Egypt Media Roundup (October 17)

[Journalists gather outside the Press Syndicate ahead of an emergency general assembly meeting on 4 May, 2016 in protest against a police raid on the Syndicate and the arrest of two journalists. Photo from Aswat Masriya.] [Journalists gather outside the Press Syndicate ahead of an emergency general assembly meeting on 4 May, 2016 in protest against a police raid on the Syndicate and the arrest of two journalists. Photo from Aswat Masriya.]

Egypt Media Roundup (October 17)

By : Egypt Page Media Roundup Editors

[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Egypt and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Egypt Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to egypt@jadaliyya.com by Sunday night of every week.] 

Political Rights

Report reveals continuing violations of Egyptian press freedoms The Journalists Against Torture Observatory recorded a total of 106 violations of press freedoms in the third quarter of 2016. The Ministry of Interior is named as the most frequent offender, and was directly responsible for thirty-six of the incidents.

Jurists group urges Egypt to end `politicisation` of judiciary The International Commission of Jurists urged Egyptian authorities to end "politicization" of the judiciary and ensure its independence and accountability.
UN Special Rapporteur: Egyptian government’s systematic attacks aim to silence civil society United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Maina Kiai issued a warning on Tuesday regarding increasing restrictions imposed on civil society in Egypt and the targeting of human rights workers and independent civil society organizations, according to a statement released by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Sisi says `western perspective` on human rights not applicable to Egypt Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told a number of US Congress members that human rights and freedoms in Egypt shouldn`t be viewed from a “western perspective,” in a meeting on Sunday.

Video of tuk tuk driver railing against the state goes viral A video of a tuk tuk driver raging against the state has gone viral, racking up over five million views online and trending on social media since its release on Wednesday.

Egyptian group issues call for 5-year moratorium on World Day Against the Death Penalty To mark World Day Against the Death Penalty, an independent Egyptian group is appealing to citizens, civil society organizations, political parties and popular movements to support its proposal for a five-year moratorium on capital punishment.

Egypt’s prosecution detains 8 students after calling for protests on Nov. 11 Egypt’s prosecution ordered on Sunday the detention of eight people for fifteen days pending further investigations on various charges including calling for protests on 11 November.

Man in Sharqiya sentenced to 2 years prison for propagating Shia teachings The manager of an unregistered nursery in Kafr Shakr, Sharqiya, was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday for “insulting the Prophet’s companions” and “spreading Shia lies to children.”

Report from Rashid: Where was the state when hundreds drowned? Everyone in Rashid says the same thing: the state’s response to the tragedy was almost non-existent; survivors were rescued by local fisherman.

Egypt`s new cybercrime bill could send you to prison Under the newly-drafted cybercrime law you may be punished for a number of things you do online, and even some you do not do.

Elections for top spots in Egypt`s parliamentary committees to take place Sunday Following a procedural sitting on 4 October, Egypt’s parliament will begin its second session on Sunday where elections will take place for top parliamentary committee positions.

Record number of Egyptian MPs look to join Human Rights Committee A record sixty-four Members of Parliament have decided to ‎join the Egyptian parliament`s Human Rights ‎Committee, which parliament`s ‎deputy speaker Mahmoud al-Sherif says clearly reflects an ‎increasing interest ‎in human rights issues.

Economy

Egypt`s pound rebounds on black market after hitting record lows The Egyptian pound strengthened on the black market, hovering around 15.2 to 15.6 LE to the dollar on Sunday, after hitting a historic low of around sixteen LE to the dollar last week.

Egypt receives alternative oil shipments following Aramco decision to suspend imports In reaction to a decision by Saudi oil company Aramco yesterday not to supply Egypt with its October oil shipment, Egypt received alternative oil imports from other international contractors on Tuesday, according to Petroleum Ministry spokesperson Hamdy Abdel Aziz.

Sisi says economic reforms `hard` but `essential` to save economy Egypt`s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Friday that the economic reforms that are being taken by the state are "hard" but "essential" to save the economy.

Company accused of selling fake Egyptian cotton invited to open factory in Egypt Industry and Trade Minister Tarek Qabil has invited Welspun India, a company previously accused of selling fake Egyptian cotton, to open a factory in Egypt.

