Category Archives: Egypt
The Khedive’s Revenge? A Lesson of Indebtedness and Sovereignty
When, on Tuesday morning, I finished reading David Brooks’s column in the New York Times, I scribbled two words at the bottom of the newsprint. First let’s hear how his typically excellent column, this one on the nature and scope … Continue reading
What a Day
Truth be told, there is very rarely a slow news day in what our government types referred to as the MENA region (MENA standing for Middle East and North Africa). But some days really stand out above the average for … Continue reading
The Politics of Distraction in Egypt
My friend Nancy Okail, who’s written for us here on these pages, has penned a must-read essay over at Freedom House. Titled “‘Muslim Rage’ and the Politics of Distraction in Egypt”, it’s as good a summary as any as to what’s … Continue reading
Will the Civil Divorce of Egypt’s Political Powers Remain Civil?
There has not been a day since February 11, 2011, that Egyptian politics have ceased to surprise the world. Ever since the afternoon that Hosni Mubarak fell, the world’s most seasoned political analysts have struggled to make sense out of … Continue reading
“After Notes” on the Middle East
The past several days have elapsed without my having made a comment here on matters Middle Eastern. That does not mean nothing has been going on, but nothing has happened of such a dramatic nature as to focus any extended … Continue reading
NYT, WaPo Get It Mostly Right on Egypt, Libya
I had planned to spend most of yesterday, Sunday, working in the garden, particularly harvesting and culling our plums. I have three trees: two standard purple, and one golden blush Japanese hybrid. But it got hot, I got most of … Continue reading
Three Cheers for Serviceable Hypocrisy
In response to my most recent post, one of my loyal readers (my only loyal reader, for all I know) asked me to expound on the U.S. policy implications of what is going on in Egypt. I was going to … Continue reading
In Egypt, the Stage Is Set for Some Real Drama
One of the commenters in my last post criticized me for misunderstanding the situation in Egypt. I stood accused of exaggerating the revolutionary reality of the post-Mubarak period. Apparently, this commentator is unaware of what I have written about Egypt … Continue reading
Still More of the Same—and Something New
Yesterday’s events in Egypt are more of the same, but in this case really something new. The dissolution of the parliament confirms beyond all doubt the contention made here in February 2010 that the Egyptian military would not cede power … Continue reading
The Muddled East [Updated]
The news from the region over the past few days constitutes, as always, more of the same and yet something new. Let me take you on a selective tour, ending with the most attention-arresting story of our time—Syria. Of all … Continue reading
