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Watani Francophone Sunday
23 July 2006
Editor-in-chief Managing Editor 16 Abib 1722
Youssef Sidhom Samia Sidhom 28 Gamad al-Akhar 1427
YEAR 6
ISSUE 284
Page 5 - 6
Editorial
Problems on hold
Postponed Old ties
yet again
Youssef Sidhom
A second consecutive parliamentary round
has expired without considering the proposal
for a unified law for places of worship. If ap-
proved, such a law should put an end to current
discriminatory legislation as regards the build-
ing and restoration of places of worship for
Muslim and non-Muslim Egyptians. The draft
law was proposed by MP Mohammed Guweili
in May 2005 and approved by the Proposals
Committee, a preliminary step for referring it to
Parliament. Yet the constitutional amendment
which allowed for the first ever multi-candidate
presidential elections in Egypt, and the sub-
sequent presidential and legislative elections in
September and December 2005 pushed the draft
unified law for places of worship into the
shade; the parliamentary round ended and the
draft law was not discussed.
When the new parliamentary round began in
December 2005, MP Guweili said he was deter-
mined to cast the draft law for discussion, but to
no avail. The status quo thus prevails; Coptic
issues—some of which are directly related to the
issue of citizenship rights—are shoved to the
bottom of the list of priorities of Parliament and
civil society institutions. No matter that problems
on this front get more compounded with the
passage of time. Ignoring necessary legislative
changes concerning Copts reflects a disgraceful Clockwise
disregard of Coptic needs in terms of legislation, To mark Independence Day on 4 July, the Mary Fikry light on the long history of Egyptian- from above:
cases in point being the long-shelved laws con- The Egyptian
cerning personal status affairs for Christians and US embassy in Cairo held its annual celebra- American relations. These go back to 1870
tion at the embassy building in Cairo. As usu- when American soldiers served in the army obelisk in a
the registration of clerical vestments as official
al, the event was attended by Egyptian luminaries of Khedive Ismaïl. The photos came from the collec- z
horiz ontal po-
clerical attire. I find no plausible justification for
such indifference, especially in view of the host of from all domains, as well as international figures in tions of the Library of Congress, the archives of sition ready
comparatively insignificant and less urgent laws Cairo. This year’s festivities however, included a the American Embassy in Cairo and the Amer- for shipment
passed by Parliament throughout the last round. from Alexan-
Ignoring the need for laws such as the three unique event: a photography exhibition showcasing ican University in Cairo, the US Agency for In-
US Egyptian relationships since its earliest days. ternational Aid, the museum of the Oriental In- dria to New
mentioned above creates a volatile situation
threatening to explode any minute. The exhibition was the brainchild of US am- stitute in Chicago, and the American Research York in 1880;
I will not despair of tackling the question of bassador Francis Ricciardoni who wished to shed Centre in Egypt. Alfred Hitch-
Coptic legislative concerns as I pin hopes upon cock and his
the coming parliamentary round to put an end to wife at the pyr-
some long-lived Copts’ grievances. The following amids and the
cases stress the crucial need for legislative reform.
The church of Anba Barsoum al-Erian in the sphinx in 1955; poster of
village of Arabat Abu-Aziz in Sohag, Upper archaeologist George Reis-
Egypt was built in 1922. The mud brick church ner who worked on excava-
walls and the timber roof are already cracking and tions in Giza in 1907-1909;
disintegrating, and the toilets and other facilities Presidents Sadat, Carter,
are in a deplorable state. The church needs to be
rebuilt, enlarged and provided with utilities to and Begin after signing the
meet the needs of a congregation which has Camp David accords in
massively grown over more than 80 years. Al- 1979; President Carter and
though the area surrounding the church is wide his wife, Henry Kissinger,
enough for the needed expansion, it is deplorable and Gerald Ford leave Air
that some officials are actively hindering the ap-
provals required. The appalling state of the church Force 1 in Cairo airport to
now threatens of a collapse that could claim the attend Anwar al-Sadat’s
lives of anyone whose ill-luck places in the vicin- funeral in 1981.
ity of the building.
The church of Mar-Girgis (St George) in Sohag
was built at around the same time and in the same
style as Anba Barsoum al-Erian’s, and its building
and utilities today suffer from similar problems.
Mar-Girgis also suffers similar problems when it
comes to acquiring the necessary approvals for re-
pairs. Obviously, the presidential decrees aiming
at facilitating the rebuilding and restoration of
churches have been emptied of their content by
the very ‘authorities concerned’ mentioned there-
in and charged with executing these decrees.
If you please, Mr President
The church of the Holy Virgin in the village of
Sheikh Youssef, Maragha, in Sohag governorate Many journalists were overjoyed earlier this month when Maged Samir Patriarchal authority
is well known to the local building officials of the Egyptian parliament passed a new press law which an- All throughout Egyptian history—since its ancient beg-
Maragha, since they issued an official report in nulled custodial sentences against journalists in most publica- Sameh Samy innings—destiny was usually determined by the ruler. At
April 2006 declaring its state as life-threatening. tion offences, and stipulated fines instead. The new law had home, at work, and especially in relation to the ruling author-
However, no restoration permit was issued bec- been hotly debated for several weeks, with many in the the US president. Her teachers considered this to be beyond ity, Egyptians are used to living under authoritarian regimes,
ause the report was sent to the superintendent of government and the ruling National Democratic Party strong- the scope of the topic, and thus gave her a failing mark. whether the person in authority is the ruler, supervisor or
Maragha police station for approval, and only ly opposing the annulment of custodial sentences. At the last Furthermore, in accordance with a regulation which stipulates father. This culture places a person in a predetermined mould
God knows what he has to do with building per- minute President Mubarak intervened, in response to an ap- that use of indecent language in an exam answer sheet dis- out of which it is difficult to emerge, since it is governed by
mits. But then the police station is an element of peal by the head of the Journalists’ Syndicate Galal Aref, and qualifies the student from all exams of that scholastic year, inherited cultural and social constraints. The culture of pat-
the security apparatus which could possibly have Parliament passed the new law dropping prison penalties for Alaa’ was disqualified. Alaa’ and her parents succeeded in riarchal authority allows the ruler to put aside the rule of law
been meant by the ‘authorities concerned’ cited in publication offences. Widespread rejoicing ensued, with cries capturing the media’s attention, and insisted that she had been and the Constitution, and to govern ad libitum or as he sees
the last presidential decree issued in December of "You have lived up to our expectations, Mr President." denied freedom of expression. In response to a plea from fit. The only period in Egypt’s history during which the
2005 to facilitate church rebuilding and restora- Alaa’s father, President Mubarak demanded that Alaa’s dis- country came close to democratic practice was the 1930s and
tion. I would like to remind readers that we had Freedom of expression? qualification be repealed, and her Arabic exam re-marked. 1940s, but full-fledged democracy never materialised.
been wary of the ability of such ‘authorities Obviously, Mr Aref knew well who to turn to.
concerned’ to render the decree impotent. Some two weeks earlier, Egypt was all in an uproar about a A sham When?
The unified law for building places of worship is young girl in the first year of secondary school, Alaa’ Farag, So must the president intervene? Opposition papers have re- The self-evident question is: Will the president intervene
obviously the only answer to all problems such as who had failed her Arabic examination because she criticised marked that once the president intervenes to solve a problem, in the near future to solve the crises of the independence of
those mentioned above, since it explicitly states the government in the composition test in which students he is widely praised by State media. Moreover, many who the judiciary? Or to push through Parliament the unified
that: "all issues concerning the demolishing, were required to write on desert development. Alaa’ wrote on had initially been against the solution suddenly endorse it law for building places of worship? Maybe the more
building, restoration and renovation of places of the government’s efforts and the role of young people in this strongly. But, according to opposition papers, such a situation pertinent question is: When will the Egyptian president’s
worship should be governed by law 106 of 1976, respect, as well as the problems they face, then proceeded to warrants no applause; it is an indication that democracy is a voice be no higher than or his decisions carry more weight
known as the law regulating building works." criticise the government and condemn Egyptian-US ties and sham and authority is concentrated in the president’s hands. than that of the people and their elected parliament?
Mortgage happy EU finance brought about by a sustained wave of Japanese water aid Column and ram
N The World Bank (WB) has approved a $37.1
million loan to Egypt, in support of the
The Euro-Mediterranean Committee has
approved the 2005 national financing plan for
drought. A consignment of 115 tons of rice
were sent in cooperation with World Food
Japan has granted assistance to upgrade
the Mahala al-Kubra water treatment plant
Earlier this month, a new ram statue was
found to complement those remaining from the
E Mortgage Finance Project financed by the
International Bank for Reconstruction and
Egypt at a total of 110 million Euros. The
plan includes financing the Water Sector
Programme and the Egyptian Foreign
Ministry’s Fund for Cooperation with African
at the cost of ¥2,400,000,000, equivalent to
LE120 million. The project will directly
ancient Avenue of the Rams—the pathway
flanked on both sides with ram statues—which
Countries.
W Development. The project is among the Egyp-
tian government’s efforts for macroeconomic
Reform Programme at 80 million Euros, the
Support to the Association Agreement
Gifts to Alexandrina
benefit some 600,000 residents of the area
by 2010, securing a sufficient supply of
used to run from Karnak to Luxor temples in
ancient Thebes. The ram was discovered
and structural reform and modernisation of the programme, which serves to upgrade the in- safe water. during work to reduce the groundwater level at
S financial sector. It aims at enabling primary
lenders to provide finance for mortgage loans.
stitutional capacity of the Egyptian admin-
istration through institutional twinning
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has lately
received a gift of 500 books from the Gen- Malaysian investment
Karnak and Luxor temples. On another front,
six lines of ancient Greek inscription were
L By supporting the development of the Egyptian
Company for Mortgage Refinancing into a
mechanisms, at 25 million Euros, and the
Democratisation, Human Rights, Civil So-
eral Egyptian Books Organisation, as well as
another valuable collection from the Family
Library. The collection includes a book
The Malaysian state-owned oil company
Petronas has announced plans to step up in-
vestments in oil and gas projects in Egypt.
discovered on a 50cm-long stone column at
the site of Pompei’s pillar in Alexandria.
well-functioning, financially sustainable, mar- ciety and Good Governance programme at Initial studies show that the inscription dates
I ket-based institution, the project will strengthen
the regulatory and institutional framework of
five million Euros. entitled The Egyptian Army in Pre-historic
Ages, books on history, geography of the
The plan calls for developing existing oil and
gas fields, and expanding projects of liq-
back to the ninthth year of Roman Emperor
Marcus Aurelius’ rule. Pompei Column is a
N the mortgage market. It will alleviate existing
constraints on reliable, easy and quick registra-
Aid to Niger
Egypt has extended food aid to Niger within
Nile, Coptic and Islamic monuments, global-
isation, education, and poetry volumes, as
uefying and exporting natural gas in Edko,
north Delta. Petronas is currently prospecting
25m-tall red Aswan granite column with a
circumference of 9m. It was constructed in
the framework of international efforts to help well as an index of Ottoman books published for oil in four sites in Egypt’s Western
E tion and transfer of property titles and mortgage
liens for homeowners and mortgage lenders. the people of Niger through the famine in all literary arts and scientific fields. Desert.
honour of the Emperor Diocletian, and is the
tallest ancient monument in Alexandria.
