AUC TODA Y Spring 2011

Members of the NEW AUC community share insights NEW ERA and experiences as the country embarks on a new beginning

From to Tahrir • The Soul of the Square • New Egypt 101 “Today, The American University in is one of the most important institutions in one of the most remarkable cities in the world at one of the most consequential moments in its history.” — President Lisa Anderson, The American University in Cairo

AUC is the home of liberal arts, as well as entrepreneurial and innovative graduate education. Both AUC and AUCians will play a leading role in the creation of the new Egypt.

Be a part of this change. Support The AUC Annual Fund. www.aucegypt.edu/giving/ways 8 9 ’

b e h a R - l E

k i f a R

Contents AUC alumni capture the revolution through photographs Page 24

10 FACULTY INSIGHTS 28 PAST THE PROTESTS: A CALL TO Faculty views on the revolution and the way forward CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AUC students engage in clean-ups and neighborhood watches 16 AROUND THE WORLD IN 18 DAYS Reflections of alumni in different parts of the world 30 ALUMNI IN THE MEDIA Alumni broadcasters and journalists relay what it is like to be 18 FROM TWITTER TO TAHRIR on the fast lane Tweets by Gigi Ibrahim ’11 solicit international attention 35 FORECASTING CHANGE 20 E-REVOLUTIONARY SPARKS CHANGE AUC publication makes early predictions about the revolution (MBA ’08) and his call for change 36 SERVING THROUGH THE STORM 21 THE SOUL OF THE SQUARE Security guards at AUC demonstrate courage Ahdaf Soueif (MA ’73) writes from the heart of Tahrir 38 MEMOIRS OF A MOTHER 22 WITNESSING HISTORY UNFOLD Rania Zaki ’97 documents the revolution in a diary to her son International students at AUC relay their experiences during the uprising 40 DOCUMENTING HISTORY University on the Square initiative preserves the collective 23 NEW EGYPT 101 experience of AUCians during the revolution AUC introduces new courses to address the evolving situation 42 AROUND THE WORLD 24 THROUGH ALUMNI LENS Alumni meet in various countries Alumni document the revolution in pictures 43 LOYAL FOR LIFE AUCIAN 26 ACTING IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE A new initiative to keep alumni connected to AUC Alumni actors and actresses take part in the protests 48 AKHER KALAM 27 PAST GLORY, PRESENT HONOR Tunisian alum Ghalia Gargani ’99, ’03 has big dreams for Ethar El-Katatney ’07 revives her pride in being Egyptian Egypt, her homecountry and the Arab world

On the cover: AUC Tahrir Square bore witness to the uprising that brought about the historic change in Egypt, photographed by Sean Graham AUC TODA Y Editor’s Notes Spring 2011

Volume 19, No. 2 An Unexpected Turn of Events

few weeks before the January 25th Revolution, the magazine was The American University in Cairo is a nonprofit private institution devoted to A set to carry entirely different stories. However, as the revolution providing English-language liberal arts broke out and gained momentum – – even before the toppling of the education to serve Egypt and the Mubarak regime –– we knew that the magazine content had to be . overhauled to reflect current events. Editor in Chief Redoing a magazine after it was almost ready to go to print is Dalia Al Nimr normally frustrating, but in this case, it was an enjoyable experience –– an unexpected yet welcome turn of events. Working on different stories Designer under the theme of New Egypt, New Era was exceptionally pleasing Sherif Mekky because we were given the chance to not only write about the Writers revolution and the dawn of a new beginning for Egypt, but also the Ghaydaa Fahim and Madeline Welsh contributions of AUC community members to the uprising that changed Egyptian history. From AUC’s Board of Trustees to students and alumni Advisory Board Magda Hayek ’72, ’76, ’94; Adel El-Labban to faculty and staff to security guards, all were –– and still are –– ’77, ’80; Hanzada Fikry ’78, ’81; Nayera involved in shaping this country’s future. Fadel ’94; Islam Badra ’98; Raghda El In this issue, you will read faculty insights about the revolution and Ebrashi ’04, ’07; Dina Basiony ’08 the way forward for Egypt (pages 10 - 15), alumni in the heart of AUCToday is published three times events (pages 18 - 21, 26 - 27), alumni in the media (pages 30 - 34), a year by The American University students and their involvement in post-revolutionary clean-ups in Tahrir in Cairo. and elsewhere (pages 28 - 29), a mother’s diary to her son during the revolution (pages 38 - 39), the experiences of international students We welcome all letters. Submissions may be edited for space and clarity. Please send all who stayed in Egypt during the uprising (page 22), new courses that correspondence to: have been introduced at AUC to reflect the change in Egypt (page 23), the bravery of security guards at AUC Tahrir Square (page 36), the AUCToday dreams of a Tunisian alum for the Arab world (page 48) and lots more. The American University in Cairo AUC Avenue The revolution and the profound change it has brought onto Egypt P.O. Box 74 has undoubtedly made us all proud. What adds to this sense of pride is New Cairo 11835 that it is the youth who instigated such change –– youth who were Egypt commonly accused of being passive and or AUCToday politically inactive. Tragically, many have lost The American University in Cairo their lives, and numerous others were severely 420 Fifth Avenue, Third floor injured –– all for the sake of Egypt seeing the New York, NY 10018-2729 light. And it did USA Tahya Masr (Long live Egypt)! tel 20.2.2615.2405 (Egypt) [email protected] www1.aucegypt.edu/publications/auctoday

2 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 InBox I am writing in response to your article in your latest issue, In your recent article on CIMUN in the recent edition “Modeling Success.” I am the secretary-general of Cairo of your magazine, there is an omission. In the section on International Model United Nations (CIMUN) for the Nadia Younes Memorial Fund, the year 2010 - 2011. Your article came to us as a you mention all the guest lecturers truly pleasant surprise. If you are interested in that have spoken at this event save detailing your published article, I would love the one. The 2008 guest lecturer was Sir opportunity to further illustrate many aspects of Jeremy Greenstock. CIMUN 23 years later. CIMUN has now expanded to seven councils and an organizing committee of Nahed (Younes) Fouad, Egypt more than 100 members. Other than CIMUN, we also organize Junior CIMUN for high school Ed – Apologies for this oversight. Sir students, and this year, it was the largest junior Jeremy Greenstock is former British conference on campus and in CIMUN history. ambassador to the United Nations and special envoy for Iraq Finally, I would like to thank you once again for placing our from 2003 to 2004. His lecture, titled “Lessons from Iraq,” organization in the spotlight the way you did. It was a needed coincided with the official inauguration of the Nadia Younes reminder of how much we have accomplished and how far we Conference Room at AUC New Cairo. have come. President David Arnold is a leader of Noureen Ramzy, Egypt excellence in every Secretary-General of the Cairo International Model United Nations sense of the word. He is a presidential I opened the Summer 2010 issue leader who will of AUCToday and read with always be amazement one of the claims remembered by made in AUsCenes. You mention alumni at AUC, and that for the first time in AUC in many parts of the world, for his determination, for being history, a visually impaired student the know-how communicator, and for his intelligence in was granted an MA degree in understanding the culture and needs of the region, thus TEFL [Teaching English as a creating an important world educational institution. How Foreign Language] from AUC. can we forget the following? This is not the case at all. 1) The president’s exceptional ability in the transition of I taught in the MA TEFL program from 1977 to 1979 and proudly AUC to the new campus taught a completely visually impaired student who graduated in 1979 with 2) The president’s efforts in uniting and involving alumni an MA, completing his thesis. This was before the days of computers. He with their alma mater, creating a big AUCian family all over had to struggle mightily to grasp the visual nature of the linguistic aspects the world. Being an alumna living in Geneva with my of the course work. He also had to navigate the busy streets of downtown husband, who represents his country at the United Nations, Cairo to walk to campus from his residence. Proudly, he went on to I will never forget the president’s sincerity, impressive Stanford University in California, where I believe he earned a PhD. personality and kindness in our alumni gatherings. Many of Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name, but I do remember he was us felt like crying aloud, “I am an AUCian.” from Palestine. 3) Last, but by no means least, the president’s wife, Sherry, Please correct this oversight and grant him the honor he is due. the adorable and warm partner who shared all the responsibility, silently and successfully. Her warmth and Georgette Ioup, United States commitment crowned her the queen of our hearts. AUC faculty 1977 - 1979, 1990 - 1992, 2000 – 2001 I would say au revoir to our dear President Arnold and Sherry. You are leaving us physically, but you are always with Ed –– Apologies for this mistake. AUCToday checked with the University’s TEFL us with millions of memories. And we will meet again. program. The student’s name is Azim Sidky Abdel Khalek (MA ’80). Samira Husseini Dabbagh, Switzerland

3 Au Scenes Former AUC Provost Lisa Anderson Named President

and social studies at in higher education in the Middle Harvard University. East.” She also thanked her Richard A. Bartlett, predecessor for the contributions he chair of the University’s has made to the University. “As we Board of Trustees, noted all look to AUC’s future, it is with that Anderson is uniquely deep appreciation for the suited for this position. contributions President Arnold has “Dr. Anderson is a made to this University.” renowned scholar, Anderson is the author of Pursuing recognized internationally Truth, Exercising Power: Social Science for her research and and Public Policy in the Twenty-first scholarship on politics in Century (Columbia University Press, the Middle East and 2003) and The State and Social North ,” Bartlett Transformation in Tunisia and Libya , said. “In addition, she is a 1830 - 1980 (Princeton University highly skilled Press, 1986); editor of Transitions to administrator and leader Democracy (Columbia University Press, who has made significant 1999); and coeditor of The Origins of contributions to the Arab Nationalism (Columbia 1991). University since being She is the past president of the Middle appointed provost, East Studies Association, chair of the including the creation of board of directors of the Social the University’s first Science Research Council, as well as PhD program, the former member of the Council of the establishment of three American Political Science Association new schools and building and AUC’s Board of Trustees. In the size and quality of addition, Anderson serves on the e i l l i

m the faculty.” board of the Carnegie Council on S

a n a Bartlett pointed out that Ethics in International Affairs; is a D Anderson has become the member emerita of the board of isa Anderson (CASA ’76), who has University’s 11th president at a critical Human Rights Watch, where she L served as the University’s provost time in its history. “The University,” he served as co-chair of Human Rights since 2008, has assumed the position of said, “has completed its move to the Watch/Middle East; and is a member AUC president since January 2011. new campus and is now turning its of the Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to joining AUC as its chief attention to ensuring that it utilizes Anderson holds a BA from Sarah academic officer, Anderson served as both of its campuses –– AUC New Lawrence College, an MA in law and the James T. Shotwell Professor of Cairo and AUC Tahrir Square –– to diplomacy from the Fletcher School at International Relations at Columbia provide our students with the highest Tufts University and a PhD in political University, as well as the former dean quality education from leading science from Columbia University, of the School of International and international faculty.” 1981, where she also received a Public Affairs at Columbia. Prior to Anderson noted, “I am honored by certificate from the Middle East that, she served as chair of Columbia’s the confidence the Board of Trustees Institute. Anderson, a graduate of political science department and has extended to me in making this AUC’s Center for Study director of the Middle East Institute appointment, and I look forward to Abroad, was awarded an honorary there. Before joining Columbia, she working with them closely as we Doctor of Laws from Monmouth was assistant professor of government make AUC the center of excellence University in 2002.

4 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 Au Scenes Board of Trustees Elects Richard Bartlett as New Chair

UC’s Board of Trustees has elected Richard A. Bartlett as its chairman. Bartlett, who A succeeds B. Boyd Hight, is managing director of Resource Holdings, Ltd., a private equity firm in New York City. In making the announcement, Hight noted that Bartlett has been active and involved with AUC since his childhood, when his father Thomas A. Bartlett served as the president of AUC from 1963 to 1969. The senior Bartlett has served as interim president during the 2002 - 2003 academic year. “The University has long been fortunate to have the Bartlett family engaged in its r m e development,” said Hight. “The board is pleased that Richard has agreed to take responsibility for N - l E

d the chairmanship, and we are confident that together with the University’s new president, Lisa a m h

A Anderson, AUC will continue to serve as a center of excellence in the Middle East.” Bartlett was appointed to the board in 2003, and has been chair of the investment committee since 2006. He received his JD from Yale Law School and his BA from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Prior to joining Resource Holdings, he served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun, and prior to that, as a law clerk on the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the board of several private companies. Bartlett is assuming the chairmanship as the University also welcomes its new president, Lisa Anderson. “I am honored by the board’s trust in me, and I look forward to working with Dr. Anderson as we continue the work of President David Arnold and Boyd Hight,” Bartlett said. “I have tremendous admiration and respect for the leadership that David and Boyd have provided over the past seven years to the University, and it is on their successes that Lisa and I will continue to enhance the University and its global stature.”

Cairo Review Tackles Global Policy Issues

he newly launched quarterly leaders and a section called Midan T journal, The Cairo Review of that discusses global affairs topics Global Affairs , is the latest ambitious related to AUC. There is also a endeavor by the School of Global section where policy experts review Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP). recently published books. Ambassador Nabil Fahmy ’74, ’77, The printed journal is GAPP dean and chair of the editorial supplemented by a Web site board of The Cairo Review , said that (www.thecairoreview.com) that the journal is intended to bring the includes specific online articles, op-ed insights of global policymakers, pieces, bloggers and video content to academics, public officials, journalists be produced by students in AUC’s and others into the Middle East. “We journalism and mass communication also want it to be an interactive department. The journal and Web site platform that gives perspectives from will place an emphasis on featuring department, and former Middle East the region a greater voice in Middle Eastern writers. “Other parts correspondent for TIME Magazine. international policy conversations and of the world should have their way of “Given AUC’s unique position at the debates,” said Fahmy. presenting the debates,” explained crossroads, we want to use this The journal features essays by Scott Macleod, the journal’s managing position to be a platform to present prominent international editor, professor of practice at AUC’s and write about global issues with a commentators, interviews with world journalism and mass communication Middle Eastern accent.”

