Simply LeAnne

Letters from Egypt: Did Lara Logan Really Get Harassed in Tahrir?

2012-01-24T13:26:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Egypt’s revolution. That’s almost a year after US reporter Lara Logan made claims as to being sexually assaulted in Tahrir, and months after her first interview with 60 Minutes. Is it coincidental that Logan has now released a statement claiming that she suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Tomorrow Egypt will appear on every news station and media outlet, so I have to wonder as to Logan’s real motives behind her latest report featured in the Huffington Post. Throughout Logan’s horrific tales, all that could be found was excerpts saying that she “suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 soldiers.”

In her 60 Minutes interview, Logan recanted that she was told that the crowd began saying things like, “Let’s take her pants off.” As she detailed the horrendous attack six months later, she said her clothes were completely torn off and that people were taking pictures with their cell phone cameras. She said, “I remember looking up and seeing them taking pictures with their cell phones, the flashes of their cell phone cameras.” Egyptians do have internet access, yet to date no nude photos have been released of Logan.

The CBS reporter continued, “I didn’t even know they were beating me with flagpoles and sticks and things because I couldn’t even feel that.” For any of you in the Square that day, surely you are aware of how flimsy the actual flagpoles were. And should those poles have come into contact with a hard surface, like a human body, they would either bend or break.

She also said: “They were tearing my body in every direction at this point, tearing my muscles. And they were trying to tear off chunks of my scalp, they had my head in different directions.”

In all of this, no photos were ever released to validate Logan’s accusations. If this did occur, I understand that it would be difficult to speak about it right away; however, pictures would have been taken to show the brutality that was suffered such as bald spots/scabs from where hair had been ripped out of the head as well as a bare back to show the marks of the “flagpoles and sticks and things.” Yet none of this was ever released.

Logan spoke out at the end of April, and now she seems to have resurfaced marking the one-year anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.

While all of these stories could very well be true, I have reservations based on my own personal experience. I was in Tahrir Square the same day Logan was. I have blonde hair and blue eyes. I am not here to say that harassment doesn’t exist because quite frankly, it even got worse after the revolution; however, from January 25 to about February 18 was the ONLY time I never received any harassment whatsoever in this country.

It was shoulder to shoulder in Tahrir. Moving wasn’t an option, it was how the crowd pushed you. I was separated from my group and while I was surrounded by men, the man behind me put his hands on my shoulders and helped me guide through the crowd. A man in front of me took my hand and helped me get past another crowd. And finally when I was meeting some friends at the nearby hotel, Semiramis, another guy helped me find my way out as I couldn’t see the exits with so many people.

Katie Couric also made claims that she was harassed, but when I watched the video and listened to the Arabic, I never heard such a thing. When you don’t speak the other language and already have preconceived notions as to the behavior or Arab men, you may assume everyone is speaking about you in such a way – this, I think, was Couric’s problem.

I’m not here to contradict Logan’s story per se, but I do raise valid questions. I wonder why no one else who has interviewed Logan has asked the same. Do I necessarily believe her? Well, if it isn’t true, I hope that she one day understands that making up stories doesn’t pay off in the long run – just ask Stephen Glass.

Interestingly enough, I happened to stumble upon someone who says they witnessed the attack on Logan and refutes her claims. “I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, maybe something happened in another part of the square, but from what I saw, she was being taken by men to the soldiers, and her clothes were not torn off. There were no women. I didn’t see a single woman in the crowd around her.”

Letters from Egypt: My Mohamed is Different

2012-01-13T17:26:00.000+02:00

Image from DivorcedWomenOnline.com

“My Mohamed is Different,” or MMD, was coined by a friend of mine regarding foreign women dating Egyptians. We’ve all heard the stories, and unfortunately, you find very few successful situations regarding a union between a foreign woman and an Egyptian man. And it doesn’t matter how many times you may try to shield someone from entering into a less-than-pleasant situation, all the women turn and say: “But My Mohamed is different.”

And should you continue to believe in the MMD ideology, there are some precautionary measures that a female can take to ensure that her rights remain intact should the marriage end. First of all, you need to do your own research into laws and your rights as not only a female, but a foreign female (the same is true for foreign men).

One foreign woman, Kirsten*, married Mohamed* in 2001 and was pregnant with her first child just three months later. She said that once children became involved, her life took on a new role. She had given up on her husband and instead directed her energy toward her children. “The time when the man treats you well, buying you [special] gifts and [going out of his way] all changes once you’re married,” she said. In 2009, Kirsten found out Mohamed had cheated profusely during the entire duration of their marriage. She opted to leave him and began divorce proceedings in the beginning of 2010 (it was not finalized until November of that year).

While this scenario plays out in our own countries, being in a foreign land exposes you to a new ballgame.

Kirsten wishes that she would have known certain things prior to marriage, including having the option to live with Mohamed. “I wish I’d held off on having children until I knew my rights more.” Had she held off on having children, Kirsten believes she would have left the marriage after the first year. In the West, extended family does not play as much of a role as it does in the Arab world. Kirsten pointed out how in Egypt, the extended family plays a role to the “point of interference.” She said, “If the husband has done something wrong, it’s the wife’s fault. If the wife has done something wrong, it’s the wife’s fault. Even if [the husband’s family] know that he’s in the wrong, they will always take his side.”

She even discussed how one member in her ex-husband’s family tried to convince her to work things out despite the husband’s numerous indiscretions. Finally when Kirsten refused to budge on the matter, the female family member suggested that if the man felt the urge to cheat, he should have just married a second wife. An interesting tidbit you may not know: Egyptian men may only marry once if he’s marrying a foreigner although the Qaran states that a man may have up to four wives. Egyptian women are supposed to be informed by the Ministry of Justice prior to marriage to confirm her acceptance of being wife number two, three or four.

Marriage in Egypt 101

If you are still convinced that marrying Mohamed is your path, get an independent lawyer to consult prior to marriage. You need to understand what marriage in Egypt means and your rights. There is a specific office at the Ministry of Justice that deals with foreigners.

Men must pay a dowry, set by the female, before a legal union. In 2001 the minimum dowry payment was LE 1 (equivalent to $0.02), but that has since changed due to the large amount of Egyptians marrying foreigners to escape the financial burden of marrying a local. A study was released by the Ministry of Family and Population Center that found an increasing number of young, Egyptian men marry foreign women who are 20-30 years older.

According to the study conducted by Dr. Izat Ashmawi, over 17,000 marriages between young Egyptian men and older foreign women were registered in 2010 compared to just 195 in 2000. That is an 8700% increase over the past 10 years!

Year	Estimated Registered Marriages**
2000	195
2001	205
2002	264
2003	319
2004	424
2005	551
2010	17,000

**Registered marriages between Egyptian men and foreign women 20 to 30 years older

Economist Dr. Hamdi Abdul al-Adhim told Al Arabiya, “Many families welcome such a marriage because it does not require a ready apartment for the bride or expensive dowries; foreigners only look for emotional fulfillment especially the ones who are older.”

While that’s great, ladies – you deserve to know the truth as to what you may ask for and what to put in your marriage contract. Love is only blind for fools. In Kirsten’s case, she said that when going to the Ministry of Justice to file for her marriage license, the rules of the contract and dowry were glossed over with the official even saying, “Just put LE 1, that’s what most people do.” That is NOT what an Egyptian would do and nor should you!

Kirsten detailed three main points that a woman (local AND foreign) may put into a marriage contract:

A woman has the right to divorce her husband and keep the dowry and other offerings
A woman has the right to travel freely with any children from the marriage
A woman has the right to work

There are some things that you may think you want in the contract, but are actually already a part of Egyptian law:

If divorced, a man has to support the children which include the cost of living, school tuition and other expenses

However, there may be a problem with the Egyptian version of child support. Kirsten said that sometimes a man will get a false certificate from his job’s human resource department that lies about his income, ie claiming his monthly income is only LE 1,000 ($167) and therefore cannot afford the requested LE 2,000 ($333) in child support.

If filing for a divorce, a foreigner is required to have a qualified translator (although you would think this would also be required when filing for a marriage license). Kirsten attempted to bring her own, although the Ministry of Justice refused to accept him despite his qualifications, probably to force her into appointing one directly from the Ministry in order for the government to obtain the costs.

Also know that no matter what nationality or religion, a woman is awarded custody of the children. This is made null should the woman remarry or have relations with another man. Beware that while the only time custody may change is if the man can prove you are an unfit mother or if you remarry/have relations with another man, Kirsten said, “Never underestimate a pissed off ex-husband.”

One woman in Cairo found that out the hard way. Her ex-husband caught her with another Egyptian man and not only took away their children, had her and the Egyptian man arrested. The foreign woman spent months in jail until her place of employment finally worked out a deal with officials for her release. She is still unable to see her children.

Basic lesson is to learn your rights. Asking for a particular amount of dowry in addition to placing other pertinent details in your marriage contract does not mean you love your spouse any less (like wanting a prenuptial in the US). And don’t forget the Egyptian turnaround as I’m sure the next thing out of Your Mohamed is Different’s mouth: “I guess you don’t love me as much as I love you because if you did, you wouldn’t need all of these things.” Your response to that should be, “Well, if you don’t screw up then we won’t have to worry about it will we?”

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity

Disclaimer: I am not advocating that all women are perfect. I will write a future blog on one marriage still going strong between a foreign woman and her Egyptian husband. There are anomalies in every situation, but very few standalone success stories of foreign women marrying Egyptian men. Take this into considering next time you say MMD.

Letters from Egypt: MAADI SPECIAL on Taxi Fare from ACE

2012-01-11T14:30:00.000+02:00

While this doesn’t pertain to all of this blog’s readers, there are many of you that might find it useful. I’ve noticed with the increasing membership of the expat club, ACE, that many are being taken for a ride via the cab drivers standing in front of the club. Please note that those cab drivers are NOT affiliated with ACE and while many may think they’re safer than walking to the medan to acquire a taxi, in some cases this is not true.

Alternately, if you've had a bad experience with one of the drivers that block the entrance to ACE, take a photo, be sure to warn your friends, send it to the ACE committee and if you want, send it to me and I will post directly on this blog. You live here and therefore have earned the right to be treated with respect.

Suggested Prices for Taxis with minimum traffic (starting point ACE Club):

· Anywhere within Degla is no more than LE 5 (including Rd 9)
· Corniche, LE 7
· Nasser Street, LE 7
· Downtown and Zamalak, depending on complete destination, should be around LE 25-30

White Taxi meters:

There are three different types of meters, two varying meters depending on distance and one that incorporates time lapsed.

All meters begin at LE 2.50

Meter One:

Moves up to LE 2.75 when covering 0.8 km. For every 0.2 km, it moves up another LE 0.25

Meter Two:

Moves up to LE 2.75 when covering 1.0 km. For every 0.2 km, it moves up another LE 0.25

Meter Three:

Incorporates time and distance. If constantly moving, please refer to Meters One and Two. If stuck in standstill traffic, the time begins on the meter. It will increase LE 0.25 per minute.

