A Tale of Two City Girls

Charles Dickens' classic A Tale of Two Cities famously begins,

"It was the best of times, 

it was the worst of times..."

This weekend, I experienced a bit of both the best and worst through the eyes of two young girls, living in the same city.  They surely are unaware of each other as they would be to any stranger living in the world today--though the physical distance between them is small, the difference in their experiences is vast.

The Best of Times...
We have been hosting Christian families as a part of our ministry to Christians living in Egypt.  Each of these parents bring their children for songs and crafts to help them understand various Bible stories.  The kids, though apprehensive and quite shy at first, have warmed up nicely not only to us but to the routines that we've established in the sanctuary of the garden.  The songs have been a favorite part of the time, singing and learning motions to happy tunes with spiritual meanings.  Even the toddlers are beginning to copy the motions and smile when they hear the melodies begin to play.

The children are beautiful--their laughter is infectious and their enthusiasm is difficult to contain when trying to explain something for all.  They didn't know what to think of us at first, but now they will hug us, sometimes asking us to hold them a moment--we couldn't hardly get them to tell us their names when we began, but now we can hardly get a word in when they want to tell us something.  Though they lacked trust of us at first, they now quickly call on us for help in creating a craft or to show us what  they have accomplished.

One little girl this week came in a little more eager than in previous weeks--she began behind the leg of her mother as shyly as she has in the past.  She had her hair done with colorful barrettes and new sparkly shoes.  This week she didn't linger behind her mother too long; she popped out to greet us with a smile, and then ran to her friends who were also gathering.  She ran to the table with the bright crayons and began to color a picture of the Bible story for the day.  When it was time, she joined the other children for the songs.

At the end of the day, though the program was over and she was securely placed in her car seat for the ride home, she continued to sing.  Her mother stopped the car to record a video of this precious little girl singing the words and doing the motions (as best as she understands the words and motions).  It was not only one of the cutest things we've seen, but definitely one of the most encouraging in our short time of ministry in Cairo.

The Worst of Times...
We ride the Metro public transportation trains into the downtown of Cairo to worship each Sunday night.  A part of the long and often hot ride is the interruption of petitioning peddlers or beggars; we were told that in the days prior to the revolution, such activity was not permitted on the train cars or within the stations--whether or not that is true, we do not know--but we have experienced this as a normal part of the routine since our arrival.  Peddlers come on board and announce their wares at one end of the train, even occasionally giving a demonstration as they move the length of the car during the time it takes to move from one station to the next -- occasionally, they will put their product on your lap (if you're lucky enough to be seated) to give you the opportunity to inspect it for yourself while they quickly move through the train car to deliver and then pick up their product all before the next stop.  Whether or not they are able to sell anything, they will be ready to move into the next train car to start the process all over again.  Beggars (the blind, the crippled, the widowed, and the orphans) will often use the same pattern to collect whatever they can from those riding the Metro.

It's difficult to see street children, whether as a peddler or as a beggar, making their way through the cars.  Street children are a well-documented and recognized social-justice issue in Cairo; this 2011 report (after the revolution) estimated the number at more than 3 million children on the streets of Egypt.  I know that this is also a problem in other countries as well--I've seen and worked with homeless children in US cities, and spent a lot of time last summer talking with a Syrian teen who was abandoned at age 6 before getting help from an organization in Beirut at age 12.  And though I've seen this issue a lot in the past, and increasingly now in the present, I saw a little girl this Sunday differently.

There could be many reasons why I took notice of this little girl.  Perhaps it was the memory of the video of the other little girl, singing with such a big smile and so much joy that led to the contrasting picture in front of me.  Perhaps it was the sincerely sad and downtrodden plea of the mother who escorted the little girl through yet another car of strangers, hopeful for a contribution to their needs.    Perhaps it was the presence of my own happy, carefree, and healthy child beside me -- whatever the reason, my eyes and heart were transfixed upon this little girl from the moment they entered the train.  Her gaze was cast low upon her shuffling feet, calloused and dirty from the city streets; this downcast posture gave a clear view of the burn scars all across her forehead and high into her scalp, further revealed by her hair being drawn back in a ponytail.