5 r m Au Scenes e N - l E

d a m h Medhat Haroun Serves as AUC Provost A

ormer dean of the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE), Medhat Haroun F has recently been named AUC provost. An accomplished engineer, Haroun is clear about the goals he has established for his position: increased collaboration between AUC’s six schools, optimizing the academic experience at the University and extending AUC’s reach as a global partner in higher education and research. “First,” he noted, “I want to improve collaboration between the schools and identify means of streamlining and simplifying University bureaucracy in schools, departments and programs. Second, I want to build upon the excellent education offered at AUC by emphasizing research to further engage the faculty and secure greater funding for their research endeavors. Finally, I want to increase collaboration with our sister Universities in Egypt, the region and internationally.” Having served as SSE dean since 2005, Haroun succeeded in generating significant external funding for the school, including multi-million dollar grants from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to fund scholarships and research. He is also responsible for establishing new degree programs at SSE, including undergraduate majors in architectural, computer and petroleum engineering, and master’s degrees in biotechnology, nanotechnology and food chemistry. In addition, Haroun is credited with launching AUC’s first PhD program in applied sciences and engineering, and has acquired corresponding funding for fellowships and research. An advocate of interdisciplinary study, he has also established academic collaborations within AUC and beyond, particularly with the School of Business and School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Haroun is the recipient of the Walter Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize and the Martin Duke Award for his research in earthquake engineering. Most recently, he accepted the 2010 Excellence in Academic Achievement Award from AUC.

Ezzat Fahmy Appointed Dean of Sciences and Engineering

programs,” said Fahmy, who brings the University of Qatar. He has considerable administrative experience published widely and has consulted on to the position. Fahmy previously projects as varied as restoration of served as associate dean for Islamic monuments and new residential undergraduate studies at the School of developments in Egypt and abroad. Sciences and Engineering, where he is Fahmy’s proudest moments at AUC professor of structural engineering. have been in helping to guide the

r Since joining AUC in 1989, Fahmy successful integration of the science and m e N

- played a key role in the establishment engineering departments. “To convince l E

d a and accreditation of the construction the Board of Trustees to approve the m h A engineering program. He served as the PhD programs means we have or Ezzat Fahmy, new dean of the construction engineering unit head and successfully proven that we have the F School of Sciences and chair of the Department of facilities, faculty and interested students Engineering, laying out a vision for his Engineering in the 1990s before necessary to make this program into tenure is easy. “As dean, my main focus becoming director of interdisciplinary the focal point that it should be,” he will be to continue the success that SSE engineering programs in 2001. Before said, adding that he anticipates the has enjoyed and to assess the new joining AUC, he taught at McMaster creation of other new degree programs programs, in particular the PhD University in Ontario, Canada and at and hopes to increase research funding.

6 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 Au Scenes AUC Offers New Master’s Degrees in Different Specializations

AUC has also launched this fall a The University is also launching in Master of Science in nanotechnology, September 2011 a new master’s which prepares its graduates with the program in Egyptology/Coptology, skills necessary to compete and excel in which will follow international the ever-expanding world of guidelines for similar degrees at nanotechnology. The program is accredited institutions in the United

distinguished by top-notch faculty with States. Candidates for the program may n o s r a

L extensive expertise in nanosciences and pursue one of three tracks: Egyptology

n n y l nanotechnology; state-of-the-art with a concentration in art, archeology F facilities, including equipment and and history; Egyptology with a A new master’s in Egyptology/Coptology is among several new graduate programs at AUC software packages necessary for concentration in language study and synthesis of nanomaterials, design and written documentation relating to s part of its commitment to modeling of nanostructured bulk religion, sciences, literature or A enhancing educational products processing technologies; as economics; and Coptology, the study of opportunities, AUC has launched new well as fabrication and characterization ancient Egypt’s native Christian society, master’s degrees in international and of micro and nanosensors and devices, particularly during the early history of comparative education, nanotechnology which are housed in the Y ousef Jameel Christianity and its interaction with, and Egyptology/Coptology. Science and Technology Research and legacy to, the world in Late After a successful inaugural year, Center and various AUC departments. Antiquity and Early Medieval ages. AUC’s Graduate School of Education is “The program, being one of the first “Although Universities based in the offering a new master’s degree program nanotechnology programs offered Western world offer very good in international and comparative locally and in the Middle East, will act programs and many fieldwork education, drawing more than 26 as an incubator for highly qualified opportunities, none match what AUC students in its first semester. “The new scientists, engineers and researchers offers in terms of sustained exposure MA represents a milestone for the serving locally and regionally in the to the legacy of ancient Egyptian University, since it is the first graduate various institutes, research centers and civilizations,” explained Salima Ikram, education degree at AUC,” said Samiha industries in the 21st-century fields of professor of Egyptology at AUC. Peterson, distinguished professor and nanosciences and nanotechnology,” said “Studying daily against the backdrop interim dean of the school. “This is a Hanadi Salem ’83, ’87, professor of of the pyramids and other monuments very significant contribution to Egypt’s mechanical engineering and director of makes for a learning experience that educational reform priorities.” the nanotechnology program. cannot be replicated outside of Egypt.”

AUC Earns National and International Accreditation

spiring to the highest standards of education both nationally and internationally, AUC has received accreditation A from Egypt’s National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE). In doing so, AUC has become the first University in Egypt to acquire such accreditation from NAQAAE, a body created by the government in 2007 to establish quality standards for its educational institutions. In addition, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has awarded AUC’s School of Continuing Education full accreditation, making it the first accredited school in Egypt. IACET is the only standard- setting organization approved by the American National Standards Institute for continuing education and training to offer IACET Continuing Education Units.

7 new egypt new era

ith the onset of the January 25th Revolution, members of the AUC community actively participated in the historic change taking place in Egypt. From the University’s Board of Trustees to alumni, students and faculty to W security guards at AUC Tahrir Square, each played –– and continues to play –– a role in the formation of a new Egypt –– one based on the ideals of democratization and engaged citizenship. Khaled Fahmy ’85, ’88, professor and chair of the history department at AUC, has been selected to head the Committee for Documenting the Revolution, launched by the Egyptian National Library and Archives. The goal of the committee is to gather and preserve all documentary evidence of the revolution, including photos, videos, audio recordings, local and international press coverage, testimonies of people who planned for and participated in the revolution, as well as different Web sites and video clips that played a role in the uprising. The committee consists of six volunteer members including Fahmy, history and political science professors from Helwan and Cairo universities, as well as the director of the National Archives. An oral history center will be established to collect oral testimonies from people who participated in the revolution. This center will be directed by Hania Sholkamy, an anthropologist and associate research professor at AUC’s Social Research Center. Fahmy noted that the committee’s job is not to produce a narrative about the revolution, but rather, to collect material for people who want to write a narrative. “For this reason, we want to be as transparent, accurate, consistent and exhaustive as possible,” he said. In addition, Hafez Al Mirazi, director of the Kamal Adham Center for Journalism Training and Research and professor of practice at AUC, is serving as the moderator and media coordinator of Egypt’s National Dialogue initiative, under the auspices of the Egyptian Prime Minister and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Yehia El Gammal. Participants include political figures of different backgrounds and affiliations, as well as candidates for the presidency such as the Arab League Secretary-General Amre Moussa and Judge Hisham Bastawisi. Participants in the first round of the dialogue aim to reach an agreement on the agenda to begin the formal national dialogue, which is scheduled to be held from May to June 2011. The ultimate aim is to reach a new social contract that serves as a national accord and frame of reference for the Constitutional Assembly, which will be nominated by the new parliament to draft a new constitution for Egypt.

88AUCAUCTO DA Y FSpalrli n2g0 120 011 Furthermore, serving on the 30-member Council of Wise Men were two AUC trustees, Ambassador Nabil El Araby, Egypt’s foreign minister and a former judge on the International Court of Justice; and Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail, the Linus Pauling Chair professor of chemistry and professor of physics at the California Institute of Technology; as well as Ambassador Nabil Fahmy ’74, ’77, dean of AUC’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and former Egyptian ambassador to the United States and Japan. The council was made up of high-profile, non-partisan, public Egyptian figures including businessmen, lawyers, academics, diplomats, former ministers, journalists and political activists who engaged in talks between the protesters and the former Egyptian government during the revolution to find solutions to the pending situation and an orderly transition of power. Following are examples of various constituents of the AUC community, the contributions they made and their vision for a better Egypt.

All information included in this issue is based on the current state of affairs when the magazine was sent to print.

9 y able, most importantly, to take propagate any political agenda. You s r o M

my journalistic experience to can’t be a journalist and a political d e m a

h the classroom, knowing that activist at the same time, nor can you o M AUC would respect my be a member of parliament and an integrity and right to speak up. editor in chief. Journalists are like Coverage of the January members of a jury: disinterested yet 25th Revolution, of course, interested. Their primary duty is telling differed from one channel to the truth and presenting both sides of the other. Government-owned the story, and then letting the audience media in Egypt intimidated formulate its opinion. balanced and fair journalists, In order for Egyptian media to who were viewed as enemies thrive, we need to listen to people of the state. This reminded me from different democratic countries on of George Bush’s infamous media structure and ownership, be statement during the so-called exposed to various media models, and war on terror, “You’re either pick and choose what suits us best. HAFEZ AL MIRAZI with us or against us.” State New rules need to be established media also intimidated private within a proper system, where all are TV stations owned by held accountable to a people’s parliament and an elected government, not to a certain political party. We also Upholding need to dismantle government ownership of the media, not just by getting rid of the Ministry of Journalistic Integrity Information, but by empowering local media and local politics. uring my coverage of the Egyptian businessmen who supported At the Kamal Adham center, we are Egyptian Revolution, my son the regime. All were asked to exhibit trying to do just that. The Egyptian D called me up from Egyptian flags and “No to Sabotage” Civil Society Project seeks to empower Washington to tell me how lucky I have images on the screen, relaying a subtle and support civil society. The center been as a journalist –– being in the message that those who support the also plans to hold a conference, inviting right place at the right time. Working as revolution are saboteurs. By the same directors of radio and TV stations in all the Washington bureau chief of Al token, I’m dissatisfied with the current governorates to give their views on Jazeera helped me in covering 9/11, and rush to glorify everything about the what we need to do to reform local today –– after 24 years of living in the revolution, not speaking for the silent media. Building a new system with United States –– working in Egypt for majority who think that the new institutions in place is the path to Al Arabiya, I was given the opportunity revolutionaries might have gone too reform, and no matter where the road to cover the 2011 Egyptian Revolution far on some fronts or that there could takes us, a journalist’s integrity is the as it happened. have been another way of doing one thing that can never be During the revolution, I was also able things. This idea of applauding those in compromised. ❒ to highlight some taboo practices in the power is against proper journalistic Arab media when I felt that the practice. As journalists, our job is to tell Hafez Al Mirazi is professor of practice principles of fair and comprehensive the truth and not favor one political at AUC and director of the Kamal coverage were being compromised. faction over the other. TV stations and Adham Center for Journalism Training Working as a professor at AUC, I was other media outlets should not and Research.

10 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 r from Al Minya governorate some may say 40, years had to come m e N - l –– managed to arrange the to an end. E

d a

m panel discussion at a 3) The four years between the defeat h A bookstore in Heliopolis, after of the Egyptian and Arab armies in security personnel at her the 1948 Palestine war and the 1952 University informed her that Egyptian Revolution were I am not allowed to come characterized by corruption and and that she may not political turmoil, which increased advertise for the event on people’s sense of hopelessness. These campus, even if it won’t be feelings were swiftly transformed into held on University grounds. happiness and optimism with the I must say, I admired her breakout of the revolution in 1952. persistence and strong We should not underestimate the character. I was even more psychological change that could take impressed when I met her place overnight with the onset of personally and her fellow positive changes in the Egyptian GALAL AMIN classmates at the panel. They ruling system. were confident, eloquent and 4) Even though there are difficulties, good listeners. This gave me a we must acknowledge the positive changes that have taken place and that pave the way for remarkable things to Old and New Reasons happen. These changes include the spread of education (even if it’s not of a good standard), women going out for Optimism to work and playing a much bigger role in Egyptian social life, and the eeks before January 25, strong feeling of optimism about increased interaction of Egyptian I received a phone call Egypt’s future. youth with the outside world. W from a senior medical One of the questions posed to me Everything that happened from school student in one of the during the discussion was whether January 25 to February 11 showed me Egyptian Universities, saying she I am optimistic or pessimistic about that I was justified in my optimism wants to invite me to a panel the future of Egypt and, without and made this optimism even discussion at her University to speak hesitation, I replied that I’m optimistic stronger. Slogans of “Hold Your Head about the current state of affairs in for the following reasons: Up High; You’re an Egyptian” Egypt. She wanted me to particularly 1) The situation in Egypt has become resonated throughout the country. We address the problem of Egyptian so bad that it couldn’t get any worse. saw Egyptian youth of all social classes youth becoming increasingly It could only get better. cleaning up the streets and washing adamant about leaving Egypt upon 2) Egypt’s history throughout the statues, marking the beginning of a graduation and how hopeless they’ve past 200 years has been characterized new era in Egyptian history. ❒ become about finding a job or a by ups and downs, moving forward decent living in their country. and then taking steps backwards. Galal Amin is professor emeritus at I gladly accepted the invitation. Every progressive phase began at a AUC. This is a summary and translation Using the Internet and phone calls better starting point than the of an Arabic article written by Amin and to invite fellow classmates, that preceding phase. The recent downhill published in Al Shorouk newspaper on student –– who turned out to be period, which extended for 30, and February 18, 2011.

