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Here, we present some of your responses to the news, views and entertainment you've seen on cairolive.com. Thanks, and please keep on commenting. New Letters updated October 31, 2002
A winner confesses...
I am really delighted to be the
winner of last week's picture contest. whohoooo ;-)
I was truly amazed that I
was the only one who got it right. It all had to do with the
masonry. If you notice how the cement was sticking out between the
building stones (like an inexpertly prepared peanut butter
sandwich), you would have come the conclusion that whoever put this
wall together had no regard for fine craftsmanship, so more likely
than not this a modern structure (also more likely Egyptian than
Spanish). Now if were to compare that with authentic old-Cairo
buildings you would immediately detect how poorly put together
this structure is, furthermore it is my understanding that
prior to the nineteenth century a lime and gypsum mortar was
commonly used as the binding agent rather than cement.
Although cement itself is an
ancient binding material used by the Romans (e.g. the Forum and the
Coliseum in Rome), the art of making cement was lost during the
middle ages. This art was rediscovered again in the 18th century by
British engineer John Smeaton. I am not sure about the history of
cement in Egypt, but I would reckon that it is highly unlikely that
Egyptian builders knew of it (in modern times that is) before the
very late 19th century.
Of course my reasoning is not
bullet proof, as many restoration works that have been done in
old Cairo and have used cement extensively, however they tried to
make it somewhat appear like older structures and the work was of
much higher quality than in the picture.
Mohammed El-Beltagy
Still debating September As an American, I was pleased
to read the intelligent and level-headed comments of Tarek Atia ("The
Worst of Both Worlds" October 8th). Indeed, these are
precarious times for all nations, but we only advance the cause of
peace when we recognize the similarities between all people of the
world. In his plea to understand the difficult issues of the day from
all perspectives, hopefully Mr. Atia has promoted a better
understanding among his readership. While I certainly cannot profess
to speak for all of America, I can add that in my experiences
Americans see far too few voices of Arab moderation, leaving instead
an impression that is both threatening and fanatical. Mr. Atia's
article tears at that image, and gives hope that cooler heads will
prevail. His words need to be shared throughout the Middle East and
beyond.
It is very painful for me to
know that there are so many people that can generalize a population of
people. On September 11th a lot of innocent people were slaughtered.
And I cry for them everyday, just as I cry for your people. This is a
time for healing not hate. I don't support Americans' who generalize
their hatred of Arabs as a result of the behavior of a small group of
people. America is by no means a perfect country and we cannot all be
judged by the actions of a few. If "we" are to survive as a
world-wide nation then "we" must eliminate hate in our
society. Or it will destroy "us".
Hello: it's so sad that with so
much modern and ancient history in the middle east, that for a few
goons from every culture on earth, our planet is being destroyed. Those
of us that love life, preservation and its blessings and are humbled
shall inherit the earth...sincerely.
Roger Hagen: Virtually
nothing feels as good as someone voicing your opinion without you
having to say a word. I can only assess that this man has been
schooled in the philosophy of Justice. I see the world changing for
the worse, and the US or "us" in the foreground of this
madness. Not being "blessed" to be American has suddenly
become Un-American in and of itself. How is this fair? Why is being
proud of your heritage, and holding your head up high as a Nigerian or
Pakistani or Bosnian all of a sudden a crime against America and pro
terrorist, and a plethora of other so called axis of evil qualities??
Whatever. Long live Hagen, Hagen for president. Mr. Hagen, please
start writing for a National newspaper and help us out man.
