the road to Iraqi independence seems to begin in Al-NajafReformists challenge the ban
A tug of war between Iranian conservatives and reformists over forthcoming elections has entered its second week running with no apparent light at the end of the tunnel, reports Rasha SaadGuarded change
As calls for radical reform grow louder in Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Abdullah announced the launching of the reform process but he left out the finer details, reports Sherine Bahaa
Swords cross over steel
While steel companies say that rising production costs are the cause behind soaring steel prices, some legislators blame monopolistic practices. Sherine Abdel-Razek investigatesThe harder they fall
A brand-new currency turned to be a risky gamble for hopeful fortune-makers. Niveen Wahish reports on the swift rise and fall of the Iraqi dinar on the Egyptian marketsLooks good in leather
Turkey sees Egypt as a gateway to its apparel exports to the Middle East market. Eman Youssef reports from Istanbul on an international leather fairBanking on SME
A leading Egyptian bank is finding big benefits in lending to small enterprises. Sherine Nasr reportsBriefs
TELECOM Egypt (TE) this year celebrates 150 years in business...
Continental rift
The Summit of the Americas ended last week without any major progress being made towards bridging the growing gulf between the US and its neighbours to the south, writes Jaideep Mukerji'A new America'
Although excluded from the Monterrey Summit of the Americas, Cuba was central to the debate, writes Faiza RadyWho loves the US?
The show of harmony at the Summit of the Americas barely masked underlying tensions, writes Hisham El-Naggar from Buenos AiresPandering to the faithful
US President George Bush preached to the converts in his annual State of the Union speech, leaving a few people impressed with his performance, Khaled Dawoud reports from WashingtonAnother world
This week over 100,000 people gathered from all parts of the world to say "No" to military imperialism and cutthroat capitalism, and "Yes" to dignity, solidarity and real freedom. Ian Douglas reports from MumbaiRestless in Rome
Strikes in Italy are quickly spreading from factories to the public sector, writes Samia Nkrumah from Rome
A compass for reform
If everyone agrees that reform is essential, its direction remains controversial, writes Ibrahim NafieMars to Earth
The landing of a small machine on Mars has sent human imagination soaring. But here on earth, says Azmi Bishara , it's business as usualOf religion and politics
France's decision to ban the veil reflects the depth of the crisis in western liberalism, writes Awatef Abdel-RahmanVague comfort
A split in the Muslim Brotherhood is not to be expected yet, writes Amr ElchoubakiAn unholy alliance
International capitalism, and a resurgent religious fundamentalism, combine to further oppress women, argues Nawal El-SaadawiCan the clock be turned back?
New revelations concerning Bush's plans to go to war against Iraq lead Mohamed Sid-Ahmed to raise critical questions on the future of America's Middle East policiesTime to remember
Whatever the discursive niceties it is important to realise that Israel is Zionist, and that Zionism displaces and kills, writes Ghada KarmiEditorial: An act of vandalism
What Zvi Mazel, Israeli ambassador to Stockholm, did in Sweden, speaks volumes about the intentions and attitude of Israel's extreme right...Close up
Iraqi unity
As the spectre of ethnic and sectarian divisions loom over their country, it is imperative Iraqis start thinking of what they must do to stay together...
By Salama A SalamaSoapbox
Seven steps
Political and constitutional reform has topped the agenda of Egyptian political and civil society since the 1970s...
By Hussein Abdel-RazeqFrench dreams
Concerning the article published in the French magazine L'Expresse, in which my Ahlam Fatrat Al- Naqaha (Recuperation Dreams) was compared to Graham Greene's later writing...
By Naguib MahfouzBahgory One-line: MEHDI AKEF
The art critic
The assault by an Israeli ambassador on an exhibition in Sweden was supported by the majority of Hebrew Web site surfers. So discovered Emad Gad in this debut look at the Israeli mediaLook both ways
Dina Ezzat zooms in on factional strife in Iraq and Sudan for the top regional stories in the Arab pressMan of steel
Economic decrees that change overnight, the NDP's alleged disregard for the law and Al-Azhar's position on other religions induced a flurry of op-eds in this week's Egyptian press, writes Aziza SamiBottom Lines
Quotes from the Arab press
A bookish affair?
Youssef Rakha expects nothing specialFrom Frankfurt to Cairo
The Cairo International Book Fair will provide the opening shot in promoting Arabic literature at the larger Frankfurt event, discovers Sonali PahwaPlain Talk
It is not often that I write about a book in this column, but a recent publication by Tharwat Okasha so impressed me I feel bound to introduce readers to it...
By Mursi Saad El-DinDefining moments
Samia Nkrumah speaks to the organisers of the first Ramallah International Film FestivalFandangos and more
Amal Choucri Catta tours the Spanish provincesReap a rich harvest
People born under the two zodiac signs of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere -- Libra and Scorpio -- are born to reap rich harvests...Of religion and politics
Revolution Square in Mohandessin is where a second revolution is happening. Nabil Shawkat runs out of ammunitionKofta "Panée"
Weekly recipe
By Moushira Abdel-MalekSymphony in velvet
Art meets fashion at the Cairo Opera House, where Nyier Abdou walks in the shadow of Roberto Capucci's colossal dress sculpturesRediscovering nostalgia
In Alexandria, Fatemah Farag traces a map of memoryTraveller's notes
Travel notesA city on the Roman lake
The city of Alexandria is best known for its Graeco-Roman heritage...Hidden charms
Alexandria's Islamic landmarks could be an attraction for those who seek something different. Nevine El-Aref strolls through the city's mediaeval attractionsWeekend retreats: Dreamy days
The sun, a cool breeze and a scenic lake; what more could Rasha Sadek want to experience a totally relaxing weekend in IsmailiaGuidelines
Travel tipsHoliday FAQ's
Travel info
Ready or not
It's time to play ball. Nashwa Abdel-Tawab reports on the African Nations Cup and Egypt's chancesThese Eagles have wings
Host Tunisia could fly away with the African titleHalf-time: Big week
This week Egypt will be involved in two extremely important sports developments...
By Inas MazharFootballism
As the world turns increasingly to football in anticipation of the 2010 bid, Yasmine El-Rashidi submerges herself in the hype and tries to figure out what the fan frenzy is really aboutThings we take for granted
It appears to be an inherent part of human nature to take essentials in life for granted...
By Yasmine El-Rashidi
Change in Dubara
After four lean years starting in 1929, the summer of 1933 brought signs of relief for the Egyptian nationalist movement. Prime Minister Ismail Sidqi was on a lengthy convalescence in Europe and there was reason to believe that the end of his heavy-handed era was at hand. Strengthening this hope were a number of crises that blew up in the face of this government, compelling a cabinet reshuffle. Then it was announced that as Sidqi's reward for producing those lean years, British High Commissioner to Egypt Sir Percy Loraine was to be transferred. His successor, writes Professor Yunan Labib Rizk, would give a clue as to British intentions in Egypt
Amr Shabana: The triumph of instinct
Resolute -- and absolutely ingenious
Profile by Mohamed El-SayedPack of Cards
By Madame SosostrisLimelight
By Lubna Abdel-Aziz