11 Revolution” is not only to include more than 1.7 million naïve and misleading, but, participants since then, and finally more importantly, dangerous the anti-sectarian protests that for how we understand the peaked after the church bombing in prospects for future early this year. mobilization and change. Each of those movements brought While the us closer to the 25th by bringing telecommunication people together to break the fear revolution from cell phones barrier, politicizing them over to social media networks, specific issues that they care most such as and about, re-instating the dynamics of Twitter, has compressed collective resistance and active time, space and cost of expression against different forms of mobilization, these tools abuse (social, political or economic), have existed and have been and exposing the regime’s exploitive used for political purposes policies on all those fronts. This r

m RABAB EL MAHDI e

N long before the 25th. revolution was not only about - l E

d

a Moreover, in Egypt, with middle and upper class youth in m h

A more than 40 percent of the Tahrir Square who rightfully want another president, but it was also about young and older people in Is This a Facebook Cairo, Suez, Arish and Beni Soueif who do not want to have to die in lines for bread, water or medical care, Revolution? or to be abused in police stations, or to have to take their children out of school to earn a living. he process that unraveled in population living under the poverty Such a clear understanding of the Egypt starting January 25 of line and more than 30 percent of uprising is necessary for it to be a T this year took everyone, adults being illiterate, it is difficult complete revolution. It is important including activists and scholars, by to assume that the majority of because it allows us to appreciate the storm. No one thought that what protestors even use Facebook. continued forms of mobilization and started as a call to dismiss the Rather, any student or close protests, not only in Tahrir, but also minister of interior would end up observer of Egypt can easily in factories, villages and popular ousting the president, especially that understand that what happened neighborhoods, over socioeconomic such demonstrations have been called since the 25th was a culmination of rights. It is extremely important to for regularly and never managed to different forms of mobilization over help us understand that a democratic gather more than a few hundred the past several years: the cumulative transition is not only limited to free, protestors at best. The unexpected effect of protest movements against fair and regular elections –– which turnout and the outcome that the war on Iraq in 2003 and Gaza are key –– but also includes the issue followed prompted euphoria, but also in 2008, the rise of the of citizenship, which comprises misleading analysis of where this prodemocracy movement with socioeconomic and civil rights. ❒ “revolution,” or more accurately in 2004 - 2005, the labor “uprising,” came from. The idea that protests that started in Mahalla in Rabab El Mahdi ’96, ’98 is assistant this is a “Facebook Youth 2006 and spread throughout Egypt professor of political science at AUC.

12 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 of the heroic stance adopted to signal the revolutionary regime’s by the Egyptian police against pledge to help with the wider Arab the foreign occupier. anti-colonial struggle. Yet, it was that Fifty nine years later, same regime which, instead of whatever national credentials liberating Palestine as it promised in the Egyptian police might 1967, ended up losing the entire have had were completely in a catastrophic lost. Instead, the Egyptian defeat. Furthermore, under the Sadat police became a prime tool and Mubarak regimes, felt for Mubarak to tighten his far removed from the lofty ideals grip on society, stifle free espoused by that square’s name, as expression, arraign and they found themselves humiliated, torture opposition figures, and downtrodden and besieged in their suppress political opposition. own homeland. The naming of al-Galaa The Egyptian Revolution is still Bridge resembles another young, and the is still in r

m KHALED FAHMY e

N irony. This bridge was initially its early days. The road ahead is - l E

d

a called Kubri al-Ingiliz , the bumpy, and the path to democracy m h

A English Bridge, and it will be difficult. Nevertheless, the path to dignity and self-respect that Arab peoples have started to tread is What’s in a Name? irreversible. The Egyptian Revolution, just like the that inspired it and the anuary 25 has already lent itself to acquired its new name (which numerous Arab uprisings that it now the name of the Egyptian translates as Evacuation) following inspires, are all proof that we are J Revolution of 2011 that saw the the 1954 withdrawal of the last witnessing a new Arab awakening. downfall of one of the oldest serving British soldier from Egyptian soil, The tahrir that Egyptians and Arab tyrants. Prior to the revolution, thus ending a 72-year long millions of other are aspiring the 25th of January was known as occupation. Yet, it was on al-Galaa to is a liberation not from foreign Police Day, commemorating a 1952 Bridge that I found myself during occupation, but from domestic incident when the British army the revolution confronting not any tyranny; and the galaa they are besieged the Egyptian police station foreign occupation force, but the seeking is not the withdrawal of in the city of Ismailia on the Suez Egyptian police, which was supposed foreign troops, but the departure of Canal in a bloody confrontation that to protect me and my fellow citizens. their own domestic despots. The left more than 50 Egyptian policemen Even the name of that now world- creativity and talent that young Arabs dead. When news of the massacre famous square, Tahrir, was not devoid have exhibited in these uprisings are reached Cairo the following day, the of irony. Originally named Ismailia clear signs that the Arab peoples have city rose in flames, and many British Square after Khedive Ismail who is regained their self-respect and have and European businesses were credited with designing modern rediscovered what it means to write attacked. Six months later, when the Cairo, the square was renamed their own histories and to chart their Free Officers staged their coup that Tahrir, or Liberation, by the Free own destinies. ❒ deposed King Farouk and launched Officers regime in 1955 to the Egyptian republic, January 25 was commemorate the withdrawal of Khaled Fahmy ’85, ’88 is chair of the declared a national holiday in honor British troops the previous year and history department at AUC.

13 r Since events unfolded in Arabs, Muslims and Middle Easterners m e N

- Egypt, demonstrations have are as human as all of you, no more so l E

d

a broken out in Algeria, Libya, or no less. Like you, they will strive m h A Jordan, Bahrain, Yemen, Syria domestically, regionally and and Iran. No situation is internationally to achieve their rights identical to the other, and each and to be treated equally. As democratic has its own reasons and genesis, processes gain traction in the Middle although they all share a strong East, the people in the region will not yearning for good governance. become more Arab or change strategic However, once again political policy rapidly. However, needless to say, and social trends in Egypt, now they will become less tolerant toward calling for greater accountability double standards, inequity, usurpation of and better governance, are their rights and freedoms; more resonating throughout the Arab demanding, not only of their world. The political processes government, but also of the world. that will be witnessed in Egypt In short, strategically, the Arab world NABIL FAHMY will continue to do so. And, should have about the same objectives therefore, they must be done for its region that other peoples have properly, not only for Egypt’s for themselves. Hopefully, they will be more engaged internationally and less dependent on foreign powers. If 100 Yards from Liberty non-Arab Middle Eastern states engage seriously in efforts to resolve regional problems on the basis of (Tahrir) Square equal rights and responsibilities, I see no reason for them to fret or to happen to live about 100 yards benefit, but for that of the Arab world worry. If international players promote from an entry point to Tahrir as a whole. democracy and equality, not only in I Square, between the British and I do not doubt that the the domestic affairs of states, but American embassies. Consequently, democratization of Egypt and the Arab amongst nation states themselves in I had the privilege of seeing the stream world is supported as a matter of the international arena, here again, of events and even hearing many of the principle by democratic countries I see no reason for serious concern. sentiments of the crowd on the square. throughout the world. Nevertheless, As the voice of the people exercising For me personally, the evidence of even democratic countries waiver their democratic rights is heard more public control of the agenda came early when standing on principle may clearly in each of the countries of the in a response from a group of young appear –– at least in the short term –– Arab world, the same voices will also demonstrators whom my son brought to be costly politically in terms of be heard with greater clarity and up to our apartment as the first curfew security and/or economically. I have resolve in the day-to-day practice of was announced. When I suggested that followed numerous debates amongst international relations. ❒ the group sleep over since the curfew Americans, Europeans and Israelis. All had come into effect, the resounding of these are understandably anxious, Nabil Fahmy ’74, ’77 is dean of AUC’s response was, “Who decides that there be it those concerned with bilateral School of Global Affairs and Public Policy is a curfew? It is our country, and we relations or those focused and and former ambassador of Egypt to the shall demonstrate until we are heard.” interested in ensuring a sustained flow United States and Japan. A longer version of A few minutes later, they were out of reasonably priced oil. this article was first published in The again on the street. My response to all of them is that Huffington Post on March 10, 2011 .

14 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 whose roots were implanted as opposed to rigid hierarchical ones r m e N

- in blogs and forums that that have dominated the economic l E

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a started earlier in the decade arena for long. m h

A and set the stage for a vibrant And so is Egypt’s revolution doing world of digital activism. to the realm of nation rebuilding. Yet, digital activists were Egypt’s revolution is indeed a but one cohort of the manifestation of this paradigm in the revolutionaries. The digital world of Web 2.0. voice may have initiated a The power of the Internet, Web 2.0 spark, but the fire quickly in particular, is in giving a voice to spread, extending beyond the small player and an immediate the digital arena. From tool to voice it. While this revolution critical mass to masses, it starts off as an outburst of anger eventually encompassed against the status quo, its logic Egyptians from all walks of survives this moment to support a life: young, old, rich, poor, much longer process of building. NAGLA RIZK man, woman, Christian, The term Revolution 2.0 has been Muslim. It swept the nation, coined to emphasize the role of eventually toppling one of collaboration in the success of the Egyptian Revolution. A better term that has been circulating appropriately, with no one in Development 2.0 particular to quote, is Egypt 2.0. Egypt needs to be built from the Beyond Technology: Egypt’s Revolution bottom up, literally and figuratively, and the Paradigm Shift in that the collaborative models that have proven successful in bringing down the hierarchical dictatorship be his revolution has no the most rigid hierarchical applied to developing the country. leader.” This has been dictatorships in history. We are grateful to technology for “T the sentiment among In economics, it has been argued facilitating this discourse and to the January 25th youth, a sea of young that information technologies, youth for bringing it to the ground. men and women who formed virtual particularly the Internet, have taken But we are now at the point where communities held together by a sense economies closer to perfect the building of Egypt and the of purpose. Bearing diverse competition. Indeed, with many governance of the process are to be ideologies, in some cases none, this buyers and sellers, better flow of done organically, bottom-up, tsunami of fresh brains and talent information, and freedom of entry homegrown. It is not Revolution 2.0. shared and pooled information and and exit, the Internet is said to have It is Egypt 2.0, and more precisely, convictions in parallel with their created new opportunities to Development 2.0. ❒ work –– and that of others –– on the empower the small player –– ground. Their strive for freedom individual, firm or state. At the other Nagla Rizk ’83, ’87 is associate echoed loudly in their tweets, end, the consumer is said to have professor of economics, associate dean of pounded adamantly on Facebook acquired a stronger voice. Such graduate studies and research at the walls and hammered vigorously in progressive economic trends have School of Business, and director of their viral phone text messages. These brought about new collaborative, AUC’s Access to Knowledge for are the homegrown digital voices horizontal, flatter business structures, Development Center.

15 “Now, there is hope that Egypt’s economy could find its way to sustainable growth, hope that we stop living in fear, hope that we will be treated with dignity in our own country and abroad, hope that nepotism would not be the only way to get a job, hope that the 40 percent of Egyptians who live below the poverty line would find their way out of poor conditions. I would like to see social justice, application of the rule of law on all without exceptions and the end of corruption. Most importantly, I would like to see a complete overhaul of the educational system because it is the only way out.” Faten Sabry ’88, ’91 United States

Alumni in different countries reflect on the change in Egypt AROUND THE WORLD in 18 Days

“I am very proud of the revolution, and I am praying that the coming transition period would take us to a new setup where all Egyptians would have dignity and the right to self-determination. A system with checks and balances where everyone is accountable and with the ethics and spirit that we saw in Tahrir is what Egypt needs. We have a lot of highly talented individuals who were alienated by the previous system, and I hope this encourages everyone to work toward building a country with the regional and global status it deserves.” Nashwa Saleh ’95

“I was one of five co-founders of United Egyptians, a -based group with no political or religious affiliation. We supported the basic demands of the revolution that have been articulated by the Youth Coalition, amongst others. We believe that only the Egyptian people should have the right to decide on their future and that any process for building a new civil society should be led from within the country and not imposed from outside. As a show of solidarity, I traveled to Egypt to join the revolution and another time to take part in the national referendum on the constitutional amendments. This is my duty as an Egyptian.” Ammar Nouh ’07 United Kingdom

“When the revolution started on January 25, my wife [Rania Hamed ’91] and I spent days in front of the television so that we can follow what was happening. After spending a few weeks in front of the screen and behind the computer, I could not take it anymore. I decided on the night of Tuesday, February 8 that I had to go back to Egypt. I booked our tickets, and we were on the plane to Egypt at 9 am Wednesday morning. It was the longest flight ever, but the most joyful experience when we were finally back home. We spent the following few days in Tahrir with wonderful Egyptian protestors. It was only a few minutes after sunset on Friday, February 11 that we experienced the best feeling we ever felt in Egypt. We were in the streets till 4 am that day celebrating with all Egyptians.” Assem Kabesh ’89 United Arab Emirates From Twitter to Tahrir With her live tweets, Gigi Ibrahim ’11 played a significant role as a citizen journalist during the revolution

uture generations will ducking, gesturing as she protests on the subject. It was remember the Egyptian demonstrates the events of various through this that I got involved with FRevolution for many reasons: protests. Her history in activism is Al-Haraka Al-Shababiya Al-Democratia for the protestors’ insistence on non- long and varied, beginning with her Lil Tagheer (The Popular Democratic violence, for its ripple effect across the teenage years in California, after Youth Movement for Change).” region, for the way it brought about which she came to AUC to major in It was through this group that the dramatic end of the Mubarak political science. Ibrahim joined the ranks of citizen regime, and for the way youth –– the journalists. “I would go to protests chief agents of the revolution –– were and tweet what is happening,” she able to mobilize new technological said. “Even in those days, we would tools to further its spread. Indeed, organize using all sorts of social newspapers and international coverage media sites and in face-to-face focused so much attention on the use meetings. Thousands of people of social media in the revolution that, would say they were attending, but for a time, it was termed –– perhaps then it would be the same 50 people hyperbolically –– the first Facebook at each protest.” 2 0 ’