Tips for taking taxis:

· Note that the taxis outside of ACE are not affiliated with ACE and should be treated like any other taxi hailed from a different location.
· If taxis refuse to turn on the meter, be prepared for a potential problem regarding price unless negotiated in advance (alternately, if you must force them to turn on meter, monitor the meter closely to ensure it has not been tampered)
· Females should always sit in the back
· Give money through the window after exiting the cab
· Females should exercise extreme caution if intoxicated and taking an unknown cab home

Letters from Egypt: An Exhausting Year

2012-01-09T16:12:00.000+02:00

This year has been exhausting to say the least. The one-year anniversary of Egypt’s revolution is approaching on January 25 (the Arab Spring began with Tunisia on January 14). So while this blog has more than documented the on goings pre-, during and post-revolution, I realized that many of us are just down and out about this country.

Some may say, “If you don’t like it, leave.” True. However, you can’t pretend that if you went through a year of constant turmoil that you wouldn’t be a little downtrodden yourself. Hence why I haven’t written in awhile (that and having to yet again say my goodbyes to those closest to me). Despite how frustrated I may get with Egypt – and trust me, many times I feel that I could run up and down my street just slashing people that look at me the wrong way – there are still some things that I love.

I’ve mentioned in previous blogs things that I would miss when I leave this country, but today reminded me of more. I switched my gym membership and as I was working out this morning, the sun was coming up (the gym is full of long windows overlooking the city). Made Cairo seem that much more manageable in that peaceful, no one is awake yet honking their horns profusely. My friend and I left and went to Café Greco at CSA and again, not only is it the best coffee in Egypt, the staff is WONDERFUL. They ALWAYS remember how I like my coffee and all it takes is me walking in and they immediately start whipping it up. The only question they have is, “One or two.” Tip: If you work out early in the morning, you’re on top of your game at the office until 1-1:30 pm rolls around. Then you need a nap. Getting two iced American coffees from Greco, with one going in the fridge for later, helps combat that sluggish state.

I went home before going to the office and made my lunch: feta cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, kalamata olives and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. And I realized just how freaking good the cheese is here. There’s this gourmet cheese shop in Degla (Maadi), but for the life of me, I don’t understand why people shop at it. The cheese that you can buy in local grocers like Metro and Seoudi market is top notch. Feta and bleu cheese in the US is dry and crumbly, but here it is creamy and melts in your mouth.

The vegetables are seasonal and right now it’s time for strawberries. Listen, I grew up in the country where my family and I went and picked up turnips and other greens from the truck on the side of the road before hitting ‘town’; we went and picked our own peaches and blueberries; bought bushels of peas; and every other vegetable/fruit you could think of. And while that is some of the best grub you’ll get in the US, I will say it doesn’t even hold a candle to the local produce available here (although I'm definitely missing collards, mustards and turnips). In fact, if you know me – you’ve surely heard my sweet corn story which might be deemed as the best thing Sweet Baby Jesus ever put in my mouth.

Sometimes it’s hard to see the things that we appreciate after going through a constant barrage of draining events. It’s even harder when you’re like me and haven’t left the country since June nor had a vacation in over a year; nonetheless, it’s pertinent to remember the good things no matter where you are – even if almost damn near impossible sometimes to find.

Letters from Egypt: US Embassy Refuses to Help a Jailed American

2011-12-18T14:06:00.000+02:00

Register with the State Department, they say. For emergencies, contact such and such number, they say. What the US Embassy in Cairo doesn’t say: We will fail to help any American citizen in need unless it makes national headlines in the US and forces us to act accordingly.

Local news editor for Bikya Masr Joseph Mayton was arrested Saturday, December 17 and held and beaten for 14 hours. Mayton and his wife relocated to an apartment overlooking Tahrir Square. When Mayton’s wife contacted the US Embassy, they refused to help. Not at all surprising as the more I delve into the inner matters of my own embassy, the more I have to wonder if all or most of the employees put the keyword “incompetent” on their resume/CV to get an instant job.

Mayton wrote his account in the newspaper:

“I called the Embassy – surprisingly they allowed me to keep my phone – and began a dialogue to have someone from the embassy come and have me released. They refused to do so, citing diplomatic issues between Washington and the Egyptian security forces as well as the security situation on the street outside. I was angry at my government.

Repeatedly, Embassy officials said they could not come and retrieve me due to the security officer at the embassy banning all personnel from being near the scene. I was perturbed, considering the American Embassy is, literally, on the opposite side of the street approximately 100 meters from where I was being held.

By early afternoon, a Hungarian national, Mark Fodor, was also brought in, also for taking photos at the same spot I was detained. He contacted his Embassy and the ball was rolling. By around 9 PM the Hungarian Counsel was en route to take him from detention. I was livid, angry that my embassy was telling me they “have to go through the proper channels and were doing all they could to have me released.” Two military officers had specifically told Embassy officials on the phone that to have me released, an embassy employee had to come get me. They never came and even told me that I would have to stay the night until the morning.

Fodor was released when the Embassy official arrived and I remained in my seat, waiting and hoping they would tire of my presence. It was cold and after Fodor – who I had conversed with throughout the afternoon and early evening – was gone, I was digging in for a night in the small, pitch black room.

Somehow, approximately 30 minutes after Fodor was freed, two soldiers came into the room, asked me if I knew how to get home and took me to a side street outside and let me go. It was a strange turn of events, but I had been freed.”

The US Embassy sent an email to employees yesterday instructing them to avoid downtown and the 6^th of October bridge. Those of us registered with the State Department have failed to see anything in regards to the recent clashes. If so, it must have mysteriously skipped my inbox although I received two emails today discussing the upcoming presidential elections in the US.

I will admit that as a journalist, you are aware that you may be compromised for trying to get the story out. And this is not anyone’s responsibility but your own; however, it’s unnerving that if you do contact the embassy, it refuses to get involved although the government institution has no qualms about appearing as though it actually cares. This was my point in the blog: US Citizens Left Behind by US Government. Another detail is that the Hungarian national that was jailed for the same violation as Mayton had immediate help. Then again, you do need to take into account how many Hungarians that are located in Egypt as opposed to Americans. However, a friend of mine working for the New Zealand Embassy told me that during the revolution, three Fox News journalists were detained, a New Zealander, Canadian and American. The NZ Embassy helped facilitate the release of all three.

There are other variables to consider, but then there are other stories that need to be highlighted. Such as the lack of an appropriate crisis management or evacuation plan during the January 25 revolution. The more I check into the ongoings at the US Embassy, the more I question the real work being conducted at the government facility.

A former military officer working for the embassy confessed to me in October that alcohol was prevalent in many offices with on-the-clock drinking occurring regularly. Even more shocking, one Lt. Col. accessed personnel files in order to contact spouses in the US to make aware that their counterparts in Egypt were having an affair (this after the Lt. Col. made several advances to the subordinate). Unacceptable and a violation on numerous accounts. You have time to access personnel records for personal agendas, but you fail to have time to help American citizens living abroad?

What’s even funnier is that I visited a place a couple of months ago that only allowed Americans and it happened to be full of US Embassy employees. One US Embassy official was speaking with another man saying that the ineptitude of the Embassy during the revolution was another department’s fault. He said, “It’s not the Embassy’s fault, it’s those State Department guys.” The blame game is not just an Egyptian trait.

So why would I ever assume that the embassy is capable of providing help when clearly more important matters are the priority of the so-called agenda. You will notice that the only reason the embassy got involved in the three American college students detained for throwing Molotov cocktails was because the US media had a field day with the story. When in actuality, that should have been the time that they were not involved. Mayton was trying to get a story, he wasn’t inciting violence. “Diplomatic issues between Washington and the Egyptian security forces” prevented the US Embassy from helping him but allowed them to help three college students who threw Molotov cocktails? Needed: a functioning brain at the US Embassy.

Letters from Egypt: Buy Egyptian

2011-12-13T14:30:00.001+02:00

“Next Friday 16-12-2011 is Buy Egyptian Products day. Please don’t buy anything other than Made in Egypt, this is only for one day and it will have a great impact on economy. Plz spread n be positive :)”

-Facebook Group Buy Egyptian

Great idea, but I’m sure you’re thinking, “What is actually made in Egypt?” Let’s look at the products that you can buy (and some reports are that they will be discounted):

Bad food that result in an amazing weight loss regime with workout included (running to the bathroom for dear life helps shed those unwanted pounds)
All you can pick up trash/rubbish. There’s plenty to go around
That random sandal that you happened to trip over while walking to a cab; however, it is up to you to find its partner which always seems elusive
Skin bleach because the scars afterwards are an added bonus
My bowab’s children
New taxi meters that have been tampered with to speed up costs

Disclaimer: All purchases are final, but for any product that seems to have problems functioning, there will be duct tape and silicon provided to help repair damages.

In all honesty, most of the products you’re going to find are manufactured in Dubai. The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is Egyptian cotton. Did you know that the high quality is actually sent abroad and the rest is sold in Egypt at triple the prices that you would pay in places like the US? Unlike going to buy jade in China and silk in India where prices are much cheaper since it’s the place of origin, it would be less expensive for you to purchase 100% Egyptian cotton sheets at TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and the like in the US.

This is applicable across the board. Most of the products made in Egypt that are of somewhat decent quality are shipped abroad with damaged or not as efficient products remaining behind (undoubtedly the items that didn’t pass the quality control). There are very few products that come with the tag “Made in Egypt” that is enticing. Buying any appliance which could be made here will only result in buying a new one a month later.

Better said, a product “Made in Egypt” carries the “Made in China” stigma. The only difference: the Chinese factories are in production 24/7. Egypt is only at 40% capacity currently and meets quota almost never on the few products that it does make – protests or not.

Letters from Egypt: Female Circumcision on the Rise after Mubarak

2011-12-05T17:02:00.001+02:00

Badour Shakar died after an illegal circumcision was performed in Upper Egypt, and she became the poster child for the stop of FGM in Egypt. Source: AP

While many people are concerned with reports that Islamists have taken the majority of seats in Egypt’s most recent parliamentary elections, another scary realization has also occurred post-revolution. Female genital mutilation (FGM) – also known as female circumcision – has increased since Hosni Mubarak stepped down from leadership.

FGM is the removal of all or part of a female’s genitalia (primarily the clitoris) for cultural or other non-medical reasons, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There are many reasons that this could take place, but the main belief in the Islamic world is to control a woman’s sexuality – thought to ensure virginity before and fidelity after marriage – and increase a man’s sexual pleasure.

In 1997, Egypt made the practice illegal except in certain circumstances (I really wish I knew the criteria because personally, I can’t imagine there being one); however, after the death of a 12-year old girl, Badour Shaker in June 2007, the Egyptian government banned the practice entirely unless administered by an accredited medical facility. Shaker died after undergoing the FGM operation in a private clinic in Minya, Upper Egypt, and then followed by a 13-year old in the village of Gharbiya.

Unicef predicted that the practice of FGM would decline over time from its 2005 levels of 77% among girls age 15-17 to around 60%. The organization undoubtedly didn’t see a revolution or its damaging effects on such projections. Although the Al-Azhar Supreme Council for Islamic Research – the highest religious authority in Egypt – issued a statement explaining that FGM had no basis in the core of Islamic Sharia or any of its partial provisions. Dar el Ifta, the authority issuing Fatwas (legal opinions issued by Islamic scholars) issued a Fatwa that condemned the practice.

Wife of former leader, Suzanne Mubarak stood firm against FGM and announced the amendment of the Child Law banning FGM. Naturally with the change in regime, the lawyer and head of the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights Nihad Abu Kumsan said that Suzanne Mubarak was only involved in the fight against FGM for self-promotional purposes. "She was devoid of a feminist vision or a socialist vision," Kumsan claimed. Call me crazy but even if that were true, at least she stood for something worthwhile that is harmful and damaging to young girls throughout the country (and other parts of the world).