Usually, beggars move slowly through the car, some repeating their plea loudly and with tears while their hand is outstretched so that you need only drop in your alms; others have preprinted papers with a description of their need and they let you read why they need your help.  But this mother and daughter moved at a faster pace from the other end of the car to where we were standing at the front--I'm not sure she made her case more than once as few dared to make eye contact with either of them as they passed.  The mother walked by me and my son and stopped in front of the door--dejected by no one's offering.

I'm not sure what it was, but I wanted to help from the moment I saw them, the moment they walked onto the train car.  I may give a pound here or there to those I see along my path, but always discreetly and quickly.  But for whatever reason, I felt like I needed to do more; I reached in my wallet while the mother was still half the car away.  I was able to give her more, but only monetarily.  She was surprised when I gave it to her, and she removed her glasses from her veiled face to wipe her eyes as she stood speechless in front of the doors.

I wanted to speak to the child; I wanted to caress her face and let her know she was beautiful and that the Lord loved her.  We are allowed to serve and work with the Christian population of Egypt, but we are limited in our interactions with others--we can respond to questions, but we have to be careful of our initiations.

A Tale of Two City Girls...
It's ironic that the one of whom we have the video is the one that I will likely see again and again.  I do not have a video of the other, and may never see her again, but that doesn't stop my memory from replaying the 2.5 minutes over and over in my mind.

The first fills me with joy; the second leads me to pray for her joy.

Two girls, near the same age and in the same city, yet worlds a part.  But God knows their names and loves them the same -- I hope both will find peace in His love.

Shubra Church of God

Yesterday, April 25, I had the opportunity to travel to the northside of Cairo to Shubra.  (April 25 is Sinai Liberation Day, and though an Egyptian holiday, Zeke's school did not let out due to its proximity to the upcoming Easter holidays--so, the rest of the family could not make this trip).

Commissioning Prayer

Our predecessors have always had a strong presence of support and involvement with this congregation as it is the closest of the national Church of God congregations.  We, however, had not yet been to Shubra during our time in Egypt--not because of lack of desire, but because they were in a process of receiving a new young pastor and his family, and we did not want our presence to lead to any confusion.  We have known and interacted with the candidate, but this was just prudent.

Pastor Michael, formerly trained and working as a Pharmacist, was mentored by Pastor Latif in Alexandria (also a Pharmacist by trade).  Pastor Michael worked through his ordination process with the national Church of God after receiving his calling to pastoral ministry, and served alongside of Pastor Latif.  Once his ordination process was complete, the opportunity to serve the Church of God in Shubra arose.  He spent 6 months traveling back and forth to Shubra with Pastor Latif as an observer to his initial service; and then spent 6 months in Shubra with his family under an unsupervised trial.  At the conclusion of this latter 6 month period, both Pastor Michael's family and the Shubra congregation had the opportunity to make a decision on whether or not to make the role official.

Pastor Michael is a gifted musician, speaks English well, and is passionate about his faith.  He was of course confirmed to be the next Pastor at Shubra.  He called to invite me to come speak at Shubra now that the process was finished, but due to scheduling conflicts on each end, we have had to delay that until May 12; and, Pastor Michael invited me to attend the "Installation" service, of which he said an official invitation from the national Church of God would be coming (and it did by way of a phone call 3 days ago) ;)

An "Installation" service has always struck me as a funny name--it's like the pastor was some sort of appliance.  Though largely ceremonial, they do serve a purpose in affirming the Pastor and the congregation of the calling, but also an opportunity to remind the pastor and the congregation of the responsibilities that come with that calling.  In the US, installation services are usually attended by pastors of the same denomination who are near enough to attend, and sometimes pastors from other churches in the community will be invited; in smaller communities, I have also known community officials, like the mayor, to be invited as well.  During the service, there are usually scripture readings, prayers, words of encouragement and challenge, a charge to the pastor, a charge to the congregation, maybe a brief sermon, and a commissioning prayer--and, of course, there's usually a reception following so that everyone can consecrate the event with food!

So, that's what I was expecting when I went to the "Installation" service for Pastor Michael at Shubra.