Revolution. , Still, she maintains that the role of 9 9 ’

A handful of young, entrepreneurial y social media was important for the w a l a

activists were behind this m foil it played against state-run media. a H

l E

transformation in the tools of protest, “In an authoritarian regime, any m a s s

alerting the world through their o form of citizen journalism becomes H tweets minute-by-minute, often activism,” she explained, adding that getting news out long before any Ibrahim credits a class she took at the January 25th Revolution was established news bureaus could report the University with inspiring her to supported by new social media the story. Gigi Ibrahim ’11, perhaps return to political activism in Egypt. technologies, but not inspired by better known by her twitter handle “I took a political science seminar them. “There is no revolution @Gsquare86, is one such activist. The about social mobilization under without a struggle,” she said. “Social AUC graduate, who has a history in authoritarian regimes, and through networks made this logistically easier, activism, was one of only a few who this, became aware and read all about but this could not have happened were able to tweet, even through the the history of mobilization,” she without dedicated activists and the Internet blackout. said. “I was so inspired that I started existence of a collective struggle.” Ibrahim is vivacious and active. She to contact people from many of the As @GSquare86, Ibrahim has has a tendency to act out her stories activist movements in Egypt and more than 11,000 followers from as she tells them: dipping and began attending meetings and Egypt and across the world. She

18 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 tweets about events in Egypt and A Skype interview with her was developments in the continuing broadcast over the Lede blog of The revolutions across the Middle East in “There is no New York Times Web site, and she was Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria. one of a handful of Egyptian youth Even while using this personal revolution without to be featured on the cover of TIME twitter handle, she is aware of the a struggle. Social magazine’s edition about the importance attached to her words. Egyptian Revolution. “I could never “Verification is very important to networks made have imagined how much the me,” she affirmed, crediting the this logistically revolution was going to change my close-knit community of activists life personally,” said Ibrahim. “On a that has developed with ensuring easier, but this personal level, my family has always that the news they put out is could not have thought of my activism as risky and accurate. “It is very important to useless. I even had to lie to go to confirm anything that I tweet or happened without protests. When the revolution re-tweet if I did not see it with my dedicated activists happened and they saw how my role own eyes.” was important, it was like winning Due to her role in getting and the existence two revolutions: one for the country information out when there was of a collective and one with my family and little indication to the rest of the everyone who doubted me. In this world just what was going on at the struggle.” post-revolutionary era, it is great to beginning of the revolution, Ibrahim see all of us on the same page.” ❒ has received worldwide attention. By Madeline Welsh

n o s r e d n A

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19 E-Revolutionary Sparks Change Wael Ghonim (MBA ’08) helped galvanize the masses from the virtual to the real world

t was only a few months ago that Said). The page condemned acts of being incarcerated by members of the Wael Ghonim (MBA ’08) led a police brutality against Khaled Said, a security force. As the story gained I normal life working in the Gulf as 28-year-old Alexandrian who was international interest and with a marketing executive for technology tortured and beaten to death by two increasing pressure from the media, giant, Google. As the uprising changed police officers. The page solicited Ghonim was finally released 12 days the lives of many Egyptians, Ghonim thousands of members and became an after. Upon his release, he had a was no exception. His name resonated outlet for the Internet generation to moving interview on Al Ashera in all corners of the globe as a leading speak out on issues of corruption, Masa’an (10 pm), hosted by Mona El figure behind the change in Egypt. Shazly ’96 on Dream TV. The episode Born in 1980 to a middle-class was thought by many to have been a family, Ghonim earned his major driving force behind increasing undergraduate degree in computer numbers of protestors who had taken science from . He then to the streets. Nevertheless, Ghonim moved on to pursue an MBA from insists that the success of the revolution AUC. Ghonim worked for various local in overthrowing the regime cannot be Web projects before being appointed as attributed to a single person. “The real Google Egypt’s regional product and hero is the young Egyptians in Tahrir marketing manager for the Middle East Square and the rest of Egypt,” he and North Africa. Less than two years noted. “No one was a hero because m

later, he was promoted to head of o everyone was a hero.” c . s e c i o

marketing at Google’s United Arab v For Ghonim, the revolution is far l l a . w

Emirates office in Dubai Internet City. w from over. “This revolution is not over w Ghonim, who belongs to a until democracy is enforced and until generation often accused of passivity brutality, oppression and, eventually, unemployment and poverty rates reach and political apathy, proved that the their dreams and visions for a better the same levels of developed world can be changed through the tomorrow in Egypt. countries,” he said. “[Egypt] has what click of a button. Thanks to social On January 25, hundreds of it takes to become the second Silicon media and networking Web sites such thousands of protestors gathered in Valley: talents in technology, infinite as Facebook and Twitter, Ghonim’s response to group efforts in promoting passion and, soon, real democracy. … ideas and dreams for change were nationwide anti-regime demonstrations. I believe in our nation. Egyptians will well-received and gained momentum Ghonim reasoned that “breaking the never trade away their freedom, and in the virtual world, and eventually psychological barrier of fear is the they will not accept cosmetic changes. transpired into actions in the real world. tipping point of any revolution in any I’m optimistic.” ❒ Ghonim’s association with the police-driven regime led by a dictator.” By Ghaydaa Fahim Egyptian Revolution began with the On January 27, Ghonim disappeared creation of a Facebook group called during the political unrest in Egypt. Quotes in the article are based on Kolena Khaled Said (We Are All Khaled Days later, it was revealed that he was Ghonim’s tweets through Twitter.

20 AUCTO DA Y FSpalrli n2g0 120 011 The Soul of the Square Ahdaf Soueif (MA ’73) shares luminous moments in Tahrir and optimism about the future

n Friday, February 11, from guilt and despondency over the others on the road to global equality Egypt partied. Chants, state of the world and the country we and justice. O songs, drums and zaghareed are bequeathing to our children to a Tahrir Square worked because it rang out from Alexandria to Aswan. feeling of pride and confidence in this was inclusive, with every type of Three chants were dominant and very younger generation: in you. You Egyptian represented equally. It telling. One, “Lift your head up high; stepped forward, took responsibility worked because it was inventive, from you’re Egyptian,” was a response to and started changing the world. Our the creation of electric and sanitation how humiliated and hopeless we’d infrastructure to the daily arrival of been made to feel over the last four new chants and banners. It worked decades. The second was: “We’ll get because it was open-source and married; we’ll have kids,” and reflected participatory, so it was unkillable and the hopes of the millions whose incorruptible. It worked because it desperate need for jobs and homes was modern. Online communication had been driving them to risk their baffled the government while lives to illegally cross the sea to allowing the revolutionaries to Europe or the desert to Libya. The organize efficiently and quickly. It third chant was: “Everyone who loves worked because it was peaceful. The

n o t l Egypt, come and help fix Egypt.” And i first chant that went up when under m a H

on Saturday, they were as good as t attack was always, Selmeyya ! Selmeyya ! r e b o R

their word. They came and cleaned up (Peaceful! Peaceful!) It worked r a m after their revolution. O because it was just. Not a single Now, of course, we’re taking stock attacking baltagi (thug) was killed; of the size of the task that lies ahead part now is to fall in line behind you, they were all arrested. It worked of us, and it is nothing less than to put at your disposal everything that because it was communal. Everyone re-imagining and restructuring our we have, and to offer you our support in there, to a greater or lesser extent, country. And doing this in the face of in the form, quantity and time that was putting the good of the people powerful forces working against us. you tell us you want it. before the individual. It worked But I am hugely confident. I’m It is in this spirit that this piece is because it was unified and focused. confident because I’ve watched and written. And in this spirit that I end it Mubarak’s departure was an listened to so many young Egyptians with a quote from my son, Omar unbreakable bond. It worked because over the last few months, and I am Robert Hamilton, 26, who raced in everyone believed in it. awed by your clarity of vision, your from Washington, D.C. to join the Inclusive, inventive, open-source, articulateness, intelligence and revolution: modern, peaceful, just, communal, determination. And so, over the course “We made a city square powerful unified and focused. A set of ideals on of 18 short days, I have –– like so enough to remove a dictator. Now which to build a national politics.” ❒ many of my generation –– moved we must remake a nation to lead By Ahdaf Soueif (MA ’73)

21 Witnessing History Unfold International students who stayed in Egypt during the uprising tell their tale

n considering where or if to School of Media and Journalism, saw people,” he said. study abroad, international the revolution as a way to further Like Rasmussen and Noergaard- I students often go through a explore their intended craft. “We Larsen, Clare Lofthouse, who came to mental checklist of questions. What applied to AUC to explore life in the AUC as a study-abroad student for a will I eat? Where will I live? Will I region, and as we were preparing to semester, was able to experience some make friends there? Suffice it to say, come to Egypt, we had begun to hear of the events at Tahrir Square. “I was the question, Will there be a revolution?, seldom makes the top three. Yet, as the world watched the January 25th Revolution, many international students at AUC, some of whom had only just arrived in Cairo, were privy to this transformative event in Egyptian social and political life. Having recently graduated from Tiffin University with a degree in criminal justice, Tim Larsen came to Cairo in June 2010 to study over the summer at the Arabic Language AUC international students in Tahrir amidst tear gas Institute. Larsen was selected as a resident adviser (RA) at AUC’s about the Tunisian Revolution and very wary at first, but when we were Zamalek Dormitory and was in the the possibility that it would spread to on the square, we were greeted with first days of his new position when the Egypt,” said Noergaard-Larsen. “I was smiles and welcomes,” she said. “People revolution began to gain momentum. aware of my role, not as a protester, were very helpful and watched out for “There was a tremendous amount of but as a documenter. When we were our safety.” excitement and nervous energy around in Tahrir Square on the 25th and Lofthouse returned to her native the dorms in the first days,” said Larsen. 28th, we were careful to protect those England briefly in the middle of the 18 “Some of the study-abroad students with whom we spoke. Even through days, but is pleased to have been able to were very excited, while others were the tear gas, it was an exciting feeling return to Cairo to finish her semester concerned. I felt that my role during in the square and also a fascinating at AUC and experience life in Egypt this time was to do my job as an RA place to be because everyone was, in a during the transition. “I study political here and try to have a calming effect.” way, a journalist.” science, so this is another reason to Other students found themselves Rasmussen echoed the same remain in-country, as it is firsthand purposely or accidentally in the sentiment. “To be present for such a experience and learning directly related middle of much of the action in pinpointed moment, as a foreigner, you to my interest,” she noted. “The whole Tahrir Square. Frank Rasmussen and hardly feel that you are worthy of such country talks politics now, which is Mads Noergaard-Larsen, two involvement. I have a humbled attitude great for my learning.” ❒ journalism students from the Danish toward the bravery of the Egyptian By Madeline Welsh

22 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 New Egypt 101 AUC has adjusted and introduced courses to educate students about the revolution

eeing the political reform faculty members have created new context; and the several ways in which movement and events leading programs, workshops and panel the city struggles to meet the challenges S to the collapse of the Mubarak discussions, and augmented courses of the present while preparing for a government as unprecedented that we are offering this semester. We complex and uncertain future. “Course learning opportunities, departments also want our students to study the lectures address the significance of cities across AUC have announced new revolution closely and to be aware of and also examine the ways in which educational initiatives for Spring 2011 its privileges. They are learning how modern Cairo strives to deal with the that explore the series of events that they can help in developing Egypt in demands of commerce, food began in Tahrir Square in January. the coming period.” distribution, education, transport, These initiatives include the creation Two of the courses that have been sanitation and sewage, with an analysis of new courses focusing on the created in response to historic events of the future of Cairo in light of the Egyptian Revolution, adjustment of are: Isqat Al Nizam : Egypt’s January 25 events,” said Swanson. current courses to address events from Uprising in Comparative Historical Many students, inspired by their January 25 to February 11, and the Perspective and Cairo: The Present and experiences in the revolution, have introduction of a number of seminars Future Megalopolis. The former opted to take the new courses. “Before and panels that discuss Egyptian addresses the events of the revolution the January 25th Revolution, I was not society before, during and after the fall and places them within the broader very politically active. Since then I have of the Mubarak regime. context of Egypt’s history, as well as the wanted to learn more about this city –– “This series of new academic and history of political revolutions in the its past and its future,” said Aya Helmy, community-outreach programs modern world. The second course, an architectural engineering major. demonstrate AUC’s responsiveness to taught by John Swanson, associate In addition to the two new courses, the educational opportunities provost and director of the Core 24 existing courses have been adjusted presented by social and political events Curriculum, examines the development to include discussion and analysis of in Egypt,” said AUC Provost Medhat of the modern megalopolis of Cairo: its recent events in Egypt, as well as ways Haroun. “In only two days, 40 of our geographic, historical and cultural in which students can contribute to the emergence of a new socio-political Marie-Pascale Ghazaleh, assistant professor of history, is part of the faculty r

m system. In addition, a number of e team teaching Isqat Al-Nizam : Egypt’s January 25 Uprising in N - l

E workshops and lecture series discussing Comparative Historical Perspective d a m

h several aspects of the revolution have A been introduced, including the Tahrir Dialogue panel discussion series by the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Meet the Media series by the Kamal Adham Center for Journalism Training and Research, and Transforming Egypt seminar series by the School of Business. ❒ By Madeline Welsh

23 C e l e b r a t i o n s

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Nour Kamel ’10 M i l i t a r y

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ts in support of Egypt in San isco in front of the UN Plaza 8 9 ’

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Revolutionaries demonstrate their f a love of Egypt in Tahrir Square R

In front of Semiramis InterContinental Hotel a few days before Mubarak stepped down 8 9 ’

