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Second In Series

Exclusive Interview with

Dr. Mostafa El Feki: In-depth insight into the political situation Volume 5 • Number 2 • Spring 2003 Magazine Cover Stories and Features

p. 18 The Voice of Reason 1 8 I Dr. Mostafa el Feki, chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, presents a i world perspective to past and recent events f Jacqueline Burrell

p. 28 The Ethics of war An exclusive interview with the American Ambassador to Egypt C. David Welch W Amr Selim, edited by David Snipes

p. 42 Desolation and Despair, but Speaking of it with Hope k Singer Mohamed Mounir speaks his mind about the Iraq War, calling for the Arab world to look to the future r David Snipes

p. 46 Small Dreams, Big actions L Actress Raghda has long had empathy for Iraq’s people, particularly its chil- w dren. Deploring the war, she remains committed to improving their lot l 2 8 Amr Selim, edited by Jacqueline Burrell

p. 50 Keeping Pace with Sudden Change L Top hotel executives reveal their strategy for adapting to an ever changing busi­ ness environment ^ Jacqueline Burrell

p. 60 A Legend in the Making k The anticipated opening of Citystars augurs well for many sectors of Egyptian W life ^ Jacqueline Burrell

p. 66 Breaking the Mold L Independent-minded Fathy Salama has been making ohis brand of music for ^ nearly a quarter century David Snipes

p. 78 Changing the Face of Banking k G&D’s Moustafa Samaha is at the forefront of helping Egypt’s banks make the V transition to smart card technology Jacqueline Burrell 42

ran 661 7 8 7 2 Magazine Volume 5 • Number 1 • Winter 2003 TjH PFm 5j D r a n m m u i Departments A rts

p. 72 The Culturewheel Abdel-Moneim and Mohamed el Sawy celebrate the memory of their father with ^ t h e establishment of a culture center, The Sakia of Abdel-Moneim el Sawy David Snipes

p. 102 Book R eview A selection of guides whiten to make living in Cairo easier and more enjoyable Alexander Fuchs

Arab History 1 0 0 p. 100 The Lion of the Sea Explorer Ahmed ibn Majid helped pave the way for Europeans to get a foothold l in the Indian sub-continent, a legacy bittersweet to some Dr. Youssef Mazhar

Style

P- 82 Warm Spring Fashions ►A selection of the top fashions made in Egypt

8 2

The Voice ofReason

Mostafa M. el Feki is a National Democratic Party Member of Parliament and as chairman of that august body, the Committee of Foreign Affairs is a vital cog in the foreign relation’s apparatus of Egypt. At the time of the interview, the war between Iraq and the American led coalition had been raging for eight days, so it was obviously uppermost in his mind. His opinions on the subject of the war are concise and well considered as they were for all of the situations that were discussed with him and that currently disrupt the Middle East

ostafa el Feki is definite­ with regards to their role in the war. to deciding the future of northern ly a man under pressure This is why both the American and Iraq but the Americans want to use M and obviously, the British troops are attempting a them as sub-contractors.” events of the past few weeks have breakthrough from the southern In el Feki’s opinion, the Kurds are taken their toll, yet his analysis of front but the northern front is not as a tool that have constantly been used the Iraq War was incisive and active as it should be. by the Turks, the Iraqis, the Iranians ranged from the strategic to the El Feki did not express surprise at and the Syrians as it suited them. diplomatic. the Turkish government’s decision Now they are a card that is being “The situation has not been clear to not allow the coalition forces to played primarily by the Americans since the start, and there have utilize their territory, restricting their and the British. already been some surprises. The cooperation to allowing use of their “This is a chronic problem and Iraqi reaction to the aggression is air space. one that will never be solved much stronger than the American, “The Turks have mixed interests, because no one agrees with the idea British or even the Arabs expected. they wish to aid the Americans as of an autonomous Kurdish state, I don’t believe they were fully aware they are members of the North they will never be allowed their own of the Iraqi’s ability to resist to the Atlantic Treaty Organization, but in identity.” extent they are doing now.” the meantime they don’t want to be El Feki, however, is a firm believ­ The northern front is also not as used in the establishment of a sepa­ er of self-determination for any effective as was originally thought, rate Kurdish identity. They want to nation on earth. as the Turks have not been decisive be full partners when it comes down “In general, the Kurds are

