Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

A high ranking Egyptian judiciary delegation, composed of 20mjudges, made a visit to the Italian capital upon an invitation from the International Development Law Organization in coordination with the Egyptian embassy in Rome. Key issues discussed during the visit were Maspero events, training of judges on handling corruption cases and bolstering economic relations between Egypt and Italy.

Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the Arab nations swept up in uprisings not to allow the US or NATO to influence the post-revolution political systems they form.

Pope Benedict XVI called on political leaders to resist the temptation to hate as he marked the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Italy.

Protestant and Catholic churches in Algeria backed by France, Italy, and U.S. and European Union organizations have launched missionary campaigns to undermine the unity of Algeria and create a Christian minority in tribal areas.

Cornelis Hulsman commemorates the life of Metropolitan Marcos, an unconventional Dutch member of the Coptic Orthodox Church who served as a bishop for 34 years.

Drs. Hulsman and Dr. Burslem provide a detailed report on Muslim-Christian relations based on a review of Dr. Hugh Goddard’s book, commenting on a number of issues including Western perceptions, mis-interpretations, and examples of recent incidents involving Muslims and Christians.

Dr. Sa‘d al-Dīn Ibrāhīm, chairman of Ibn Khaldūn Center for Development Studies reports on his paper that was presented to a conference that was held in Rome under the title: ’The Cross, the Crescent and the Ballot Box.’ Ibrāhīm’s paper discussed Islam and democracy. In the following lines Ibrāhīm refers to what he believes to be the Christian opposition of democracy at a certain period of time and foretells that the change that took place in the Catholic Church’s stance can also take place in Arab countries, asserting that the problem of democracy is not related to Islam but to the Arab identity and some Arab rulers.

Lawyer Muntasir al-Zayyāt will deliver a speech in Rome about the circumstances which force Islamists to be involved in violence and terrorism.

Two authors write about the Greek Catholic cemetery in Old Cairo, describing it as a remarkable museum that contains precious materials and works of art.

The article reports on the baptism of the prominent media figure Majdī ‘Allām during the Easter ceremonies.