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Through Alumni Lens Panoramic view of Tahrir Square the day after Mubarak stepped down Ranya Shalaby ’99, ’02

25 Acting in the Interests of Justice Alumni actors and actresses recount their days in Tahrir

his revolution started by What I found, though, was an amazing [72-year-old Egyptian actress] Mohsena those who called for and peaceful spirit. It was something Tawfik came walking to Tahrir all the “T change, freedom and very real and genuine, not moved by way from Mohandiseen, stood firmly social justice –– three keywords that anyone. On the 28th, I had no fear against the tear gas and water cannons, triggered a dormant Egyptian gene that inside me, seeing how we were all and held our hands hard so we would moved millions instantly all over Egypt standing together as one. One thing not disperse. The strength and to join in one of the most incredible that affected me the most was when determination I felt was incredible.” revolutions of our modern time. It’s an Looking ahead, Wegdan summed up Top: Abol Naga amidst protestors; middle: outstanding historical experience that Wegdan and her cousin Salma Zohdi, an AUC her vision for Egypt in educating we are all in awe of,” said prominent graduate student, in Tahrir; bottom: Yassin people about their rights; applying the Egyptian actor Khaled Abol Naga ’89. marching from the Filmmakers’ Syndicate rule of law on everyone, from the Abol Naga is among many Egyptian president to the layman on the street; actors and actresses who took part in and investing in human capital. the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, several “Egyptians are smart, but they’re not of whom are alums. These include Amr provided with the proper resources or Waked ’96, Asser Yassin ’04, Gihan education to advance,” she said. “We Fadel ’93 and Angie Wegdan ’04, have a long way ahead, but I’m sure i z among others. a Egyptians will be strong in this world. z A

l A

“I actually didn’t expect much to We’ll retrieve our heritage.” m a l s happen on the 25th,” said Wegdan, “but I Similarly, Abol Naga noted that in as events unfolded, I felt infuriated –– order for the revolution to reap fruit, 3 0 '

youth dying, working class people i all Egyptians must “stay honest and d i t a W

living under the poverty line asking for l true to the newfound spirit in Egypt,” E

d their basic rights. I had to be part of a he said. “We have forever lost fear of m h this call for change, so I went to Tahrir A the unknown and cannot be on the 28th, as well as everyday during manipulated by fear or repression the last week of protests, behind my anymore. We have regained our sense mother’s back. The spirit was very of pride –– the same we had in 1973. positive; people of all classes were there; I don’t think I will ever be more and I felt that I was really doing proud of anything else in my life –– something for my country.” being one of the millions of fellow For Yassin, the seeds of the revolution Egyptians rising and standing up began when he was a student at AUC. against injustice, corruption and state “I always felt that we as youth were brutality. We all knew Egypt deserves lacking an Egyptian identity –– no better, and so we revolted because we sense of unity or identification,” he said. wanted to be present, to be heard and “At first, I went to check things out on to be free.” ❒ the 25th; I wasn’t sure what to expect. By Dalia Al Nimr

26 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 Past Glory, Present Honor Ethar El-Katatney ’07 takes pride in being Egyptian

amongst Egyptians there paralleled the hit hard. The police have all but feeling of unity in hajj . disappeared. Thugs and opportunists are The Egyptian Revolution was capitalizing on the lack of security and stunning. Indescribable. Euphoria- running amuck. inducing. So many emotions and so To make sure the price doesn’t many events that it would take books increase day by day, it’s time for to recount. It’s been more than a Egyptians to calm down a bit and to month, and I still have to remind give the country room to breathe. myself sometimes that it really did Otherwise, we risk descending into happen. That all the anxiety, the worry complete chaos and anarchy. and the gut-wrenching fear were Sheikh Mohammad Al-Shaarawy, worth it. That Ben Franklin was right God rest his soul, once said, “The one when he said, “Those who would give who revolts justly is the one who does up essential liberty to purchase a little so in order to destroy corruption, and y e n

t temporary safety, deserve neither then calms down in order to rebuild.” a t a K -

l liberty nor safety.” It’s time to rebuild Egypt. To take the E

n a r f Egypt is on the brink of a new age. same spirit that allowed Egyptians to u h G We’re all exhilarated about where our revolt peacefully and then to clean up I am a hajja — a Muslim who has country is heading, but we’re all also the square after them, and use it to attended the annual pilgrimage in apprehensive. It is time for us to be build a better, stronger and more Mecca. For me, the most beautiful extra careful. Extra cautious. Extra beautiful Egypt. thing about hajj is standing in front of hard working. Next time I travel, I’m holding out the ka’aba and looking not at it, but at Sedition threatens the country, and my green passport with pride. And not the millions of Muslims gathered for we are all currently suffering from a because I come from the land of the one purpose. The old and the young, crisis of trust. New leaders, the military, Pharaohs, but because I come from the the rich and the poor, from every sectarian strife, even men versus land of the people who woke up and corner of the world. The feeling of women. Conspiracy theories abound, showed the world the right way to unity is indescribable. Anyone who and we see traitors on every corner. bring about change. went to Tahrir during the revolution Every revolution has a price. Our I am so proud to be an Egyptian. ❒ will tell you that the feeling of unity economy is suffering. Tourism has been By Ethar El-Katatney ’07

Excerpt from Ethar El-Katatney’s undergraduate commencement speech in February 2007 “The world outside is tough. We live in a region which is becoming more and more disheartening. Everyday, we are bombarded with news and images of a deteriorating Middle East. It’s easy for us to become cynical, pessimistic and apathetic people, looking for the simplest way to live our lives. But there is nowhere to run from the fact that the Middle East needs us. True, it is riddled with countless social, political and economic problems, and yet something remains that proves all is not lost: hope. …Our people may be repressed, our economies stagnant and lagging behind the West, but this does not mean that we are in any way lacking. We have the education, the intelligence, the energy, the motivation and the integrity to stimulate positive change. It is up to us to prove there is so much more to the Middle East than what some people choose to see. …It’s not enough to dream of a better Middle East and a better world. Let’s take those dreams and turn them into reality. Let’s start now.”

27 Past the Protests: A Call to Civic Responsibility AUC students take part in the youth-led initiative to clean the streets of Cairo

s the nation endured critical experienced on January 28, then the they all shared one thing in common: a circumstances on January 25, revolution would succeed,” he noted. dream and vision for a better Egypt. “I A it was crucial for all Egyptians, “After seeing families, women, wasn’t into politics much, but I went to whether male or female, young or old, children and the sheer number of protest against corruption,” Sergany rich or poor, to attend to their civic people marching to Tahrir Square, said. “If there is any change that I’d like duty. It is through these trying times that’s when I told myself there’s no to see, it would be ethics, equality and that societies show what they are made way things will be the same. the enforcement of human rights. No of, and Egyptians did not fail to deliver Something was going to change, more bribes or under-the-table deals –– with their magnificent sense of whether due to government fear or Manal Hassan ’11 painting a sidewalk in cooperation, solidarity and persistence. the force of the people.” Mohandiseen, Cairo Tamer Sergany, a business Marveling at the sense of administration senior at AUC, was responsibility and collaboration that engaged in neighborhood watches at a was manifest in Tahrir Square, Sergany time when police forces disappeared off recalled efforts exerted by the streets of Cairo. “I knew immediately that I had to go out when I saw my dad pick up a club and walk “It proved to be a downstairs,” he said. “People were on every street corner with all sorts of civilized revolution.” hand weapons, armed to defend themselves, their families and their homes. I was on the street with a metal demonstrators in Tahrir the day broom rod and a giant steel wrench, up before Mubarak stepped down. “On until dawn the next day. Every time I’d February 10, I went to Tahrir again patrol, more and more youth joined me only to find it was completely to protect the area. We set blazing fires different,” he explained. “It was at every street corner and made sure to blockaded at every entrance, with stop every vehicle that passed us.” regular citizens checking the IDs of Sergany, who actively took part in everyone who wanted to enter. I was the nationwide protests against the in sheer shock at the cleanliness of the Mubarak regime, believed the square and the cooperation of the revolution would succeed against all people. Everybody was very well- 1 1 ’

odds when violence was utilized organized, and we all stood in unity.” d e h s a

against the demonstrators. “I knew that While some of the demonstrators R

d e m

if Egyptians kept at the pace I saw and may not have been politically active, h A

28 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 4 9 ’

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r a m O Youth all over Egypt, including AUC students and alumni, took part in clean-up activities in Tahrir and other parts of the country just fairness and morality in every But Eldidi’s contributions were together. I would also like to aspect of Egyptian life and society.” not limited to joining the commend all those who endured Being a female in the midst of all demonstrators in Tahrir Square. After sleep deprivation to protect us at the violence did not deter Hagar protestors successfully managed to night. I saw neighbors get to know Eldidi, an economics major, from overthrow the regime, Eldidi knew each other for the first time.” attending to what she believed that this newly found sense of Eldidi’s sense of commitment were her responsibilities as an liberation, and indeed potential for a extended beyond Tahrir Square to Egyptian citizen. “I was present in better future, had to be supported serve her own neighborhood. “I Tahrir Square on the day Mubarak by positive action. “Cleaning the collaborated with people from my stepped down,” she said. “It was streets was my favorite part,” she neighborhood in cleaning the area overwhelming and amazing to said. “I went to Tahrir on Saturday, and buying paint for the sidewalk,” finally witness such a moment. February 12, the day after Mubarak she said. “We arranged for a truck People around us were literally stepped down, and the spirit was to come and collect the garbage. crying in happiness. It felt amazing, with everyone there Many people were helping out, absolutely wonderful.” She added, celebrating and cleaning the area including little children who were “I definitely anticipated the success where they camped. This mattered actually doing a great job. I think it of the protests, especially when I to me because I saw that these was a very beneficial experience. It saw the determination and strong people really cared about the future taught the younger generations will of the people. I feel very proud of this country and were serious good values. I hope that this level of being part of this revolution –– about rebuilding it the right way. It enthusiasm doesn’t weaken over a tiny dot among hundreds of proved to be a civilized revolution. time so that we can really continue thousands in Tahrir Square who To me, it meant that if we could to give back to this country and live together created such a strong force clean Tahrir Square, then we could a dignified life.” ❒ that made all the difference.” also clean the rest of the country By Ghaydaa Fahim

29 r

m propaganda of the regime, even years, the sense of patriotism was e N - l by hosting guests who relayed lacking, especially among youth who E

d a

m such messages. Press releases that largely wanted to travel abroad because h A we had to read out stated that they had no hope in the future. What I the and saw that night was hope, optimism, foreign agents were behind the liberation, not being afraid to speak our revolution, but what I saw with minds –– all this was new to us!” my own eyes in Tahrir was an But, like many other Egyptians, Amin all-inclusive people movement, still hopes for more, particularly with educated AUCians alongside the restructuring of the media. “State the working class, families in TV has to be the voice of the people,” their entirety fighting for what she said. “The newsgathering process they believed in. However, there needs to be reorganized so that was immense fear of not reporters go out to find the story rather sticking to these press releases.” than wait for press releases to be given The breaking point for Amin to them. There have to be clear SHAHIRA AMIN ’78 was on Wednesday, February 2, recruitment policies that are up to when people on camels and international standards. No more wasta . A Whistleblower’s Courage Shahira Amin ’78 recounts her experience resigning from state television to be on the side of the people

ruth and objectivity are horses raided Tahrir Square and Journalists need to be given proper paramount for journalists to attacked the protestors. “I was watching training so that they don’t write things Tmaintain their integrity. For Al Arabiya and was horrified to see that people didn’t say in order to Shahira Amin ’78, former TV camels and horses storming through the sensationalize the news. There has to deputy chief who has been working in crowd,” Amin recalled. “When we went be a holistic re-assessment and the media field for more than 30 on air, we weren’t allowed to say re-evaluation of the media.” years, quitting her post on state TV anything about that. I felt that the Amin has returned to Nile TV to during the revolution was a matter of martyrs’ blood would be on my hands host her weekly program, In the Hot conscience. if I stayed. I went home feeling awful.” Seat , through which she recently “Throughout my years on state TV,” On her way to work the next day, conducted an interview with U.S. Amin said, “I never felt restricted on Amin had made her decision. “I sent an Secretary of State Hillary Clinton my talk shows and frequently hosted SMS to my boss saying: I’m not during her trip to Cairo. “The reason analysts with anti-government views, coming; I’m staying in Tahrir. I’m on I’ve decided to return is my conviction but this was the first time I felt that I the people’s side, not the regime.” that you can push for reforms better as was jeopardizing my integrity as a Describing the elation in Tahrir when an insider,” she said. “I know that the journalist, as well as betraying the Mubarak stepped down, Amin noted, road ahead is long and difficult, but I young activists who were putting their “The spirit was unprecedented. We see light at the end of a very long lives on the line for the freedom of this were all like friends talking to each tunnel. We’re not out in the light yet, country. I didn’t want to spread the other, jeans alongside the niqab . For but we’ll surely get there.” ❒

