Foreign Relations News Covered by Al- Ahram Weekly (Cairo, Egypt) in October
The article, published on October 20 2013, examines a western tradition –the baby shower- that is becoming popular in a predominantly Muslim country, like Egypt. Entitled “A Novelty from Tradition” it explains how modern families, and especially those belonging to the richer classes, tend to prefer western celebrations for the birth of their child, a practice the author connects to other western celebrations, like New Year’s Eve, Halloween and Valentine’s day. The writer tries to analyze the subject in depth focusing on the way the baby shower is practiced in Western countries, like the US, how it was adapted in Egypt and eventually its connection to the traditional celebration of sebou, which was the traditional way to show the new baby to the family and celebrate the birth. The author furthermore presents the views of Egyptians who feel that the two traditions have blended in order to reflect both Egyptian beliefs and Western ideas, reflecting an influence on culture and lifestyle.
Relations between Egypt and the US
As the United States of America decided to suspend part of the economic aid to Egypt, the author of the article examines the reactions of the Egyptian government to this decision and the possible effect this may have on the already troubled US-Egyptian relations. The author focuses on the comments of Egypt’s Foreign Minister, which he calls “frank”. The minister suggested that the country could turn to other sources of economic assistance and warned the US that a deterioration of the relationship between the two countries could be harmful for both sides. The author is careful not to take sides and presents the American view that the ousting of the former president, Morsi earlier this year was a military coup. Being a correspondent living in Washington he also presents the views of political analysts who suggest that this could be the beginning of a period of loosening ties and strained relations between the two countries.
Popular Diplomacy
In the article, entitled “Presenting the Popular Will” and published on October 23 2013, the author presents a new tendency in Egyptian foreign relations. He calls it popular diplomacy and it involves civilians visiting foreign countries in order to present their version of life and politics in Egypt after the ousting of President Morsi last July. The delegations are supporting the new regime and some of the participants have worked in high offices in the past. The author presents comments from some who have already participated in such missions. They say that they want to present a real picture of the new situation and what led to the rebellion against Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, one that is often ignored by the Western media. Focusing on representatives of two delegations, one that visited Russia and a second that visited the UK and had a meeting with members of the UK parliament in London, the author presents their views, aspirations and what they hope to achieve with their missions.
WORKS CITED
El-Bey, D. “Presenting the Popular Will”. Al-Ahram Weekly, 23 October 2013. [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/4434/17/Presenting-the-popular-will-.aspx]
Ibrahim, E. “A Postponed Confrontation?”. Al-Ahram Weekly, 23 October 2013. [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/4433/17/A-postponed--confrontation-.aspx]
Yousry, O. “A Novelty from Tradition”. Al-Ahram Weekly, 20 October 2013. Web. 28 October 2013. [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/4412/25/A-novelty-from-tradition.aspx]
