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Articles by Albaraa Abdullah
World Cup soccer ball made in Egypt
December 5, 2022 CAIRO — Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly said that his government is ready to provide support and assistance to the Egyptian company involved in manufacturing the official soccer ball for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Madbouly’s statement came during a Nov. 22 meeting with representatives of the sports gear manufacturer Forward Egypt.
Why women in Egypt continue to face violence
Oct 26, 2020 CAIRO — Egypt’s public prosecutor issued a decision Oct. 17 to imprison three people on charges of premeditated murder and robbery over the killing of young woman in Cairo. Mariam, a 24-year-old who was preparing for her wedding, was killed Oct. 13 when two people in a microbus snatched her bag and then ran her over, leading to her immediate death.
Arabs deeply divided on Egypt attending US peace meeting
CAIRO — Egypt's recent announcement that it will attend a US-arranged conference on the Palestinian economy next week in Manama, Bahrain, is causing consternation among Palestinians who fear Cairo will abandon their cause. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stressed, however, that his country will not agree to any US plan the Palestinians reject.
Egypt, Turkey vying for clout
CAIRO — Turkey and Egypt, rivals for influence in the Middle East and Africa, are trading insults once again. On Feb. 27, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly criticized Turkey's president, who had described Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime as “totalitarian” for executing nine people. On Feb. 24, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said he would refuse to meet with Sisi — though he hadn't been invited to — and added that the Egyptian judiciary lacks integrity.
Cairo keeps itself front and center in Syria negotiations
CAIRO — Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, during a Feb. 18 meeting with members of the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin, said his country upholds the principle of national unity and sovereign integrity in Syria. Some diplomats speculate that Egypt has become the only Arab country to be considered a mediator in the Syrian crisis.
France’s yellow vest fever reaches Egypt
CAIRO — An Egyptian court rejected Dec. 17 the appeal of lawyer Mohammed Ramadan against a 15-day detention sentence for incitement to demonstrate, disorder and wearing a yellow jacket. Egyptian police arrested Ramadan Dec. 11, accusing him of promoting false news and using social networking sites to promote the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group that was designated as a terrorist organization following the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013.
Regeni case still complicating ties between Rome, Cairo
CAIRO — Tired of waiting for action from Cairo, Italy has named five members of Egypt's security forces as suspects in the torture and murder of Italian doctoral student Giulio Regeni, whose mutilated body was found in February 2016 on a road on the outskirts of Cairo. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials are pondering the potential ramifications of what Italy sees as foot-dragging. The case has always strained relations between the two countries, and tensions rose Nov.
Can Egypt afford to defy Trump in support of Gaza?
CAIRO — As Egypt vigorously pursues diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting truce on the Gaza-Israel border, Cairo's delegate to the Arab League, Yasser al-Atwi, confirmed recently that his country will continue to support the Palestinian people and work to stabilize the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Atwi spoke at a Nov. 15 meeting of the Arab League council in Cairo, where members discussed recent Israeli-Hamas clashes in Gaza.
Is this the start of Arab NATO plan?
CAIRO — Col. Tamer Rifai, spokesman of the Egyptian armed forces, announced in an official statement Nov. 7 that Lt. Gen. Mohamed Farid Hegazy, chief of staff of the armed forces, attended the Arab Shield 1 military exercises, which started Nov. 3 and will last until Nov. 16. The drills are held at Mohamed Naguib military base in Matrouh, on the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria.
Cairo bolsters bond with Moscow as US grows distant
CAIRO — Russia and Egypt are making the most of their bilateral relations in many sectors, which was evident recently during the ninth meeting of their presidents in the past five years. Russian Ambassador to Egypt Sergey Kirpichenko, speaking at a press conference Oct. 23, noted the countries had signed a comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation agreement when Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Russia on Oct. 15-17.
Sisi surrounds himself with generals in latest Cabinet reshuffle
CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with newly appointed Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Zaki June 19 during their first one-on-one meeting since Zaki was sworn in. In a brief statement issued that day, the Egyptian presidency said that Sisi had received the new defense minister yet did not give details of the meeting. The Egyptian government has witnessed a major reshuffle with the appointment of Zaki as defense minister and Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Tawfik as interior minister.
Wave of arrests in Egypt sends alarming message at start of Sisi's second term
CAIRO — Dozens of politicians, writers and human rights activists were attacked June 5 by unknown assailants at the iftar dinner party for the breaking of the daily fast during Ramadan organized by the Civil Democratic Movement.
Critics bash Egyptian 'propaganda' film about Sisi
CAIRO — Egyptian artist Ahmed el-Sakka’s new film, in which he plays the role of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has triggered widespread uproar on social media. Some are accusing Sakka of hypocrisy and altering the truth of events in favor of Sisi. Sakka announced Jan. 17 that the filming of "Serry Le Al-Gha'aya" ("Extremely Confidential") — written by screenwriter Waheed Hamed and directed by Mohammed Sami — is almost finished.
