A taste of independence
We're all familiar with the term "indie film, but what grants a film its independent status? Is it the slightly gritty texture, it's lack of adequate funding, or its general…
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 'Alexandria Quartet'
Generations of writers have been inspired by the multi-cultural, outward-looking city of Alexandria. In recent history, the most famous literary work about Alexandria by a non-Egyptian author is Lawrence Durrell's…
Ignoring the Storm
The most recent G7 finance ministers' meeting in October was an utter failure. The only thing that they agreed on was to admonish China to revalue its currency. The yuan's…
Still a democracy?
TEL AVIV: The government of Israel, with all due respect, does not represent the Jewish people but rather the citizens of the State of Israel who elected it. Israel is…
Once again, a Middle East stage(d) production
When Middle East nations meet with members of the United Nations Security Council to stage a theatrical performance, they resort to the tried and tested formula of hosting a peace…
Letter to the Editor: Who will remember Our Cultural Icons?
Concerning Mohammed Salmawy's column Long Live a Free Egypt (Commentary, Nov. 23), he is correct in chastising Egyptians for not celebrating their obviously rich literary heritage. And indeed it is…
Fava bean staple hits crisis
CAIRO: Egypt's staple bean dish known as fuul is under threat because of the rising cost of imports and a reduction in domestic production. Agricultural expert Mohamed Al-Borei raised the…
Joaquim Chissano receives first leadership prize from Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Alexandria: It is time for us Africans to wake up, dictate our own agenda, and run our own show, said Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation at a…