Published by Watani Printing and Publishing Corporation 27, Abdel Khaleq Tharwat st. Cairo – Egypt Tel. 202-3927201, 202-3936051 Fax 202-3935946 Website: www.watani.com.eg E-Mail: watanie@watani.com.eg
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22.
2 Watani International 23 July 2006
The Coptophile Column Life of Antony by Saint Athanasius
By John H. Watson An Essential Addition to World School Curriculums, National
From the centre of the capital of
Reading Campaigns, and the Coptic World Sunday Schools
France there are thirteen métro lines in a row on 27 August 2005 at Arch-
serving the city, a number identifies By Saad Michael Saad angel Michael Church in Santa Anna,
each line. The Paris Métro line California. Information for the con-
Number 7 bounces gently from ‘La During his third exile (356-361), test were posted at the Diocese
Courneuve 8 Mai 1945’ down to the which brought him to the peak of his website: www.lacopts.org under the
‘Pont Marie’ and south to ‘VilleJuif literary career, Pope Athanasius the Youth Ministry tab. A PDF and a
Léo Lagrange.’ The line is marked Apostolic (328-373) wrote the book, Word Document versions of the Life
on the métro map in pink. Here on Life of Antony. It was in 357 AD, the of Antony were posted at the website
the edge of Paris, but certainly not subsequent year of the departure of and could be downloaded.
far from the city centre, is the Rue his mentor St. Antony. Hidden by the If you are deeply in love with the
Maxim Gorky at VilleJuif (lit. A Jew- monks in the desert of Egypt, St. Life of Antony and believe in the ben-
ish Town). Perhaps it will be known Athanasius filled the book with efits of contests in general, how
one day as VilleCopte? Coptic spirituality and made it a greatly you will rejoice when both
Any visitor looking for the church The Archangel Michael and St. George Coptic Orthodox Church on model of hagiography. book and contest join together in Los
might imagine that it would be very the Rue Maxim Gorky at VilleJuif on the edge of Paris. Will VilleJuif St. Athanasius wrote this biography Angeles, California last year and in
difficult to find. In fact the Resurrec- be known one day as VilleCopte? and many other books in Greek, the other places of the world in years to
tion Façade stands out on the main global language in use at this time. come!
road, being sixty square metres in is one of the finest pastors in Europe. The book was translated to Latin and Imagine the dynamics if this book S. M. Saad is a frequent contribu-
size. Cairo Museum of Modern Art, at Coptic immediately after. is adopted in summer contests for the tor to theological discussions on
An earlier image of The Flight into churches in Damanhour, Akhmim, The writer of The Coptophile Col- Athanasius’ vision for writing the youth. It will stimulate their conver- Middle Eastern politics and cul-
Egypt is portrayed on the front of the Alexandria, Beheira and in a number umn did not produce all the photo- book and in using Greek was to make sations and raise their discussions to tures. He has been on the Visit-
church and the lettering, affirming the of other Coptic Orthodox churches graphs of the Coptic Orthodox Antony’s role model accessible to a refined spiritual level of communi- ing Committee of the University
dedication to the Archangel Michael in his homeland. Church in VilleJuif but his wife did. different populations of the world. cation. It will constitute a real life ex- of Chicago Divinity School
Icons in churches abroad include Surely more space is needed for her The beneficial effect targeted by ample of whom they can be joyful and (1993-99) where he received an
photographs than for the words. But Athanasius reached its goal and went proud in the Lord. MA in 1987. He is now on the
it was in looking at the mosaics that beyond: monastic life spread all over Board of Visitors of the
prayer came most speedily alive. Europe, Asia and Africa. The read- *** Claremont Graduate University
We may look at the Resurrection ing of this masterpiece of Christian The Life of Antony is one of, if not School of Religion. He was Ad-
in VilleJuif but perhaps it is more literature resulted in life changing ex- the, greatest Coptic legacy that was junct Professor of Electrical En-
important for the mosaic icon to look periences around the world. In his ever produced. This is why it deserves gineering at the University of Il-
at us. Let the icon of God Incarnate, Confessions, Augustine declared to be the subject for academic stud- linois at Chicago (1985-96), and
raised from the grave, beyond himself a convert to the life of right- ies, national reading programs, and was named Fellow IEEE in 1997.
Calvary and standing there, speak to eousness by reading this book. He Sunday School programs. Let youth
us as the very large-eyed person who and many could visually see the spir- contests be worthy of it as well.
holds our attention. itual content of the Gospels in action In addition, the Life of Antony is erend Dr. John Watson in his
It is not difficult to look into His and in tangible measures applied in one of the greatest products of Chris- Coptophile Column (Watani, 25
eyes and to tell Him that you love the life of Antony, starting with his tian literature. In fact, when the West January 2004) or my Arabic article
Him; that you are sorry for offend- positive response to the call (in Mat- discovered the precious and rare value (Watani, 7 December 2003) at the
ing His love for all mankind; how thew 19:21), “If you want to be per- of this masterpiece, it was immedi- time of the book publication. At cer-
much you may enjoy the company fect, go sell what you have and give ately translated from the original tain times, the book was available at
of Michael and George; how you to the poor, and you will have treas- Greek to Latin and later on to other www.amazon.com and www.bn.com
The Resurrection Façade is prominent on the main road in may pray before His eyes for the de- ure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” languages as well. at three times the price of the new
VilleJuif. Fr. John Watson (left) speaks with artist Adel Nassief ceased and for our living loved ones; You can find it in church bookstores copy when published in 2003. How-
whose works can be seen in eight countries. Nassief for the world and its all its pain, and, Being biographical and scholarly in of many denominations around the ever, a second printing is now avail-
(www.adelnassief.net) has become a major figure in Coptic iconog- perhaps above all, that His will may nature, the Life of Antony is appro- world; except most Coptic bookstores able.
raphy. be done on earth. priate to be included in the curricu- in the diaspora which sadly and ironi-
The images on the walls are alive. lums of subjects such as languages, cally are unaware of their own treas- Despite its depth of meaning and
___ literature, history, anthropology, in- ure: a Coptic book by a world famous the high theological caliber of its au-
works in the Church of the Blessed The Revd. Dr. John H. Watson is an ternational studies, or religious stud- Coptic Pope about the Coptic father thor, the Life of Antony is written in a
and St. George, is clearly visible three ies at the high school and col- simple style and is intriguing to
hundred yards away. Two full mosaic Virgin Mary, Amsterdam (1991), St. Anglican priest who lives in Dorset,
Demiana, Utrecht (2001), Africa lege levels whether in Egypt, many audiences, from high
icons of pi-Archangellos Mikhail and UK, and has been writing the fort- In response to the Arabic version of this
(1995), Mar Boulos, Stockholm, the Arab World, the Islamic school students to advanced
Anba Guirgis are very large, stand- nightly Coptophile Column for article (Watani, 24 July 2005), Dr. Laila
Sweden (1996), and Amba Moussa World, the West or the East. scholars. True, Athanasius is
ing each side of the icon of The Flight Watani International since 2002. He Fares (of the Biblical Institute in Florida)
This inclusion in the public cur- acclaimed as one of the greatest
into Egypt. riculums can be applied in the wrote: theologians ever risen, but in
The main tower rises high above appropriate context and mission “May God realize your beautiful dream. this book he uses simple lan-
the building. Of course, there is much for use with each program to fit Its implementation should not be in Egyp- guage rather than complex logic
work to be completed, and the inte- its own goals. The English ver- tian schools only, but needs to take place to reach great theological and
rior of the church is very far from sion can be taught at the Coptic today in France, UK, USA and certainly spiritual depths. Every Coptic
completion, but it was obvious, even Seminary in Los Angeles in a many other places. Christianity is not only home should have a copy of this
to French workers at the local garage, course on youth ministry, while excluded in Egyptian school systems but gateway to understanding the
that the exterior is magnificent, an- the Arabic version can be taught banned here in American public schools as essence of Coptic Spirituality.
cient and modern, and that it is at Al Azhar University in Cairo well.” As for the dear homeland
strongly approved of by the local in a course on comparative re- Egypt, isn’t a book written by a
people. Even a handful of Muslims ligion. Yet at the University of great Egyptian author and a bi-
told me that they admired the new Toronto, they are considering the of world monasticism. How many ography of a great Egyptian person-
church on the Rue Maxim Gorky. Coptic version of this book for their Copts even know that the book ex- ality worthy of an acknowledgement
Coptic Orthodoxy has established it- offering of Coptic literature (Watani ists? and adoption in Egyptian schools?
self on this roadway. International, 9 July 2006). My generation was fortunate to The logic is underscored by the fact
have an Arabic translation from Eng- that both Antony and Athanasius
The Copts of France must be satis- In addition to formal education, as lish by the blessed and most have acquired the highest universal
fied with the work of Adel Nassief, a Two full mosaic icons of pi-Archangellos Mikhail and Anba Guirgis literacy reading programs encourage honorable priest, theologian and re- respect and admiration of the whole
major figure in Coptic Iconography standing on each side of the icon of The Flight into Egypt make a reading all over the world and fight former, Fr. Marcos Daoud (1897- world for seventeen centuries long.
who was born 20 October 1962 in spiritually inspiring exterior of the church in VilleJuif. illiteracy and ignorance, the Life of 1986). The book was published by the Some may say this is an impossible
Beheira Governorate and graduated Antony would make an excellent ad- Society of Friends of the Holy Bible dream. However, while it is difficult
as a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Alexan- dition for those programs. For exam- in 1950. to implement in Egypt, let us remem-
dria in 1985 (Watani 13 June 2004. at St George, Tampa, Florida, USA is the author of several books includ- ple, it could be used in the al-Kira’a The book was translated from ber the saying, “the impossible just
14 August 2005). (2002). The Coptic iconographer has ing Among the Copts (2000), Chris- lel Gami’e (Reading For All) cam- Greek and Latin to English several takes a little longer.”
The works of Adel Nassief worked closely with the congregation tians Observed: Narratives for To- paign in Egypt or the Florida Read times and even included in the vol- Yet there are real benefits to Egypt
(www.adelnassief.net) can be seen in in VilleJuif and with their parish day’s Church (2004), and Listening campaign in Florida! ume of Nicene and Post Nicene Fa- in including this piece of her herit-
the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, The priest Fr. Moussa Amba Bishoi who to Islam (2005). Competitions that test educational thers. A Copyright permission is gen- age in the education of her children.
content present the advantage of erously granted free for those who Would not Egypt gain worldwide re-
gearing human powers towards an wish to make electronic copies (for spect by honoring her own? Wouldn’t
Watani International Athanasius of Alexandria, Life of Antony edifying work that builds both the non commercial use). Coptic websites such a book be worth implementing
contest members and the human so- can make it available for readers. in the public and private high school
Page 2 Editor The Coptic Life and The Greek Life ciety. curriculums? Wouldn’t such a book
Saad Michael Saad Contests offer also the advantage As mentioned earlier, the Life of be worth printing and publishing in
Translated by Tim Vivian and Apostolos N. Athanassakis of bonding the participants in an ex- Antony was translated to Coptic in the order to be available to all Egyptians
Page 3 Editor perience of spiritual belonging, cul- forth century. The significance of the and Arabic language readers in gen-
tural exchange, personal strength, Coptic translation comes from its us- eral?