Foreign Relations

Amid foreign policy turmoil, Sisi denies link between Security Council vote and petroproduct suspension With Egypt embroiled in a series of international diplomatic conflicts, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi gave a nationally televised address on Thursday, denying the purported link between Saudi Aramco’s decision to halt the supply of petroproducts and the country’s vote to support Russia’s initiative on Syria at the UN Security Council.

Pro-government media vows `Egypt won`t kneel` amid escalating tensions with Saudi A number of pro-regime TV hosts launched a campaign rejecting Egypt`s subservience to any country in the wake of rising tension between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Domestic Security

At least 12 troops killed, 6 others injured in assault on security checkpoint in Sinai At least twelve troops were killed and six others wounded during an armed assault on a security checkpoint by unidentified assailants. The incident has been described as the largest attack on security forces in central Sinai.

Egypt army launches major anti-terror campaign in Sinai Egypt`s army has launched a major campaign to target “terrorist elements” in several areas in North and Central Sinai, the army`s spokesman announced on Sunday.

Arabic

فحوص العذرية للطالبات المصريات مرآة ثقافة شعبية لم تذهب مع الريح Controversy ensues following the call of an Egyptian Member of Parliament to hold mandatory virginity tests to female students before getting admitted to universities.

"البترول": "أرامكو" السعودية أبلغتنا رسميًا أن واردات أكتوبر من البترول لن تصل Saudi company Aramco announces the suspension of oil shipments to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation for the current month due to technical and political reasons, according to two Saudi sources.

فى لزوم إصلاح السياسة قبل الاقتصاد Fahmy Howeidy explains the need to “fix politics” first in order to solve the economic crisis.

مخاوف برلمان 150..لماذا تلجأ الحكومة "لإضاعة الوقت" في قوانين الأزمات؟ As the Egyptian parliament celebrates its 150-year anniversary, Aswat Masriya examines the important laws to be adopted by the parliament.

مصر وروسيا: مناورات «الصداقة»  For the first time on its soil, Egypt will hold joint military exercises with Russia within the framework of “combatting terrorism” in mid-October.

مصر تؤمن بديلاً للنفط السعودي Following Aramco suspension of oil supply for October, Egypt secures the needed amount of oil from foreign suppliers.

مصر والتصويت المزدوج في مجلس الأمن.. لماذا؟  Assafir examines the effects of Egypt’s support for the Russian and French UN resolutions on Egypt-Saudi relations.

بعد إلغاء حكم حبسه 15 عاما.. الجنايات تبدأ السبت إعادة محاكمة ضابط الشرطة المتهم بقتل الشهيدة «شيماء الصباغ»  The Cairo Criminal Court will review the trial of police officer charged with the murder of Shaimaa al-Sabbagh.

211 حقوقيا ونقابيا ومنظمة يطالبون بالإفراج الفوري عن عمال الترسانة البحرية والنقل العام: افرجوا عنهم ونفذوا مطالبهم A statement of solidarity was issued from different political and activist groups calling for the release of the detained workers of the navy arsenal and public transportation authority.

إنفوجراف.. «صحفيون ضد التعذيب»: 106 حالة انتهاك ضد صحفيين في 3 أشهر.. احتجاز وضرب ومحاكمات.. والداخلية على رأس المعتدين Journalists Against Torture reports106 violations against journalists in Egypt during the past three months.

الخيال خلف القضبان.. الروائي أحمد ناجي يكمل 235 يوما في طره بتهمة «خدش الحياء».. ومحاميه: ننتظر جلسة النقض منذ ابريل After being sentenced two-year prison for “violating public modesty,” Ahmed Naji’s lawyer calls for the need to appeal on the basis of the Article 67 of the Egyptian constitution, which guarantees freedom of artistic and literary creation.

مصر والسعودية في أسبوع.. من تصويت القاهرة لصالح قرار موسكو إلى وقف الشحنات البترولية وحتى مغادرة سفير المملكة: أزمة في الأفق The article discusses the economic and political consequences of Egypt`s decision to vote in favor of the Russian UN resolution on Egyptian-Saudi relations.

«الشيحي» عن «إلغاء خانة الديانة»: لا يوجد ورقة واحدة تطلب ذلك.. و«كفاية فتنة» Following Cairo University statement that it would remove the “religious identity” field from all student and faculty identification documents, the minister of higher education denies that university affiliates had ever been officially required to disclose their religion.