SPRING 2003 he magazine 19 Muslims and they have lived in this ferent; the two prior wars that T h e Kurds part of the world for a great deal of Saddam has engaged in were nation­ The true origins of the Kurds time.” alistic and initiated by Iraq. The remain an enigma but many his­ El-Feki has great admiration for Iran-Iraq War lasted from 1980 to torians believe that they are the the Kurds and feels they have never 1988, permanently altering the Iraqi result of frequent layering of received the respect and understand­ status quo. This war was closely fol­ cultural and genetic material ing they deserve. lowed by the Gulf War, which supplied over a period of up to “I have never seen the West being resulted in tough economic and eight thousand of years of inter­ sincere about giving them an inde­ political sanctions. If this was not nal migrations, immigrations pendent state.” enough, the Iraqi people themselves and cultural assimilations by The only concession, el Feki suffered unspeakably at the hands of diverse groups of people from believes could be made is the forma­ the ruling regime during both of all over the region. The first tion of a Kurdish federation within these military adventures. mention of the Kurds in histori­ the state of Iraq. “Now, we are faced with a multi­ cal records was in cuneiform El-Feki went on to reiterate his purpose war. It is not just a question writings by the Sumerians in view that the war has not developed of oil but other strategic reasons as 3,000 B.C, who wrote of the as had been expected. well, mainly the security and stabil­ “land of the Karda”. “It is a though we are in ity of the backyard of Israel because The Kurds have made their the American want a new Middle own contributions to history in a jungle where it is a East. It is also a means to observe the past as well as now. El Feki question of the survival what is going on in Iran and Syria. reminded us that Salah el Din of the fittest” The Israelis are behind what is was the most famous Kurd in going on, for Israeli interests are history emerging as the greatest “Of course, in the end the regime paramount in America’s Middle military mind on either side of will implode because of the power Eastern policy and they feel that the the Crusades. Salah el Din was of the coalition but it will be said regime of Saddam and a powerful bom into a prominent Kurdish afterwards that the collapse state like Iraq is always a danger to family in 1137 in Tikrit, ironi­ occurred after determined resis­ Israel.” cally the same birthplace as tance. There is a great difference Not only does el Feki question the Saddam Hussein. In Egypt, he between surrendering immediately stated motives of the coalition in ini­ is reknowned for keeping the and being overpowered after an tiating this war, he is concerned country out of the First unequal struggle.” about the future impact of ignoring Cmsade. He died in 1193, and This will result in the Iraqi layman world bodies and treaty obligations. historians agree that he is one of tolerating an Iraqi dictator rather He feels that by-passing the UN will the world’s towering figures. than allowing himself to be subju­ create a world with no rules, a world “Egyptian born Ahmed gated by a foreign power. that no one wants. Shawky, the prince of poetry, “The psychology of the people “It is a though we are in a jungle was also a Kurd.” needs to be understood, especially where it is a question of the survival Shawky (1868-1932), poet, as we feel that this war is not justi­ of the fittest. Egypt has to respect its playwright and translator wrote fied for it is outside the realm of commitments for it is better to have songs for Umm Kulthum and in international legality. The war could a “cold” peace with Israel. Any vio­ 1924 took on Mohammed have been avoided, and we are not lation of the borders will cause a Abdel-Wahab as a student as saying that because we like Saddam new war in the Middle East, for if well, and enhanced his musical Hussein, of course not, for we know we are involved the whole region is education. what he has done.” involved.” The basis of the current war is dif- On June 7, 1981, Israel bombed