Adel Guindy with Rowan A. Greer; righteous thinking, healthy souls, and age of the same vocabulary that St. Isn’t such a book more worthy than
Preface by Benedicta help build communities, patriotic Antony actually employed in his na- the Djahilliyah (pre-Islamic Igno-
Subscriptions Ward SLG; Foreword
by Archbishop Rowan
pride and a better world. tive language, as he primarily spoke rance period in Arabia) poetry books
Benefits from launching and organ- and wrote in Coptic in his sermons mandated in the Egyptian school cur-
& Advertising Williams. izing contests increase largely in that and communications. riculum? Those poets were not Egyp-
The volume also in- sense when the subjects are carefully For the first time in history, a trans- tians and not Muslims. They have
Subscription rates for one year cludes an Encomium selected and the curriculum contents lation has recently been made from nothing to do with the Egyptian civi-
(52 issues): on Saint Anthony by wisely distributed between local, re- the Coptic to the English language. lization nor that of the world. Many
North America US $ 100 John of Schmun, and gional, national and international en- This great endeavor was made by The other publications in Egyptian
Europe, Africa US $ 90 a Letter to the Disci- tities; starting from the local church Reverend Dr. Tim Vivian, lecturer at schools and in government-spon-
Australia, Far East US $ 120 ples of Antony by to the city districts and ending to California State University, sored books for the public can be
_____________________________
____________________________ Serapion of Thmuis. reach the national and international Bakersfield and author of many books taken as examples of their unworthi-
Kindly complete the form below, Instrumental in the levels. including his recent volume, Words ness compared to this masterpiece,
and send it along with your conversion of many, In the Coptic World alone, this to Live by: Journeys in Ancient and Life of Antony. Is it fair to deprive the
payment in US$ or equivalant, including St. Augus- project may go from the Archangel Modern Egyptian Monasticism. students and the general public from
payable to tine, The Life of Michael Cathedral in Aswan to the Vivian’s translation of Life of such a rich resource?
Antony provided the Coptic Church in Thailand; from the Antony was published first in Coptic The model exemplified and per-
Watani International Pentapolis in North Africa to The Is- Church Review in 1994. Copies ($3 sonified by Antony as described by
14308 Summer Tree Road, model saint’s life and
land of Tasmania in Australia; and each) are available from Society of Athanasius will have the most ben-
Suite G constitutes, in the
from Jerusalem the City of the Savior Coptic Church Studies, P.O. Box 714, eficial influence on communities and
Centreville, VA 20121 words of patristics
to Europe and the Americas. The East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA. societies wherever it is published and
Tel: 571-522-6560 scholar Johannes Coptic presence is being established In 2003 the Cistercian Publications read. It will advance positive
Fax: 571-522-6561 Quasten, “the most by the grace of God in all those presented some of the most beautiful behavioral attitudes and will motivate
Or pay by credit card important document places. and complete edition of Life of Antony people to work, produce, and help
Name on the card: of early monasticism.” Athanasius’ book, Life of Antony, by printing side by side on the oppo- each other. This book is a shared
____________________________
___________________________ Here in one volume perfectly suits the standards and goals site pages the two English precious world resource that should be brought
Card #: _____ _____ _______ are translations of the for such beneficial and uplifting con- translations of the book: the one from to the light everywhere.
Expiration Date: _____________ text in the Greek writ- tests. the Coptic by Tim Vivian and the one ___
Card Type: ˚ Master Card ten by Athanasius from the Greek by Apostolos Believing in the importance of this
˚ Visa ˚ American Express (from the new critical The inspiration for this proposal Athanassakis, Professor at the Uni- topic, Dr. Laila Fares graciously vol-
Address:
edition of G. J. M. came from the Coptic Diocese of Los versity of California, Santa Barbara. unteered to provide this translation
__________________________________
__________________________________ Bartelink) and in the Angeles who actually included the Because of its popularity, this won- from the Arabic original (Watani, 24
__________________________________
__________________________________ Coptic, the language Antony himself spoke. Two short contemporary Coptic Life of Antony in their summer con- derful book went out of print in less July 2005). Quality texts in English,
Telephone:________________ texts further manifest the powerful influence of “the father of monks.” test of 2005 for the spiritual devel- than two years. Many of Watani’s French, and Arabic can be translated
Fax:_______________________ Publisher: www.cistercianpublications.org. ISBN: 978-0-8790-7902-4, opment and education of the youth. readers must have bought the book by contacting:
Paperback, lxvi + 290 pp. The contest was held for the fifth year in response to a review by The Rev- coptictranslation@yahoo.com.
23.
23 July 2006 Watani International 3
Hijacking Democracy After Mumbai
refuse to submit to the principle that one party in prime minister. The caller to an Indian news agency who praised as Lashkar-e-Taieba or the Students Islamic Move-
Thomas L. Friedman the Cabinet cannot drag a whole country into war. The world needs to understand what is going the bombings of Mumbai commuter trains in the ment of India might well have planted the explo-
“Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinians all held on here: The little flowers of democracy that were name of an Al Qaeda branch in Kashmir might sives in the Mumbai commuter trains to derail
When you watch the violence unfolding in the democratic elections,” said the Israeli political planted in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian ter- have been an impostor. But there is no denying those talks.
Middle East today it is easy to feel that you’ve theorist Yaron Ezrahi, “and the Western expecta- ritories are being crushed by the boots of Syrian- that elements of these bombings bear a disturbing Thus far, Indians and their government have re-
been to this movie before and that you know how tion was that these elections would produce legiti- backed Islamist militias who are desperate to keep resemblance to past attacks mounted or inspired acted to the bombings with admirable resiliency
it ends - badly. But we actually have not seen this mate governments that had the power to control real democracy from taking hold in this region by the Al Qaeda network. and sangfroid. Within hours, the trains were run-
movie before. Something new is unfolding, and violence and would assume the burden of respon- and Iranian-backed Islamist militias desperate to For India, it is crucial to determine if Mumbai ning again in Mumbai, and Mumbai had resumed
we’d better understand it. sibility of governing. But what happened in all keep modernism from taking hold. was hit in the same way as New York, Madrid, its vibrant life. India’s Prime Minister Manmohan
What we are seeing in Iraq, the Palestinian ter- three places is that we [produced] governments It may be the skeptics are right: Maybe democ- and London, in pursuance of the same grandiose Singh called for calm, sagely avoiding any temp-
ritories and Lebanon is an effort by Islamist par- which are sovereign only on paper, but not over a racy, while it is the most powerful form of legiti- goals, or by a more parochial local group, perhaps tation to point fingers before the perpetrators could
ties to use elections to pursue their long-term aim territory.” mate government, simply can’t be implemented one of the Kashmir-oriented terrorist outfits origi- be identified. And Pakistan’s foreign ministry is-
of Islamizing the Arab-Muslim world. Then why do parties like Hamas and Hezbollah everywhere. It certainly is never going to work in nating in Pakistan. The planning and operational sued an emphatic denunciation of the train bomb-
This is not a conflict about Palestinian or Leba- get elected? Often because they effectively run the Arab- Muslim world if the United States and sophistication needed to detonate seven bombs ing and of all terrorism. But both nations are en-
nese prisoners in Israel. This is a power struggle against the corruption of the old secular state- con- Britain are alone in pushing it in Iraq, if Europe within 11 minutes at the height of rush hour sug- gaged in stoking separatist or oppositional move-
within Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq over who will trolled parties, noted Ezrahi. But once these Is- dithers on the fence, if the moderate Arabs can- gest a Qaeda-type operation. Even the date, 7/11, ments in each other’s backyard. These operations
call the shots in their newly elected “democratic” lamists are in office they revert to serving their not come together and make a fist, and if Islamist echoes earlier jihadi bombings associated with Al are pursued in shadow by their security services.
governments and whether they will be real de- own factional interests, not those of the broad com- parties are allowed to sit in governments and be Qaeda, as does the selection of a target at the nexus They extend not only to Kashmir but also to Af-
mocracies. munity. treated with respect - while maintaining private of a commercial and transportation system in a ghanistan and the region of Pakistan known as
The tiny militant wing of Hamas today is pull- Boutros Harb, a Christian Lebanese parliamen- armies. great city. Baluchistan. These practices destabilize a large
ing all the strings of Palestinian politics, the Ira- tarian, said: “We must decide who has the right to The whole democracy experiment in the Arab- Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is India’s center for swath of south Asia, and they nourish terrorism.
nian-backed Hezbollah Shiite Islamic party is make decisions on war and peace in Lebanon. Is Muslim world is at stake here, and right now it’s finance and movie-making. The timing of the The best antidote to this syndrome would be a
doing the same in Lebanon, even though it is a that right reserved for the Lebanese people and its going up in smoke. Mumbai attack also coincides with two significant comprehensive peace accord between India and
small minority in the cabinet, and so, too, are the legal institutions, or is the choice in the hands of a _________________ developments in India’s foreign policy. One is the Pakistan. Should it turn out that Al Qaeda was
Iranian- backed Shiite parties and militias in Iraq. small minority of Lebanese people?” The New York Times recent nuclear deal with the Bush administration. behind the Mumbai bombing, the geopolitical ef-
They are not only showing who is boss inside Ditto in the fledgling that is meant to become the cornerstone of a stra- fect could be to accelerate movement toward a
each new democracy, but they are also compet- democracies of Palestine tegic partnership between the world’s two biggest resolution of the 60-year quarrel between India
ing with one another for regional influence. and Iraq. When cabinet pluralistic democracies It would be consistent with and Pakistan. Qaeda leaders have called for the
As a result, the post-9/11 democracy experiment ministers can maintain Osama bin Laden’s concept of a global war against assassination of President Pervez Musharraf of
in the Arab-Muslim world is being hijacked. Yes, their own militias and act non-Muslim “crusader” powers if he were to pun- Pakistan and have tried to kill him at least twice.
basically free and fair elections were held in Leba- outside of state authority, ish India for entering into a strategic alliance with The two nations share a profound interest in re-
non, the Palestinian territories and Iraq. Yes, mil- said Ezrahi, you’re left the United States. The other development that may sisting the tide of jihadi terrorism.