The opinions expressed by those interviewed for this article highlight the very reason that Americans distrust the Arab world. Now I have no great love for America and would like nothing more than to see them exposed to the reality that the rest of the world (not just the Arabs) view them as dangerous, reactionary idiots. However, to even consider the atrocities of the World Trade massacre to be part of a conspiracy or as a reason for celebration is ludicrous. Yes, America takes a pro-Israeli stance. But this is due to the political fact that the Jewish vote is crucial to anyone trying to get elected into public office in America and not to illustrate anti-Arab sentimentality amongst the other voters. The truth is that, without the actions of a few fanatics, Americans wouldn't have a view on the Arab world one way or the other. Having lived in Egypt in the past I was shocked at so-called educated Egyptians sanctioning the acts of the madman Bin Ladin. Maybe the people of the Arab world really do want to turn back the clock hundreds of years and live in an isolated, repressive religious state. Some people probably do consider female circumcision, religious dictatorial legal systems and enforced conformity to be an improvement over the current state of affairs. But to believe in an anti-Arab conspiracy ???? The fact is that 90% of Americans still couldn't tell you where Afghanistan is! They have a myopic world view in which no one else exists except for American aggrandizement. Believe me, they care just as little for their Canadian neighbors as they would for Arabs. What has really sickened me is people talking of the joy they felt watching other people massacred !!! Don't for one minute believe that the American people - stupid and ignorant that they are - celebrate when Palestinians are shot in the streets ! It seems to be a peculiarly Muslim condition to see religious sanctioned murder as a justifiable response to an unjust situation. Christian martyrs in the past died for their beliefs - but not since the crusades was it considered okay to kill other people to get into heaven. Only in the Muslim religious view is murder rewarded in the afterlife. Only in Muslim states have I seen rape used a weapon to disgrace the victim rather than the perpetrator. Western society is far from perfect but it is a vast improvement over orthodox religious options. The Taliban is only one of numerous examples of institutionalized religion gone drastically wrong. What I have seen through living
in the city and countryside in Egypt shows that the government has
only embraced and enhanced the negative aspects of Western civilization
- conscienceless multinational corporations, fast-food outlets,
soul-less television, fashion houses which exploit the workers, etc -
and have suppressed the positive influences that freedom of expression
brings with it. Censorship of western movies has led generations of
Egyptian men to believe that all Western women are sluts willing to be
used by any man. Cutting the kissing scenes from films shown had the
opposite effect the censors intended - unless they deliberately
intended to bring western morals into disrepute - and yet they leave
in graphical violence which has been shown to be psychologically
destructive. Only a people with a censored world view could, for one
minute, attribute the cleverness that a conspiracy would require to
Americans. There is no anti-Arab conspiracy! But there is a quite
understandable mistrust of any people who would show joy at the death
of others. There is fear and disbelief that religious leaders who
preach hatred and violence as the path to salvation and get the
fanatical support of communities. Muslims have a lot to offer the rest
of the world but I fear all they are offering now is religious
fanaticism and military Armageddon. Not a great legacy, eh?
Still debating the shaft Research in Egypt according to the Secret
Chamber is always ignored by the Egyptian government. Don't
you think the discovery of the big secret would be a great step forward
to the whole world? We would hope that the cooperation could start but
that the outcome of what so ever treasures should stay in Egypt, so
people will be encouraged to visit old and new treasures of your beautiful
country.
A point of view... News is circulating around the world
that a privately-owned Egyptian television station is going to give a
prominent favorable presence to THE
PROTOCOLS OF THE ELDERS OF ZION, a work of fiction concocted
by the secret police of Czar Nicholas II, in a 41-part series dealing
with the history of the Middle East from 1855-1917.
Bubbling about the bibliotheca I'm so proud that this library is in my
country Egypt. I'm proud that my country has all
these great things. We thank all the engineers and everyone
who works over there. I'll ask every Egyptian to keep working hard to
make Egypt beautiful.
Your library is wonderful. I am so
excited for your country.
Thank you my Goodness!! This is marvelous
issue - I wish Egypt to be always in the front & the leader for
all the Arab Nation!!!
More fame for Shaabola and Adel Imam This is a fascinating article.
I am studying international rap
and would love to get a
comment from you.
No matter what new comedians we have in
the Middle East, East or west, Adel Imam is still the best. Da Adel
Imam - mush ay kalam.
Random praise, part x Good site.. good work
Many greetings from Zürich... you do
very good job
I
like your articles, especially the one about Faten Hamama who is my favorite
star.
Hi there, thanks
for the site
Really excellent site -- we enjoyed it
fine -- lots of news in Arabic -- please keep it up -- thanks.
Just plain random The wonderful Egyptian eyes are looking
forward to the future and wondering, how my grand children are going
to deal with me?
Do you have
a comment on any of the above or on anything else on cairolive.com?
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