30 AUCTO DA Y FSpalrli n2g0 120 011 r announ ce information unless I nationwide telecommunications m e N -

l am 100 percent sure,” she said. blackout, Abul-Azm found it difficult E

d a During the Egyptian to remain connected, but the scarcity m h A uprising, Abul-Azm was at the of communication means wasn’t her forefront of events, and her only challenge. “It was hectic and very name became associated with difficult, not only in terms of getting exclusive breaking news. Just news and information, but also the before Mubarak’s address on amount of pressure was unbelievable,” February 10, Abul-Azm was she said. “After the camel incident, our the first correspondent to office was shut for three days, and our reveal that the former correspondents were assaulted. I didn’t president will not be stepping see my family for three weeks. I was down. She was also credited constantly in a state of hiding because for reporting on statements I was subjected to the threat of being from the Supreme Council of attacked or detained.” even When asked if she believed that the RANDA ABUL-AZM ’91 before they were media played a role in shaping communicated on air. Egyptian history, Abul-Azm said she The Race to Tahrir Randa Abul-Azm ’91 relays the hardships of breaking news coverage

or Randa Abul-Azm ’91, Al One of Abul-Azm’s biggest believed the news dictated the Arabiya channel’s Cairo bureau accomplishments during the direction of the media and not the Fchief, January 25 did not revolution was her interview with reverse. “Media coverage played a merely mark the onset of the , steel industry tycoon and highly significant role, and especially revolution, but it also initiated a new former chairman of the Planning and new media because it helped us a phase in her career. “I’m proud of Budget Committee in the Egyptian catch up on any coverage that has Al Arabiya being ranked as number People’s Assembly. “He was one of the been missed,” she explained. one, capturing 65 percent of viewers. most controversial figures in the “Perspective varied in each People would change the channel regime,” said Abul-Azm. “I had never television station. There didn’t seem immediately if they didn’t think you interviewed him or established to be a homogenous pattern within were credible,” she said. personal contact with him before. privately owned channels; some Abul-Azm established a career in When the revolution started, people were daring, others were not. One media in 1995. Upon the launch of wanted to see this man and wondered of the major defects in local media is Al Arabiya in 2003, Abul-Azm was if he felt any guilt. It was very intense that anchors tend to act like analysts. appointed bureau chief of the and nerve-wracking. He had his Maintaining balance in showing channel’s offices in Cairo. Throughout opportunity to admit his both sides of the story is critical. In her career, Abul-Azm affirms that shortcomings, but he didn’t. I don’t fact, it strongly factors into how maintaining credibility has always think public opinion changed much. ” successful you become.” ❒ been a top priority. “I never With the country facing a By Ghaydaa Fahim

3311 r episode of her program optimistic just one day before,” she m e N -

l leaves her pondering recalled. “I felt relieved that Egypt E

d a whether the impact, if any, might not have to endure much loss, m h A will be a positive or negative but seeing these mobs assault protestors one on society. “I always completely shattered this belief.” question if what I’ve Despite being praised for providing presented in a given episode some of the best coverage of the was for the good of the revolution, including an exclusive and country,” she noted. “The moving interview with Wael Ghonim struggle between political (MBA ’08) after being held in factions today is more custody for 12 days, El Shazly vicious than ever. It’s easy for believes that the media has fallen us as media personnel to give short. “The media market is limited up and withdraw, but our in terms of finances and human social responsibility dictates resources,” she reasoned. “We’ve got that we do our job and say many talents, but not all have the MONA EL SHAZLY ’96 no when we’re supposed to.” proper foundation for the job. As A journalism and mass private media outlets, we’ve got no Living Up to the Standard Mona El Shazly ’96 affirms her journalistic duty during defining moments in Egyptian history

n today’s increasingly competitive communication graduate, El Shazly regulations, no umbrella and no media market, staying on top is a worked in the public relations deterrents. Just like the press has I demanding job, as Mona El Shazly department of Arab Contractors after columns, news sections and opinion ’96, host of the famous Dream TV talk graduation. As she moved on to editorials, the media operates in the show Al Ashera Masa’an (10 pm), pursue a career in media, she worked same way. Many outlets make the testifies. “The era we’re currently as a television hostess for the Arab mistake of mixing news with witnessing is unprecedented,” said El Radio and Television Network, opinions. What govern us are our Shazly, who came to AUC as part of presenting entertainment programs as conscience, ethics and education.” Meet the Media lecture series, well as famous shows including Al El Shazly also reflected on times of organized by the Kamal Adham Qadeya Lamm Tohsam Ba’ad (The Case hardship while covering the Center for Journalism Training and Remains Open), La Arah, La Asma’a, uprising. “The pressure was Research. “As the parliamentary La Atakalam (I Do Not See, Hear or enormous from regime figures. My elections concluded the year 2010, we Speak) and La Tathab Hatha Al Masa’a staff and I were subjected to threats thought that the worst was over. There (Don’t Go Anywhere Tonight). and were terrorized,” she said. was enormous pressure on us, as When asked if she ever lost hope “However, today, we’re at a period in individuals and institutions, and we during the revolution, El Shazly said time where we shouldn’t be never thought that what is to come that she almost endured a mental governed by fear, but rather by will be even harder.” breakdown on the day of what was reason, enthusiasm and hope.” ❒ El Shazly explained that every termed as the Camel Battle. “I was By Ghaydaa Fahim

32 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 reputation and career. ... When believes much remains to be done to V T

N I’m in front of the camera, I try bring Egypt to the status it truly O / z e r

a to set my beliefs aside so that I deserves. “The small dream of most b o M

l can serve viewers in the best Egyptians now is education, healthcare, e d A way possible by presenting the not being intimidated by police officers best angle to the issue. Off and for justice to be served. It sounds camera, on Twitter and easy, but will be very difficult because Facebook, my stances are clear.” the main nerves of the regime are still Fouda is a graduate of the in place,” he said. “I’m an advocate of Kamal Adham Center for open and liberal societies as well as Journalism Training and accountability. I’m aware of the fact that Research. Born in Egypt, he democracy in the Western sense is not initially worked for BBC, applicable here, but I’m very much for covering escalating events in sticking to some basic concepts such as Bosnia. In 1996, he joined Al accountability, true freedom of speech, Jazeera network and played an political participation, and improving YOSRI FOUDA (MA ’92) instrumental role in uncovering education and other core services.” secrets behind the 9/11 terrorist Looking at the way forward for The Unsweetened Truth Yosri Fouda (MA ’92) strives to maintain journalistic balance and objectivity

s tensions were on the rise attacks. He works for the independent Egyptian media, Fouda believes that a throughout the Egyptian Cairo-based channel ONTV, owned by great first step was accomplished with A uprising, journalists found Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris. the dissolution of the Ministry of their task more challenging than usual. He is the co-author of Masterminds of Information, although skepticism Capturing events proved to be a real Terror: The Truth Behind the Most remains about having a military officer issue, with photographers and reporters Devastating Attack the World Has Ever oversee its functions. “I hope that this is facing threats of assault, detention and Seen (2003, Arcade Publishing). only a transitional period, and I hope having their equipment confiscated and Fouda believes that new media had a for a body of non-political professionals bureaus shut down. However, for TV tremendous effect in shaping history. to take over,” he said. “The catastrophe journalist Yosri Fouda (MA ’92), the “Facebook, Twitter and the Internet in of national newspapers and state TV for biggest challenge was the ability to general did not make the revolution, the last 30 or 40 years was because truthfully convey events to the viewer. but rather facilitated it,” he said. “Media everybody who worked for them had “As a journalist, you discover things coverage exposed people and showed the ruler in mind in everything they as you go on, and you endeavor to where they stood. The presence of reported on. You should always ask present views and not tell the audience international media on the ground was yourself if your true aim is to give what to think,” said Fouda. “I made it important, given Egypt’s weight, but rightful service to the people. Breaking clear that if we don’t follow the credit must go to the people of Egypt.” this mentality and moving on to a new professional path in telling the truth, While the accomplishments of the era is absolutely crucial.” ❒ then I’m not in. I wouldn’t risk my revolution were remarkable, Fouda By Ghaydaa Fahim

33 to earn a Marshall Scholarship Egyptian president, , at Oxford University. Early talked a good game about introducing reporting assignments took democracy. Now the manic drivers are him to , where he later gone, replaced by cheering throngs served as bureau chief for The waving banners clamoring for the New York Times , a post he also democracy they never got, and by held in Israel. Friedman has volunteers who scrupulously pick up been The New York Times ’s litter, establish order, and hand out foreign affairs columnist since drinks and food.” 1995. Kristof, who came to Friedman, in his February 7 column, AUC to study at the Arabic commented on the great variety of Language Institute in 1983 people out in the square. “I’m in Tahrir after completing a Rhodes Square,” he wrote, “and of all the Scholarship, is best known for amazing things one sees here, the one his coverage of humanitarian that strikes me most is a bearded man and human rights topics and who is galloping up and down, literally has written extensively on screaming himself hoarse, saying, ‘I feel Darfur. He has been working free! I feel free!’ Gathered around him Capturing the Moment Thomas Friedman (ALU ’74) and Nicholas Kristof (ALU ’84) flew in to Tahrir to witness history in the making

ll of a sudden, Egypt was for The New York Times since 1984 and are Egyptians of all ages, including a everywhere. From has earned two Pulitzer Prizes. woman so veiled that she has only a slit A to CNN to print media, the W hen describing the feelings for her eyes, and they’re all holding up Egyptian Revolution was front-page associated with Tahrir Square, cell phones, taking pictures and videos news. The New York Times ’s opinion Friedman and Kristof –– who both of this man, determined to capture the page was no exception, dedicating visited Cairo during the revolution moment in case it never comes again. column-inch after column-inch to each –– were overwhelmed by the display Aren’t we all? In 40 years of writing new progression of the revolution. of courage and humanity shown by about the Middle East, I have never Indeed, among its group of columnists the protestors. seen anything like what is happening in are two who share more than just the Kristof referred to his years in Cairo Tahrir Square. In a region where the distinction of a New York Times byline: in his column on January 31, while truth and truth-tellers have so long Thomas Friedman (ALU ’74) and reflecting on the changes to Tahrir been smothered under the crushing Nicholas Kristof (ALU ’84), who share Square since his time there. “When I weight of oil, autocracy and religious five Pulitzer Prizes between them, are lived in Cairo many years ago studying obscurantism, suddenly the Arab world both AUC alumni. Arabic,” he wrote, “Tahrir Square, also has a truly free space — a space that Both columnists approached their called Liberation Square, always frankly Egyptians themselves, not a foreign coverage with an international mindset carried a hint of menace. It was army, have liberated — and the truth is rooted in a study of Middle Eastern cacophonous and dirty, full of crazed now gushing out of here like a torrent affairs. Friedman, who came to AUC motorists in dilapidated cars. That was from a broken hydrant.” ❒ in 1974 to study Arabic, later went on way back at a time when the then-new By Madeline Welsh

34 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 professor and director of constitute almost two thirds of the the AUC Forum, is the Arab population, will continue to editor and main author of impact in the coming months on The Changing Middle East. government and social transition. The book, said Korany, “I believe that youth get a lot more challenges the prevalent credit now,” Korany said. “Previously, concept of Middle East many used to think that they had no exceptionalism, or the sense interest in major public issues, but that while the rest of the they have proven that this is not world changes, develops true. Young people have proven and advances, the Middle now that they can achieve. If East remains stagnant in its communication between youth and politics and society. the new government happens, In the book’s first I believe that the transition will be chapter, Korany presents effective and smooth.” the analytical framework to The Changing Middle East ’s “look at the Middle East chapters follow up on Korany’s differently,” emphasizing framework to analyze different Forecasting Change AUC Forum publication makes early predictions about the revolution and receives international attention

s the world’s media change or transformation and the aspects of transformation, from converged on Egypt and necessity of looking at “politics from media to the status of civil society A the Middle East, pundits below.” He drew early attention to and non-state actors. Korany’s and journalists have been what many are now citing as the collaborator’s are scholars, Rasha A. particularly transfixed by one catalysts of the revolution, Abdullah, ’92, ’96, associate professor question: How did this revolution specifically the youth population and chair of AUC’s journalism and happen and why didn’t we see it bulge, and the gap between this mass communication department; coming? While most of the huge group and aging leadership. Ola AbouZeid; Omar Ashour; Julie literature on Middle East politics “My colleagues looked too much at C. Herrick; Amani Khandil and and many policymakers had not the top of the political system and Hazem Khandil. Given the attention considered the possibility of a not enough below,” Korany noted. the book received from citizen-powered regime change, the “This is why they could not see international media, from CNN to AUC Forum publication, The what the book identifies as ‘the Brazilian TV, AUC Press is releasing Changing Middle East: A New Look at volcano underneath.’ The lesson a paperback edition with a new Regional Dynamics , published by from this is not to limit ourselves to introduction to reflect recent events. AUC Press in October 2010, the top of the political pyramid, as Through its panels and outlined the circumstances likely to the politics of ordinary people workshops, the AUC Forum push Egyptians and Arabs to the matters as well.” discusses issues of global and point of revolution. Korany believes that the voice of regional importance. ❒ Bahgat Korany, political science Middle Eastern youth, who By Madeline Welsh

35 SERVING Through the Storm Security guards at AUC Tahrir Square worked with dedication and courage amidst the uproar to protect the campus

ith the eruption of the be a difficult day, and consequently, guards was when fire broke out in the January 25th Revolution, took certain measures to ensure the police booth just outside the Mohamed W security guards at AUC safety of the campus,” Ragab said. “We Mahmoud Gate. “We all collaborated to Tahrir Square found themselves in the closed University gates and put out all put the fire out using the University’s heart of events, but had to distance lights. Nobody was allowed to watch water hoses,” Ragab said, adding that themselves from the turmoil to from the top of any AUC building, or they faced a dilemma when some safeguard the campus downtown. “We throw tear gas canisters or rocks outside protestors wanted to use the hose to didn’t want to be associated with any if such items found their way to spray water at riot police. “We were faction in one way or the other,” said campus. We also organized ourselves in afraid that if we reject, they’ll storm Mokhtar Ragab, assistant director for 24-hour shifts between the Main, angrily into AUC, so we kept the water security. “Our main aim was to protect Greek, Falaki and Sheikh Rihan running for a little while before we AUC property.” were able to gradually turn it off.” Recounting the first few days of the The problem was compounded revolution, when violence was at its “We had to keep when a Molotov bomb caught onto a peak, Ragab noted that on January 25, the interests of tree next to the AUC Press Bookstore, things were stable up until the and leaves on fire fell onto plastic plant afternoon, when riot police fired tear the University in pots near the historic palace gate. Isaac gas canisters and sprayed water cannons mind and not have Atef, a security guard who boldly threw to clear protestors, who sometimes himself into the heavy smoke to put hurled rocks and climbed on top of anybody use AUC out the fire, recalled how scary those armored police trucks. “In the midst of as a center of moments were. “My heart sank when I such clashes, tear gas canisters were saw the fire from where I was standing thrown into the Science Garden,” activity.” [near the bookstore] because I knew Ragab noted. “We didn’t throw them there were electric wires nearby, and back outside; otherwise, it will look like campuses. Because it was difficult this could turn into a catastrophe,” he AUC was taking part in the uprising. coming to work during such said. “We were all afraid, but we had to We just monitored the tear gas until it unpredictable times, we were put out the fire quickly before it reached its full volume and diffused.” sometimes short-staffed, and some of us spread. This campus is historic, so if any On the 28th, termed the Friday of had to work three continuous days damage occurs, it is a loss not only for Wrath, events took on a different turn. before being able to return home.” AUC, but for the country as a whole.” “We anticipated that this was going to One of the scary moments for the Things got worse that evening when