lions turned out to vote because the people of the with a “meaningless ex- have provoked the Mumbai atrocity is an immi- ______________________
Arab- Muslim world really do want to shape their ercise” in democracy/ nent renewal of India-Pakistan peace talks. Based The Boston Globe, editorial
own futures. state building. on their past performances, extremist groups such
But the roots of democracy are so shallow in Why don’t the silent
these places and the moderate majorities so weak majorities punish these
and intimidated that we are getting the worst of elected Islamist parties
all worlds. We are getting Islamist parties who for working against the Look for the Ayatollahs
are elected to power, but who insist on maintain- real interests of their peo-
ing their own private militias and refuse to as- It is worth remembering who started it. In both and secure, despite Syria’s undisguised loathing
ple? Because those who
sume all the responsibilities of a sovereign gov- Gaza and Lebanon, the proximate cause of the for its neighbour. Why? Because Syria, as a sov-
speak against Hamas or
ernment. current violence was a terrorist attack on a legally ereign state, will not tolerate uncontrolled mili-
Hezbollah are either
They refuse to let their governments have con- constituted state army. Yes, Israel is over-reacting. tias within its borders. This places it in a different
delegitimized as “Ameri-
trol over all weapons. They refuse to be account- Yes, it is causing collateral damage to the guilt- category from the Palestinian and Lebanese ad-
can lackeys” or just mur-
able to international law (the Lebanese-Israeli bor- less. But this is precisely what the paramilitaries ministrations, whose writ does not run through-
dered, like Rafiq Hariri,
der was ratified by the United Nations), and they intended. out their own territories.
the former Lebanese
Hamas and Hizbollah knew that Israel would Many Israelis believe that their neighbours do
retaliate in strength against the kidnapping of its not really want to crack down on freelance bomb-
servicemen. They were relying on such a reaction ers. But it is as much in Hamas’s interest as Isra-
Preparing for World War III? to turn international opinion against Tel Aviv and el’s to prevent random acts of violence within
strengthen their ascendancy within their commu- Palestine.
Hezbollah has long been Iran’s proxy warrior of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party. “Leba- French military barracks near Beirut, killing 241
nities. Syria and, more especially, Iran use local mili-
against Israel and the West, and its recent attack non,” he said, “is being used by the Iranians as a American and 56 French soldiers.
From an Israeli point of view, things look rather tias as their cat’s-paws. As Dore Gold argues, Te-
may be the opening salvo in a much wider con- front which could be used if the Americans retali- Lebanon should have disarmed Hezbollah in ac-
different. Israel withdrew unilaterally from south- heran is sponsoring terrorist movements on Isra-
flict. Was it in fact Iran’s declaration of war? ate against Iran’s nuclear facilities.” cordance with U.N. Resolution 1559, a 2004
ern Lebanon and the Gaza strip. In both cases, the el’s borders as part of its wider strategy of regional
Back in April we wrote of the possibility that Jumblatt’s statement came after a report that Ira- measure that called on all Lebanese militias to
one thing it asked in return was that the territory it encirclement. As long as the mullahs go un-
Lebanon’s 70-mile frontier with Israel could be nian Revolutionary Guards were deployed at posts disband. But the West, and especially Europe,
vacated would not be used as a launch pad for checked, neither Israel, nor Palestine, nor Leba-
one place that Iran, through its surrogate, along the Israeli border. A senior Israeli Defense could have done more to help.
cross-border attacks. On both fronts, it was let non will be secure.
Hezbollah, retaliates if the U.S. or Israel takes Forces commander told the London Daily Tel- Despite Hezbollah’s history, the European Un-
down. Having sought a “land-for-peace” deal, Tel This is the challenge facing the concert of pow-
military action against Iran’s nuclear sites. egraph that these posts are “now Iran’s frontline ion, led by the French, incredibly doesn’t consider
Aviv found that it had surrendered the land but not ers gathered at the G8 summit in St Petersburg.
We were reflecting an observation made earlier with Israel.” it a terrorist organization. Branding it as such
been granted the peace. Accordingly, it set out to The ayatollahs have made clear that they do not
by Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, head No military action has been taken against Iran. would end its fundraising activities in Europe.
secure its own borders. recognise international law. Indeed, the first act
But Tehran has antici- Hezbollah has been used by Iran and Syria to
If the Palestinian Authority and the Lebanese of the revolutionary regime after 1978 - its viola-
pated that Israel and/or the funnel money to finance Palestinian terror against
government were unwilling or unable to stop free- tion of the diplomatic sanctity of the US embassy
U.S. might someday Israel. Terrorist wannabes train in Hezbollah’s
lance incursions into Israeli territory, Israel would - was designed to signal its contempt for territo-
launch a pre-emptive camps in the Bekaa Valley, with trainees coming
do it for them. The attacks of the past week are not rial jurisdiction.
strike again its nuclear fa- from al-Qaida, Chechnya, Colombia’s Medellin
a random lashing-out; they are intended to degrade Iran (..) has been linked to terrorist offences as
cilities, as Israel did in drug cartel, Hamas, Japan, the Balkans and North-
the infrastructure on which the gunmen rely. far afield as London and Buenos Aires, and is back-
1981 against Iraq’s ern Ireland.
In the short term, at least, such attacks work: ing Islamist militants on President Putin’s door-
French-built Osirak reac- Hezbollah is an Iranian creation supported fi-
when an Israeli helicopter killed Sheikh Ahmed step in Central Asia.
tor. nancially and militarily by Tehran. When not wav-
Yassin, the prominent Hamas godfather, in 2004, All civilised countries, France and Russia in-
Were Hezbollah’s at- ing Lebanese flags for a gullible Western media,
the world predicted an explosion of violence; in cluded, should unite in halting the ambitions of
tacks last week a pre- Hezbollah sports a yellow and green flag depict-
fact, incidents of Palestinian terrorism fell off. But this aggressive regime, which is perhaps three or
emptive strike prompted ing a fist brandishing a Kalashnikov rifle, posed
Israel cannot in perpetuity police adjacent territo- four years away from developing a nuclear bomb.
by its patron, Iran, and a against a globe and advocating “an Islamic Revo-
ries remotely. Its eventual aim must be to have vi- That they should place their petty jealousies be-
warning to the West of the lution in Lebanon.”
able neighbours with which to deal. “Viable”, in fore a common threat of such magnitude is shame-
havoc it could create by It’s worth noting that Israel’s third largest city,
this context, does not mean that they should be ful.
proxy? Haifa, was hit by two long-range Iranian-made
well disposed to the Jewish state. It means, rather, _________________________
Americans should be fa- rockets, probably the Fajr-5, with a range of 45
that they should control their own jurisdictions. The Daily Telegraph, editorial (abridged)
miliar with Hezbollah. In miles, a step up from the customary barrage of
Israel’s frontier with Syria is relatively stable
April 1983, Hezbollah ter- Katyushas with a range five to 12 miles.
rorists, operating from Iran’s maniacal leader, and Hezbollah’s patron,
Syrian-controlled terri- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has pledged to wipe Is-
tory, bombed the U.S. rael off the map. Few took note that when North Will the Crisis Spiral out of Control?
Embassy in Beirut, killing Korea tested its long-range Taepodong-2C mis-
49 and wounding 120. Six sile on July 4, ten members of Iran’s Islamic Revo- Israel’s massive bombardment of Lebanon by land, tough on the causes of terrorism) has paralysed
months later, Hezbollah lutionary Guard Corps were in attendance. sea and air in response to Hizbollah’s cross-bor- the Bush administration. Washington, for exam-
terrorists drove two trucks We suspect the Israelis noticed. der raid last week is now about a great deal more ple, recoiled from tough action against Syria even
carrying explosives into _____________________ than recovering two Israeli soldiers seized by Is- though there was an international consensus to
the U.S. Marine and Investor’s Business Daily lamist guerrillas - and it probably always was. pursue the regime of Bashar al-Assad for its role
Urgent and forceful diplomatic action is needed in the assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri, the former
now if this crisis is not to develop into an anar- Lebanese premier, last year. Even though Syria
chic, borderless free-for-all that will set new stand- was forced to withdraw from Lebanon, Hizbollah,
This War’s Real Masters ards of violence even for the Middle East. its ally, remains the single most powerful actor
At one level, the conflict is but the latest round there.
quiet. This assumption was flawed. cus and Tehran. Both organisations are informed in the struggle between Syria and Israel, which Israel also perceives the US to have lost its nerve
Jonathan Spyer A massive increase in Palestinian paramilitary by radical Islamist ideology and hold to a strat- occupied swaths of Lebanon for 29 and 22 years about Arab democracy as votes flow to Hamas,
activity took place after the disengagement. In the egy of ongoing guerrilla and terrorist activity, with respectively and used it liberally as the main arena Hizbollah and Iraqi Shia Islamists. It notes the
first three months of this year 500 Qassam rockets the intention of destroying Israel. for proxy war. That may help explain the ease with discomfiture of Washington’s Sunni allies, Saudi
The kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by were fired from Gaza on to the towns of the west- They do not act independently. Hizbullah is de- which Lt Gen Dan Halutz, Israel’s chief of staff, Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, at Shia advances and
Hizbullah on the Israel-Lebanon border and the ern Negev. About 280 attempted attacks emanat- pendent on its Iranian and Syrian backers for its made his outrageous threat to “turn back the clock Iraq’s sectarian war and it is trying to persuade
killing of eight others was an unprovoked act of ing from the Gaza Strip were in Lebanon by 20 years”. the world that Shia Iran is behind every leaf that
war. Israel is now involved in a two-front con- recorded in December 2005, Air strikes and artillery barrages, carefully tak- stirs in the region.
frontation with well-armed Islamist organisations compared with 48 in October ing apart the civilian infrastructure Lebanon put Tehran, for its part, will not be unhappy with
that have powerful state backers. that year. The Hamas-led Pal- back after its 1975-90 civil war, are well on their the perception that its Hizbollah allies can estab-
The disengagement from Gaza last September estinian Authority defended way to achieving the general’s aim, as well as kill- lish a balance of terror over the Lebanon-Israel
was undertaken by Israel because of its convic- the April 17 terror attack in Tel ing scores of civilians every day. This use of dis- border if the conflict over Iran’s nuclear ambitions
tion that no credible partner for negotiation ex- Aviv, calling it a “natural re- proportionate force is punishing the population of eventually turns violent.
isted on the Palestinian side. Nevertheless, em- sult of the continued Israeli Lebanon - an act proscribed by the laws of war - The US and its Group of Eight colleagues need
bedded in Israel‘s strategy of unilateralism was crimes”. for the criminal adventurism of Hizbollah and its to damp down this conflict urgently before it spi-
an assumption of a sort of baseline rationality In southern Lebanon, Isra- sponsors. rals out of control. The short-term objectives are:
among the Palestinian leadership. It was assumed el’s unilateral withdrawal to Both sides, in different ways, appear to have a ceasefire; helping Lebanon to rein in Hizbollah
that the absence of Israeli soldiers and civilians the international border in been encouraged by the diplomatic vacuum that and deploy its army on the border; and the inter-
from Gaza would enable the construction of a May 2000 was expected to has developed in the Middle East. An under-ex- national isolation of Syria. Longer term, the im-
normal life for its residents. This, it was hoped, lead to a situation of managed amined reason for this is the debacle in Iraq, which, perative is to re-engage in regional peacemaking.