Unicef created an abandonment program, which was supported by USAID, with a total budget of $1.6 million from 2002-2007 (although with placing the blame game on the US for its manufacturing of tear gas, many Egyptians fail to remember the financial aid it receives for programs such as this).

The US magazine, The New Republic, reported that the fight to stop girls from being circumcised in the country has decreased since the revolution due to a lack of funds. The report said that from a 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey, 91% of all women between the ages of 15 and 49 had been mutilated. What’s even more so is a comparison that less-advanced Senegal (located in West Africa) has seen more progress in the fight to stop FGM after several thousand villages have pledged never to circumcise females again.

I didn’t believe that Egypt had such a high ratio of female circumcision, and I had asked several of my female friends. Unfortunately, for many women that have been circumcised, they do not know any different and are unable to tell you if the procedure has in fact taken place.

Letters from Egypt: Election Update & Procedures

2011-11-30T16:49:00.001+02:00

Source: The Telegraph

This just in: Muslim Brotherhood winning in Egypt’s Parliamentary elections BUT hold on, guess who the source is? The Muslim Brotherhood (MB). How would the MB know that they’ve reportedly secured 40% of the vote when a) other governorates have yet to vote b) no official representative has released the results so far and c) run-offs for individual seats will take place later?

So please, for all of you posting articles touting these claims, remember to look at the initial source. The UK’s Telegraph reported that a member of the Egyptian Bloc said that in Cairo, one area that voted on Monday and Tuesday, had 40-50% of the votes going to the MB and 20-30% of the votes going to the Egyptian Bloc. Hmmmm…

The election is spread over six weeks encompassing three phases, followed by run-off.

First, you need to understand how the voting works – which is absurdly confusing, but remember, it is the first “democratically-held” elections ever. There are some highly organized parts though. Like in the US, registered Egyptian voters are required to vote in a certain district. To find out which precinct a voter is registered, (s)he may call 140 to find out the exact location and voter registration number which allows voters to bypass the sometimes lengthy lists to find name and number and/or location.

There are two sheets of paper full of candidates representing the district. An appointed judge is only individual that is allowed to administer the ballots. Once the voter has given their registration number and is handed the ballot, (s)he marks their choices via a cubicle-type desk and then dips their finger in a special ink to seal. Once the polling station is closed for the evening, the judge uses red wax to lock down the votes with the military guarding throughout the night. This could be seen as suspect and easy for military personnel to stuff ballot boxes although military nor police are eligible to vote; however, keep in mind that it is the FIRST time for this procedure to take place.

The fear of the MB becoming the ruling party has my Facebook newsfeed full of pictures depicting a Saudi-type Cairo with women all wearing the full niqab. The stories from many Egyptians that I spoke to regarding voting said the process was lengthy, but without problems. As detailed in an earlier post, stories of buying votes for a particular party have been running rampant. I cannot confirm this, but I will say that I met up with a group of individuals Monday night at a café in Maadi and was pleasantly surprised.

One of the photos in my Facebook newsfeed depicting the change of women if the MB takes control

Most of my friends voted for the Free Egyptian party (symbol: eye), the most liberal party in the running. Then again, do you think many people that are very conservative necessarily associate with me? That being said, throughout the world, voters in a metropolis are known for being more liberal than those from smaller cities (New York state is known for voting primarily for Democrats while Mississippi is conservative voting mostly Republican) so I think that the majority of votes in Cairo and Alexandria can undoubtedly be expected to have a more liberal outcome than areas like those in the Suez governorate.

While accompanying a male Egyptian friend of mine at the café, I was introduced to the table that was composed of four men and two other females (a Christian and a veiled Muslim). After awhile talking about each person’s voting experience, many left to return home leaving my friend and I sitting around discussing everything. He told me, “The guy sitting by the female is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.” I was shocked. First of all, I was under this impression that all MBs were prejudice against women, particularly foreigners. While I didn’t have a complete conversation with him, he was seated next to the Christian woman and was extremely polite to me when I introduced myself. One of my other Egyptian friends informed me that he, too, had a good friend that was affiliated with the MB.

The modern MB is taking on a completely different look from what it used to be, possibly to acquire younger members. My friend said, “You would have no idea that my friend was a member of the MB, he’s completely normal without a beard, cultured and polite.” You might think this sounds ignorant, but I guarantee that many of you who have never met someone in the MB had the same preconceived notions I did (that doesn’t mean that I agree with their ideology by any means). I had another Egyptian friend tell me last night that while she didn’t agree with the MB, had to say that their spokesperson was attractive. Sounds to me like the MB had some classes on changing their image and are doing just that, even if their fundamental goals remain the same.

The main point is, so far the elections seem to be running smoothly, but that isn’t to discount the potential uprisings that could occur once the results are announced in January. The other point I want to make is that no one is able to give an approximate percentage of votes for a specific party at this time.

As my father always said: Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.

Suggested Reading: Q+A: How does Egypt's parliamentary elections work

Letters from Egypt: Tales from Voting Precincts

2011-11-28T19:38:00.001+02:00

Camera is dead, so this was taken via my mobile outside Victoria College in Maadi

As I was walking to Costa coffee this morning near the Grand Mall, I saw a line composed of all females wrapped around the corner from Victoria College with military personnel standing guard. Women lined up along the front, while men were kept in a different area in case tensions escalated and to combat harassment.

Voting stations are open from 8 am until 7 pm, but have been extended to 9 pm. At the polling station off of Road 9 in Maadi, one voter told me he stayed for seven hours (his choices varied, but he did say he picked the party symbol, eye). He said, “It’s the first time for me to vote so it’s quite an experience for me.” The ballots are brought to each voting area via a judge, but the judge at this precinct was late. “We waited for the judge for three hours because he has all the documents and is in charge of opening the documents.” He continued to say that when he first arrived, shortly after 7 am, no staff was present eventually all arriving alongside the tardy judge. “Everyone had [the chance] to say his vote and it was really nice, but maybe this is only Maadi.” Please note that Maadi is considered one of the best areas in Cairo, and has the highest concentration of foreigners in addition to a more liberal viewpoint from locals residing in the area

One voter told me he had stood in line from 7:00 am to 9:30 am to mark his ballot (he picked the parties that were represented by the banana, eye and toothbrush). He noted that this time around was better than the referendum voting which took place in March. The referendum in March had many discrepancies, including one source telling me that while her illiterate mother with only a grammar school education had people in line telling her that a vote for no was a vote for the Christians. She voted yes to the referendum to avoid the 'Christian' outcome.

Today’s vote was more organized, but inside the polling stations suffered. However, it is important to note that in a country with a large population like Egypt that has been under dictator rule for over 30 years, complete organization is going to be a long way off. Standing in line took awhile so once inside, there are different lines for voting which were ambiguous according to my source. Many people would wait in the line they thought was correct only to be told they must relocate.

There have been rumors that voters were solicited with cash to cast their ballots in favor of a certain party. I cannot confirm this so I refuse to mention the party associated with this rumor, but I will say that this is to be expected: allegations toward certain political parties that continue to unnecessarily flood the rumor mill. If you can’t confirm it, no need in spreading it.

Another source of mine said he woke up late and is waiting to place his vote tomorrow at a precinct outside of Maadi. He will vote for the Free Egyptian party (Al-Masriyeen al-Ahrrar) which also seems to be a favorite based on its leader, Naguib Sawiris. Sawiris, a Coptic Christian, is a telecommunications mogul that has expressed that his party is open to everyone despite religious orientation. The party believes in a separation between religion and government, women's rights and overall equality. The party supports competitive bidding for government contracts, minimum wage and the expansion of microfinancing programs and implementing tax credits for Zakat and tithe to reward social cooperation (which I believe is similar to the US: allowing religious institutions to be exempt from paying taxes).

I will update this as I speak with others about their experiences from outside of Maadi, so make sure to check back periodically.

Letters from Egypt: How Illiterate Egypt Votes

2011-11-28T12:51:00.001+02:00

Parliamentary elections started this morning in Cairo and other select governorates in Egypt with crowds swelling by the minute to cast their vote. I will update this blog throughout the day as I receive more stories from those who have gone to vote, but first I want to highlight campaign signs and parties/alliances.

If you are in Egypt, particularly Cairo and Alexandria, you will notice the campaign signs in abundance in all the squares (medans). Look closely and you will see symbols on each of them that include guitar, strawberry, eye, toothbrush, banana, etc. These symbols represent a particular party and help the high number of illiterate Egyptians vote via symbol association.

With a population of over 82 million people, one in every four Egyptians is illiterate and nearly 17 million adult Egyptians can neither read nor write according to 2010 government statistics. There are several parties and alliances that have cropped up after the overthrow of long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. While this blog isn’t long enough to list all of those parties and alliances, you may go to Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to gain a more in depth look at Egypt and all its political glory. In the meantime, I am only going to list the main parties, symbols and alliances.

*Please note I’ve only highlighted main points, for a more detailed view please visit the Carnegie website and/or each party’s site*

Al Wafd (Delegation Party)

Symbol: Palm Tree

The Wafd party succeeded a once powerful organization disbanded by former president Nasser in 1952. The party has many stances in three areas: political, socio-economical and foreign policy. It would appear that the Wafd party has taken a US history book and molded its policies like imposing a two-term limit on presidency, enforcing a separation of power among three branches (the US has executive, legislative and judiciary branches) and also giving the parliament the right to accept or veto any bill without presidential approval. Other stances include a stop on monopolies, deregulating the banking industry and educational reform (although the step-by-step process is not defined, just like all contending parties).

Most of the Wafd’s foreign policy is directed at the US and Israel. The party claims it will respect all international agreements signed between the Palestinians and Israelis, but it will pressure Israel “through all means” to withdraw from occupied territories while rejecting the “US bias toward Israel”. In addition, the strategic alliance between the US and Egypt will remain strong but will be realigned, according to the party, to reflect a more “balance of interests.” Wafd also seeks to reappropriate the aid coming from the US, saying that currently the use of US aid to Egypt since the peace treaty of 1979 is only to serve the US and Israel. And lastly, it will force the US to announce a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Al Hurriyya wa al-‘Adala (Freedom and Justice Party)

Symbol: Scales

This party is the political faction of the Muslim Brotherhood, formed in May 2011, and is the top Islamist party in Egypt. With all the controversy and leeriness surrounding the group, it formed the Democratic Alliance with other liberal parties. It supports Sharia, or Islamic law, although it says that it supports a civil state not run by the military or a theocracy. This statement is contradictory as the party wishes to use Islamic law as a determinate to all legislation, which would indicate a theocratic government. The party does say it will support women’s rights by passing legislation that criminalizes favoritism towards men. Socio-economic policies include eliminating poverty, unemployment, fraud/corruption and monopolies; spreading and deepening the concepts and values of Islamic law throughout Egypt; and raising the standards of education and scientific research.

