Sunday, November 27, 2011




Do the Right Thing! Vote in the upcoming elections
  اعمل الصح! شارك في الانتخابات

 Tomorrow is the very first phase of voting on Egypt's first post revolution parliament. Although there are some doubts on how transparent and fair these elections will be, I believe that it is extremely important that everyone participates and casts their votes. If we refrain from voting, or let our distrust of the system deter us from participating in the voting process, we will have a very weak argument to ask for a better government afterwards. Simply put, if I do not vote, then I do not have the right to complain that I am unhappy with the outcome of the coming parliament/government.






Saturday, October 29, 2011

الطائفية
Sectarianism

Sectarianism and sectarian violence are perhaps the largest threat to Egypt today. It is almost certain that if the level of sectarian tension continues to grow, Egypt's future will become immensely dim if not pitch black. We are all responsible for it, whether you do believe there is a difference between Copts and Muslims, or whether you believe that we are all Egyptians but prefer to remain silent and not try to battle extremist views wherever you find them. 
The direct translation of the text is "Don't leave Egypt to fall"
The text within the index finger is "sectarianism"

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Cleaning up Libya . تنظيف ليبيا


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011


 مصر التي في خاطري
The Egypt on My Mind

As the revolution broke out in Egypt, and as the uncertainty regarding the future of the country continues, I cannot help but dream of what I would like to see Egypt look like. I cannot help but hope that the building blocks of this country would include at least all of the characteristics listed in this illustration. These characteristics (each of which is written on a separate block) include: Peace, Innovation, Knowledge, Freedom, Safety, Social Justice, dignity, coexistence and many more.

The song featured below was first sung by the world famous Egyptian Singer Om Kolthoum. It is titled  "مصر التي في خاطري" or "The Egypt on My Mind". The song was composed by Riad El Sonbaty, and the lyrics were written by the poet Ahmed Ramy.





This is another version of the song which was sung in early January 2011in tribute to the victims of the bombing that took place in Alexandria's Two Saints Church (Refer to the very first post on this blog). It's a beautiful version, and one that is very touching indeed.






Saturday, May 7, 2011

اسلمي يا مصر
Be Safe, O Egypt

At this time, and as Egypt transitions from one historical phase to another, it is very important that we, Egyptians, all stick together and stay focused on the big picture. We need to forget about our differences and our personal demands, and remember that the betterment of Egypt comes as a first priority.
The words are taken from the Egyptian national anthem of 1923 till 1936. The words of the anthem were written by Mostafa Sadek El Rafei. The translation of the Arabic text is: "O children of Egypt go on to achieve pride and honour for Egypt and make its future bright. We would sacrifice the world for our Egypt, as our homeland must come first"




Sunday, April 24, 2011

 سير الثورات العربية
Arab Revolutions Conveyor Belt

The direct translation of the Arabic text from left to right: The struggle of the revolution, The transitional phase, Safe and stable grounds.

Saturday, April 23, 2011


April 10th, 2011
 سي محمد مات؟
After two months of not hearing a word from former president Mohamed Hosni Mubarak neither in the newspapers or in any media, Al Arabia, a Saudi Arabian news channel, broadcasted a voice recording of Mubarak once again delivering a speech to the Egyptian people.
It was delivered in much the same manner as his former speeches, when he was still president, were delivered. He said he was offended and hurt by the many 'false' accusations directed towards himself and his family, and proclaimed to be absolutely clean handed. He also threatened to "maintain his right" to sue everyone and every newspaper or organization that published or announced these 'false' accusations. 
What was astounding to me is that after being ousted the way he was, and at the old age of 83, he still has it in him to make such an announcement on TV, blatantly lie about being clean handed, and threaten to sue those who have 'tarnished' his image!
Today Mohamed Hosni Mubarak is in held in captivity, albeit in a hospital and not in jail as he had fallen very ill after recieving the announcement that he was to be detained for questioning.
The text is part of a dialogue in a classic Egyptian movie called شارع الحب or "Street of Love".
The direct translation of the Arabic text, from the upper speech bubble to the lowest: "-Is Mr. Mohamed dead?", "-I'm telling you he's a CAT!", "-What does that mean?", "-It means he has nine lives!"



Monday, April 11, 2011

فين الحقيقة؟
Where's the Truth?

Egypt is in a transitional phase between a dictatorship that has fallen, and between what we all hope will become a democracy. 
One thing I've learned about this phase is that it is messy. With so many suspicious events taking place one after the other, media sources that lack credibility, and with 80 million accusing fingers pointing all directions, it has become extremely difficult to differentiate between what is true and what is false.
The direct translation of the Arabic text is "Where is the Truth?"