would create a pragmatic interest in maintaining enmity between Israel and its far from enabling the US topursue a radical new ___________________________
northern neighbour. The Leba- freedom agenda in the region (tough on terrorism, The Financial Times, Editorial
nese government chose, how-
ever, to reject UN Security
Council resolution 1559,
which calls on the government
to disarm all militias and ex-
tend its “full sovereignty over all Lebanese terri- continued existence and for its hardware. It is un-
tory”. likely that the incursion of July 12 could have
Instead Hizbullah, a client of Syria and Iran, re- taken place without the nod from the real mas-
tains control of a stretch of territory along Leba- ters. Arab intelligence sources quoted in the New
non’s southern border. It has used the time since York Times yesterday asserted that help for the
2000 to build up a formidable arsenal and to emit Hamas kidnapping also came, via Hizbullah, from
an endless stream of anti-Israel and anti-semitic Tehran.
propaganda. On July 12 the organisation chose to So the renewed crisis is a move by Israel’s en-
renew its war with Israel. Hizbullah rocket teams emies in Iran and Damascus to raise the tempera-
are now targeting Israeli civilians. ture of the confrontation. Israel will act to restore
The actions of Hamas and Hizbullah initially its badly damaged deterrent capability.
seem counterintuitive. Organisations supposedly Ultimately, however, the problem goes deeper.
committed to the welfare of their peoples have Powerful states, movements and ideologies in the
thrown away a chance for peaceful development region place greater importance on killing Israe-
in favour of war. Israel, determined to restore de- lis than on developing their own failed societies.
terrence, is responding vigorously, and the suffer- For as long as this remains the case, armed con-
ing will not be on the Israeli side alone. frontation and needless suffering on all sides will
Hamas and Hizbullah’s actions become compre- continue.
hensible when considered within the framework ____________
of their aims and those of their backers in Damas- The Guardian
24.
2 Watani International 23 July 2006
4 Watani International 23 July 2006
Pope Shenouda III
Dr Maher Shafik Farid, winner of the 2006 State Prize
for Excellence in literature
Pastoral Care (6)
The priest: Penet rat ing
a teacher and
a preacher t he lim its
Translated by: Dr Wedad Abbas of lang u age
The Lord God said, "My people are de- The opposite is of course true, for as far as
stroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hos4: 6) the church is powerful in its doctrine, it will
Instead, many people are destroyed dog- be able to stop such penetration. Thus the Last month Maher Shafik Farid, professor of Sameh Samy which I wrote between 1965 and 1970. Since then I
matically, theologically, or spiritually be- church could resist and correct heresies English literature at Cairo University, was awarded haven’t written any stories except Takweenat
cause of ignorance or lack of sufficient through teaching in the church or in public the 2006 State Prize for Excellence. Watani talked Nathriya (Free Verse Formations) which was dis-
knowledge. Suspicions due to heresies and meetings, youths meetings, Sunday schools, to Dr Farid, who said he was thrilled to receive the American literature, I have an affinity to German cussed in several critical forums, and which Nobel
heterodoxies overwhelm them because they or in books. prize even though it had come rather late. "I am 62 and French. Indeed one of those who nourished my Laureate Naguib Mahfouz alluded to twice, a fact of
have no ability to refute or argue con- A priest should supervise all this, not now," he said, "but better late than never." To him it rational and emotional life was T.S.Eliot, but he which I am immensely proud.
cerning the strange doctrines they face. So with a spirit of dominion, but with loving is recognition of his lifelong work as teacher, critic I do not know why I stopped writing stories;
it ends with their conversion to other de- fatherly care. was himself deeply affected by French and German,
nominations, and the church loses them, or He could not fulfill such a duty unless he and translator. "I feel redeemed since I chose this and wrote some early poems in those languages. maybe the collection was written during my youth,
rather God loses them. be trustworthy with respect to religious career as the core of my life, and did not look for and tackled the topic of tormented, frustrated love
The priest is the person responsible for knowledge, a good minister of the word power, money, or authority," he said. What are the problems facing translation which suffers from internal inhibitions rather than
teaching. who is able to satisfy his children and con- work in Egypt? external impediments. As one grows older emotions
For it is written that "the lips of a priest vince them with his answers. He should be Watani: It is remarkable that you focus on the Most important is that the number of efficient trans- tune down, and the writer becomes more inclined to
should keep knowledge, and people should able to speak to everyone as suitable, and be wide topics of Philosophy, Psychology, Plastic lators is small, compared with an abundance of in- contemplate experiences rather than depict them.
seek the law from his mouth." (Mal2: 7) a sweet source that flows over everybody. Arts, and Music in your critical studies. How efficient ones. This is the direct outcome of the Furthermore, I realised that I am a minor artist with
Furthermore the Didascalia says that the He ought to have the biblical verses do you explain this? continual deterioration in the educational system; limited abilities. I felt that my works could never
bishop is a shepherd, the priest a teacher present in his mind and on his mouth. Dr Farid: All branches of knowledge are inter- graduates are proficient neither in English nor in compare with masterpieces of Kharrat, Sharouny or
and the deacon is a minister, therefore he This will enable him to say them in the twined. I do not believe that humanities should be Arabic. Add to this that translators meet no ap- Sherif Makar. This is why I decided to write about
should be able to teach and to protect to his suitable occasion and convince the others, separated from sciences. The Big Bang, black holes, those men, and I find a moral reward in doing so.
children by giving answers to every spir- for the word of God is living and powerful, preciation, moral or financial—a translator is seen
itual question to every social problem, and and sharper than any two-edged sword the music of the spheres, the dance of celestial bod- as inferior to an author—and that there are not I also became absorbed in academic work. I
to every dogmatic suspicions. As St. Peter (Heb4: 12). God's word does not return ies in their orbits, the twinkling of stars in the dark enough publications of translated texts. earned masters and doctoral degrees from Cairo
the Apostle says, "always be ready to give void, but it shall prosper and bring forth space of silent nights … all these are poetic images The National Translation Project headed by Gaber University, and translated all the poetic works of
or defense to everyone who asks you a rea- fruit in the hearts (Isa55: 11). The work of that kindle the imagination. Pascal once said, "The Asfour is the most prominent movement so far in the T.S.Eliot into Arabic, besides two plays of his and
son for the hope that is in you." (1Pet3: 15) the Lord Christ had power over hearts, for eternal silence of the immense space terrifies me." field since establishment of the School for Languages his literary criticism. I became preoccupied with
This is required not only when the He taught people as one having authority, I am very much interested in philosophy; it is at the beginning of the 19th century and the One writing for periodicals and papers, and attending
priest stands at the lectern to preach, and not as the scribes (Mt7: 29). an attempt to discover the mysteries of universe Thousand Books Project. Both projects have conferences and literary gatherings. However,
but always. The teaching of such a priest calls peo- and realise the meaning of life, the knowledge of supplied our Arabic library with a valuable lit- story-writing remains my first and last love, and I
This means whenever the priest is ple to trust him and to respect his views. good and evil, and the search for God. I am also erature on humanities, pure and applied sciences, still hope to write another collection of short stories,
amidst people and is asked by anyone a They see his teaching supported by the interested in psychology, which delves deep into and arts, translated from several languages. and maybe a historical novel about Hannibal, hero
question on a certain dogma, ritual, or a Scripture and by the teaching of the great fa- man’s consciousness and instincts. of the Punic wars between Rome and Carthage, a
spiritual issue, or whenever asked a coun- thers recognized by the church as teachers. The Arabic Literature Project translations into
sel concerning the church opinion re- The teaching of the priest is either di- I owe my varied interests to my family. My English have been halted because of poor design character which has long fascinated me.
garding a particular subject or the explana- rect, or indirect. father was an archaeologist, my mother a History and distribution. Most of its books are still stored in
tion of a certain verse; he cannot keep Direct teaching comes through preaching scholar, my sister Laila Farid—who is also warehouses, left to the company of rats and mice. What are your latest works?
silent because he is considered a reference the word, and as far as his sermons are satis- Watani’s London correspondent—is a physician, In comparison with the West and with Japan and I have four books in print right now: Mamalek al-
for such matters. Nor can he say that he factory, people will hasten to church to lis- my son is a pharmacist, and my wife a linguist. I Israel, we definitely have a shortage of translated Thahab (Kingdoms of Gold) which includes the
does not know or give any answer, wheth- ten to him. They feel the benefit they gain acquired an interest in all these topics. books. translations of Oscar Wilde’s Salome and Samuel
er right or wrong, that may offend the per- much from his words and every time they Beckett’s Cascando. The second book Hassaad al-
son who asked or at least not convince get a new knowledge. He edifies them spir- How do you explain the affect of German How do you assess the Egyptian literary crit- Qalam (Harvest of the Pen) includes critical articles
him. The same may happen when a priest itually and intellectually with his sermons. culture on your literary criticism? ical movement today? written between 1960 and 2006. The third is The
is paying a visit to some people, or in Their knowledge increases continually, and Though I do not know German, I was greatly af- The passing away of such giants as Mandour, Louis most Beautiful Love Stories in Egyptian and Modern
meetings. What should he say then? their spiritual life gets stronger at his hands. fected by Goethe’s Faust as a teenager, and was in- Awad, al-Qott, and Rashad Rushdy, has created a Literature, and the fourth is Critical Studies. Right
Therefore, a priest should have con- A priest should be honest in preparing
tinual studies and research in all branch- his sermon. terested in the perfectionist German philosophy and vacuum in the critical arena. However, we still have now I am writing a book entitled A Volume of
es of religion. People are sensitive and can realize phenomenology. I had a particular adoration for great critics, among whom are Ezz Eddin Ismail, English Poetry in Four centuries: From the 16th
He is not responsible only for educating whether the sermon is well prepared, ar- Schopenhauer, who was a pessimist, an enemy of Gaber Asfour and Zeinab al-Assal. In my opinion Century to the Third Millennium that includes
himself but for teaching the whole con- ranged and full of information or mere women, and also a student of Oriental spirituality. I the best critical reviews are written by poets Ahmed hundreds of translated English poems from England,
gregation of his church. Positively, he has words without anything new or any connec- find in the works of Kafka, Hermann Hesse, and Abdel-Moeti Higazi and Farouq Shousha, as well as America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
to fill them with all knowledge, and pas- tion among its information. Brecht true depictions of human nature and strug- novelists Edward al-Kharrat, Youssef al-Sharouny,
sively, to keep away all suspicions from A priest who prepares his sermon carefully gle. I owe my readings to translations by Abdel- Shafiq Makar, and Bahaa’ Jahin. You have shown interest in African and Asian
them. actually respects the minds of his congrega- Rahman Badawi, Mustafa Maher and others. literature. Is this related to your works?
A priest who is fit for teaching, is also tion and the time and effort they give to come But this did not distract me from French culture. I Why did you abandon narrative literature and Literature all over the world is one entity because
fit as a father confessor. to the church and hear him desiring to benefit was affected by Sartre’s existential nihilistic stage take on criticism and translation? human nature is one at all times and in all places.