Unlike the Wafd party, the faction has strayed away from specifically naming the US in its foreign policy issues which include securing the sources of the Nile River. A colonial era treaty in 1959 gave Egypt 87% control over the Nile with the remaining 13% going to Sudan, and now controversy shrouds the pact as Ethiopia is forging ahead to build the Millennium Dam and a Nile Basin Initiative was signed excluding Egypt and Sudan. The Freedom and Justice party also seeks to confront the “aggressive and expansionist Zionist party” upholding peace treaties only IF passed by a referendum voted on by Egyptian citizens. It supports the Palestinian right to self-determination, including the right of return for all refugees (CIA World Factbook notes that in 2007, Egypt had 70,198 Palestinian refugees). And interestingly enough, the party wishes to have a public release of all national security documents after 25 years.

Al-Nour (Light Party)

Symbol: Lantern

The Nour party, which is one of the most Islamic parties, represents the conservative Islamic faction known as Salafi. It was a member of the Democratic Alliance, but left and founded the Islamist Alliance. It supports Islam as the country’s religion and also the implementation of Sharia, preserving fundamental rights and freedoms in correlation to the framework of Islamic law. Similar to the Wafd party, it supports a three-prong system including a separation of executive, legislative and judicial branches. The party supports the complete independence of al-Azhar from the government and restoring its prominent role throughout the Islamic world; however, it also supports religious freedom and personal status laws for non-Muslims.

For foreign policy, only two issues are outlined: funding foreign relations on mutual respect and equality and a greater role for Egypt in the Arab world as well as among Nile Basin countries – particularly Sudan.

While photos were hard to obtain via the party website, videos were abundant. In the video that I will attempt to embed (if not working, please click the You Tube hyperlink), the party describes what it will do if elected touching on the Islamic society, education and separation of al-Azhar (that is the best English translation I can provide, sorry my Arabic is limited).

Other symbols for political parties include a briefcase, crocodile, fork, guitar, tennis racket, toothbrush, umbrella and many MANY more. As previously stated, this blog isn't long enough, you would lose interest and I've provided all the necessary links for further research at your discretion. While using symbols for illiterate individuals is nothing new in Egypt, I do find the exact symbols and overall concept interesting.

Next up: Tales from the Voting Precincts

Letters from Egypt: AUC Professor’s Thoughts on Tahrir

2011-11-22T10:43:00.001+02:00

Source: Happier Abroad

“I believe the army should rule for five years with a plan to integrate civil structure. During this period, there should be an educational mechanism to define the term democracy.”

Words spoken by a friend of mine, a professor at the American University in Cairo (AUC). I met Samir* at a café last night and naturally the main topic of discussion was the escalation of events in Tahrir Square. Many of his students have taken to the Square to protest, jumping on the bandwagon according to him. However, there is another side too.

“Many believe in the revolution, but not the execution,” he said adding that some students that are committed to the protest have either been victimized or are taking up for fellow students. Samir is forced to continue going to the Katamaya campus as classes are still in session despite little to no attendance. Unfortunately, without students, he is left sitting in his office biding his time.

On November 20, a rumor circulated around AUC that a curfew was going to be implemented at 4 pm local time. This caused many to avoid the campus altogether; although Samir admits that any excuse to get out of class is common. I was a college student once, I remember that vividly. Thursday is a holiday (Thanksgiving) with Saturday meant to hold compensation classes; however, now that is cancelled. Monday was proclaimed another holiday in light of the elections, but everyone is now anticipating Sunday classes to be cancelled. Even if classes are not officially cancelled, the likelihood that students will attend is slim.

Samir’s idea about military rule with the integrated plan of civil rule is a good point. It would give the political parties time to properly organize their campaigns while a temporary constitution, mandated by the military, could be established. I am not suggesting that the military take full control with a working constitution set for a 30-year limit before review. I’m saying that the military could take control over the immediate constitutional reforms like term limits, political party stipulations and candidacy guidelines, establish a proper voting technique (the UN spent an estimated $400 million on state-of-the-art biometric IDs in Cote d’Ivoire) – all of which will help prepare for a proper voting system. While nothing will ever be 100% transparent, this would give time for methods to ensure accuracy and as much transparency possible to take place. After the elections, then the new government would be in charge of creating a new constitution to reflect upon the ideals and goals among the Egyptian people.

The Egyptian military is a business venture already, so why not let them handle the economy for five years until civilian rule is implemented? The military’s exact assets are confidential, but estimates run at about 5-45% of Egypt’s total economy. Am I suggesting the military is honest? Not by any means, but the way I view it as of now and others may agree, there is not a viable leadership option for Egypt at this time. The country needs to regroup, figure out its ultimate goal, and one of the most important issues: establishing a step-by-step policy toward educational reform.

Many say that the military council has “prolonged the transition to democracy.” And this goes back to the education – even for the university students. Others watch MTV Arabia which televises shows like “My Super Sweet 16” and instantly think that the US, which in their minds represents democracy, is full of 15 and 16-year olds all receiving a nice new Porsche and flying to Paris to get a dress for the million-dollar party. Little work and all money is the image that comes across, but that isn’t democracy. Some will tell you that democracy means to them freedom, mainly freedom to express themselves via media and the like. However, that’s not entirely true either. It’s one part, but there are many things that the US had to work for and continuously needs to work on. No country is without flaws and that includes the US.

One Egyptian friend of mine told me that one reason she liked the US was because we were allowed to be whatever we wanted. She said that in school here, people just tell you what you’re going to be; however, in the US if you decide you want to fly helicopters, you can make that dream a reality.

The important thing to note is that Egyptians are saying that the military has halted the country’s transition into democracy, but democracy can’t happen in six to 10 months. It has to evolve and the only way it can begin to evolve is to teach others the meaning. But Egypt needs to find its own meaning. You can’t take a system from another country and expect it to work for you, it needs to be modified to fit the needs and demands of those inside the country.

Samir added, “Running around like headless chickens throwing bricks isn’t the right way to establish democracy. If I went to a zoo, monkeys would behave better.”

*denotes name change to protect anonymity

Letters from Egypt: Women are Deficient in Intelligence

2011-11-21T12:55:00.001+02:00

Muna Saleh is running in the parliamentary elections as a female Salafi candidate. Progressive? Not when you consider her statement regarding women in authoritarian positions: “Women are deficient in intelligence.”

Excellent. I certainly wish I could vote in the upcoming elections so I could cast my ballot for her immediately. I know that I want a woman in office that really gets it. She represents a bold movement and ideology that will continue the legacy of what is already prevalent in this society: suppression.

I received an email from a friend with this article from The Blaze that highlights Saleh’s viewpoint. She goes on to say that her bid for parliament is that it would allow her a ‘partial’ rather than full authority. She told al-Sharq al-Awsat that if she wins, she hopes to implement Sharia, or Islamic law, including cutting off the hands of thieves, preventing the mingling of men and women, and specifying black clothes for women and white clothes for men.

Is this a joke? I wonder if Saleh has thought about relocating to Saudi where all her dreams can come true.

However, there was a comment on this story that struck me:

Walkabout posted on November 18:

“If she got elected, served a few years, other women got elected & she sat thru several graft & corruption scandals involving men, I think her thinking would shift more to what we consider normal.”

Maybe that’s just what she needs.

Perhaps she has been holed up in her house for far too long, never mingling with the opposite sex other than her male family members. Certainly I find it appalling that she would make such statements, but if she doesn’t know any better, how could I chastise her thinking?

Cropped photo of Aliaa Elmahdy's nude picture in protest

However, while Saleh has presented a viewpoint that is seen by many as horrifying, there is the extreme opposite found in liberal Aliaa Elmahdy who has created a ruckus throughout the Arab world. Elmahdy posted a nude photo of herself on her Twitter in protest for “real freedom.” Many liberals feel that she has hurt their hopes for parliamentary control in the upcoming elections. Islamists are using her as a way to say, “See what happens when you don’t follow religion? See what happens when you’re influenced by the West?”

And if she didn’t incur enough threats and harassment in her home land for her controversial picture, 40 Israeli women took off their clothes to show support for Elmahdy. What will happen next? The connection to Israel will begin fueling rumors of Elmahdy’s ties to Israel, probably provoking the typical reason: “She is an Israeli spy.”

I thought that Elmahdy should have been more cautious in her presentation, given the fact that she is well aware of this society. Then I stumbled upon an interview with her in CNN and while I would never have the courage to post a nude photo of myself in show of my beliefs, I respect some of what she had to say in her interview.

She candidly discussed how she was uninterested in politics, but first joined the protests on May 27 because she “might be able to change the future of Egypt and refused to remain silent.” As many against her photo have accused her of being part of the April 6^th Movement, an Egyptian political group that gained recognition during the revolution, she said that she’d made it clear that she was not part of the group. The group later released a statement saying that Elmahdy was not part of their organization because she was atheist and they do not accept such non-recognition of a higher power. She said, “Where is the democracy and liberalism they preach to the world? They only feed the public [what it] wants to hear for their [own] political ambitions.”

There is a point to her words which should let everyone know that the so-called liberal faction is just as intolerant as the Islamists.

On the taboo topic of sex, she said that most Egyptians are brought up thinking that sex is something bad. “Sex to the majority is simply a man using a woman with no communication between them and children are just part of an equation. To me, sex is an expression of respect, a passion for love that culminates into sex to please both sides.”

I felt her views on that were dead-on. Children are just a part of the equation, and I’ve seen it in so many unions here. However, what really struck me were her thoughts on women after the Arab Spring. She said, “I am not positive at all unless a social revolution erupts... The (sexism) against women in Egypt is unreal, but I am not going anywhere and will battle it 'til the end.”

I'm with you Aliaa, but please don't anticipate me stripping down - no one should that ;)

Letters from Egypt: A Different Vantage Point on Tahrir

2011-11-21T12:07:00.001+02:00

It seems like a million years since I took this picture on February 11

Tahrir Square. Déjà vu.

Well, not entirely.

Many of you are looking at the images plastered across various news sites and television stations, and I’m sure most are horrified at the brutality being seen and wondering why.

However, perhaps some of you have forgotten and others are unaware of a couple of key elements.

Reason #1:

Obviously the slap on the wrist that has been in place since protests restarted on May 27 (the Day of Rage Part II) was ineffective. That is approximately 146 days of occupiers in one of Cairo’s most heavily congested areas. While I feel it safe to say that not all demonstrators are aggressive in their campaigns, that saying ‘one rotten apple’ is applicable in this case. *Please note the original total is 176, but 30 days have been subtracted as demonstrations were called to a halt in recognition of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan*

Violence rippled through Egypt’s Tahrir Square on November 19, a week shy of the country’s first Parliamentary elections after the toppling of the Hosni Mubarak regime. Protesting has included religious themes and the repeated calls for the resignations of key government officials which have included the former Interior Minister, former Finance Minister, and the Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. And now groups are calling for the resignation of Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) field marshal Hussein Tantawi. Protestor Ahmed Hani told the AP, “The violence [November 19] shows us that Mubarak is still in power.” He continued, “We have a single demand: the Marshal must step down and be replaced by a civilian council.”

It feels like every Friday has the same familiar theme: *Government Official of Your Choice Here* Resign NOW!

There is another side to the story that media and the like seem to have conveniently forgotten.

Reason #2:

Many of the police seen in Tahrir now are new graduates. After February 11, many enrolled with the same hopes that carried out the revolution: to have a different life. In mid-May, 1,500 new police graduates entered into the workforce three months early to combat the security shortage and reflect a change in the system. Many that chose this career after the revolution hoping for change must fight the very people that were the reason for their career choice.

It hardly seems fair.

