Tuesday
Apr072009
The April 6 strike as seen by Egyptian newspapers
Issandr El Amrani
The headlines in today's Egyptian dailies:
The state press
- Al-Ahram (loyal and sycophantic): As per Mubarak's instructions, LE10bn will be earmarked for social welfare and job creation.
- Al-Akhbar (dour and old-fashioned): "Call for strike: no room for chaos and production stoppage."
- Al-Gomhouriya (gloating): "Egypt does not acknowledge chaos."
- Rose al-Youssef (triumphant): "New defeats for the supporters of the strike."
The mainstream independent press
- Al-Masri al-Youm (brutally honest): A failed strike.
- Al-Shorouq al-Gedid (poetic): 6 April: calm streets and timid protests.
- Nahdet Misr (laconic): A strike without strikers.
The opposition-independent press
- Al-Badil (embarrassed): Weak participation in strike.
- Al-Dostour (oblivious): 6 April: small protests
The real big story of the day, though, are allegations by Masri al-Youm editor Magdi Gallad that Ayman Nour's wife and stalwart supporter, Gamila Ismail (well-known in Egypt as a former television presenter and later an advocate for her husband) that Gamila sent him a SMS saying she was divorcing Ayman. Ayman Nour then reportedly demanded that Gallad withdraw the edition of the paper where the information was published (with promises of a follow-up), which Gallad refused while lambasting Nour for attacking freedom of the press on public figures when Nour himself wants more transparency on public officials. It's not clear whether the news regarding the divorce has been confirmed yet, and Gamila has reportedly disappeared.
The state press
- Al-Ahram (loyal and sycophantic): As per Mubarak's instructions, LE10bn will be earmarked for social welfare and job creation.
- Al-Akhbar (dour and old-fashioned): "Call for strike: no room for chaos and production stoppage."
- Al-Gomhouriya (gloating): "Egypt does not acknowledge chaos."
- Rose al-Youssef (triumphant): "New defeats for the supporters of the strike."
The mainstream independent press
- Al-Masri al-Youm (brutally honest): A failed strike.
- Al-Shorouq al-Gedid (poetic): 6 April: calm streets and timid protests.
- Nahdet Misr (laconic): A strike without strikers.
The opposition-independent press
- Al-Badil (embarrassed): Weak participation in strike.
- Al-Dostour (oblivious): 6 April: small protests
The real big story of the day, though, are allegations by Masri al-Youm editor Magdi Gallad that Ayman Nour's wife and stalwart supporter, Gamila Ismail (well-known in Egypt as a former television presenter and later an advocate for her husband) that Gamila sent him a SMS saying she was divorcing Ayman. Ayman Nour then reportedly demanded that Gallad withdraw the edition of the paper where the information was published (with promises of a follow-up), which Gallad refused while lambasting Nour for attacking freedom of the press on public figures when Nour himself wants more transparency on public officials. It's not clear whether the news regarding the divorce has been confirmed yet, and Gamila has reportedly disappeared.
Reader Comments (3)
That had to have been the least visible "strike" I've ever seen. Come to think of it, the only evidence of a strike I saw were antiquated APC's and some bored looking troops. (can anyone comment on whether in a situation like yesterday the average soldier/amn mrkezy officer's gun is actually loaded?)
I spent all day on the 5th asking Cairenes about the strike, every last one rolled there eye's and said it was empty talk. I'm very new to Cairo, did anyone actually expect a big turnout/serious protest? Was the feeble turnout/participation in the strike standard? Coming from Beirut where a strike means burning roadblocks and the possible outbreak of largescale civil strife I was underwhelmed.
Do any Egyptian conspiracy theorists suggest that government moles help to "plan" strikes like this knowing the ensuing low turnout will only serve to undermine the opposition?
[...] demonstrators gathered in downtown Cairo.” The Arabist has pulled together today’s headlines in Egypt from the state-run newspapers to the opposition press, and they all agree the planned [...]
There's always conspiracy theorists ready to suggest that idea, but I'm afraid this time responsibility should be given to the Shebab 6 April and other people who went along with this ill-conceived strike alone.