For throughout receiving confessions he from the word of God. So, he will not dis- and the art of Manet and Rodin. It is rather para- I only have one collection of stories Khareef al- Literary expression is capable of penetrating the
may face questions from his children, not miss them empty, because he is faithful to the doxical because though I specialised in English and limits of language.
only in spiritualities, but also concerning responsibility which the Lord entrusted to Azhaar al-Hagariya (Autumn of the Stone Flowers)
their readings and what matters they may him to teach and care for His children.
face. He may either answer them directly or A priest which cares for his congrega-
refer them to some references where they tion, will prepare his sermons so as to
can find answers for their questions. conform with their needs.
Do not think that theological studies He knows all about his congregation and
are necessary merely as a pre- plans an organized program to fulfill their
qualification for priesthood, but rather needs. He knows their spiritual weaknesses
more after ordination. and gives a remedy through his sermons in a
That which is required of a priest is far practical way. He also may refer to special-
more extensive than any syllabus of fa- ized books to help them. He knows the
culties of theo0logy, and religious studies needs of his congregation with respect to
are limitless. A priest may face questions dogma, rituals, church history, and biog-
beyond what he had studied, or perhaps he raphy of saints.
had studied and forgot. Never think that preparing sermons is
Therefore, a priest should continue in the against your personal dignity.
life of discipleship and not cease at all but Never think yourself beyond the level of
Life in ancient Egypt
rather grow day after day in knowledge. preparing your sermons, supposing that all
This has become a must because many of information is present in your mind! Even if
he church ministers read much and the this is true, they need to be learnt once more Dr Nabil
number of books has increased, with the and, to be arranged in an acceptable way.
possibility of containing various issues that Practically we cannot say that everything is Ebeid,
need answers (or refutation) present all the time in a priest's mind. At
Much reading makes the sermons of a least he has to overcome forgetting some winner
priest rich and satisfying. important points by preparing the sermons.
A sermon is the outcome of all the It is not a matter of dignity, but of the of the Nabil Ebeid was last month awarded the 2006 Erian Labib Hanna Besides farmers, there were potters, carpenters,
knowledge which a priest has, and not only benefit to the congregation. State State prize of Appreciation. Ebeid is a physician metalworkers, glassmakers, as well as scribes,
the spiritual knowledge. For he should en- Preaching is not a dignity but a duty to pro- who began his career with the military, and retired soldiers and all professionals. In absence of money,
rich it with relating sayings of the Fathers, vide the best to the listeners for their spiritual prize 30 years later as major general and vice president of the workers were paid in wheat, vegetables, oil, fish, clothing or
narratives of saints, or other dogmatic, theo- benefit and steadfastness in faith. Therefore a military medical academy. After recovering from brain haem- other. Skills were passed from father to son. Girls usually stayed
logical, or ritual topics raised by the biblical priest should not worry about how people ap- for
text on which the sermon is based, besides preciate his knowledge, but rather forget him- orrhage a few years after retirement, he wrote four books, two at home, worked in the fields, or were trained as musicians,
biblical verses supporting it. This makes the self completely and focus on the benefit
appreciation in Arabic and two in English, on life and medicine in the time dancers and weavers.
sermon rich in varied knowledge in which which the congregation will gain from his for of the Pharaohs. Dr Ebeid has plans for a new book on med-
the priest bring out of his treasure things sermon as a minister of the word faithful to icine at the time of the Copts. Dress and sports
new and old (Mt13: 52). his mission not to his dignity. 2006, Ebeid’s latest book, Life in the time of the Pharaohs, was Noblemen wore elegant, elaborately folded skirts with a belt.
The importance of teaching and ed- A priest—in his sermon—should be written in English, co-authored with Hamdy Omar. The style is Women wore long white linen dresses to the ankle supported by
ucating oneself is evident in the words of considerate of the time of his congrega- and his simple and flowing, and brings to life the everyday details of two shoulder straps. They used perfume, lipstick, eyeliner, rouge,
the father apostles. tion. latest book ancient Egypt. Readers will find the rich illustrations and text, moisturising creams, and silver mirrors. They plucked their
St. Paul the Apostle says to his disciple He should not give so long sermons each chapter of which deals with an aspect of ancient Egyp- eyebrows with tweezers. Both men and women wore jewellery.
Timothy the Bishop, "Take heed to your- that may delay their responsibilities in tians’ life, informative as well as interesting. The book is
self and to the doctrine. Continue in them, work or towards their family or that Religious festivals lasted several days and were marked with
among the few which focus on Egyptians as a people rather sporting events. Wrestling was extremely popular, and fencing
for in doing this you will save yourself and makes them bored. Nor should his ser-
those who hear you." (1Tim4: 16) mons be too short to fulfill the desired than on Egypt as a State. was practised using wooden swords and leather shields.
And to his disciple Titus the Bishop of purpose. He also has to be aware of the The nobles held extravagant parties where guests ate deli-
Crete, he says, "As for you, speak the extent of response, satisfaction, and The Nile and land cious dishes and drank wine, while singers, dancers and acro-
things which are proper for sound doc- longing to hear more, or worry on the The ancient Egyptian year began with the appearance of the bats provided entertainment. Religious dances, on the other
trine." (Tit2: 1) faces and looking to the watches for star Sirius with the sun on the eastern horizon. This coincided hand, had their own special movements. Hunting provided
Actually when teaching weakened in the conclusion of the sermon, and the with the height of the vital, regenerative Nile flood; the in- food, but was also an exciting sport. Children had elaborate
the church, the other denominations inner feelings saying: when will this undation deposited a new layer of rich alluvial soil every year. toys, many examples of which are known.
were able to penetrate it. sermon end?! Too low a flood meant scarce water and danger of famine; too
high a flood carried the risk of drowning lands and houses. The Religion and law
Watani International.... Watani International.... year was divided into three seasons: flood, sowing, and harvest. Many of the Egyptians’ gods—Ra, Amun, Hathor, Ma’at,
The people of the Nile Valley lived by agriculture, Thoth, Isis, Osiris, and Horus—took animal and human form.
fishing, hunting, and fowling. Wheat and barley There was no clear line between the metaphysics of religion
Editor-in-chief Youssef Sidhom
Editorial team were the main crops. Hired musicians played music and magic, and rituals, spells, and charms were used to drive
Ghada Tantawi to encourage the harvesters as they worked. After away evil spirits. Since people believed in the afterlife, they
Cairo staff Ghali Kozman winnowing, the produce was stored in a granary in mummified the bodies of their kings and nobles. In the pictures
Managing editor Samia Sidhom Dalia Victor the farmer’s home compound. of Judgement Day, the heart is weighed against Ma’at’s feather
Donia Wagdy The basic diet was bread and beer; ordinary of truth. The walls of temples and tombs were covered with
Copy editor Jenny Jobbins Marina Ihab people ate meat sporadically, but there were paintings and reliefs of religious rituals and scenes of daily life,
Layout editor Heba Adel Nivert Rizkallah plenty of vegetables, legumes, grain, fruit, milk as well as royal triumphs.
and eggs. Forty kinds of bread and cake were The Egyptians codified their laws and gave women the same
International staff Senior editors known. Egyptians cultivated grapes for fruit and legal rights as men. Conquered countries became part of the
making wine. Egyptian empire and paid tribute to Egypt; Syria and Leb-
Executive editor Magdi Khalil (NY) Saad Michael Saad,
Tel (1) 571 5226560, (Los Angeles) Home and work anon provided resin, silver, oil, horses and cedar while the
Fax (1) 571 5226561 Houses were built of sun-dried clay bricks Nubians traded gold, copper, ivory, ostrich feathers and eggs,
E-mail: magdikh@ hotmail.com magdikkamel@ aol.com Adel Guindy (France) —poor conductors of heat—which provided live animals, and incense.
Fax (33) 147012600 coolness in summer and retained warmth in
E-mail: guindya@aol.com
Editing advisor William El-Miry (NY) winter. The front part was for work and guests, Literature and science
Laila Shafik Farid (U.K) while the residents occupied the rear portions. Egyptians used three forms of script, both pictographic and
Contributing editor Mahfouz Doss (LA) Fax (44) 1704574356, Wealthier houses contained bathrooms and alphabetic: hieroglyphic, hieratic and later demotic. Surviving
Tel (1) 310 8263388, E-mail: laundries, and had beautiful gardens. In summer papyrus texts include prose, poetry, humour, narratives,
Fax (1) 310 8208480 E-mail: madoss@ worldnet.att.net lailafarid@btopenworld.com
the household slept in the open. Integral brick proverbs, dialogues and laments.
platforms covered with matting served as beds The ancient knowledge encompassed mathematics, astron-
Virginia office: 14308 Summer Tree Road, Suite G, Centreville, VA 20121; Dr Nabil for the peasants. Richer households had wooden omy, astrology, medicine, surgery, architecture and chemistry.
beds with mattresses and linen sheets. Lighting was provided The Pyramids, Sphinx, temples and obelisks are living testa-
Los Angeles office: P.O.Box 2442, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 Ebeid by stone or pot olive oil lamps. ment to the Egyptians’ abilities.
23 July 2006
Watani International 3
25.
✂
Cartouche Dimanche
Equipe de rédaction:
Abdel Massih Felli
Dalia Victor
23 Juillet 2006
Michael Victor
Névine Lameï 16 Abîb 1722
Caroline Onsy, Nermine Onsy Rédacteur en chef Directrice de rédaction 28 Gamad El-Tani 1427
Mise en page: Youssef Sidhom Laura Hakim 1ère ANNEE
Héba Adel NUMERO 12
Révision:
Rafik Baracat
Tentatives inlassables de l'Egypte pour résoudre
Journée la plus sanglante de les crises au Liban Dix Palestiniens tués lors
l'offensive israélienne d'incursions au sud de Gaza
Au moins 70 civils ont péri mercredi dernier au Liban, la
journée la plus sanglante de l'offensive militaire is-
raélienne qui a entraîné une crise humanitaire et un exode
massif face à un conflit appelé à durer.
L'offensive destructrice et sans relâche d'Israël contre le
et en Palestine Dix Palestiniens ont été tués mercredi dernier lors d'in-
cursions israéliennes en Cisjordanie et dans la bande de
Gaza, où se déroule depuis trois semaines une offensive
qui a fait 93 morts.