It’s easy to want to blame authoritarian figures, but I empathize with the young police and military. Many of these guys are barely 20-years old and from villages all around Egypt.

The issue lies in the anger that continues to flow through the veins of many protesting. Many see this as their potential time to shine – possibly being the poster child of the revolution like Khaled Mohamed Saeed (the Alexandrian man brutally beaten and killed by police). Yet if you were to ask individuals why they were angry, what exact change they wanted and the result from the change, you would get someone talking in circles yet still unable to give a clear viewpoint. Ask one of the university students occupying the Square their thoughts, the so-called ‘enlightened’ youth, and you begin questioning the education altogether.

As I was writing this blog, the above photo cropped up in my newsfeed with the statement "We are all Khaled Saeed"

My cab driver the other day previously worked as a driver for USAID. He began telling me how he was for the revolution originally because he never thought life could be worse than with Mubarak. Mohamed said that after Mubarak left office, USAID was forced to cut their budgets and he lost his job. Had he not had an old black and white cab which he was able to trade in for a newer white model, he wouldn’t have a job at all. He said, “I wanted Mubarak to leave, but now life is so bad. It isn’t safe. There’s no money. And no respect.”

Social media websites were a catalyst to the revolution, and continues to strengthen the Tahrir escapades. One Egyptian living near Tahrir Square used Facebook to post videos claiming that the police were aiming rubber bullets at civilians’ eyes and updates including the electricity in the Square being shut off around 4 am local time on November 20. While I’m sure some people were hit in the eyes, I don’t think that was the overall intention.

And many are growing tired of what they feel is an empty argument taking away from the original movement. Another Egyptian posted from Tahrir that many were angry because of a reported deal struck in accordance to the elections between the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) and the Muslim Brotherhood. The poster said, “…almost 75% of the people I saw do not know what’s going on.” The Egyptian said that the protesters were only looking to gain recognition and pretend they were apart of the original movement.

And with all this anger and accessible artillery/weapons, it is amazing that more violence hasn’t happened. Just remember that there are three sides to every story, as I’ve stated here numerous times: hers, his and the truth. Many media reports are only getting statements from protestors, and even if Tantawi and other government officials gave statements – trust will take years to regain after Mubarak. It’s easy to want to side with the underdog and especially when a nice media package appears showing a poor lonely soul looking to have what is rightfully his; however, there are wrongs being committed on the protesters’ side as well. Not everything is black and white.

Letters from Egypt: Maadi Thugs Use Stun Gun to Attack Females

2011-11-16T13:24:00.001+02:00

Watch out for a dark blue Mitsubishi with three males around the age of 25-30-years-old who are now using a stun gun to attack.

Photo Source: youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com

It’s no secret that crime rate has skyrocketed in Egypt post-revolution, but the petty thefts that were occurring seem to have taken a new, dangerous tone.

In the Maadi area around Sakanat, Mustafa Kamel and Road 13 there are three stories that are similar and confirmed, but last night a new twist was added.

There is a car with men patrolling this area looking for easy targets: women. The other day, a woman was standing near her friend’s home with her purse strapped across her shoulders when a car pulled up pretending to park. All of the sudden, the guys jumped out and pushed the female to the ground and attempted to take her purse. A group of drivers were nearby and came to the woman’s aid and the culprits immediately jumped in the car, unsuccessful in their attempt, and drove away. Escalation #1: The thugs saw the other men standing nearby and were not deterred.

It gets worse. Yesterday (November 15) a car with the same MO (although it could be a group of people committing the same actions with various cars) was scouting the same area. The car is a dark blue Mitsubishi with three males around the ages of 25-30 years old. The attack happened at 11 am, but the daylight bit with all the people on the street isn’t even the worst part. The worst part is that now a stun gun is being used. The female was attacked by a stun gun while the men attempted to get her in the car. Unsuccessful, they tried for her purse and ended up dragging her from Road 13 to Mustafa Kamel street. They did get her purse and she is currently in the hospital. My thoughts and prayers go out to her.

Another similar, but unsuccessful attempt was made on another woman in the same area.

The problem is that despite onlookers being present, the thugs seem to have no qualms about executing their actions. God only knows what would have happened to this poor woman should they have gotten her inside their car. The more worrisome aspect is how more violent behavior is being used.

This is one of the many problems post-revolution and it will only get worse as elections near. When many of you watched from afar the media reports, you saw stones being thrown and sticks being used as weapons. Now it is relatively easy to find artillery and the like. In fact, I’ve seen an AK-47 and hand grenades just lying about at a house. The EVEN MORE worrisome aspect is that people don’t know how to properly use this equipment which makes me fearful of the violence that could ensue during elections or in the likely event that the elections are delayed again, the out lash from various people.

Ladies, please begin keeping some weapon on you at all times. Even if you don’t believe in a weapon per se for fear it might be used against you, please have some self-defense gear ready and don’t expect the men on the street to come to your defense. It isn’t that they won’t, but don’t count on it. And if you can avoid it, do not walk alone.

Letters from Egypt: UPDATE on ESMA’s Financing

2011-11-10T11:26:00.001+02:00

I’ve held off on this blog waiting for a response; however, I’m ready to tackle other issues so this is my update. If more information is provided, I will post later blogs. But for now…

Cleo was rescued and taken to Hurghada where she is on her way to recovery. Photo: Continental Rescue and Rehab

With all the responses to the blog questioning the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals (ESMA) and its donation allocation, I have conducted further research on its US fiscal sponsor Animal Diplomacy. I’ve already highlighted the discrepancies with Animal Diplomacy’s website, ie leaving out pertinent information including founder(s), date established, mission statement or even basic information as to its purpose.

You may look up Animal Diplomacy via a Google search and click on the second listing from PetFinder.com and you’ll find the organization’s creator, Kristen Stilt. The address listed is an apartment building and the phone number seemed to be that of a mobile after it was called. Stilt, an Associate Professor of Law at Northwestern University School of Law and an Associate Professor in the History Department, was named a Carnegie Scholar for her work on the constitutional establishment of Islam in Morocco, Egypt and Malaysia. She is the author of Islamic Law in Action: Authority, Discretion, and Everyday Experiences in Mamluk Egypt (Oxford University Press, 2011). I think that covers her relationship to Egypt/ESMA (all information found from Northwestern University).

I sent an email and Facebook message to Stilt on October 19 inquiring more information about Animal Diplomacy. I have yet to hear a response; however, given her background above – I think it’s completely understandable that she has her hands full.

So I went a step further and contacted the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that the organization had tax exemption status, in addition to inquiring about financial statements. I also contacted a former employer of mine that is with one of the largest newspapers in Illinois – the state for which Animal Diplomacy has a registered address. My former employer directed me to Guidestar.com to check the current status of the organization. The organization was listed, but no information provided.

And then I heard back from the IRS director of tax exemption, Lois Lerner.

IRS records show that Animal Diplomacy has been exempt under section 501(c)(3) since June 11, 2009. You can use the IRS website to see for yourself if an organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) by checking Publication 78 at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html. You will notice midway down that page the number for our call site, 1-877-829-5500. They also can give you the latest information about an organization's exempt status.

Like almost all exempt organizations, Animal Diplomacy has an annual filing requirement with the IRS. If they fail to file the required return or notice for three consecutive years, their exemption will be automatically revoked. You can learn more about that requirement and also check to see if an organization's exemption has been automatically revoked at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=239696,00.html. Currently, Animal Diplomacy's exemption has not been automatically revoked.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations are required to disclose certain information to the public, which includes some financial data. You can learn more about what Animal Diplomacy is required to disclose to you at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=135008,00.html.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Lois G. Lerner

Director of Exempt Organizations

In 2009, Animal Diplomacy claimed that donations were not above $25,000 – which means there are certain forms that do not have to be filled out for the IRS. The past two filings show that donations did not exceed over $50,000.

The information that Animal Diplomacy is required to provide to the general public include:

Exemption Application Form 1023/Form 1024
Copy of the organization’s annual return (including Form 990-T) for the years of operation

An email was sent on October 26 stating:

Dear Ms. Stilt,

Could you please provide Animal Diplomacy’s exemption application Form 1023/Form 1024 and a copy of the organization’s annual return (including Form 990-T) for the last three years? In addition, do you have a fact sheet or any document explaining the organization's work?

Kind Regards,

It is comforting to know that Stilt has gone through the proper channels as to ensuring the organization is legally registered in the US and I’m not so biased that I won’t report that. What you might find interesting to know is that all PayPal donations going through ESMA are supposed to be funneled through Animal Diplomacy first. This means that although Animal Diplomacy might be properly documenting its donations, to which all go to ESMA, it still leaves up to debate where ESMA is allocating the money and how the Egyptian organization is reporting its figures to Animal Diplomacy. Also, this leads back to the legislation passed in Egypt listed on the previous blog about donations from abroad. And lastly, the donations received in Egypt are usually cash. So are those going unrecorded?

UPDATE:

Stilt did respond to one query from another party saying:

Thank you for your email. I normally only send such documents to foundations or donors, and the application form itself is not something that either is interested in. If you are simply wanting to confirm AD’s charitable status, I am happy to provide the IRS EIN number, which is 26-2933425. And, according to IRS requirements, I have only been obliged to date to file a 990 postcard.

The organization only has a very simple website at this point, but I do hope to improve that in the near future. The group’s main purpose is to support animal shelters and welfare societies in the Middle East and Egypt in particular.

Please feel free to provide me with more information about your interests if you would like to discuss this further and I would be happy to do so.

Sincerely,

Kristen

Judge for yourself, but while given Stilt’s background, I’m going to throw my weight behind her legitimacy. However, that doesn’t negate my leeriness toward ESMA. It’s suspicious to say the least that an organization will be so evasive about such documentation, yet have no qualms about handing out insults. As with any argument, it’s wise to back up your claims with substantial, factual documentation. And to date, there hasn’t been anything.

Letters from Egypt: Before You Give $$$...

2011-10-19T11:33:00.000+02:00

I adopted Brees after he was left @ Ace Club in Dec. 2009, abused and with mange

Animal welfare is not even an afterthought in Egypt, but one organization has many believing that it is bringing this issue to the forefront with its so-called charity.

Enter Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals (ESMA).

ESMA’s website touts that it is “a charitable organization registered in Egypt (No. 3059/2007).” It was formed in late-2007 in “response to a horrific shooting spree of street dogs by the Egyptian government.” Thus, a small group of Egyptians and expats came together to “fight this notion of population control and to protect and rescue animals in immediate danger.” Their exact protection and rescue methods are in question with a recent report released on mistreated horses questioning the organization and stable (please refer to link provided at bottom of page to note the finger-pointing and discrepancies listed as well as comments).

If adequate animal welfare is in question amid donations continuously pouring, you have to eventually ask yourself where the donated items and money is dispersed (many non-profits use most of the funds for “administrative” purposes, ie many times filling the pockets of a select few within the organization).

After my Facebook newsfeed was bombarded with ESMA’s desperate need for donations and rumors began circulating as to where exactly these donations were going, I decided to do some further research. I sent an email directly to Mona Khalil, ESMA founder and board chairman, posing as a potential donor with substantial funds deriving from US contacts.

Prior to contacting Mona, I posted on ESMA’s Facebook page: “Does ESMA keep detailed financial reports of the donations it receives and where the money is allocated in its entirety?”