20 he magazine SPRING 2003 Iraq’s nuclear power plant at Osiraq surrounded, a population bombed maintain their dignity in their own and totally destroyed it. The attack day and night and people deprived land.” was loudly condemned by the of water and electricity, it is “Not all Iraqis are in United States, United Nations and inevitable that they will collapse. favor of Saddam Hussein other world governments and bodies However, this does not mean you at the time. Israel claimed vindica­ (the coalition), have won the war. but they wish to maintain tion when a U.S.-led coalition “If fact, they (the coalition), have their dignity in their invaded Iraq 10 years later, warning lost the war for the Iraqis are still in own land. of the danger of Saddam Hussein’s good shape. There is solidarity efforts to obtain nuclear weapons amongst the people and they are not When asked his opinion of the and other means of mass destruc­ panicking and reacting calmly. This widely held belief that the tion, a scenario repeating itself now. comes as a big surprise because it Americans have no intention of “ Poweris stronger than was expected that the moment the leaving the area, el Feki said: “They war started, the Iraqis would wel­ courage and there is no will not leave until they are sure that come the invaders and revolt against they have reorganized the region to comparison in the level Saddam Hussein. This is not the suit their interests and political strat­ of power between the case. egy and their attitude towards Iran Americans and the “Not all Iraqis are in favor of and Syria is a silent ultimatum.” British on one side and Saddam Hussein but they wish to “The stability of the entire region the Iraqis on the other” Mostafa M. el Feki “In 1990 and 1991, there were two theories. The first one suggested a Mostafa el Feki was bom on November 14, 1944 in Egypt. He attended change inside Iraq to enable a school in Cairo and received the Batchelor of Arts degree in Political peaceful withdrawal from Kuwait Science from Cairo University. without a war but the other theory, He began his diplomatic career overseas with an assignment as vice-con­ mainly supported by the Israelis, sul and diplomatic secretary at the Consulate General and Embassy of called for the destruction of the Egypt in the United Kingdom from 1971 until 1976. During his time in infrastructure of Iraq.” London, he also earned the Ph.D. in Political Science at the School of Not only does el Feki question the Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. motivations for the war, he ques­ His assignment in London was followed by the post of counsellor at the tions the conduct of it as well. The Embassy of Egypt in the Indian capital, New Delhi, postings interspersed world was led to believe that the war with critical executive postings at the Foreign Ministry in Cairo. On the against Iraq would be over in a mat­ diplomatic side, his major assignment was as ambassador to Austria and the ter of days but it very quickly many international organizations such as International Atomic Energy became clear that the strong resis­ Agency (I.A.E.A.) and the United Nations Industrial Development tance had been grossly underesti­ Organization (U.N.I.D.O.) based there. mated and that would not be the In the Foreign Ministry, he rose from secretary of information and fol­ case. low-up to the president of Egypt in 1985, through many challenging posi­ “Power is stronger than courage tions to first assistant foreign minister in 2001, followed by his present post and there is no comparison in the of chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs in 2002 level of power between the He has also found time to participate and take a leading role in the devel­ Americans and the British on one opment of the policies of his political party, the National Democratic Party side and the Iraqis on the other. The (N.D.P.), and numerous academic activities including teaching at the uni­ Iraqis may be able to resist for some versity level. weeks but in the end, with the cities

SPRING 2003 he magazine 21 is the key. The argument always newspaper coverage of the past and is not in a position to do more. revolves around the role of Egypt in could. The polarizing of the popula­ “We are committed to a peace the future. Some are saying that the tion of Egypt is a concern. treaty with Israel, we have strategic new Iraq, the democratic state, will “You see victims arrested, injured, and deep relations with America that be the model for the region and that killed and this is increasing the we have to maintain, the only differ­ it will attract other Arab states to anger, sadness and criticism of the ences have to do with regional poli­ make changes, which will divert Egyptian people but still they are cies such as Iraq and of course, attention from Egypt as the leading mature enough not to destroy their Palestine. In 1945, Egypt was one of state to Iraq.” relationship with America. Egypt is the states selected to have a perma­ “The effect will be a balanced and responsible state by nent seat on the U.N. Security similar to a world war nature. We act according to our Council, India was also considered, commitment to our Arab origins as for both countries had supported the for it is an open war well as our duty to the international allies during World War II.” against another country, community, which is why we are An overseas state was considered which will create a new constantly and strongly criticized. necessary on the Council and Egypt international legal Egypt is not just any country was favored because of its multi- system. because we are the leading state in facetted identity. The country’s the Arab world, and have to think, strategic location giving the state a It is also said that the Arab world long and hard before important deci­ Middle Eastern, African and will not be the same as it has been sions are made.” Mediterranean dimension, as well as since the establishment of the Arab Egypt is a balanced and a society comprised of both League in 1945. Dramatic changes Muslims and Christians. in policies will also alter the role of responsible state by “At the last moment it was said the United Nations. nature. We act according that France could not be ignored “The effect will be similar to a to our commitment to because it was an integral part of the world war for it is an open war our Arab origins as well European-Christian civilization, so against another country, which will as our duty to the inter­ the seat was awarded to them.” create a new international legal sys­ national community The war will result in an econom­ tem.” ic loss to Egypt and will pose There have been anti-war demon­ El Feki cited the reproof of Syria, tremendous problems. Tourism will strations around the world, and on a who agreed to U.N. Resolution be badly affected, there will be scale never seen before in certain 1441, but has accused Egypt of “We are committed to a countries, as the emotions of ordi­ betraying the Arab world by encour­ nary people run high. When asked aging the coalition forces to attack peace treaty with Israel, how he analyzed this situation, el Iraq. we have strategic and Feki said: “In Egypt in particular the “The bigger and stronger you are deep relations with people are not the same as they were the more you are criticized because America that we have to in the ’60s or ’70s because they are you are always under scrutiny. We maintain ” much more mature but of course, cannot afford to proceed blindly, fewer ships passing through the they are in total sympathy with the simply led by our emotions like Suez Canal and Egyptian workers Iraqi people.” some other Arab nations, and neither will return from the Gulf States, In his opinion, people are greatly can we follow the international reducing remittances and exacerbat­ affected by what they see on televi­ trend, ignoring our Arabism.” ing the unemployment situation. sion because of the explicit graphic El Feki pointed out that the “Being deprived of our exports to images that bring viewers so much demonstrators in Egypt realize that Iraq is also serious as we were aver­ closer to the reality of war than the their country is doing a great deal aging $1 billion per annum.”