Sept Palestiniens, dont trois membres de la branche ar-
Liban, a aussi provoqué une grave crise humanitaire sel- Michael Victor ",Dans ses déclarations au magazine " Al-Moussawar
le Président Hosni Moubarak a affirmé que les
mée du mouvement islamiste Hamas, ont été tués près du
on l'ONU avec le déplacement de plus d'un demi-million camp de réfugiés de Maghazi, dans le centre de la bande
d'habitants dans ce pays presque totalement isolé du tentatives de l'Egypte ne vont s'interrompre et se de Gaza, non loin de la frontière avec Israël.
monde extérieur par l'Etat juif. poursuivront en vue d'un cessez-le-feu immédiat au Liban, afin de mettre Quatre d'entre eux, des civils, ont été atteints par un obus
Le Hezbollah libanais, dont la capture de deux soldats un terme au meurtre de civils et à la destruction de l'infrastructure de ce de char, tombé dans un secteur très peuplé du camp.
israéliens le 12 juillet dans une attaque à la frontière a en- pays, afin de protéger le peuple libanais dépourvu d'armes. L'opération a également fait 70 blessés, dont huit graves,
traîné cette campagne militaire, a tiré une nouvelle salve Le Président a indiqué que l'Egypte a œuvré, dès que le Hezbollah a kidnappé essentiellement des civils, selon le directeur de l'hôpital lo-
de huit roquettes sur Haïfa, la troisième ville d'Israël, fai- les deux soldats israéliens, à résoudre le problème pacifiquement de crainte que cal, le Dr Ibrahim al-Moussadder. Des ambulances ont été
sant deux blessés. la situation dans la région n'explose. Et d'ajouter que les contacts se sont touchées et un ambulancier a perdu une jambe, a-t-il ajouté.
Aussi bien Israël que le Hezbollah ont averti que le con- poursuivis depuis que les Israéliens ont commencé à bombarder le Liban. Le L'armée israélienne a confirmé qu'elle avait lancé une op-
flit, le plus grave depuis 25 ans, n'avait pas de limite dans Président a révélé que l'Egypte a repris ses efforts pour trouver une solution pour ération qui a pour cible une "infrastructure terroriste" dans
le temps témoignant de l'impasse dans les efforts di- la crise du soldat israélien captif à Gaza et son récent contact avec le Président le camp de réfugiés.
plomatiques tous azimuts engagés par l'ONU et l'Union palestinien Abou Mazen a montré la possibilité de parvenir à une solution pour Le gouvernement israélien a affirmé que l'opération
européenne auprès des différentes parties au Proche- cette crise permettant l'arrêt des incursions israéliennes dans la bande de Gaza, "Pluies d'été", ainsi que celle menée au Liban "Change-
Orient. la libération d'un grand nombre de Palestiniens détenus dans les prisons ment de cap", n'étaient pas limitées dans le temps.
Outre les raids aériens et navals destructeurs, des ac- israéliennes, vu que l'Egypte était auparavant parvenue à une solution pour cette "Le cabinet de sécurité s'est réuni et a décidé de
crochages ont opposé des combattants du Hezbollah aux crise, mais ces tentatives ont été sabotées par certaines parties. poursuivre les offensives au Liban et à Gaza sans li-
soldats israéliens qui ont mené de brèves incursions au Li- mite de temps
ban sud. Selon des télévisions arabes, deux soldats israé-
liens ont été tués et trois blessés. Le Hezbollah a déploré
un tué dans ses rangs.
Pour la première fois depuis le début de l'offensive, des
hélicoptères israéliens ont tiré quatre missiles contre un Destruction
quartier résidentiel chrétien du centre de Beyrouth, sans
faire de victime, les tirs ont visé une perceuse de puits
dans un parking à Achrafieh.
Fuite
L'Etat juif a aussi intensifié ses bombardements aériens
et navals contre plusieurs objectifs dans l'est, le sud et le Grands
nord du Liban, y compris civils, faisant depuis l'aube 55
morts civils, la plupart tués sous les décombres de leurs dégâts
habitations détruites par les bombes, selon la police.
Au total, 310 personnes, dont 280 civils et 23 soldats lib-
anais, ont péri depuis le début de l'offensive d'Israël qui a
causés
bombardé et bloqué les aéroports, ports et routes prin-
cipales. Quelque 650 personnes ont été blessées par
Pendant la même période, 25 Israéliens ont été tués,
dont 13 civils dans la chute d'obus sur le nord d'Israël, et la guerre
douze militaires. L'état d'urgence en vigueur dans les sec-
teurs d'Israël soumis aux bombardements du Hezbollah a
été prolongé d'une dizaine de jours.
"Nous poursuivons les tirs de roquettes sur Israël d'une
façon étudiée afin de pouvoir utiliser notre arsenal de ro-
quettes pendant de nombreux mois et non des jours ou
des semaines", a déclaré un responsable du Hezbollah, ban, Roberto Laurenti, en exprimant son inquiétude face d'étrangers et de Libanais cherchant à quitter le Liban Kofi Annan, qui préconise le déploiement d'une force inter-
Mahmoud Qomati, ajoutant qu'Israël n'avait pu couper ses aux provisions de nourriture et de médicaments qui di- s'accélère, alors que des 7.000 étrangers et Libanais ont nationale de stabilisation au Liban sud près de la frontière
lignes d'approvisionnement. minuent dangereusement. déjà quitté le pays lors d'opérations organisées par de avec Israël, doit informer jeudi le Conseil de sécurité des
Et avec l'appui sans faille à Israël des Etats-Unis qui ref- Les déplacés ont fui leurs maisons pour aller s'installer nombreux gouvernements. résultats d'une mission de médiation envoyée dans la ré-
usent avec leur allié britannique d'exiger un arrêt de l'of- chez des parents, des amis ou dans les écoles, parkings Des centaines d'Américains, Australiens, Canadiens et gion. Un tel déploiement n'a pas été exclu par l'Etat juif.
fensive, il n'y a aucun espoir d'un cessez-le-feu immédiat et jardins publics. Allemands se préparent à une évacuation massive dans la Signe d'impuissance, le Haut représentant de l'Union eu-
dans le conflit qui a provoqué une situation humanitaire "à Le Comité international de la Croix-Rouge a dit qu'il était journée, opérée depuis le port de Beyrouth à bord de ba- ropéenne pour la politique extérieure Javier Solana a
la fois alarmante et catastrophique" au Liban, selon le très inquiet du sort des civils pris dans le conflit, alors que teaux dépêchés pour les évacuer. Une vingtaine de ba- appelé depuis Jérusalem "ceux qui ont de l'influence pour
Fonds mondial pour l'enfance (Unicef). le président français Jacques Chirac a demandé l'ou- teaux ont obtenu pour leurs mouvements en mer le feu aider à résoudre ce problème doivent le faire rapidement,
"Il y a environ un demi-million de déplacés déjà. La situa- verture de "corridors humanitaires" au Liban. vert d'Israël. immédiatement, maintenant pour faire cesser le bain de
tion est extrême", a averti le représentant de l'Unicef au Li- Sur fond des bombardements, l'évacuation de milliers Au niveau diplomatique, le secrétaire général de l'ONU, sang au Liban".
L'Actualité 23 juillet 1952
dans la Presse Entre la fierté et les graves défaites
Française Abdel Massih Felli Ambiguïté économique
Par contre, le programme écon-
L'Egypte commémore aujourd'hui omique de la révolution s'est ca-
la Révolution du 23 juillet 1952, qui ractérisée par l'ambiguïté et la gén-
vient nous rappeler les enjeux éralité des orientations appliquées
d'une lecture politique et écon- durant les premières années. Nasser a
omique de l'histoire. prouvé cet argument par la mise en
L'Egypte a vécu une crise im- application des décrets socialistes 9
portante depuis la fin de la pre- ans après la mise en route de la rév-
mière guerre israélo-arabe (1948- Gamal Abdel Nasser olution!! Certes, Abdel Nasser ne fai-
1949), le roi est tenu pour re- sait plus confiance aux hommes d'af-
sponsable de la défaite face à faires et au capital privé, ajoutant que
Israël et sa soumission aux Britanniques, installés sur le la nature du capitalisme national à cette époque-là était
Canal de Suez. un capitalisme égoïste.
Le lieutenant colonel Nasser fonde et devient le leader du
Il pleut mouvement des Officiers libres. C'était un groupe de jeune mil- Stratégie régionale
itaire âgé en général de moins de 35 ans, qui avait pour but de
des renverser le roi Farouk. Le 23 juillet 1952, Nasser conduit un
Entre la crise du canal de Suez en 1956 et la guerre de
1967, Nasser a centralisé l'Etat égyptien, il a fait augmenter
larmes coup d'Etat militaire contre le roi, et proclame la république un les pouvoirs du président, il a nationalisé l'industrie, et met
an plus tard. en œuvre de grands projet de travaux public, comme le bar-
au Liban rage d'Assouan.
Clarté politique et sociale La stratégie de Nasser fut pendant toute sa vie un pa-
Dans ce contexte, Abdel Nasser a adopté une stratégie in- narabisme neutre. Il inspire les nationalistes dans tout le
dépendante en traitant les différents acteurs internes et ex- monde arabe, et des partis nassériens voués à l'unité arabe
ternes. Cette stratégie se composait des principes suivants: "le sont rapidement créés. Nasser devient le chef de file du
gouvernement par les principes, non aux tractations et au mar- monde arabe, il a représenté alors une nouvelle ère au
chandage, non aux demie solutions, oui aux sacrifices, oui à la Moyen-Orient.
justice et à la démocratie sociale, nous faisons la paix avec qui Pendant longtemps le nassérisme a été soutenu éc-
la fait avec nous, et nous agressons qui nous agresse, ce onomiquement et politiquement par le pouvoir égyptien et
qu'on a perdu par la force, on ne le récupère que par la force". par Nasser lui-même. Aujourd'hui le nassérisme existe dans
Pourtant, la révolution de juillet avait un programme la plupart des pays arabes, mais elle est devenue un
politique et social clair. Tout d'abord, le but de la révolu- mouvement politique mineur. Nasser a parallèlement dé-
tion et son régime étaient représentés par l'in- fendu le nationalisme arabe.
dépendance et la libération du peuple égyptien face aux Pour beaucoup de gens Nasser fut un chef qui a ré-
puissances coloniales occidentales et surtout de l'oc- formé son pays et rétablit la fierté arabe autant à l'in-
cupation anglaise et la monarchie, ensuit le renforcement térieur qu'à l'extérieur. D'autres considèrent que sa pol-
tarif d’abonnement: Egypte:65 L.E - Pays arabes: 150 L.E - L’europe: 90 dol- de la classe pauvre et l'élargissement de la classe moy- itique de militarisme forcené a mené l'Egypte à de graves
lars - L’amérique: 100 dollars - L’australie: 120 dollars américain enne par les politiques de reforme sociale et agraire. défaites et pertes plutôt qu'à la paix et la prospérité.
✂
26.