36 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011

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Protestors in Tahrir Square a few days before Mubarak stepped down people forcefully stormed into AUC’s tear gas canisters from the top of AUC nobody would be able to enter again.” Downtown Cultural Center through buildings. “Because they were armed Throughout the 18 days, security the gate in front of the historic palace and ready to shoot, we knew we guards at AUC Tahrir Square went building. Ragab classified entrants into couldn’t forcefully ask them to leave, through ups and downs as events three groups: a peaceful group of so I asked the police officer from the unfolded in the country. However, protestors who sat in the Science booth next to the Mohamed their perseverance and dedication Garden to drink water and catch their Mahmoud gate, who took shelter helped protect AUC Tahrir Square breath from the tear gas before leaving inside Hill House when fire broke out from what could have turned into a quickly; another more violent group in his booth, to talk to them peacefully violent bloodbath. “We had to keep who took sculptures from above Ewart and convince them to leave,” said the interests of the University in and Oriental halls, broke them into Ragab, who was hit in the head by a mind and not have anybody use pieces and used them to hurl at riot stone during the protests. “When they AUC as a center of activity,” Ragab police; and a group of thugs who went left, we inspected the campus and said. “When dealing with armed into offices and stole computers. In the found papers on the ground, some police officers and thugs, it was midst of such commotion, riot police broken computer monitors, desks on important for us not to be broke into the campus through the the floor, chairs on top of one another provocative, remain calm and look Sheikh Rihan gate, pointed their guns and some AUC Press offices looted. very composed, even though at many at AUC security officers so they We tightened new chains around the times, we were really scared.” ❒ wouldn’t stand in their way and threw gate in front of the palace building so By Dalia Al Nimr

37 Memoirs of a Mother Rania Zaki ’97 tells her 7-year-old son what it felt like to be part of the historic change in Egypt

I am an Egyptian mother of two children, in the midst The Day Your Dad Joined the of both inspiring and scary times in Cairo, Egypt. I teach Protest on “The Day of Wrath” language arts to amazing high school students, and I’ve assigned them to keep a journal/scrapbook of the Dearest Seif, revolution taking place in our country. Being 7 years old right now, you are witnessing a piece of I’ve written a diary entry –– a letter to my 7-year-old history that you may forget about when you are older. I am son –– and I’ve posted it on my Facebook page. I received writing to you today about what you and I have seen and feedback from my students as well as my foreign friends been through on January 28, 2011, the day your dad decided abroad. My friends told me that the letter served to give to join “The Day of Wrath” protest. them a more personal side to what is seen in the news, Your dad [Waleed Nassar ’96] and I had a “moment of something raw and relatable. wrath” when he came to me after the Friday prayer, sat That is why I decided to post it publicly. It gives you a beside me on the couch and told me in his ever-so-calm slice of life. What happened with my family happened to manner, “Rania, I’m going to the protest.” I flew off the many other families, too. Some have not been so fortunate handle. I told him that a day named “Day of Wrath” meant it to have a loved one return. They will not be forgotten. was certainly not going to be peaceful, that his primary duty was to protect his wife and children, that some people go to a protest and end up in the morgue, that he can support the protest in any other way, that thousands of people were going “To get to us, your dad to be there and the demonstration didn’t depend on him. walked many, many I said all sorts of things, anything to keep him from going. He told me that he was going to do his duty as a father, and that kilometers on foot. He meant speaking up to provide a better country for his walked so much, the children to live in. I shouted at him as he closed the door, “It is clear that your priority is not your family!” soles of his feet were He left. You called to me from my room and said, “ Mama , covered in blisters. ... baba left a note on your bed.” It was a piece of paper that contained cash, an ATM card, and your dad’s bank account Your father had been number and password written down neatly. I felt extreme in the midst of all the sadness, anger, anxiety. I was paralyzed for a moment, before deciding to pray. You joined me too, and when we finished, I tear gas, rubber told you to make a wish to God. With our foreheads pressed bullets and firebombs to the ground, I heard soft footsteps behind me and turned around to find your dad kneeling down beside me. “I didn’t we had seen on TV.” want to leave without telling you that I love you,” he said, with tears welling up in his eyes. I gave him the biggest hug my arms could muster, and in the middle of my sobbing, he

38 AUCTO DA Y FSpalrli n2g0 120 011 I saw someone who looked like your dad, Rania Zaki ’97 with her son Seif even dressed in the same clothes as your dad, stretched out lifeless inside a car. I felt myself becoming light-headed, and my speech became a little slurred. I wanted to call your dad to make sure he was safe, but the phone lines were purposefully cut. I sat even closer to the TV, waiting for the clip to come again to verify if it was your dad or not. All other clips came except for that one. My hysterical sobbing made you lose your cool, as you kept asking me, “ Mama , are you worried about baba ? Is baba going to be okay?” Hours later, 9:15 pm to be precise, the doorbell rang. You and I ran toward the door. I opened it, and as soon as I saw your father, I flung my arms around him and cried like I never cried in my life before. To get to us, your dad walked many, many kilometers on foot. He walked so much, the soles of his feet were covered in blisters. He managed toward the end of his walk to hitch a told me calmly about all sorts of technological things such as ride in several different taxis, and the drivers refused to how to track down his phone by GPS so that I could know charge any fare. Your father had been in the midst of all the where he was when the phone lines were activated again. tear gas, rubber bullets and firebombs we had seen on TV. And so, he left again. I was left in the hands of Al Jazeera The next day, despite being exhausted, your dad live news coverage and my imagination. At first, I saw the unscrewed the metal rods of his camera tripod and went to water cannons being sprayed on the protesters on top of the street at night to protect us while we slept. Gun shots the 6th of October Bridge. The water cannons were were being fired all over the place, but thankfully, you were followed by tear gas. The tear gas was followed by rubber fast asleep. bullets. The rubber bullets were followed by firebombs. Five What I want to conclude is: Although I disagreed with people had lost their lives, the news reported. I was crying your dad about going to the protest, I know that he did it for so hard I had to sit a few inches away from the television to you, he did it for Lara and he did it for the future of his be able to see through my tears. When bloody images came country. Dad made it back from the protest, but others did up, I would scream to you, “Seif, go draw me something! not. Most of them were youth, Seif. Remember this Draw me anything –– a dinosaur –– ANYTHING!” I revolution; remember the people who fought and died trying didn’t want to appear hysterical, but I was, and you knew it. to achieve a better life; and remember that your dad was a You sat beside me, patted my hair and said, “ Mama , it’s okay. part of it, despite your mother’s famous wrath! Salamtek ya mama, salamtek ya mama .” It was you who was Be proud and dream big. comforting me. [Your sister] Lara was marching up and Love you, down the TV room chanting, “ Baaatel ! Baaatel !” and I Your hysterical mother, Rania ❒ thought to myself, “I hope that one day, I can look back at To read all of Rania Zaki’s blog posts, visit this moment and laugh.” http://dearseif.wordpress.com

3399 Documenting History A new initiative seeks to preserve the change in Egypt through the eyes of the AUC community

eeks after the historic AUC Tahrir and vendors who have long served the Tahrir Square bore witness to the 18 days of Square campus. In addition to those who are W demonstrations that toppled the formally contacted, the project will set up booths Mubarak regime, AUC announced the launch of a on campus where those who wish to share a story new project, University on the Square. The project can do so. documents the experiences of AUCians in the “Historically, oral histories have been important revolution through photographs, videos, in adding texture to events and issues,” said Kim testimonies and other digital material online, in Fox, associate professor of practice in AUC’s addition to designated collection centers for the journalism and mass communication department donation of physical items. It is one of several new who is co-coordinating the oral history initiatives created by AUC to integrate the component of the project. “We hope to do the revolution into the academic and cultural life of same by adding to AUC’s oral history archives the University. with the experiences of AUCians in the Egyptian AUC President Lisa Anderson described the Revolution. People who want to share their initiative as “a constantly evolving project that stories will be able to make an appointment to combines systematic archiving and creative talk about their experience with someone from exhibition in an effort to preserve the facts and the oral history team. The audio recordings will feel of these transformative times in Egypt as well eventually be available on AUC’s Digital Archive as at AUC,” she said. “Individuals with compelling and Research Repository.” stories and captivating experiences will have the While the project is currently in the data opportunity to schedule interviews with our staff collection stage, the University plans to showcase to recount and preserve our oral history.” materials through the Web, exhibitions, Project planners have already begun conducting publications, seminars and presentations. interviews with members of the AUC community In addition, AUC is launching After Tahrir, a for their testimonies. According to Steve Urgola, Web site dedicated to coordinating the multitude co-coordinator of the Oral History Committee, of initiatives held at AUC New Cairo and AUC senior librarian, University archivist and director Tahrir Square that revolve around the revolution, of records management, there are approximately from public lectures and panel discussions to 80 people on the list of targeted interviewees, workshops, courses and seminars. including students, alumni, faculty, staff, senior To contribute to the project or for more administration and Board of Trustees members, as information and updates, visit well as security personnel at AUC Tahrir Square www.aucegypt.edu/onthesquare. ❒ www.aucegypt.edu/onthesquare Around the World

Australia Bahrain

Alumni dinner in Sydney in November 2010 at the Sahra by the River restaurant Launch of the Loyal for Life alumni regional chapter in Bahrain and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia at Bahrain’s World Trade Center in January 2011

Egypt

A fall gathering hosted by Mohamed Ismail ’87 at the Alumni in Alexandria meet in September Launch of the Loyal for Life LEAD interest Katameya Residence in October 2010 brought together 2010 at the Hilton Hotel as part of the launch chapter in November 2010 approximately 60 alumni of the Loyal for Life chapter

A farewell reception for former AUC President David D. Arnold and his wife Launch of the Loyal for Life initiative for the senior Class of 2011 at a Sherry was held at AUC Tahrir Square in December 2010 reception held at AUC New Cairo in November 2010

42 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 Approximately 150 students and alumni attended the annual Sports Day held at the AUC Sports Center in October 2010

Alumni Join Loyal for Life AUCian Campaign

UC has introduced a Raymonda Raif, director of alumni can reach out to all our alumni, no multifaceted initiative and trustee affairs. “We want this to matter where they are,” said Manar A designed to keep alumni grow through alumni efforts, Ayoub, associate director of alumni connected to their alma mater. The increasing the engagement and programs and special events. “This Loyal for Life campaign, which was participation of all alumni in campaign is a recognition program launched at the beginning of this something greater than oneself.” that was conceived in order to academic year, is an opportunity to increase alumni participation across encourage alumni involvement in the University.” the AUC community. Over the past months, alumni To be a Loyal for Life AUCian, have been gradually inducted into alumni must fulfill four the Loyal for Life campaign. Ramy requirements: they stay informed Riad ’98, chief executive officer of and connected to AUC; they get Intoegypt, affirmed that a stronger involved in any of the events or campaign to solicit alumni support activities that the University holds; is appropriate and timely. “For me, they give back a gift to The AUC being an AUCian means having Annual Fund; and lastly, they show confidence in my educational pride in AUC by speaking background and overall mindset,” positively about the University in said Riad. “Belonging to the best social media channels and by Alumni will be asked to renew educational institution in the displaying items that carry the the Loyal for Life AUCian pledge country, if not the region, gives me University’s name such as T-shirts, annually. They will have to keep a sense of pride as well as car stickers and mugs. Distinguished their contact information current confidence in my abilities. The new alumni receive a recognition and plan to attend several Loyal for Life AUCian campaign package that has a Loyal for Life University events a year, including should bring alumni together and AUCian pin, car sticker, thank you lectures, class or regional reunions, bring to light the strong network of certificate from AUC as well as a and meetings of the newly high-caliber, well-established and membership card. launched interest chapters, which capable individuals we have. It is “We encourage all alumni to join help alumni in the same industry or then that alumni will realize that the Loyal for Life AUCian effort with similar interests network with AUC is the experience that and spread the word about it to one another. “We are very proud of connects us all.” ❒ their fellow alumni,” said AUC, and this initiative is a way we By Madeline Welsh

43 Saudi Arabia Jeddah Riyadh

Alumni dinner hosted by Souhail El Farouki ’68 and his wife Abla Alumni reception hosted by Issam Abu Dabat ’73 and his wife at their Leheta ’69 at their residence in Jeddah in December 2010 residence in Riyadh in December 2010

United States San Francisco Seattle

Panel discussion and launch of the Loyal for Life alumni chapter hosted Alumni gathering in Seattle at the Washington Athletic Club with Sherif Sedky by AUC Trustee Paul Bartlett and Elizabeth Bartlett at the Westin (center), physics professor and director of AUC’s Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Palo Alto Hotel in October 2010 Research Center, in October 2010