Friday, April 1, 2011


March 30th, 2011
الاعلان الدستوري
Constitutional Announcement (Advertisement)

On March 19th, 2011 a referendum was held over 6 articles of the Egyptian Constitution. Egyptians from all walks of life participated in the referendum and voted freely for the first time. 
However...on March 30th, 2011 the Higher Armed Forces Council made a constitutional announcement to announce a new temporary constitution for the country to follow, until the new parliament and president are elected, and a new constitution is formed.
The temporary constitution included 62 articles (i.e. 56 articles more than what the referendum was held on).
I  have not decided how I feel about this yet. I assume some articles, such as those defining the nature of the state, are constant and unchangeable, and are accordingly not open to referendum.
Do constitutional referendums in other countries follow a similar path?
I honestly don't know.
The Arabic translations is: "Special Offer! Vote on 6 articles of the constitution, and get 56 more articles for free! Courtesy of the Higher Armed Forces Council"

Saturday, March 19, 2011


March 19th, 2011
Voting on the Constitutional Amendments

For the first time in Egypt's history, we know that our vote will count. Egyptians are making history as turn out rates at the polling booths are amazingly high. Everyone is proactive, all for the sake of a better Egypt. Regardless of whether the majority vote on the amendments turns out to be a YES or a NO, we have already taken our first step towards democracy today, and we have made ourselves heard.
The Arabic translation of the text is: "Life has become pink in colour" i.e. life has become wonderful. This quote is from an old Egyptian movie, and was sung by the famous Egyptian actress Souad Hosni.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011


Constitutional Confusion

On March 19th, 2011, Egypt is due to vote on the proposed amendments to the 1971 constitution, in its very first steps towards becoming a democracy. There is much debate within society regarding whether the best way to achieve this goal is by voting for the amendments, or voting against them. Online forums are witnessing heated discussions and intellectual debates regarding the issue, while government polls, for the first time, have shown that the percentages of "Yes" votes vs. "No" votes is very close, rather than announcing a 90% majority for any one side.
The Arabic translation of the text (from right to left): "Yes? Patching up an old constitution with some amendments? The proposed amendments are sufficient for this phase? Creating an entirely new constitution? No? A kebab rib?"

Tuesday, March 15, 2011


March 5th, 2011
الله محبة

On March 5th, 2011, another attack on a church took place. This act of violence is believed to be an orchestrated attempt to stir clashes between Copts and Muslims in Egypt.
However, millions of Egyptians soon after proclaimed their solidarity and unity, refusing to be consumed by any sort of religious intolerance.
As a reaction to the attack, thousands of Copts protested for days in front of Cairo's main television and broadcasting building to demand for their rights. The protesters were joined by many Muslims who equally believed in these demands.
Currently, the Church that had been burnt down is being rebuilt under the supervision of the Egyptian army.
The translation of the Arabic text is "God is love". This statement is part of the Bible, and is also a line in Om Kolthoum's famous song, "A Thousand and One Nights".

Tribute to the Martyrs of the Egyptian Revolution, 2011

The latest estimates of the number of protesters who were killed by the state security forces as well as the hired thugs were estimated at 365 martyrs. However, as families continue to find missing members in mortuaries to this day, I believe the number of martyrs killed will exceed this estimate.
May they all enter god's heaven, and may god grant their families patience.
February 11th, 2011
قلة الذل

After only 18 turbulent days of massive, peaceful, and civilized protest all over Egypt, the then president Mohamed Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down from power after a 30 year reign. Power to run the country was ceded on February 11th, 2011, to the Supreme Armed Forces Council.
The translation of the Arabic text is "oh drinking vessel of humiliation I will never drink from you even if your water is mixed with honey". Originally part of a song first sung by Sayid Darwish.

The video below is of a cover of the song done by another revolutionary singer, El Sheikh Imam:



January 25th, 2011
قوم يا مصري
On January 25th, 2011, hundreds of thousands of Egyptian youth took to the streets of Egypt's major cities to protest against the oppression of the government and to demand their rights. In the days to follow, these protest swelled massively in number to include millions of Egyptian citizens from all socio-economic, educational, and ideological backgrounds, from all over the country. What started out as a large-scale protest on January 25th, developed into a revolution that overthrew the 30 year reign of the then president Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, who was forced to step down from power on February 11th, 2011, i.e. only 18 days after the protests initially began. Throughout this period, the world watched Egypt with awe, as the most civilized revolution in recent history unfolded before their eyes.

The direct translation of the Arabic text is "Get up Egyptian, Egypt is always calling for you".



January 14th, 2011
Liberte . حرية

On January 14th, 2011, the president of Tunisia, who had ruled the country for 23 years, escaped the country after massive popular demonstrations broke out against him.
These demonstration were sparked by the self immolation of a Tunisian youth by the name of Mohamed Bouazizi who had lost everything, including the hope for a better future under the dictatorship and corrupt governance of the then president Zein El Dine Bin Ali.
Tunisia's Jasmine revolution went on to spark protests in several other Arab countries, including Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

January 1st, 2011
Egyptian Christmas Tree

Just a few minutes into the new year, 2011, a large explosion took place in the Two Saints Church in Alexandria, Egypt.
As many Egyptian Copts were inside the church at the time of the explosion for mass, the attack left 22 persons killed.
This horrific attack sent shock waves throughout the nation, with the many citizens, Copts and Muslims, assuring their unity and solidarity, and their belief that they are all Egyptians regardless of their religious affiliations.