To which an ESMA member responded: “Yes LeAnne, ESMA keeps receipts and full details of donations. If you would like to review them, you are more than welcome to come visit our accountant at the shelter in Shabramant.”

Immediately after this response, I received a phone call from the ESMA member whom informed me that he had been so busy rescuing animals and was getting tired of the “accusations” regarding ESMA. To which I replied that as a potential donor, I was well within my rights to inquire as to the allocation of funds in order to ensure transparency. I added that the US donors also need clarification in order to obtain the tax write-offs which required documents and since the organization is registered as a non-profit in Egypt backed by a US non-profit, then I knew documentation must be compiled. The ESMA member informed me again that I was welcome to come to the shelter and personally review the records which led me to inquire about electronic documentation. He then assured me that he would send an electronic version of the organization’s 2010 records.

However, I received a very different response after my email to Mona dated October 4 which read:

Hi Mona,

I am inquiring about further information regarding ESMA for potential donations. I collect funds and items from various friends in the expat community in Cairo as well as friends abroad (mostly the US) for charitable contributions and I'm always looking for new causes to contribute.

In order to determine where the funds/items will be donated, I was wondering if you or someone at ESMA could provide more information. Since ESMA is a charitable organization, can you please provide me with financial records to show the money received and its allocation? I'm sure you understand, but I must check these facts before giving such sizable donations to ensure transparency as many of my US contributors use this as a tax write-off.

Your earliest response is greatly appreciated.

Debbie Smith, ESMA Treasurer, replied on October 9:

Dear LeAnne,

Mona forwarded your email to me, so that I can respond to your questions. Are you here in Cairo or in the US? Regarding making a tax-deductible donation to ESMA from abroad, we are fiscally sponsored by Animal Diplomacy, which is a registered US 501C3 non-profit organization. There is a link to the Animal Diplomacy webpage from our site (www.esmaegypt.org), and most donations from the US and other countries outside Egypt are processed in this way through Paypal. I am cc'ing Kristen Stilt on this, who can answer any questions you may have about Animal Diplomacy.

On the other hand, If you or your friends are here in Egypt and want to make a donation, it is easy enough, you can just contact me or Mona to arrange for it to be picked up, or go to the shelter where our bookkeeper is working and drop it off there. In either case, you can specify if there is a specific program (i.e. shelter, horse feeding, etc), animal, or purpose that you want any donations to be applied towards and it will be directed to that purpose. I hope this was helpful, and thank you for your interest in raising money for animal welfare in Egypt.

I immediately responded:

Dear Debbie,

Thank you for your response; however, my initial question remained unanswered. In order to properly contribute, my donors as well as myself need verification as to the money received and its allocation in order to ensure credibility as well as for tax documentation. As far as the funds we raise, we would like to further explore your programs to better attain where the most need is (including amount of animals separated by category).

We require this information from any organization that we’ve worked with, including Egyptian organizations like the Spirit of Giving.

I was instructed to visit the site in order to look over the paperwork, but electronic documentation should be readily available in order to also provide Animal Diplomacy an update, among others.

Please contact me at your earliest as we are getting ready to determine which organization should be the recipient of this year’s donation.

I understand being an animal lover. I happen to be one myself. I, in addition to many of my friends, have also taken in unwanted/abused pets. However, I also have a few pet peeves and one of my biggest has to be so-called charitable organizations that seemingly operate under the guise of “the greater good” yet take contributions without proper documentation of where the money is allocated. If ESMA’s claims of its “commitment to improving animal welfare in Egypt” were true, why are there such obvious discretions from financial statements to vaccination records? What’s even more worrisome is the Animal Diplomacy’s website that has no information available except how to donate and that it supports ESMA. In addition, try doing a search on further information from this US organization and its contact. All you will find is an address (1227 B Central Str, Evanston, Ill. 60201) to send checks, but no phone number, email, foundation information (inception or founders) or even specific tasks in which it operates. In fact, the only other charity it supposedly supports as listed on its site is ESMA.

Is it just me or does this not add up?

Debbie responded to me again:

Thanks for your email and I appreciate your concerns.

I am curious who you are representing when you say my donors, are you asking as an individual, or on behalf of an organization, or a group of people?

Regarding the initial question being unanswered, are you asking for verification of how much money is received and where it is allocated? if you are asking to see our financial records and reports, under Egyptian law and on the advice of our lawyer, we do not provide our financial records to individuals.

However, we are in full compliance with the reporting and auditing requirements of the Ministry of Social Affairs, our fiscal sponsor Animal Diplomacy, and any foundations we have received grants from, and according to our organizational bylaws and governance, and handle all donations of any size and from any source in good faith.

In any case, if you are an American donating here in Egypt to an Egyptian NGO, you will not be eligible for a tax write off with the IRS anyway. I directed you to the site as a way of making a donation through our fiscal sponsor, in the event that you or another US citizen wants to make a tax deductible donation.

If by further exploring our programs, you would like to know about what areas we are active in, and how many animals we are currently responsible for, or discuss what the areas of greatest need are, you could meet with me and/or with Mona Khalil in person if you want. You can also visit the shelter in Sakkara or attend the next scheduled horse feeding at Nezlet Al Samman, or volunteering is also a good way to experience some of what we are doing and meet others who are involved with ESMA one way or another. I think this will give a better idea of the scope of what we are doing and what the needs are.

If ESMA is in compliance with governmental laws, I wonder if the organization was informed about new legislation passed in June that had the Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Gouda Abdel Khaliq, warning “civil society associations and NGOs against applying for foreign grants” and called direct US funding to Egyptian NGOs a violation of Egyptian sovereignty. Under Egypt’s Law on Associations and Foundations (Law 84 of 2002), civil society organizations are prohibited from receiving funds from abroad without the approval of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Violation of this provision of the law is punishable by up to six months imprisonment. Furthermore, how is the organization reporting its figures, particularly the funding received via PayPal?

When posting a comment on ESMA’s page that is anything other than praising their work, instant attacks begin in retaliation. For instance, when someone whom was helping in relocating ESMA-rescued horses inquired about the donated horse gear and its absence, an ESMA member replied: “i suggest you start opening your eyes and looking at what efforts are being made, rather than always bringing us down. Where do your loyalties lie? To the animals like us? If they did I would expect a very different method of communication from your side. Sadly, it seems your communication methods are too political for an organization that does not play this game.” The ESMA person also called via mobile and used such intelligent language as, “You’re a douchebag.” Bravo. This is exactly the type of mentality that makes me a) interested in volunteer opportunities and/or b) donating believing in its cause.

My advice: if you were thinking of donating to an animal rescue organization in Egypt, look elsewhere like the Egyptian Society of Animal Friends (ESAF) as ESMA raises (or should at least) too many red flags. And to any ESMA member reading this, if you would like to justify these claims then provide the financial documents – it’s not hard unless you’re hiding something. However, based upon your previous actions, I would assume that you question my affinity for animals. Just because I question your transparency does not mean that I love animals less than any of your volunteers.

For those ESMA volunteers that do genuinely care about animals, I sincerely applaud your efforts; however, the organization in its entirety should be more transparent so as to ensure its donors that their contributions are being placed in good hands and for a good cause.

I adopted Layla in 2004 from Tucson Animal Control

Further reading:

Remember, there are three sides to every story: hers, his and the truth. Look at these two reports and make your own judgment. The issue more than likely falls on both ESMA and the stable, but finger-pointing is not a solution. Instead, I would like to encourage both parties, in order to avoid another similar incident in the future, to work on a compromise behind closed doors that places the animals at the top of their agendas – not a he said/she said public sparring.

Report on the Condition of ESMA Horses At H.K. Stables

By ESMA ‘Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals’ on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 12:50 am (Cairo time)

After this report was published PFK posted a response on its FB page which I will not repost here because it’s lengthy, but suggest you visit its page and look for the report dated October 17 (Monday) at 11:21 pm.

Further response to allegations posed by ESMA member:

Dear Team Kareemers

By Prince Fluffy Kareem on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 12:38pm

And with all the finger pointing, does no one question where the money is going? Just like with any potential donation, please make sure to research the charity and ask pertinent questions. Any evasive responses should immediately trigger a red flag. For those of us living in Egypt, many times we want to give because we feel much more fortunate. Give give give, but give wisely (and I strongly urge you to donate other items including time before so readily giving money).

Letters from Egypt: Facebook Fuels Ignorance, Hatred

2011-10-10T13:00:00.001+02:00

So now, let’s take it to social media – the catalyst behind the revolution. Egyptians were the first among the ‘Arab Spring’ nations to utilize social media as a platform for political change with blogger Wael Abbas accredited for its onset. As a journalist, I use Facebook for a variety of reasons – not just for personal contacts but to also monitor the banter for situations such as this. Here are a few excerpts from my newsfeed to give you a better insight as to what others on the ground in Egypt are saying as well as to highlight what happens when people take to the internet to post rhetoric without looking up any facts to substantiate their argument(s).

*Please note that all names are withheld for privacy purposes*

**Excerpts were not edited and remember, for many, English was not their first language**

“My only advice to the Egyptian army today. SHOOT TO KILL. These people are not protesters, they are barbarians and hooligans. The country and world could use a few thousand less of them.”

This person was reamed with 90 comments coming back protesting this statement. Then the same person began to justify this statement with unverified and untrue figures:

“It's a protest because of a church incident in Komombo. I don't understand why they would attack the army in Cairo! 3 army officers dead, 400 injured, 30 of which are in ICU...”

This was posted around 8 pm local time, at which time reports varied with 19 deaths total, including two to six military personnel, and 150 injured. When the person was asked to support these numbers, the response was: “will find you a link one second.” I’m still waiting for that link…

Once the original poster continued to get an earful from those considering the words inhumane and insensitive, the person did the typical Egyptian move and backpeddled.

“Wow...I can't believe you took this status seriously...read the two [statuses] above it”

The next two status updates to combat the initial outburst were (shortened rant):

“It is so simple to take someones sarcasm and words and process your understanding of what their beliefs are. I do not and will never encourage mass shooting by anyone, specially not the army which is OBVIOUSLY more powerful by numbers and force.

I am sorry if my status offended you, and I retract it immediately as it was sarcastic in regards to 'touchy topics'...but for future reference, don't be so quick to judge someone, and try and see both sides of a story. THE ARMY ARE PEOPLE TOO. THEY HAVE FAMILIES!!!!!”

Yet, I failed to see the both sides present in the argument. Coincidentally enough, the next status all of the sudden, undoubtedly expecting to gain sympathy and forgiveness for the first uncouth rant:

“UPDATE for all the people who stood against me defending the army today...My moms car just got attacked by a group of "protesters" on her way home from work (in Tahrir).”

The next poster grew up in the UK mostly and splits time between Egypt and the UK, but is Egyptian and Muslim.

“My heart goes out to all that were shot, killed or injured today for standing up for Justice, Love 'n Unity and an END to the INJUSTICES towards the 'I'riginal Orthodox Coptic peoples of Egypt ..”

Response:

“u see first and talk smart instead of spreading western propaganda. U r not even in egypt so dont talk about Egypt”

This person continued to post against the original poster:

“u r lebanese and u r more attached to the american culture than ur own culture. And u r doing music which is not egyptian. U r more ethiopian than egyptian...”