I had low expectations!

The church was decorated with white flowers, and ribbons, and other decorations as if for a wedding--which is actually an appropriate metaphor.  Any congregation member who was helping to serve in some capacity were wearing black pants and white shirts, and they were quite busy in a variety of different tasks.

I was directed to the courtyard for refreshments, and then redirected to where the pastors were gathering.  There were a ton of pastors--easily more than a dozen in the small room, and most whom I did not recognize.  There were several wearing robes, and others with collars.  By the time we got into the service, I came to find that the representation of various evangelical churches was quite diverse with at least 30 different pastors who had travelled from all across the country to participate.

The service began with a song before the procession of pastors--as we marched in together, the music was celebratory.  I was just invited to attend, and so I started to sit in the front row with a couple of pastors who were beside me in line, but then I was ushered to the stage where a seat was waiting with my name in English.  Though I felt a bit uncomfortable to be given such a prestigious seat, it gave me a great view of the full sanctuary.

Then came time for the introduction and procession of Pastor Michael and his family.  The brief video clip in the movie below does not give credit to the volume, the excitement, and the spirit of the room -- I've seen parades and ceremonies for national champions with less fanfare.  During the video, there are also pictures of Pastor Ishak, Pastor Latif, and Pastor Amir who all serve on the national Executive Committee.


Next came the service, full of praise songs, and pastoral greetings / meditations, and prayers.  Representatives from the national Evangelical Council of Churches came in gave their greetings and remarks, and then had to leave -- pastors from throughout the room were called to the stage one by one -- 2 or 3 pastors, and then 2 or 3 songs.  Pastors from the stage, pastors from the front rows, pastors who appeared out of nowhere from backstage rooms, and pastors who arrived late and were sitting among the congregation.  The whole time, two different camera teams were roaming the congregation and stage videoing the event, while a half dozen photographers were also documenting every presentation and person participating.

After about an hour and half, we had the charge to the Pastor, answered affirmatively by Pastor Michael.  Cushions were brought from the back so that he and his wife could kneel on the stage; their son, about 2 years old, sat cutely in front of them, amazingly still for this part of the service as the pastors on stage gathered around in a commissioning prayer.  At the conclusion of this prayer, the festive music and shouts of the congregation renewed--all the pastors hugging and greeting Pastor Michael as the band played and congregation cheered.  In the middle of the celebration, a pastoral robe was brought out and placed on Michael, leading to more cheers, and then a new Bible presented to him.

At this point, nearly two hours into the service, I'm thinking we're wrapping up -- no, not quite.

After a song, more pastors were called to the stage to share.  The more pastors who spoke, the more nervous I got because I was not asked to do anything, yet I was getting the strong suspicion that I would also be called to give remarks.  Now, I've been trained to always be prepared to speak for any occasion, but when you have to rely on an interpreter, your preparation is a bit different; again, I was only asked to show up, none of the national Church leaders had said anything prior to the service, and I didn't even have a program.  I borrowed one of the programs from a pastor sitting behind me and began quickly scanning the list of what appeared to be names and an order of service--there, near the end, was the Arabic transliteration of my name.

Sure enough, as the service continued, I was introduced, and another pastor sitting in the congregation was also introduced to come interpret for me -- though we had not met we both approached the microphones together as he whispered to me, "is this the first time you've used an interpreter?"  Fortunately, it was not and I was able to issue a challenge to the congregation simply and easily translated--the hardest part being the name "Charles Spurgeon" who apparently was unknown to the translator.

By the time the service ended, it was well over three hours.  It concluded with a few brief, appreciative remarks from Pastor Michael before he led one last congregational song.  Then, Pastor Michael and his family led the procession of pastors out of the sanctuary--and if I thought it was loud and festive going in, it was 10x so on the way out!

While the congregation shared a lunch in the courtyard, the pastors were taken to a specially prepared hall for their own private meal.  I sat with Church of God and Assembly of God pastors for the meal before leaving to speak to a few young leaders that I had seen in attendance.  It was quite a day.

Pray for Pastor Michael and his family as they build on this enthusiastic start to their ministry in Shubra...

and, continue to Pray for Egypt.