Saudi-Egyptian broadcast deal raises issue of censorship
CAIRO — Saudi TV has signed a contract for the exclusive broadcast of two Egyptian drama series across the Arab world beginning during Ramadan 2018. On Dec. 8, Khaled Madkhali, director of state-owned Saudi TV, tweeted that he had signed a contract with Magnum Productions to broadcast “Hidden Worlds,” starring the legendary Egyptian actor Adel Imam, and “Tayeh,” starring the popular Amr Youssef.
Doha's overtures unlikely to lure Cairo from Gulf bloc
CAIRO — Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Dec. 1 with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir on the sidelines of the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome. The two leaders discussed the Qatari crisis. On Nov. 24, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a condolence message to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, extending his sympathies for the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in North Sinai. Gunmen attacked a mosque in the Egyptian province on Nov.
Egypt flexes its mediation muscle in Lebanon crisis
CAIRO — As the intense rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to threaten Middle East stability, Egypt has been trying to play a mediating role. When the crisis recently extended into Lebanon, Cairo began deploying efforts to keep the small country from being dragged into a regional military conflict. Egypt's foreign initiatives coincide with escalating tension between Saudi Arabia on one side and Iran and Hezbollah on the other.
Lebanon’s Sunni Community 'Shocked' by Hariri’s Resignation
The fact that Hariri has not yet returned has led Lebanese authorities to believe that he might be under house arrest. But in his much-awaited first interview since his resignation, Hariri said Nov. 12 that he is a free man and would return to Lebanon within days. He hinted at possibly rescinding his resignation, should Hezbollah agree to stay out of regional conflicts. However, his tired appearance left many believing that he was still speaking under tight control of Saudi Arabia.
Sisi goes shopping for arms in Paris
CAIRO — On Nov. 9, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Sharm el-Sheikh at the World Youth Forum. During the meeting, Sisi praised the cooperation and distinguished relation with France that had materialized during his latest official visit to Paris. Sisi had visited France on Oct. 24 for the third time since assuming office.
How Egypt’s opposition is countering Sisi ahead of presidential vote
CAIRO — An Egyptian court of misdemeanors in the Giza governorate sentenced on Sept. 25 prominent human rights lawyer and potential presidential candidate Khalid Ali to three months in prison after being found guilty of offending public decency. Ali swiftly responded, saying the case was fabricated. Following the sentence, he wrote on his Facebook page, “When we addressed the Egyptian issue of Tiran and Sanafir, we knew we would have to pay for it.” Ali became well known after he succeeded on Jan.
Egyptian TV network's sale concerns free-press advocates
CAIRO — It appears the Egyptian government has indirectly tightened its hold on the media yet again. An Egyptian security company's subsidiary acquired al-Hayat TV network for 1.4 billion Egyptian pounds ($80 million) from Sigma Media Group. Tawasol for Public Relations and Media, a subsidiary of Falcon Group, bought the network Sept. 13. Falcon provides security for diplomats, the United Nations offices in Egypt and government officials and facilities.
Egypt looks to Europe to help solve Renaissance Dam crisis
CAIRO — Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry announced Aug. 27 during a press conference in Berlin with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel that Egypt had signed a cooperation agreement with Germany to combat and prevent illegal immigration. During the conference, Shoukry said that Egypt expects Germany to actively support it to overcome the challenges to this effect, adding that he and Gabriel touched upon the German and European Union stances vis-a-vis the issue of the Nile waters.
Cairo seeks to boost trade with Ankara, overlooking political deadlock
CAIRO — The Egyptian minister of trade and industry, Tarek Kabil, told Shorouk News on Aug. 22 that in the first half of 2017, Egypt’s exports to Turkey rose by 30% to $1.07 billion, while Turkey’s exports to Egypt dropped by 50%, reaching $912 million in the same period.
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt
Mourners gather at the Sacred Family Church for the funeral of Coptic Christians who were killed in Minya, Egypt, May 26, 2017. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany) CAIRO — The Egyptian Interior Ministry announced June 22 the killing of seven people it believed were involved in recent attacks against Copts, including church bombings and shootings in which about 100 people were killed.
Can Sisi protect Egypt's endangered Christians?
A woman passes in front of the Coptic church that was bombed in Tanta, Egypt, April 10, 2017. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany) CAIRO — Two weeks after suicide bombers killed at least 48 people and wounded more than 100 in twin bombings at cathedrals in Egypt, Christian support for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi appears to be wavering.