✂
6 Watani Francophone 23 Juillet 2006
M. Philippe Coste célèbre son premier 14 juillet en Egypte
Watani Francophone a la joie de vous transmettre
l'allocution de M. l'Ambassadeur de France au Caire,
M. Philippe Coste, à l'occasion de la Fête nationale confirmé leur volonté d'en-
C'est une grande joie pour moi française. Cette allocution a été prononcée au siège
de l'ambassade de France le vendredi 14 juillet, en
courager l'investissement pro-
ductif en Egypte. La prochaine
de célébrer mon premier 14 juillet présence d'une élite d'ambassadeurs étrangers réunion de ce conseil, qui devrait
en Egypte. Cette fête est pour tous accrédités au Caire et d'un grand nombre de se tenir à la rentrée prochaine,
les Français l'occasion de se ras- personnalités publiques. sera un nouveau pas en avant.
sembler autour des valeurs de
Liberté, d'Egalité et de Fraternité Notre commerce bilatéral,
qui fondent notre République et augmente et se rééquilibre vers
que la France souhaite partager le haut, à l'avantage des deux
avec les pays qui lui sont proches. pays. Les ventes françaises ont
Et l'Egypte occupe, parmi les amis en effet atteint 1,4 milliards
de la France, une place toute d'euros en 2005, soit 40% de
particulière, faite d'amitié et de plus qu'en 2004. Sur les quatre
confiance réciproque. premiers mois de l'année 2006,
nos ventes ont poursuivi leur
Pari gagnant. La visite au forte augmentation. Du côté des
mois d'avril dernier du Président ventes égyptiennes, les ré-
Jacques Chirac en a apporté le sultats sont tout aussi ex-
meilleur témoignage. Le président cellents, avec 494 millions d'eu-
Chirac est venu ici faire " le pari ros sur 2005, soit presque 60%
gagnant de l'Egypte ", le pari de plus qu'en 2004. Sur les
d'une Egypte qui a fait le choix de quatre premiers mois de l'année
la modernisation et de l'ouverture. 2006, les ventes égyptiennes à
En deux ans, l'économie égyp- la France ont presque triplé par
tienne s'est largement ouverte. rapport à la même période l'an-
L'environnement général des af- née précédente.
faires a connu de substantielles
améliorations. Les institutions ont A l'instar de nos entreprises
entamé leur rénovation. Les mé- qui s'adaptent en permanence,
dias se sont diversifiés et dy- nos deux Etats ont également
namisés. La société civile pèse décidé de moderniser les in-
d'un poids nouveau. C'est cette struments de notre coopération
Egypte en mouvement, celle qui dans la sphère économique. Je
avance, que la France souhaite M. Philippe Coste Une solide amitié unit l´Egypte et la France pense ici à la signature, à l'occa-
accompagner. sion de la visite du Président
Chirac, de l'accord sur la conver-
Priorité à l'éducation. Faire le pari gagnant de l'Egypte, c'est d'économie. C'est un potentiel formidable pour nos deux pays. Il faut soute- sion de créances égyptiennes en investissements et à l'accord sur
d'abord investir dans la jeunesse de ce pays. L'objectif : développer nir ces jeunes qui sont notre avenir. l'implantation en Egypte de l'Agence française de développement, dont
les connaissances et les compétences, dans un monde où la capacité les ressources seront désormais à disposition de l'Egypte. Il s'agit là d'une
d'adaptation est devenue la première des qualités. Il est capital également de renforcer les compétences de ceux qui assur- évolution importante dont il faut maintenant exploiter le potentiel.
ent la transmission des savoirs. C'est dans cet esprit que nous avons lancé
L'inauguration officielle, par les Présidents Chirac et Moubarak en avril l'Institut universitaire de formation des Professeurs (IUFP), qui a pour but Approfondir le dialogue. L'Egypte est un grand pays dont
dernier, de l'Université française d'Egypte (UFE) à Chorouq, a illustré la de former les enseignants égyptiens de langue française aux techniques l'action est essentielle au Moyen-Orient, mais aussi en Méditerranée et
détermination de nos deux pays à œuvrer concrètement pour l'éducation. pédagogiques les plus récentes et les plus efficaces. Ce souci de trans- en Afrique. Elle partage avec la France nombre de valeurs et d'ob-
mission du savoir est présent dans tous les domaines. Ainsi de l'Ar- jectifs, au service de la paix, de la stabilité et du développement. Dans
Au-delà de cette université, conçue par nos deux chefs d'Etat comme chéologie : le nouveau laboratoire de datation au carbone 14 de l'IFAO est le contexte actuel, où se multiplient les tensions dans la région, où les
le "symbole et le témoignage de la force du dialogue entre nos peuples", désormais au service de toute l'archéologie en Egypte. La dernière incompréhensions entre peuples appartenant à des univers culturels
la France et l'Egypte poursuivent avec persévérance une œuvre de commission mixte du CFEETK (Centre franco-égyptien d'études du temple différents sont porteuses de risques de confrontation, il est essentiel
longue haleine en faveur du développement éducatif en Egypte. de Karnak) a décidé le renforcement de la partie égyptienne du centre et que nos deux pays, qui ont su trouver un langage commun sur bien des
permettra un meilleur partage des savoir-faire entre les équipes de chaque sujets, se concertent en permanence et relancent le nécessaire di-
Chaque année, plus de 40.000 élèves sont accueillis dans des établisse- pays. Je me réjouis de cette décision, qui va dans la bonne direction. alogue des cultures.
ments où le Français est langue d'enseignement. 2,5 millions d'élèves
égyptiens apprennent le français comme langue étrangère. 20.000 étu- Croissance durable. L'économie est un autre secteur où se Les défis de l'avenir sont multiples. Ma conviction est que l'Egypte et la
diants égyptiens étudient dans les "départements de français" des uni- manifeste notre confiance partagée dans l'avenir de l'Egypte. Les hommes France, unis par une amitié solide, ont l'ambition, l'énergie et la détermina-
versités égyptiennes et plus de 600 dans les filières francophones des fa- d'affaires des deux pays ont, avec la création du Conseil présidentiel tion qu'il faut pour remporter ensemble nombre d'entre eux. Vive la France !
cultés de droit, de gestion, de communication, de sciences politiques et franco-égyptien des affaires à l'occasion de la visite du président Chirac, Vive l'Egypte !
La fête Un bon nombre de convives ont assisté à la réception organisée par M
La Marseillaise
nationale Philippe Coste, ambassadeur de France au Caire,
le vendredi 14 juillet à l' occasion de la fête nationale française.
-l´hymne national-
française Parmi les invités,on remarquait,M.Francis Ricciarrdone,ambassadeur des
Etats-Unis,Sir Derek Plumbly, ambassadeur de la Grande-Bretagne,ainsi
a été chanté au début de
que M.Rouben Garabedian,ambassadeur d'Armenie.. Le sujet principale de
au Caire la discussion des invités était la crise actuelle du Liban mais cela n' a pas
la soirée pour célébrer la
empêché la joie et la bonne humeur de régner sur la soirée ,on n' a pas
cessé de danser sur les chansons classiques et modernes.
libération et les martyrs
P assage de la monarchie absolue
à des régimes républicains
Journée révolutionnaire parisienne devenue fête nationale, Le 14 juillet associe
aujourd'hui la solennité des défilés militaires et la convivialité des bals et des feux
d'artifice. La prise de la Bastille, le 14 juillet 1789, est commémorée en France depuis
plus d'un siècle.
itaire de la manifestation, afin de témoigner du redressement de la France après
la défaite de 1870. Toutes les communes sont concernées.
La fête débute par une retraite aux flambeaux le 13 au soir. Le lendemain, les
cloches des églises ou les salves annoncent le défilé, suivi d'un déjeuner, de
spectacles et de jeux. Les bals et feux d'artifice terminent la journée.
REFRAIN
Aux armes, citoyens !
Formez vos bataillons !
Marchons, marchons !
Qu'un sang impur...
Abreuve nos sillons !
COUPLET
I
Allons ! Enfants de
la Patrie !
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L'étendard sanglant est levé ! (Bis)
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Après l'austérité de la guerre de 1914-1918, Le 14 juillet 1919 est une grande Égorger vos fils, vos
La prise de la Bastille célébration de la victoire. Dans le même esprit, Le 14 juillet 1945 est précédé par compagnes.
Aux armes, citoyens !
En ces premiers mois de la Révolution française, une grande agitation règne à Par- trois jours de réjouissances civiques.
is. Au printemps 1789, les Etats Généraux ont refusé de se dissoudre et se sont
transformés en Assemblée nationale constituante. En juillet, le roi Louis XVI fait venir Le 14 juillet aujourd’hui II
Que veut cette horde
de nouvelles troupes et renvoie Necker, ministre populaire. Le matin du 14 juillet, le Le 14 juillet connaît toujours un grand succès. A Paris, le traditionnel défilé militaire d'esclaves,
peuple de Paris prend des armes aux Invalides puis se dirige vers une vieille forte- sur les Champs-Elysées fait l'objet d'une préparation minutieuse. Partout se déroulent De traîtres, de rois conjurés ?
resse royale, la Bastille. Après une fusillade bals, illuminations ou feux d'artifice. Pour qui ces ignobles entraves,
sanglante, il s'empare et délivre les quelques Les présidents de la Vème République Ces fers dès longtemps préparés ?
prisonniers qui y étaient enfermés. ont apporté quelques modifications au dé- (Bis)
La prise de la Bastille est une première vic- roulement de la journée. Français ! Pour nous, ah !
toire du peuple de Paris contre un symbole de Pour renouer avec la tradition du Paris ré- Quel outrage !
l'Ancien Régime. volutionnaire, le Président Giscard d'Es- Quels transports il doit exciter ;
L'édifice est d'ailleurs intégralement démoli C'est nous qu'on ose méditer
taing a fait défiler les troupes entre la place
De rendre à l'antique esclavage !
dans lesmois qui suivent. de la Bastille et la place de la République. Aux armes, citoyens !
La "fête de la Fédération", Le 14 juillet 1790, Sous la présidence de François Mit-
célèbre en grande pompe le premier terrand, Le 14 juillet 1989 a été un moment
anniversaire de l'insurrection. A Paris au fort de la célébration du bicentenaire de la
III
Quoi ! Des cohortes étrangères
Champ de Mars, une messe est dite par Révolution française. De nombreux chefs Feraient la loi dans nos foyers !
Talleyrand sur l'autel de la patrie. d'Etat étrangers ont pu assister notamment Quoi ! Des phalanges
à "la Marseillaise", spectacle de Jean-Paul mercenaires
La fête nationale Goude. Terrasseraient
Par la suite, la commémoration du 14 juillet En 1994, des soldats allemands de l'Eu- nos fiers guerriers ! (Bis)
1789 est abandonnée, jusqu'à ce que la rocorps participent au défilé sur les Dieu ! Nos mains seraient
IIIème République, notamment Gambetta, Champs-Elysées en signe de réconcilia- enchaînées !
tion. Nos fronts sous le joug
cherche à célébrer les fondements du régime.
se ploieraient !
Sur proposition du député de la Seine, Ben- Depuis l'élection du Président Chirac, de
De vils despotes deviendraient
jamin Raspail, la loi du 6 juillet 1880 fait du 14 Défilé militaire nombreux jeunes venus de la France Les maîtres de nos destinées !
juillet la fête nationale de la République. entière, et des militaires sont invités à la réception qui est donnée Aux armes, citoyens ! Etc...
L'accent est mis, dès le début, sur le caractère patriotique et mil- sur les Champs-Elysées dans le parc du Palais de l'Elysée après le défilé
✂