United Kingdom

AUC Trustee Basma Alireza hosted the Loyal for Life launch event in October 2010 for the UK alumni chapter, with former AUC President David D. Arnold, his wife Sherry and the Egyptian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Hatem Seif El Nasr in attendance

44 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 Class Notes ’70 ’89 Kingdom by Adonis & Abbey Marwan Moustafa recently retired Mirette Mabrouk (MA ’90) is the London. He is married to Rehab as president and CEO of the director of communications at the Sharafeldin ’96, ’02, and they have Canadian Energy Research Economic Research Forum and is a been blessed with a baby girl. They Institute, after previously serving as non-resident fellow at the named her Carmen after the opera, deputy director of the California Brookings Institution in which they both enjoy greatly. Energy Commission. He is now a Washington, D.C. Formerly member of the International associate director of publishing ’93 Advisory Council of the King operations at AUC Press, she is also Tamer El Naggar is the CEO of Abdullah Petroleum Studies and the founding publisher of The Daily Synovate Middle East and North Research Center, living in Santa News Egypt . She previously served as Africa. He has been with Synovate Rosa, California, and enjoying his publishing director at IBA Media, since 1993, working across the first granddaughter, Rania. which publishes the region’s largest region. Prior to his current position, monthly magazines. Mabrouk is a he was country manager for Morocco ’85 member of the Brains Trust at the and Egypt, as well as managing Nada Tantawi is the senior Switzerland-based Evian Group and director for North Africa. El Naggar communications officer at the is involved with both The Aspen is the elected Egypt representative of Sawiris Foundation for Social Institute in Washington, D.C. and the European Society of Market Development. She has more than 25 the Consumer Unity and Trust Research. In 2010, he served as years of experience as a writer, Society in Jaipur, India. co-chairman of the Core Marketing editor and translator for a variety of Committee of the American donor-funded development projects, Amr Sheta (MPA ’94) serves as Chamber of Commerce in Cairo, of non-governmental organizations and co-CEO of Orascom Development which he has been a member since Radio Cairo. Before joining the Holding A.G. as well as executive 2001. He took part in a delegation foundation, she served as vice chairman of the board of made up of 50 businessmen visiting communications officer for the directors. He is also a board member Washington, D.C. during the annual Canadian International Development of a number of subsidiary companies DoorKnock mission meeting of U.S. Agency to develop and implement of the Orascom Development officials and business leaders. promotion and media strategies for Group. Sheta has 19 years of El Naggar was a key speaker at several its Participatory Development experience in corporate and public events as well as a part-time Program. She also worked as investment banking, with an lecturer in Egyptian Universities. He publications and public relations emphasis on private equity. He holds holds an MBA in international manager for three projects in a bachelor’s in economics and a business, as well as a bachelor’s in horticulture, industry and agriculture, master’s in management from AUC. business administration from AUC. funded by the United States Agency He also holds a diploma in project for International Development. She is appraisal and investment management Youssef Hafez has been living in a freelance news editor and translator from the Harvard Business School. Belgium for the past five years in the English newsroom of Radio working on an assignment as an Cairo. Tantawi earned a bachelor’s in ’92 international fuels trader for journalism and mass communication Tarek Selim (MS ’95) has written ExxonMobil, with whom he started from AUC and a diploma in business a book on energy policy and the work in Cairo 12 years ago. Prior to administration from the Arab conditions for Egyptian nuclear his current position, he worked for Academy for Science, Technology energy feasibility titled Egypt, Energy four years at Shell Egypt. He is and Maritime Transport. She was and the Environment: Critical married with two boys: Hani (8) granted a fellowship from AUC to Sustainability Perspectives, which has and Karim (3). His e-mail is pursue a master’s in Arabic literature. been published in the United [email protected].

45 Walid Nagi joined the Mansour ’95 caloric burn on mobile phones using Group’s marketing department after Shima Barakat (MBA ’98) heads wearable sensors. At the mHealth graduation. In 2002, he became undergraduate and postgraduate Summit 2010, the premium forum head of government relations and teaching as well as research in for mobile phone health corporate social responsibility in entrepreneurship at the University of technologies, he was invited to the company. His job has allowed Cambridge Judge Business School. showcase cutting-edge mobile him to work with the United She earned a PhD from the technology. Out of more than 450 Nations Development Programme. University of Strathclyde in Scotland submissions, Albinali’s was selected to Currently, Nagi is based in New and has set up a company with her be presented in front of Bill Gates, York on secondment working with husband called Value in Enterprise, founder of Microsoft. Albinali has also the United Nations which helps management personnel served as the chief technology officer overcome the problems they face for EveryFit, Inc., a startup company ’94 as they try to become more in Boston, Massachusetts that is Basel Roshdy (MBA ’98) has environmentally and socially commercializing and extending the been working as a senior professional responsible. technology pioneered by Albinali and and director in the private equity his colleagues at MIT. Albinali could and fund management area for the ’98 be reached at [email protected]. past 14 years. Previously, he was a Tarek Gineina is a franchise business corporate banker responsible for development consultant working in ’00 project finance and syndicated loans the fields of commercial real estate, Wael Eid received an MBA with for large projects in Egypt and some food and beverage, and retail. As the distinction from the University of offshore projects. Currently, his leader of AUC’s Food Industry Warwick in England in 2005. He group is managing private equity Chapter, he encourages all AUCians works as associate director at the funds based in Egypt and has made who are involved in businesses in the European Islamic Investment Bank direct private equity investments in field of food and beverage (franchise, Plc. in London, in addition to Egypt, the Arab region and select concepts, hospitality, manufacturing, pursuing his PhD in risk management global markets. He has taken part in commercial real estate and from the University of Durham. He several Euro-Mediterranean and consulting), or are just passionate gives presentations and lectures Mediterranean activities and about food, to join. He could be frequently, and has been interviewed initiatives as an expert member, contacted at [email protected] twice by France 24 channel about panelist, speaker and promoter. He is or [email protected]. financial and banking topics. also a founding member of the Egyptian Private Equity Association, ’99 ’01 where he heads the international Fahd Albinali began work as a Noha Abdel Fattah began her relations committee. He has research scientist at the Massachusetts career after graduation in marketing participated in writing and reviewing Institute of Technology after research with Synovate, a the first guidebook of SMEs’ Access to graduating from AUC. His research multinational research agency, where Finance , published in Egypt and involves exploring the development she has been working for almost 10 sponsored by the Egyptian Junior of technology that enables years. She currently serves as Business Association. measurement of physical activity and associate director for insight and training, qualitative head of the department in Egypt and qualitative Send us your news trainer for Africa. She specializes in Let your classmates know where you are now. psychodynamic analysis and Update your information through: ethnographic observational research. E-mail [email protected]; [email protected] She also completed a diploma in Alumni Online Community : alumni.aucegypt.edu Islamic studies and another in Fax 20.2.2792.3383 international advertising.

46 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 ’05 He is hoping to expand his art Hebatallah Khalifa is married to business to the Middle East and can Samer El Kachouty. They are be reached at [email protected]. currently living in Bahrain and have Weddings a 2.5-year-old daughter, Layan, and In Memoriam 3-month-old son, Aaser. Khalifa started her own home-based Waheed Samy ’74, ’80 , former full- business in 2008, a healthy, time faculty member at AUC’s Arabic homemade catering service for Language Institute (ALI), died on babies and toddlers in Bahrain. February 20, 2011 after a sudden Currently, she is a member of AUC’s illness. Both Samy and his wife Mary alumni chapter in Bahrain and is were AUC faculty members before enjoying being in touch again with they left in the late 1990s to Ann her beloved University. Arbor, Michigan with their daughter, each pursuing a different degree. Tarek Osman is happy with the Samy earned a bachelor’s in English release of his book, Egypt on the and comparative literature from AUC Brink: From Nasser to Mubarak (Yale in 1974 and a master’s in teaching Doaa Farag ’05, ’11, assistant University Press). Arabic as a foreign language in 1980. director for development writing at During his tenure at AUC, he taught AUC, married Dr. Mohamad Special Programs different subjects at all levels in the Anwar, consultant at Kasr El Aini ALI intensive programs, the Arabic Hospital, on December 2, 2010 at ’77 Language Unit and the Center for the Marriott Hotel in Zamalek. Stanley Reed (CASA) is publishing Arabic Study Abroad. He also served They spent their honeymoon in a book with co-author Alison for several years as director of the Thailand and Malaysia Fitzgerald titled In Too Deep: BP and Arabic Language Unit intensive the Drilling Race that Took it Down summer program. In the mid 1980s, (John Wiley and Sons). Reed was a he established ALI’s first Computer- student at the Center for Arabic Study Assisted Language Learning lab, and Abroad from 1976 to 1977 and is now in 1999, AUC Press published his a London-based correspondent for Arabic Writing for Style . Samy received Bloomberg News, covering energy, the his PhD in 2004 and became a full- Middle East and other issues. time faculty member at the University of Michigan’s Department ’84 of Near Eastern Studies. In addition Steve Farley (YAB) is a graduate of to teaching, he remained active in Williams College, but spent his junior professional projects related to Arabic year at AUC (1983 - 1984). He still pedagogy and continued to design thinks of that year as the most multimedia instructional software of important year of his life, and some the highest caliber. Safinaz El Tarouty ’97, ’05, who is day, he would like to live in Cairo currently pursuing her PhD in politics at again. He is currently both a public Cecilia Mary Kammerer (MA ’71) the University of East Anglia in artist and Arizona state legislator from Douglas, Arizona died on England, married Khalid Emara ’87, living in Tucson, Arizona. He invented March 31, 2011. She was a fellow at deputy assistant foreign minister for an art process called tilography for AUC’s English Language Institute international economic relations, on converting photographs to glazed from 1969 to 1971, after which she January 5, 2011 at the Four Seasons ceramic tiles, and has created large- earned her master’s in teaching in Hotel - First Residence, Giza. They spent scale murals all over the United States. English as a foreign language. their honeymoon in Sharm El Sheikh Akher Kalam

At the Crossroads: Tunisia, Egypt and Libya

went to Tunisia in early November 2010 to deliver my neighborhoods. In our residence, young men took shifts baby girl, Mona. I was planning on spending my guarding homes. They patrolled the entire night. This was the I maternity leave there with my family. Little did I know case all over Tunisia. The coming together of communities that my baby girl and I would witness a revolution firsthand. was astonishing. When the revolution started in Tunisia, I had mixed When the revolution happened in Egypt, it was like living feelings. I was happy and proud on the one hand, and very the whole thing all over again. I was very scared for Egypt, scared on the other. When riots began after Bouazizi burned the same fear I had for Tunisia, though for Egypt, I was himself, we were all sad, but we had no idea that it would worried it would turn into a huge bloodbath just by the flare up this way. For the past two decades in Tunisia, people sheer number of people. I am proud of both countries. complained behind closed doors and in hushed voices; they I think their perseverance was what made both revolutions were scared to express themselves. My family actually fell successful, and it is this perseverance that will provide a better victim to this regime. One of my close relatives was harassed future for the Arab world. because she expressed political views opposing the regime. As I am half-Libyan, and with the situation in Libya, I am a result, she was bullied and threatened, her car stolen, heartbroken. Really heartbroken. No words can express how daughter slandered and husband imprisoned. They instilled I feel to see the country going down in flames after it was such fear in her that they silenced her, and this was their way finally starting to breathe again. My heart goes out to my with everyone who attempted to speak out. With the family and friends in Libya. I cannot imagine the fear they revolution, I felt great pride throughout. I felt that what my are living in because I don’t believe that the situation in grandfather (God bless his soul) fought for was retrieved. My Tunisia or Egypt was the same. With Libya, it is worse and grandfather was part of the Bourguiba regime, and he fought much more violent. for Tunisia’s independence against colonialism from France. There is still a lot of work to be done. I don’t think this I felt that Bouazizi and others did not die in vain. With this coming period for Tunisia, Egypt or Libya is going to be easy, revolution, hope was restored. but I also think we are paving the road for a better future. However, there were many frightening moments, I envision a free Tunisia where the government is not particularly when we heard gunshots outside. It was also corrupt, where people have the freedom to express scary reading on Facebook the status of my friends from all themselves, where everyone has the opportunity to build around Tunisia who would reported on drive-by shootings, their country and where people are encouraged to succeed. lootings and attacks on homes. I kept wondering if this I dream of a Tunisia where the government is there to would ever happen to us. When the army took over the support the people, not to repress them and drive them to a streets and helicopters started circulating, this helped state of mediocrity. I dream of a regime that is accountable alleviate the fear, but it was a constant reminder of what and has the best interests of the country at heart. I have the was going on outside, and it made me feel we were in a same dream for the entire Arab world. state of war. I was really impressed with Tunisian people in the Ghalia Gargani ’99, ’03 is a research associate and project aftermath of Ben Ali, when things got violent and citizens manager at the Dubai School of Government’s Gender and Public took it upon themselves to defend their houses and Policy Program.

Akher Kalam is an open forum for members of the AUC community. We invite you to share your thoughts on any topic of your choice. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity.

48 AUCTO DA Y Spring 2011 After Tahrir: Building the New Egypt As deeply engaged members of the Egyptian community, AUC faculty, staff, alumni and students work to help build Egypt’s future. A newly launched Web portal, After Tahrir, helps you learn about upcoming events related specifically to the new Egypt, open dialogues, videos, alumni initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

www.aucegypt.edu/AfterTahrir Wael Yassin (MBA ’87) (left) and diving companions in send a message to support Egypt’s economy, photographed by Ashraf Salloum, director of campus planning and design and University architect www.aucegypt.edu

EGYPT UNITED STATES AUC A VENUE 420 F IFTH AVENUE , T HIRD FLOOR P.O. B OX 74 NEW YORK , NY 10018 NEW CAIRO 11835