How American culture got involved when the person has never spent any time in the US is beyond me. And someone else’s response to the original post (which I will shorten since Egyptians tend to ramble):

“let's say that the Aswan villagers who really burnt da church ok ... nd sure there are many videos showin how small the burnt buildin was nd sure u can find it in utube or i can send it to u .. nd no matter how big or small is it ... no matter if da villagerz or sum ppl did it on purpose ... is burnin a buildin worth killin one human being ? but da orthdox church leaderz made a public threats thru da media nd thru utube nd i can send ya da video if u want ... the orthdox pops learderz said exactly : the governer of Aswan is a liar nd i can beat him wit my shoes nd this governer will die in 2 dayz in a bloody way nd if da leader of da military council didn't respond to our demands , he knows wut's gon happen to him ) this is wut they said.”

He failed to post the YouTube videos and/or links. See the pattern?

And to be fair, here’s a view from a Coptic Christian’s page (note when I brought this person food after the revolution, he was too busy to be present to collect the items and was instead in Tahrir Square – long before the church attacks. He sent someone to pick it up, never said thank you and only asked for more):

“the Egyptian army crushed the Christian by its tanks and cars in Masbiro in Tahrir square”

Responses:

“I think the army is the victim, the protestors attacked the army. Most of the killed people are from the army.” (Not true about the majority of deaths being military)

His reply:

“Really, please see the pic in the news and the videos how the army crush the Christine, and don’t follow the Egyptian TV” (failed to provide links)

He then posted a gruesome picture which I will not add here from another friend (no source cited) saying, “the army killed more Christians every day”

He continues with various statements compiled below:

“I am so confused and can't thinks my mind is paralyzed ,what is happening for the church in Egypt which is Coptic from the beginning. If you,Marshal are Traitor , God is faithful, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

"the army use the same way of killing the Christian like Moubark's system"

I’ve only taken a few pertinent examples to demonstrate the negative repercussions of the internet. Social media can be a useful tool, but just like everything else, when used by ignorant people, it can be a very negative facilitator spreading unfounded and ill-conceived rhetoric.

Letters from Egypt: Christians under Attack

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000+02:00

Source: Algomaz

Sectarian tensions continue to mount in Egypt with events taking a turn for the worse on October 9. Coptic Christians gathered outside the state television building near Tahrir Square to protest an attack on a church in Aswan last week. Reports say that demonstrations, which began peacefully with a march and a sit-in, were interrupted by plain clothed men pelting the protestors with rocks and other items. Chaos broke out with the current death toll at 24 (including military personnel) and over 200 wounded.

This is significant for two reasons:

It is the first time the military has opened fire on demonstrators
The protestors were mostly Christian

I will readily admit that I have wondered when the military was going to finally crack down on Tahrir’s continuation of destruction; however, I have to wonder why the military had not, up until this point, used any force (live ammunition) to dispel protestors that were wreaking havoc. I find it a bit coincidental that a protest carried out by Coptic Christians would later be infiltrated by plain clothed men inciting violence. Sounds a bit like the pro-Mubarak supporters that stormed Tahrir Square on camels that fateful Wednesday during the revolution.

Some of you may want to side with the Christians thinking that they are victims. The Christian population makes up around 10% of Egypt’s total population and a great deal of injustices do occur just like any minority throughout the world. However, I want to also play devil’s advocate to let you know that extremism exists everywhere and there are many fundamentalists in the Coptic community in Egypt just like Islamists/Salafis. Extremism should never be considered a positive term and neither religious text condone such actions.

So the main question to ask is: who is behind these attacks? Is it Islamists/Salafis trying to incite riots between the people and military or government officials using it as a distraction mechanism? I can’t answer that and nor do I have an idea as to which is a more probable. There are other reports surfacing that the military has been using torture techniques against civilians, but tell me, what military doesn’t use extraction or suppression methods?

Dear Egypt, you wanted the military and now you have a ruling military junta. You continue to protest although it seems disorganized to say the least without a clear direction as to what you want. Everyone is too busy yelling over his neighbor instead of creating one voice. You judge people for their religion instead of who they are as an individual. Many blame foreigners for their strife, but really everyone is trying to place the blame on anyone other than themselves. First it was Mubarak, then it was the Interior Ministry, then it was the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Field Marshal Tantawi, then came Israel, then came all Westerners, then back to Tantawi. And in the blame game, not once have the majority of Egyptians looked within to see that maybe the problem is an internal one, not external. Again, you can change the ruling party all you want but until the people change, nothing will ever be the same.

Letters from Egypt: What’s in a Name?

2011-09-29T14:35:00.000+02:00

I took this photo on Jan. 25, one of the first groups I saw protesting before converging on Tahrir Sq

As suggested, I’ve researched all these so-called revolutionary Days of *place whatever Friday here* and I’m wondering, who comes up with this?

The first Friday that started it all with the Day of Rage (January 28).
February 4 rolled around dubbed the Original Day of Departure; then on February 11, the actual Day of Departure was instated (with Mubarak officially stepping down as president).
The Day of Celebration ensued on February 18, a brief hiatus amid euphoric jubilation, only to resume on April 1’s Day of Save the Revolution.
The Day of Cleaning came around on April 8, although I’m assuming that wasn’t meant to be taken literally since nothing was actually cleaned – literally and figuratively.
And since that didn’t seem to work, playing off of the previous success of the Day of Rage, the Day of Rage Part II was born on May 27.
Interestingly enough, June 3 saw the Day of Work. Can someone tell me where this took place?
A month later on July 1 came the Day of Retribution, followed by the Day of Revolution Firsts on July 8. What “firsts” were those exactly? Oh I get it, it was the first time people descended upon Tahrir Square in protests…sarcasm.
The Day of Final Warning arrived on July 15. I wonder who issued that “final warning”? The protestors or the military? Either way, the warning seemed to have gone unnoticed.
July 22 showcased a very Decisive Friday. I was wondering if someone could give me those decisions that were actually determined?
The Day of Unity (although I like to say [Dis]unity) resulted in a religious sparring in the [in]famous Tahrir (Liberation) Square.
And in August, everyone decided to take a brief, month-long hiatus in observance of the Prophet Mohammed and his teachings while eating enough food to feed all of Somalia and the displaced refugees.
However, not to be left out or forgotten, people came back on September 9 in the Day of Correcting the Path of the Revolution. Sure they could have simply dubbed it the Day of Correction, but why simplify such beautiful wording…

So I don’t think I’m alone in saying, Egypt – it’s lost its luster. KEFAYA!

Letters from Egypt: Keep Her Away from Your Children

2011-09-28T14:29:00.000+02:00

Image: Parenting Clan

Parents take a risk when hiring a nanny, but one Maadi family found out just how dangerous it could be when hiring Egyptian Hana Hasan.

A message from the Maadi Monday baby group, Mums Today, has been circulated in order to help other parents avoid their experience. In a letter, one mother describes how her husband arrived home last week and found their nanny (Hana Hasan) holding their 7-month old down on the bed with her hands covering his eyes and mouth. The father immediately stepped in and dismissed Hasan while she yelled how the child wouldn’t stop crying.

After grabbing the child, the husband ordered Hasan to leave. The letter said, “She demanded money and threatened to kill our family.”

The baby is doing fine after undergoing a medical examination, but the family has discovered that Hasan was possibly drugging the child with a mild medication (like Benadryl) to make him sleep. The family hired this woman on during the second trimester of pregnancy in order to become more familiar, giving them a better sense of security.

She is Egyptian and speaks fluent English. If she approaches you for a job, please send me an email directly with your name and contact information and I will forward to the appropriate person. A report has been filed, but she is currently “at large.”

Most importantly, get the word out because this woman should never be around children. Another word to the wise, whenever hiring an Egyptian – particularly for such an important job like taking care of your children – ask to see their Egyptian ID card and get a copy (for other foreigners, get a copy of their passport). Also, have your driver or someone you know take the hired employee home if you ever get suspicious so you know where they live and when it comes time to file a report, you have more than enough information to wreak havoc on the culprit.

Letters from Egypt: Who's Winning the TV Ratings

2011-09-13T13:05:00.000+02:00

This week in the Middle East, the battle was on to see just who will win the top TV spot as competition continues to get steep. While Egypt garnered top slots during prime time TV, it has, until recently, fallen behind in ratings. However, don’t count them out of the running yet.

Last week, we saw Syria climbing the charts with security forces continuing their clamp down. In order to keep viewership up, Syria will play host to Russia this week that is sure to keep some of you on the edge of your seats wondering, “Why Russia?”

Not to be outdone, Libya TV shifted gears and showcased a heartfelt story of one Ukrainian nurse’s heroic tale depicting the main star of the hit show, Qaddafi, as simply “daddy.” The story line showed writer diversification, trying to distinguish it from competitors like Syria and Yemen, with a softer side. She recounted, “Daddy gave us jobs, money and a good life.” Certainly hope you avid Libya viewers weren’t eating during this episode as I can’t imagine you kept your popcorn down or drink from spewing from your nose.

Source: AP

Meanwhile, Egypt has been falling behind, but the creators of the once-upon-a-time hit TV show amped up their efforts to gain international attention. Writer Mohamed el-Mohamed told me, “We sat down and thought, ‘alright, we’ve got to do something about this, we cannot let Libya, Syria and Yemen beat us again for the eighth or so consecutive week.’” And thus, the idea to write into the script… drumroll please… an attack on the Israeli embassy. To add an even greater element of excitement, trapping six Israeli guards in the building kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

And just what is Egypt doing to try to hold its top position in international TV ratings? This week the show will have a special guest. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will make an appearance on the show. However, inside sources say that he will further the storyline of standing against Israel. In a rallying effort, Erdogan is said to be believed to give a speech that will push momentum which could see future episodes of more anti-Israeli acts by Egypt. With this latest script change in Egypt TV, it is sure to pull in even more ratings from places like the US and UK. Grab your popcorn and ho-ho’s now. However, something tells me this storyline will get played out and then what will Egypt do to climb back up the rating chart? Go to work? Now that would be an interesting episode.

Showing Egyptians working would offer an element of humor and surprise. el-Mohamed added: "Listen, showing Egyptians getting geared for a peaceful, semi-transparent election or even creating a plan of action toward the constitutional process would be too expected. We're out to get ratings and the best way we can do this is by flexing our pens to create a script that will entice the viewers and Israel has proven to be the best route to edge out our competitors."

Letters from Egypt: American University in Cairo Brief

2011-09-11T16:44:00.000+02:00

American University in Cairo Photo Source: Green Prophet

With all the ongoing problems within Egypt, it's not entirely shocking that one of the so-called top universities in the country would be wrought with corruption.

Finding nepotism at the highest level within the American University in Cairo (AUC), look at latest president and American Lisa Anderson. Anderson is married to a New York City lawyer who has been given the job to play a role in the university’s sustainability department, which will be a part of the engineering sector. Not only is her husband not an engineer, AUC employees told me that he has no background in the sector – which includes green energy (ie hydropower, solar power, biofuels, etc).

The former AUC provost that took over as president in January 2011, holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MA in law and diplomacy from Tufts University and a PhD in political science from Columbia. She is the author of Pursuing Truth, Exercising Power: Social Science and Public Policy in the Twenty-first Century, editor of Transitions to Democracy and co-editor of The Origins of Arab Nationalism. Apparently Anderson has been in the Middle East for too long and forgot that with all of her democratic rhetoric, nepotism does not coincide with equality. She is the first female to be appointed president of the university and if this recent appointment is any indicator, I'm sure she is doing a great job...