Review: Will Changes Change Anything?

I thought that we would follow up the last post with an update on the proposed Cabinet and government reshuffle by President Morsi; however, those changes have yet to be made, or at least made officially (this latest report says the reshuffle won't happen until next week).  There are several leaked reports of various changes to be made, but some of the young revolutionaries and journalists we follow locally seem to think that President Morsi is using leaked reports to gauge public reaction before making something official.  This may be in keeping with his interview (see embedded video from previous post) in which he stated that the moves would be to garner "public interest".

And this brings us to the focus of this post, a "review" not of the proposed changes, but a review of what's happening in Egypt and even a bit of the possible reasons "why" Egypt is in its current condition.

The Mubarak Family: The Godfathers

The Mubarak family;
 from clubs.calvin.edu via Google images

Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt shrewdly and protected his interests along the way.  His family accumulated wealth along with their good faith from the West, which created an atmosphere of stability but stifled creativity and the possibilities of challenging the status quo.  Change in leadership in Mubarak's plans were not going to come from outside of his circle, but only in a generational passing of the baton to his sons.  Despite all the anger and accusations directed at the Mubarak family during the revolution, there is a growing sentimentality that those years of their leadership--even if it was as corrupt as alleged in various charges against he and his sons--those may have been "the good ole days".

The Muslim Brotherhood: The Political Machine

pic by Jonathan Rashad (c)2012, via Google images

President Morsi benefited from the political machine that is the Muslim Brotherhood.  Under Mubarak, the Brotherhood were viewed as threats and were given enough opportunity to gain experience in the political process, but no real experience with political power.  They learned how to create grass roots campaigns and established networks throughout the country in hopes of winning elections; but even in the elections that were won, the opportunity for leading was diminished under Mubarak.  After the revolution, the MB were easily the most prepared to take advantage of free elections; and the results proved it as they won nearly half of the seats in the now disbanded Parliament along with the Presidency, despite declining favor by the time of that election.  They are now leading as they learned under Mubarak: promote from within and deny the opposition.  Though the MB have tons of experience in campaigning, they have little experience in leading--and it has been showing--even in the proposed reshuffling, it's a matter of gauging "public interest" like it was an opinion poll leading up to an election.
    We hear all sorts of negative press--the name "Muslim Brotherhood" illicits such fear out of the west.  Yet, for all of their inexperience, the MB may still be the most stable option Egypt has in the short-term, which may be why the West have been so patient with Egypt--an upheaval in their leadership, a second revolution, could create an unpredictable political vacuum with an even more bleak or uncertain future. Some of the people we meet and interact with in Egypt wonder why we are not more negative and condemning of the Brotherhood or President Morsi--they think that we have some naive, misinformed understanding.  We think, "Who knows? The President may prove to make some good decisions and be able to lead the country in a positive direction.  But he's not being given much of a chance."  Constant demonstrations and protests are the path to revolution, not cooperation--and if Egypt is going to be able to move forward with the plurality of backgrounds and ideas, there has to be some move to stop chanting against each other and start talking together.  No one can lead when people are unwilling to follow.

The Revolutionaries: Social Networkers

In this amazing, in-depth article, author Maha Abdelrahman explains that all the revolutionaries that led to the ouster of President Mubarak were not only unprepared for the possibility of power, the idea of being in-power wasn't even on their list of goals.  Instead, they were so busy advocating for changes along lines of social networks, horizontal thinking in the short term.  The possibility that the changes could come so dramatically and require that they be involved with some sort of organizational plan and direction, vertical thinking, may have never occurred to them.  In post-revolution, current-MB-led Egypt, you now have all these groups trying to figure out if they want to be involved, how to be involved, and how to evolve their horizontal thinking into vertical thinking--how to go from leaderless networks into promoting leader(s) with vision and plans.  In the meanwhile, they're well behind the MB who have decades of experience on these matters, and the only mobilization they've been able to muster is in the near weekly protests.