سائق توك توك جذب4 ملايين مشاهد ويبحث عنه رئيس وزراء مصر Video of tuk-tuk driver criticizing the Egyptian government for the dire economic situation goes viral on social media after being aired on television

قيود جديدة لقضاة مصر: منع التواصل الإعلامي والحديث السياسي The State Council bans judges from making statements to media.

مطالبات بوقف تنفيذ عقوبة الإعدام لمدة خمس سنوات A group of activists and citizens call for the abolition of death penalty for five years until an agreement from all components of Egyptian civil society is reached.

نشطاء يردون على طلب السيسي «ماتكلوش وما تناموش طلبا للاستقلال»: «هي الناس لاقيه تاكل أصلا… طيب ما تجربو انتوا»  Sisi’s comments calling Egyptians to not eat nor sleep in order to achieve national independence sparks cynical responses on social media. 

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Arabian Peninsula Media Roundup (April 26)

[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Arabian Peninsula and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Arabian Peninsula Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to ap@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
 

Regional and International Relations

Less than 5 percent of Saudi Aramco to be sold The Saudi company currently produces upward of ten million barrels a day and will now be available for trade in the Saudi stock market.

Oman sets out new 20-year tourism plan As oil revenues drop, Oman places renewed interest in tourism efforts.

Emirati ballerina Alia Al Neyadi has big plans for the UAE’s cultural scene A mother-daughter ballet team takes the stage by storm in an upcoming ballet production.

UAE pledges $4B to boost Egypt’s economy The newest investments signal the United Arab Emirates’ continued support for Egypt’s current regime.

GCC reiterates commitment to narcotic control policy The countries also reiterated their need for a death penalty for drug smuggling, which, if revoked, may encourage operations.

A 30-year-old prince`s bold vision for Saudi Arabia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s agenda may be seen as overly ambitious, but Saudi Arabia may need drastic new policies to overcome debt.

FIFA Panel to Monitor Labor Conditions at Qatar Stadiums The new decision would give FIFA a stake in the health and safety of World Cup construction workers in Qatar.

A Respite of Soccer for Qatar’s Laborers Day laborers and construction workers get their own piece of the football dream in their Workers Cup tournament.

Consultants flock to Saudi Arabia for ‘mother of all transformation projects’ Economic consultant companies rack up huge profits as Saudi Arabia announces its reform plan, one report reveals.

The Short Century at Sharjah Art Museum highlights events that shaped the Arab world in the 20th century An upcoming art exhibit looks at the historical context of Arab art after World War I and just before the first Gulf War.

2016 World Press Freedom Index Reporters without Borders released their yearly ranking of press freedoms around the world, with poor ratings across the GCC. 

KUWAIT BECOMES FIRST COUNTRY TO COLLECT DNA SAMPLES FROM ALL CITIZENS AND VISITORS: REPORT Kuwait will begin the process of DNA testing at airports possibly later this year, and will include residents already within the country.

Kuwait lost up to $200m during oil strike The three-day strike forced the country to operate at much lower levels of oil production, and has since returned to pre-strike levels.

US State Department approves $260 million missile sale to Qatar Qatar’s latest arms acquisition includes 254 new missiles, though another deal for aircraft still awaits approval.

No jail time for Villaggio fire defendants, Qatar judge rules The defendants will only have to pay blood money to the relatives of the nineteen who passed away in the fire. 

Facebook most popular stock among investors in UAE, rest of GCC Stock investors recently released results for the GCC’s popular stocks, which also included Apple and Halliburton.

The war of words over who does Saudi Arabia`s housework Debates over housework in Saudi Arabia drag on, revived by arguments against impoverished Saudi women doing the work.

Saudi Arabia, 9/11, and what we know about the secret papers that could ignite a diplomatic war An argument wages in Washington over the possible declassification of documents that could establish direct ties between Saudi Arabia and 9/11 events.

Saudi Arabia agrees plans to move away from oil profits An overview of key points from Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision plan.
 

Reports and Opinions

Moving away from oil Months of low oil prices offer a perfect opportunity for GCC countries to undertake massive reforms in everything from economics to migration.

Sponsorship system One Kuwaiti columnist examines the benefits and disadvantages of the sponsorship system on foreign employment.

Saudi Arabia: The devil we know Fareed Zakaria’s editorial for a continued US alliance with Saudi Arabia.