Meanwhile, a dean of one of the engineering departments at AUC has decided that although some students have met their requirements to graduate, he isn’t ready to release them and will not allow anyone to graduate until 2012. Perhaps he is too fearful that the students are not equipped to survive in the real world or maybe, just maybe, he is trying to gain more money for the university by forcing the students to stay an unnecessary semester.

And finally, students at AUC are now on strike…shocking. Tuition fees have increased from LE 60,000 to LE 66,000 ($10,084 to $11,092) and like every other facet in this country, well, a protest is now in order.

Some students are staging a sit-in while others are walking around banging on things all the while refusing to go to class. And I asked a professor at AUC, “Well, how is this different from when they’re not protesting?” Back track a couple of months ago during final exam time when I traveled to AUC to get my computer repaired. I was sitting in my friend’s office doing work – a professor (although I cannot say which department for obvious reasons) – while students piled into the office to negotiate their grades. Their arguments were null and void, mostly idiotic, and all revolved around failure to attend lectures and complete CORE course requirements. And this is the future of Egypt. Mabruk.

*Disclaimer: There are so many more nuances to add to the AUC story and maybe later I will add more detail. For now, this is just a brief*

Letters from Egypt: The Current State of Egypt

2011-09-05T16:14:00.000+02:00

Page 1

Egyptian liberal politician Hisham Kassem said to TIME about Tahrir Square activists, “They’re permanently in revolution mode. They’re just not organized for politics.”

Normally I try to avoid articles written about Egypt, pre- and post-revolution, as nine times out of 10, they’re biased and/or not factual. A friend of mine, while picking up my favorite publication The New Yorker, decided that he should grab a couple of similar magazines including TIME. The Summer Journey Issue (August 1-8) details 14^th century explorer, Ibn Battuta, and compares his stops to modern day society and Islam.

While going through various stories from Turkey (exporting hub), Saudi Arabia (speed dating), Dubai (foreign influence on its economy), you find “The Rise of Moderate Islam” discussing the current situation and religious status in Egypt. Author Bobby Ghosh begins his observations describing his first meeting with Salafi leader Kamal Habib and the Islamists’ non-chalant attitude toward female journalist/interpreter’s sleeveless shirt and uncovered hair.

Page 2

I laugh.

I thought, “Great, just another person who believes the rhetoric spoken by a movement that wants to enforce Sharia (Islamic law) to make Egypt more like Saudi.” It’s rare these days to find a journalist that is giving both sides to the story, and I’ll admit that I stopped laughing after the first page. Ghosh was spot-on in his reporting, which is why I’m posting the article for those of you interested to definitely take a gander.

He noted that the Muslim Brotherhood will contest only half of the seats in the first post-Mubarak general elections and will not have a presidential candidate (Abdel Moneim Abou el-Fatouh was expelled from the group after announcing his candidacy). Ghosh said, “This guarantees that the [Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party] will not have anything like a majority in the new parliament, which will take on the highly sensitive task of rewriting the constitution.” Top Brotherhood leader Essam el-Erian said that it was because “…we recognize that it would create fear, and the absence of fear is good for us as much as it is good for Egypt.”

Page 3

That’s one way of looking at it. Another way is that the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) is playing it safe (like how it played it safe during the onset of the revolution, only participating after the movement gained momentum). Chances are that the first government post-Mubarak is going to be an epic failure or at least have enough hiccups that the MB does not want to remotely have its name attached. This will result in the MB, salafists and other hard-lined Islamists gaining more leverage over the next elections. Liberals and moderates alike, beware, this group is definitely playing the smartest game (not to mention continues to strengthen with its organizational skills via a grassroots initiative). As Ghosh noted:

“It doesn’t help that liberal groups are in disarray. The kids who brought down dictators in Egypt and Tunisia have shown little interest in forming political parties. Wael Ghonim, the young Google executive who became the most recognized face of the Tahrir Square revolution, has dropped out of sight. Older liberal pols, who lack the revolutionary credentials of the youth and the organizational skill of the Islamists, are struggling to keep up. Mohamed El Baradei, the former UN nuclear watchdog and Nobel Peace laureate, can’t seem to make up his mind whether to run for President.”

Well said.

Letters from Egypt: The Egyptian Maid

2011-09-04T16:42:00.000+02:00

As I discussed in my last blog, Egypt will give you several stories that could possibly have others rolling on the floor laughing and my maid experience is one of them. Many people opt for maids because the service is relatively cheap (for Egyptian maids, the standard is LE 50, around $8, per cleaning; but more for Filipina/other ethnicities).

In the three years I’ve lived here, I never had a maid. I wasn’t raised with a maid – well, let me retract that – I WAS the maid at my house. However, a couple of months ago I finally broke down and got my first maid. My thinking was this: she’s never going to clean the way I clean, but she can come once a week and then I only have to deep clean my apartment once a month. The first maid always showed up early and for the first two times, she cleaned really well. I overpaid her LE 75. She said because I was foreign, she usually takes more – which pissed me off immensely, but we agreed on LE 75 and for her work (THE FIRST TWO TIMES), it was worth it. Then I got her for my friend at LE 100 per cleaning because his apartment was a lot larger than mine.

Many times these women cleaning just for men do not feel the men will notice if they don’t do that great of a job so basically she cleaned like crap for my friend. The clincher came when he was going out of town and told her he wouldn’t need her services for one day and she said in a huff that she couldn’t come any other day because she had work. He replied, “I didn’t ask you to come another day.” She said, “Well, you still have to pay me.” And that was that. I fired her for both of us.

So my neighbor recommended his maid. As I don’t trust anyone to have a key to my apartment, I requested she arrive before 9 am. The first time she arrived at 9:15 am. This is normal and I just let it slide. Next time: 9:45 am and the last time: 10:15 am. So on the last visit by this particular maid, I open my door and begin scolding her for being so tardy. Then I look down at her feet and wait for it…wait for it…SHE’S WEARING MY SHOES!!! I begin throwing quite the temper tantrum. She tells me she will clean them, but obviously I don’t want them anymore. It isn’t that I think I’m better, it’s the point that a) those were MY SHOES and b) I don’t know where the hell her feet have been – she could have toe funk.

As I continue my rant, she turns to me and says she doesn’t like my attitude.

Not only was she over an hour late, but she took my shoes and had the audacity to show back up wearing them. As I recanted this story to my friends, they all offered to send their maids. My response: NO THANK YOU. They’re more trouble than they’re worth! And once I said that, my friends began regaling all their problems with their maids. Ummm – if I said I didn’t want the drama (ie my American Kraft Singles suddenly being depleted from my fridge while my Egyptian cheese remained), why would they ever offer me more?

In addition, did you know that apparently Windex is purchased in Egypt for a one-time use only? Since my apartment never smelled clean, I have to wonder what exactly inside my pad needs a WHOLE bottle of Windex?

It brings me to this: how the hell do you people put up with the maids here? I’m done. I only experienced it for two months but I have to say, if I can’t clean it, well, it ain’t getting done!

Letters from Egypt: One Canadian’s Short-Lived Egyptian Experience

2011-08-29T13:20:00.000+02:00

As teachers and other newbies begin piling into Cairo, I was told a story of one unfortunate Canadian teacher that I thought I should share just in case anyone NEW is reading this.

I know that not everyone moving to Cairo is a teacher, but for the most part, a great deal of newcomers are. And for some of you this is your first job out of university and/or first posting overseas. It’s unfortunate that the international schools do not provide new teachers a better reference guide or even valid contacts to give you the good, bad and the ugly of what to expect. I’ve seen some of these lists as to provide suggestions on what to bring. From some other teachers I know, apparently any tool that you use in the classroom that you feel pertinent, you should bring it. You are responsible for supplying your classroom – even getting the materials to do your bulletin board. And for a newcomer, we don’t have Hobby Lobby and getting valid materials can prove a difficult task if you don’t have help.

You’re going to get off the plane and be amazed at what you see – I mean, you thought donkeys running alongside cars was really like Yankees thinking that all Southerners still lack indoor plumbing – just a joke right? Wrong.

You get to your apartment and you say to yourself, “Hmmm, well, I thought it was going to look worse. This is totally doable.” Then you realize anything and everything falls apart with YOU, the tenant, expected to fix it – NOT the landlord and/or school (different schools have different policies).

However, probably the biggest warning I can give is to prepare yourself to see poverty like you’ve never seen. You do get desensitized after a bit, but for those North Americans out there (including Canadians), here’s a word of caution that I strongly urge you to exercise:

You will be bombarded by children coming up to you, trying to take whatever you have out of your hands, begging for money, etc. And sometimes these little ones are cute and full of personality. Alternately, you’ll see the women in black hijabs and abayas with lifeless babies in tow. Do NOT give money. If you want, give food, but let me explain where this money goes:

First of all, as I’ve mentioned in one of my beginning blog entries, many of these women drug their babies to look lifeless so that you give them more pity and likewise, more money. Ever see Slumdog Millionaire when the little children get acid poured into their eyes – why? Because a blind street singer makes more money than one who can see.

Second, the children are usually a part of these gangs that are either run by adults or older teens who have worked their way up the ranks. You give money to the cute, little kids and then the older person just takes it away for their own use. It never stays with the children. Don’t be fooled.

Now, onto the story of one Canadian’s short-lived Egyptian experience. This guy lands and not used to seeing such poverty, began giving LE 5 to every child he saw. Hey, I get it, it is really depressing at first and I’m even ashamed to admit that I’m so immune to it now. This school teacher went to pick up a few groceries at Seoudi market one day and all the children that he’d been so helpful to jumped him and took everything. And that’s the Egypt that he will only know since he immediately left.

I have to be honest, if you move here and don’t do your research then expect something to happen. Even if you do research your new digs, expect something to happen (although on a lesser scale). If you move here forgetting that it is a third world country, don’t be shocked to see the poverty (in addition, a little thing called a revolution took place which has increased the poverty levels and anyone coming from an educated background could have anticipated that).

I know that you want to see the good in everyone and think that you’re really making a difference, but if you REALLY want to make a difference, I strongly suggest that you purchase books. However, be mindful that these street children are most likely illiterate, so try to educate in other ways. The sad thing is once you give someone something, they are mostly unappreciative and instead of just saying thanks – they actually ask for more. A friend of mine gave his bowab (doorman) all his old clothes that he no longer wore. The bowab took the items and then came back the next day and said, “I need a pair of shoes too.” I guess that saying, “Beggars can’t be choosers” completely bypassed Egypt.

It’s going to take you awhile to get used to the culture and remember, you aren’t moving here to change a country. However, you can pick one thing that you would like to do and stick to it. My thing was to teach the kids around my office how to treat the stray dogs in the area. I also began getting books for a special little girl that I love with all my heart. I wish I would’ve thought of it sooner, but I suppose better late than never. If you do decide to opt for books remember to stay away from religion and politics. Also, remember what reading level an eight-year old is in your country and understand that eight-year olds here are less likely to be on the same reading level. I can’t read Arabic so I had a friend help find an appropriate book that would at least allow me to gauge the girl’s reading level.

You’re a guest and as a guest, appreciate what Egypt has to offer. Yes, it will offer a great deal of frustrations, but it will also offer so many stories and experiences that you’ll be telling the grandkids one day.