The Economy: Tick, Tick, Tick...

from blouinnews.com via Google images

Abigail Hauslohner's Washington Post article details the increasing grim realities in Egypt:

• diesel shortage & wheat shortages
• declining value of the pound and presumed decrease of federal reserves
• all leading to increased "black market" activity, and decreasing consumer, business, and international confidence

   Diesel lines are staggering--traffic is usually blocked within a kilometer of each possible fuel station as cars and trucks line up, bumper to bumper, three lanes wide hoping to get a rationing of the fuel to transport their goods and services.  As stated in the article, the time of these individuals is just as valuable, and so they will seek the fuel elsewhere even if it means paying higher prices on the "black market".

   Wheat shortages are creating fear as the bulk of the population survives on the cheap bread they are able to buy from local bakers.  These bakers are able to make the cheap bread due to government subsidies.  But their fears grow as the wheat supply decreases.  Throw in the possibility of curbing subsidies (and raising taxes) to garner the loan from the International Monetary Fund, and you have a recipe for dread in the form of potential "bread riots".

   Hauslohner's article is largely about the increased "black markets" (note, there's a great set of pictures in this article)--but the "black markets" are not just for fuel and food, but for currency itself.  Consumer and business confidence is so poor that everyone is seeking to trade in Egyptian Pounds for the US dollar.  We ourselves have seen signs in local businesses willing to give a greater rate of exchange than the banks; we have also heard of increased difficulty due to changing bank policies about exchanging Pounds for Dollars or Euros--policies that include limits, a lot of paperwork, and delaying transactions over several days.

So, this is where we are in Egypt--there is a growing uncertainty in the minds of people that we talk to, yet there is also a "business as usual" approach to each day.  Some, as this hotel worker quoted in the Washington post article, are not very optimistic, “We have two to six months before the whole thing collapses. It’s going to happen. There is no way out of it.”

Yet we remain hopeful, even if it is a rough road ahead.

Pray for Egypt...

Preview: Will Changes Change Anything?

Two years after the revolution that led to the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, the changes in Egypt have been less than stellar.  Unemployment is high, unrest is higher; tourism is way down while the value of the Egyptian pound falls even lower.

Nearly a year after the election of President Mohamed Morsi, demonstrations demanding changes continue nearly every weekend.  Each demonstration brings crowds of supporters of the "cause of the week" and simultaneously attracts their opponents--usually, this leads to clashes between opposite opinions, and when the police or security forces attempt to intervene, the protestors usually end up fighting them.

Case in point, this weekend there were announced demonstrations at the Court of Cassation and

Prosecutor's offices; according to a US Embassy caution email, these were to be held by Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups who were opposing a recent court decision that recommended the release of former leader Mubarak.  Usually, Friday gatherings start after the "1:00" prayers; however, the gathering began early Friday morning and was loud enough for me to hear the chants within the St. Andrews United Church of Cairo nearly a block away before their morning worship at 10:00 am.  After the service, I walked past the Metro stop to take a look and the picture here and a video I posted on Twitter.  Within hours, opposition groups joined those gathering and then the clashes broke out--rocks, bottles, and fists flew as property was damaged and order dissolved.  When security forces attempted to restrain and restore order, the demonstrators attacked them.  According to this article, 39 were arrested (for destruction of property, terrorizing citizens, etc.) and dozens had injuries requiring hospital attention.

This is not indicative of a country heading in a positive direction.

It's events like this that have led President Morsi to announce a "Cabinet Reshuffle"; Al Jazeera news conducted an interview with President Morsi about these plans, and here is part of that video:

As stated, it is uncertain which Cabinet posts and governors will be replaced, but this article from Egypt Independent cites, "A senior government source had previously said a Cabinet reshuffle would be announced soon, changing five ministers, including Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim, Culture Minister Saber Arab, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Omar Salem and Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky, in addition to 10 governors..."

But the question remains whether or not these changes will in fact change anything.

A major problem arising out of post-revolution Egypt--and this appears to be a growing problem in a variety of national contexts--is the idea that a new government can make all things new.  When a new president, new parliament, new cabinet, new set of judges, etc don't bring the desired changes to society, order, entitlements, economy or whatever, then it's time for another revolution to overthrow and install someone else new.  Not only is there a deficit in willingness to respect and debate differences of opinion, to work together, and to compromise, there is a larger deficit: that fundamentally, "change begins with me."