WATCH: Fareed Zakaria And Reza Aslan Discuss Saudi Arabia’s Influence On Terrorism A new talk show explores the lives of the 9/11 hijackers and their ties to Saudi Arabia. 

How Obama is Benefiting Iran by the US-GCC Summit? One analyst looks at why Obama needs to balance the diplomatic and economic power of Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s Changing International Role Foreign policy experts discuss the nature of Saudi Arabia’s latest diplomatic endeavors.

Don’t Let Americans Sue Saudi Arabia A new congressional bill could threaten US relations with Saudi Arabia over 9/11 responsibilities.

Why Dubai Is a Perfect Setting for Grand Theft Auto A plea for Dubai to become the next location for a popular car-racing video game.
 

Crisis in Yemen 

As Saudis Continue Deadly Bombing of Yemen, Is Obama Trading Cluster Munitions for Riyadh`s Loyalty? One analyst questions American arms sales to Saudi Arabia and their deadly role in the war in Yemen.

AQAP Forced Out of Major Port City in Yemen A coalition of Saudi forces and Yemeni groups fought to push out AQAP from Mukalla.

Yemen Peace Effort Falters as Houthis Refuse to Attend Talks Initial days of Kuwait-held peace talks got off to a shaky start.

AL-QAEDA MILITANTS KILLED IN PUSH TO FREE YEMEN CITY 30 AQAP militants were killed in the latest attacks on Mukalla.

Canada should act quickly to provide aid for Yemen One researcher’s plea to provide humanitarian aid to Yemenis in their post-war recovery.

GCC, U.S. agree joint patrols to block Iran arms to Yemen: Zayani Iran denies sending weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Lawmakers launch bipartisan effort to restrict U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia, citing war crimes in Yemen US congressmen speak out against US involvement in Saudi’s war in Yemen, and hope to pass legislation to prevent future arms sales.
 

Human Rights 

KSA calls on UN to stop politicizing human rights Saudi Arabia affirms the fact that the country already has measures to protect human rights violations, including mechanisms to prevent unlawful torture.

Saudi Arabia: Counter-terror court sentences human rights activist in relentless onslaught against civil society Amnesty International calls upon Saudi Arabia to release members of a human rights organization that fought for peaceful reform.

International Actors Still Do Not Hold Bahraini Government Accountable for Its Violations on Human Rights A factsheet on arrests and prison sentences of Bahraini citizens in 2015. 

U.S. prisoner in Bahrain says he has been freed via royal pardon The royal pardon also included the payment of a fee, in order for the dual citizen to be released from Bahraini police custody.

The Guggenheim Doesn’t Want Labor Activists Interfering With Its Luxurious Abu Dhabi Outpost Activists known as the Gulf Labor Coalition face routine suppression in the UAE, and calls for better labor policies at the Guggenheim’s new museum are largely ignored.

Arabic

انطلاق مفاوضات الكويت اليمنية: الفشل ليس خياراً!
تقرير عن بدء المفاوضات في الكويت بعد تأخير دام ثلاثة أيام.

اليمن: الحوثيون يشاركون في مباحثات السلام
وافق الحوثيون على الانضمام الى مباحثات السلام التي ترعاها الامم المتحدة في الكويت بعد تلقيهم ضمانات دولية بشأن وقف اطلاق النار. 

جولة واحدة في الكويت لا تكفي: درب المفاوضات طويل
لقمان عبدالله يؤكد ان مفاوضات الكويت ستكرس الهدنة بين الأطراف اليمنية وتعمل على مأسستها من خلال لجان اشراف دولي بينما سترحل القضايا الأساسية إلى جولات أخرى. 

المحادثات تسير ببطء: خلافٌ على الأولويات
الجلسة الثانية في مفاوضات الكويت تثبت وقف إطلاق النار الساري بينما لا تنبئ بتقريب يذكر في مواقف طرفي الصراع.

تركيا تجمّد أصول علي عبد الله صالح
أوردت الجريدة الرسمية التركية تجميد الاصول التي يملكها الرئيس اليمني السابق علي عبدالله صالح في تركيا، بموجب قرارات مجلس الامن الدولي. 

«البذخ» العسكري لم ينقذ السعودية في اليمن
تقرير عن تحقيق لوكالة “رويترز” عن الواقع السعودي الصعب في اليمن على الرغم من “البذخ” السعودي عبر صفقات التسلح. 

