Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

[Drs. Cornelis Hulsman, Editor-in-Chief of Arab West Report (AWR): Sebastian Elsässer made extensive use of our Arab-West Report database for his PhD research which he completed in 2011. He earlier wrote about his work in Middle Eastern Studies, vol. 46: 1, 131-150, “Press Liberalization, the New Media, and the ‘Coptic Question,’ : Muslim-Christian Relations in Egypt in a Changing Media Landscape.” Following the completion of his work he wrote this recommendation]

Table of Contents

I. Introduction: Complications

II. Egyptian Media Reporting

III. Experiences of the Center for Arab-West Understanding (CAWU)

IV. NGO Registration: The U.S. Model

As an intern at the Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Translation, my main aim has been to foster intercultural relations between the West and the Arab world. Integrated in a research team, I had the opportunity to delve into precise topics (such as the issue of mosque building in Egypt), and tackle the legal as well as sociological aspects. I also lead interviews in both English and Arabic with researchers and officials in order to complete the other facet of my work which was based on data-gathering in libraries and documentation and research centers. Furthermore, the daily cooperation with my work colleagues coming from various horizons according to the cross-cultural dynamics of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Translation provided me a particular insight on these topics by allowing me to develop a critical mind fed by the confrontation of these various positions built on different cultural backgrounds. The results of these different researches will constitute a useful basis for the further interns and researchers interested in the study of these topics. During the internship I have done some writing from the beginning up until now which are summarized below:

Seven months since the beginning of the Egyptian revolution, the nation is still in the process of democratic transition, and the focus of the world has greatly receded. The events of September 9 could threaten to draw back the world’s eye, and possibly serve to confirm many misgivings held about the readiness of Egypt for democracy. AWR's Jayson Casper argues that it would be a mistake to judge so simply.

The current government of Egypt is facing considerable pressures. Tensions have been high between the Israeli and Egyptian governments after an Israeli helicopter crossed into Egyptian territory to pursue alleged terrorists, killing six Egyptian police and army personnel.

 AWR's Managing Director Hānī Labīb attended the meeting done by Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sāmī 'Anān, with political and Media figures along with intellectuals and artists.

Meeting tackled the different aspects of the current political scene.

The main text was written by nuns of Saint Demiana’s Monastery. Introductions to the main text were written by Cornelis Hulsman and the Christian Treasures Organization.

Introduction: Cornelis Hulsman

We are very pleased to present the detailed life story of Saint Demiana and the 40 virgins which was presented to Arab-West Report for publication on our website by the Monastery of Saint Demiana and the Christian Treasures Organization. The name of the organization and the story of St. Demiana make it clear what is meant with ‘treasures.’ Stories such as that of St. Demiana are important to the spiritual life of millions of Christian believers in Egypt and as thus they are ‘treasures.’

Anders Breivik, a 32-year-old Norwegian, has confessed to killing at least 92 people at a youth camp and seven in a bomb attack outside a government building in Oslo, Norway. As Norwegian authorities investigate Breivik's motives, a document and a short video produced by the suspect have surfaced, both full of anti-Islamic propaganda. AWR Chief Editor Cornelis Hulsman says Breivick's propaganda is alarmingly similar to that of Dutch politician Geert Wilders and other Islam bashers.... 

The Egyptian Supreme Administrative Court ruled on July 3 that Christians who had converted to Islam but now wish to return to Christianity can be identified again as Christians on their national identification cards.  AWR Chief Editor Cornelis Hulsman says that the decision is an important step, but that many Christians remain skeptical that it will be implemented...