Every citizen has to begin to not only respect one another, but to respect authority--order within society has to begin with a sense of personal responsibility and respect for those around you.  Disorder is the result of everyone looking out for only themselves or for those that think like them.

The government does obviously play a role in recovery and reform--but not without the patience and participation of the people.

We'll add a post ("Review: Will Changes Change Anything?") in the next day or so when President Morsi announces the Cabinet changes and the initial responses.

Pray for Egypt...

Seasons of Change

It's been busy since Spring Break, and we've been missing Spring Break!

This year, we've enjoyed a "spring" season.  The weather has been cooler for longer into this calendar year, which has been wonderful.  There have been several hot days (upper 80's and low 90's), but for the most part, we've been enjoying weather in the 70's for a couple of months.  The trees and flowers have been increasing in blooms of just about every shade of color, and there has often been a steady, cool breeze--of course, we've also had days where the breeze is just strong wind, creating dust and sandstorms that not only ruin air quality but your sinuses along with it!

While the seasons are changing, there continues to be change in the air in other areas of Egypt, as well.
Though, in the headlines, nothing seems to be changing:

• The courts continue to make rulings that seem to be applauded and simultaneously ignored.
• The government continues without a Parliament, and elections don't appear that they will happen until "fall" (probably, October).
• The Egyptian Pound continues to lose value against the US dollar and other currencies, while there are continuing talks with various nations and the IMF for potential loans.
• Former leader Hosni Mubarak continues to be on trial, verdicts vary, but he still remains in custody.
• Various continuing clashes of a religious nature take place across the country between Christians and Muslims, and then seem to be forgotten; with the exception of the recent clashes at the Coptic headquarters earlier this month--that got a lot of press and outrage for a little longer, but even that seems to have blown over.

But there are continuing winds of change in the hearts and minds of Egyptians--there seem to be less outlets to facilitate or even express this change, but there is a growing boldness and improving articulation of these changes of thought.  As we've recently posted/tweeted, the ongoing saga of the Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef's charges for insulting Islam and the President have raised questions and statements regarding the desire for freedom of expression, and freedom from persecution for differing opinions.  This saga continues as court dates loom in the future--stay tuned.

Perhaps the best indication of the seasons of change in regards to personal freedoms is through a new article that I read tonight; I immediately tweeted out the link, and it's led me to reference it here on the blog.  The article, "None of Your Business" references the Egyptian policies of documenting your religion on ID cards and other government documents, and the growing (changing) perspective in regards to matters of religion and marital status.  If you are interested in what's happening in the Middle East and specifically Egypt, I encourage you to read this opinion piece and how one young lady and others like her are having a change of mind--and they don't think it's any of your or their government's business.

Hopefully I will have a chance to update various other Egyptian news events--either I've been too busy, or the events seem to happen and resolve so quickly that I'm not having an opportunity to fill you in, or both!

Pray for Egypt...

Another Week, Another Country

Mt. Kilanjaro was a part of
Grace's daily scenery for a week!

Grace recently returned from a wonderful week in Tanzania for her school's "Week Without Walls" program.  None of us had been able to travel beyond Egypt further into Africa, and neither had any of us ever travelled south of the Equator, so this was quite an opportunity and experience.  We were so blessed by her excitement and stories once she returned, and we loved seeing the beauty and culture she witnessed in another country.  She and a group of classmates served the students of "Second Chance" school through physical labor, tutoring, and companionship.

spoiled on spring break

Once she came back, our family spent Spring Break together down at El Gouna, where we vacationed last summer--this time, rather than staying in a hotel, a friend allowed us to stay in their villa there.  Free lodging in a sea-side resort--AWESOME!  We had a great time, blessed by the change of scenery and peaceful surroundings that are so foreign compared to the noise and pace of Cairo.  We got to go snorkeling in the Red Sea again, and just took it easy.

Now, Grace is preparing to travel again after just a couple of days back in school.  Grace made the jv softball team, and they have a set of games against an international school in Kuwait next weekend--I know, Kuwait!  Simply surreal.