سيناريوهات للتراجع عن اتفاقية تيران وصنافير؟
مصادر مصرية تؤكد ل”الاخبار” ان الرئاسة تدرس سيناريوهات للتراجع عن اتفاقية ترسيم الحدود البحرية مع السعودية اذا تحرك الشارع المصري بصورة كبيرة.

مصر والسعودية: اتفاق مُجحٍف وشرعية تهتزّ
مصطفى اللباد يبحث تداعيات تنازل مصر عن جزيرتي تيران وصنافير للسعودية. 

بيان القمة الخليجية ـ الأميركية
لم يختلف بيان القمة الخليجية-الأميركية في الرياض عن مفردات القمة الإسلامية واحتلت إيران حيزاً كبيراً منه. 

أوباما يودِّع الخليجيين: عليكم بالإصلاح وكفى صراعاً مع إيران
الرئيس الأميركي سعى الى طمأنة دول الخليج وحثهم ضمنياً على المزيد من المشتريات للسلاح الأميركي.

هكذا تشتري «أرامكو» النفوذ لآل سعود
علي مراد يؤكد ان المال النفطي أنقذ الرياض كثيراً وخصوصاً العدوان الطويل على اليمن، إسقاط المحاكم الأميركية لدعاوى دفع الرياض تعويضات لعلائات صحايا هجمات ١١ ايلول، حماية أميركية مباشرة للنظام السعودي، وتصدير اسلحة أميركية متطورة إلى المملكة. 

السعودية وأوباما ولعنة «11 أيلول»
منير الخطيب يبحث زيارة أوباما للسعودية والصفحات السرية في تقرير اللجنة الخاصة بهجمات ١١ أيلول.

أوباما في الرياض: لا مصلحة لأحد في خوض نزاعٍ مع إيران
الرئيس الأميركي يتطرق الى العلاقة مع ايران خلال زيارته الى السعودية، موضحاً ان لا مصلحة لاي دولة في خوض صراع مع طهران. 

تركي الفيصل: لإعادة تقييم العلاقة مع واشنطن
آعتبر رئيس الاستخبارات السعودية السابق ان “الايام الخوالى” بين المملكة والولايات المتحدة انتهت إلى غير رجعة وانه يجب أن “يعاد تقييم” العلاقة بين البلدين. 

كارتر: واشنطن سرّعت وتيرة تعاونها العسكري مع الخليج
أعلن وزير الدفاع الأميركي ان بلاده سرعت منذ عام وتيرة تعاونها العسكري مع دول الخليج القلقة من التهديد الإيراني. 

مشروع قانون في الكونغرس يفرض قيوداً على تسليح السعودية
تقدم السيناتور الديموقراطي كريس مورفي والسيناتور الجمهوري راند بول بمشروع قانون يضع قيوداً على بيع صواريخ جو-أرض للسعودية.

زوجة رائف بدوي «تأمل» بعفو ملكي
أعلنت إنصاف حيدر، زوجة المدون السعودي رائف بدوي المسجون في السعودية منذ العام ٢٠١٢، انها ما زالت “تأمل” ان يعفو الملك سلمان عن زوجها.

أول قرض اجنبي للسعودية منذ 15 سنة
تعتزم السعودية اقتراض عشرة مليارات دولار من مصارف أجنبية لتغطية جانب من العجز في ماليتها العامة، جراء انخفاض اسعار النفط، في خطوة هي الاولى من نوعها منذ ١٥ سنة. 

الكويت: ضغوط تدفع عمال النفط إلى إنهاء إضرابهم
أنهى عمال النفط في الكويت إضرابهم، بعد ثلاثة أيام، بعد ان سارعت الحكومة إلى تحذيرهم من أنها لن تستجيب لأي مطالب تحت الضغظ.

الشيخ النمر في مرافعة الكرامة: حياتي ليست أهم من كرامتي
صحيفة “مرآة البحرين” ومركز “كيتوس” الثقافي يصدران كتاب الشيخ نمر النمر بعنوان “مرافعة كرامة.”

أيّ عُمرٍ بقيَ لقناة «الجزيرة»؟ 
محمد فارس جرادات يؤكد رحلة “الجزيرة” في الكهولة المبكرة بدأت منذ استقالة وضاح خنفر.