Kal-ElBaradei

So Egypt has finally got it´s very own contemporary political suphero, Kal-ElBaradei.

I have a great deal to say, but at this point i will be more than happy to give the floor to the one and only, Baheyya, with her unique voice, in her latest blog post, called the wildcard. I´m hoping that this latest development can persuade her to blog more frequently , once again.

Five years ago this month, when Hosni Mubarak made his big announcement about direct, multicandidate presidential elections, he couldn’t have dreamed that five years down the line, he’d face a most unexpected challenger. Someone who is everything that Mubarak and his son aren’t: internationally respected, intellectually nimble, and domestically popular.

Who knows whether ElBaradei has a real chance at the presidency? What’s clear is that his return to Egypt has completely flummoxed Mubarak and his retinue. Up to now, they’ve dealt handily with all the domestic politicians and pressure groups who’ve opposed their rule, ridiculing some, imprisoning others, co-opting still others, and simply exhausting whoever’s left. Along comes ElBaradei, with an energetic mien and an organized plan. His international standing ensure that he can’t be repressed or ridiculed. He’s made it crystal clear that he won’t be co-opted. And the incredible surge of popular enthusiasm that’s enveloped him makes it unlikely that he’ll get tired and retreat.

To continue reading Baheyya.

I´m indebted for this photo, to another great blogger, Moftasa.

Baheyya on Mubarak ´s stance over Gaza

Baheyya returns with her first real blogpost in over five months. The topic this time is on Mubarak´s stance on Gaza, with a piece called The Wages of Mubarak's "Realism". It´s Well worth your precious reading time, as always.

Maybe it´s about time for me to resurrect fustat as well?

Baheyya on myths about protest

Baheyya is back with a new piece. As always she offers us the wider perspective, which is a scarce commodity these days. A must read - Four Myths about Protest.

Fleishman on Wael Abbas

A good piece on the most important and influential Egyptian blogger Wael Abbas by Jeffrey Fleishman in L.A Times. Wael is of course the blogger who started to upload mobile phone video clips of torture and mistreatment of regular citizens in police stations on his blog, among other things. Clips that proved too graphic and disturbing for youtube.. Clips that have been important, as evidence in trials against police officers, as well as opening up a space for the traditional media to address issues that have been taboo prior to this.

The best blog is in my view, still Baheyya (no big secret that i´m revealing to old readers). Some might have a crush on Obama, i have a crush on Baheyya!

Sorry for not being able to blog lately, i´ve been really busy, but blogging with somewhat more regularity will return shortly. I hope to be able to post about the wonder in Kumasi(and hopefully in Accra tmrw), Rafah and Gaza and ID´s for reverts and Bahai´s soon.