She'll be traveling with the team, staying in homes of the host team's players, and playing a few games, and then it's hop back on the plane for the return trip.

It's a quick trip, but she's keeping her passport in good use with all this travel.  She shouldn't be going anywhere after this for awhile.

Zeke and Keli have gotten to travel to Lebanon at different times.  Though Titus has traveled within Egypt, he has yet to leave Egypt since arriving with us 15 months ago.  He's ready to see more of the world--he may get to go with me to Budapest, Hungary when I travel there in July.

Pray for Grace's safety during this upcoming, quick trip to Kuwait--and pray for more "eye-opening" experiences that will continue to shape her heart for things to come.

No Laughing Matter CONTINUES

Bassem Youssef pushed through fans to enter courthouse

On April 1, I posted "No Laughing Matter," chronicling the recent charges filed against Bassem Youssef, "the Egyptian Jon Stewart" (Stewart is a popular US comedian and host of the political satire, "The Daily Show").

Bassem Youssef, formerly a heart surgeon who began by making political satire YouTube videos from his flat, is host of a similar political satire/comedy show here in Egypt and has grown in popularity enormously since the revolution. Bassem was charged with crimes of insulting the President, Islam, and potentially (varying reports) contributing to an environment of unrest. The summons to face the charges led to a mob of supporters outside of the court, and a series of articles, tweets, blogs, and international media responding--including John Stewart himself on a recent episode.

Stewart's 10 minute clip was posted and recirculated via YouTube by many--Viacomm, who has rights to the program, was able to bring down all the links within a day, but not before the links were reposted on Facebook, Twitter, and various blogs. We ourselves sent out a link via Twitter, which are automatically posted on our Facebook account. (Thanks to our friend Jacob who gave us the links to the Daily Show's website who still have the clip available: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-april-1-2013/morsi--viva-hate----egyptian-democracy ).

Apparently, Stewart's little segment was not only tweeted by 20-somethings (and us), but also in a RT (retweet) by the official US Embassy in Cairo. This led to an international set of responses from the US State Department, the Cairo Embassy, and the Egyptian government, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the Muslim Brotherhood--beginning through their Twitter accounts and continuing in other means. Here's an interesting article, first seen in a Tweet by Tahrir Squared, on the whole international incident.

Though I'm sure it will all be sorted out without too much further incident, it is a unique situation in which social media has had international political implications. As social media is used increasingly by governments, it seems that there has to be growing stacks of policy & procedure manuals on what to do, what not to do, and what to do when the policies and procedures are blown! The older, officials and policymakers in international affairs are likely outsourcing a lot of this "new wave, tech savvy" stuff to younger interns and staff members who do not necessarily have the years of experience in diplomacy to handle such popular, and potentially volatile means of communication--and, the appropriate disclaimers themselves cannot possibly fit in "140 characters or less", much less the retractions that may be necessary to prevent international incidents.

Think before you tweet, follow, like, or post!

Pray for Egypt...

No Laughing Matter

It's April 1st--April Fools Day--and as pranks are played, jokes are told, and the hijinks unfold around the globe, you may not find anyone laughing in Egypt.

Over the past few weeks, the government's prosecutor has been calling in anyone suspected of spreading negative information and spurring on continuing protests/demonstrations, vandalism, and even violence.  Leaders of various political opposition groups have faced charges levied against them for inciting such public disturbances, but the ongoing unrest not only continues, it seems to be increasing.

This past weekend, various individuals were brought in on new charges for using media to contribute to unrest.  Bloggers, Tweeters, journalist, and even a hugely popular political satirist from television were summoned to the high court.



There are many who are challenging and even outraged at what has been called a violation of their new freedoms of speech.  President Morsi and the national government are finding it difficult to look like they're taking the high ground--yet, the high ground is shrinking fast in Egypt.

The current political, social, and economic condition is no laughing matter, the future seems even more bleak.

With such difficult circumstances, might even the freedom of free speech be enabling the overwhelming feelings of negativity that perpetuate the cycles of unrest and violence?

Pray for Egypt...