The real reason behind thaw in EU-Egypt tensions
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands following a news conference at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 2, 2017. (photo by REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh) CAIRO — It seems bizarre that only a year has passed since the European Parliament called for a halt to military aid and weapons sales to Egypt following the killing of the Italian student, Giulio Regeni, in Cairo.
Is Egypt considering military intervention in Syria?
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) and Egypt's Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi attend a graduation at the Air Force Academy in Cairo, Egypt, July 20, 2016. (photo by The Egyptian Presidency/Handout via REUTERS) CAIRO — “Supporting national armies” is the slogan Egypt is using to promote its policy on issues across the region, first and foremost in Syria. This became evident when Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced his country’s support for the Syrian army during a Nov.
Why is Egypt's army now in the baby formula business?
A protester reaches out as a soldier holds a child during a demonstration in Cairo, Jan. 29, 2011. (photo by REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih) On Sept. 3, the Egyptian armed forces issued a statement announcing their intention to import the first shipment of baby formula, just one day after citizens cut off the road to protest the shortage of fortified baby formula. On Sept. 19, the first shipments arrived from France.
Israel’s Africa ambitions highlight Egypt's absence
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspects a guard of honor at the National Palace during his state visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 7, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri) CAIRO — Egyptian-Israeli relations are witnessing unprecedented cooperation under Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Since the signing of the Camp David Accords in September 1978, Egypt has cooperated with Israel on certain matters, but what is new is the Israeli side’s attitude.
One year on, US obstacles blunt hopes from Iran deal
A year ago, a landmark nuclear deal with world powers led jubilant Iranians to dream of an end to isolation and economic hardship, but critics say US obstacles have soured those hopes (photo by Atta Kenare/AFP) A year ago, a landmark nuclear deal with world powers led jubilant Iranians to dream of an end to isolation and economic hardship, but critics say US obstacles have soured those hopes.
Egypt’s rap sheet of rights abuses gets longer
Security forces detain a young man who was holding an electoral advertisement outside a school used as a polling station in Alexandria, Egypt, October 18, 2015. (photo by REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih) CAIRO — Many Egyptians live in fear because of the repressive practices of Egyptian security forces. Still, in June, Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Fathallah was granted a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which Egyptian authorities touted as a sign of international acceptance.
'The Singer' fails to express Nubian blues
A Nubian child is seen carrying a picture of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in episode five of Mohamed Mounir's "The Singer." The Ramadan series has been criticized by Nubians for misrepresenting their 1963 displacement from their homes for the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Is anyone happy with Egypt's new medicine prices?
Employees are seen working at EIPICO medicine factory in the industrial area of Al-Asher Min Ramdan city on the outskirts of Cairo, Jan. 27, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany) On May 16, Egyptian Minister of Health Ahmad Imad announced during a press conference that the Cabinet had agreed to raise prices 20% effective July 1 on locally produced medicines costing less than 30 Egyptian pounds ($3.38). The decision came as some medications were disappearing from the Egyptian market.
What role will Egypt play in Palestine-Israel peace path?
French President Francois Hollande delivers a speech during an international conference in a bid to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Paris, June 3, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Kamil Zihnioglu) Reactions are mixed to the June 3 summit in Paris to discuss France’s Middle East peace initiative — a meeting that ended with a call for yet another meeting. Some last-minute gatherings regarding Egypt’s role in the peace process preceded the June 3 meeting.
How Turkey plans to boost halal tourism
A woman walks on the beach at sunset in the Mediterranean resort town of Belek in Antalya, Turkey, January 8, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Murad Sezer) The second international halal tourism conference took place in Konya, Turkey, May 3-5. The first conference was held in Spain in 2014. The choice of Konya, the city of Rumi, was not by accident. In December 2015, the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers designated Konya the capital of Islamic tourism for 2016.
Sisi moves into damage control following island transfer uproar
Egyptian activists shout slogans against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his government during a demonstration protesting the decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, in front of the Press Syndicate in Cairo, April 15, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany) On April 4, Egypt signed a maritime border agreement with Saudi Arabia in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.
Egypt's writers fear increasing restrictions
Journalists and activists protest against the restriction of press freedom and to demand the release of detained journalists, in front of the Press Syndicate in Cairo, April 26, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany) Some in Egypt believe the state, which claims to fight terrorism, rather is creating it through its obsession with security and its quest to preserve a regressive structure in society.
Egypt fills its prisons, but don't worry, it'll make more
Egypt's worsening human rights abuses are not going unnoticed. People are being assaulted on many fronts, from travel restrictions and false imprisonment to limits on freedom of expression, torture and killings. In an example of this trend, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a presidential decree Jan. 13 designating 100 acres of land for construction of the new Giza Central Prison, a huge structure and its ancillary buildings, in the Giza desert.
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