22 he magazine SPRING 2003 Dr. el Feky is a 2001 recipient of the Silver Cross High Honor from the Republic of A ustria. Present at the ceremony to bestow the honor were distinguished Egyptian reli­ gious, political and scientific personages, including Nobel prize winner Ahmed Zewail.

Dr. el Feki with his wife and two daughters Fam ily Man

El Feki, father of two daughters and proud grandfather, met his wife, Nagwa Metwally, when they were both members of a youth organi­ zation. “I was studying at the Faculty of Economic and Political Science of Cairo University but Nagwa was still a secondary school, prior to studying at the Department of Journalism of the Faculty of Arts.” In 1966, they became engaged but did not marry until 1970, shortly after which the couple moved to England where el Feki took up his post at the Egyptian Embassy in London. As with her husband, Nagwa leads a very busy life. She is presidentcof the Diplomatic Wives’Association (D.W.A.), which is actively engaged in cultural and social, charitable activities as well The Arab people are as the exchange of ideas. It is a very challenging role as there are around angry for they believe 300 wives in the association at any one time, who are, of course, constant­ there has been a ly coming and going. conspiracy to make them She is also a member of the High Council of Healthcare, a body under the a target because oj patronage of First Lady Suzanne Mubarak. “There is now an important connection between the two positions as I am Palestine, Afghanistan also taking care of one of the govememnt maternity hospitals and it is the and Iraq. They feel the main charity project in which the D.W.A. is involved.” whole world is against The aim of the group is improve the standard of the hospital for at pre­ Islam and the Arabs. ’ sent it lacks many vital facilities. “What makes our goals more difficult to achieve is that there is a serious lack of finance. We are trying very hard to raise funds because a lot of medical equipment is urgently required, particularly for the new-born child, such as incu­ bators, which are very expensive. But there are many other things we can do to help, such as encouraging a better relationship between the medical staff and the patients. We also focus on bonding between mother and baby.” The hospital serves a large area. “Every single day there are between 80 to 100 new patients, making for very hard work.” What better contribution could Nagwa and her fellow volunteers make than give the next gener­ ation a better start in life?

Dr. and Mrs.el Feki with their grandsons, Moustafa and Selim 24 he magazine Spring 2003 The moment the war is over, el does not care.” under Yasser Arafat is a step in the Feki believes that America will On the other side of the coin, right direction, but he still holds move very quickly to begin a p.r. Yasser Arafat finally submitted to doubts of its ultimate success. exercise that will change their image intense international pressure to “Arafat will keep interfering. and win back support in the Arab appoint a premier and 67-year-old However, the Palestinian cabinet world. Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), the believes in a true parliamentary sys­ “It will take a long time but they number two in the Palestinian tem with a prime minister who is in will concentrate on making a break­ National Authority was confirmed a position to make decisions. It through with regards to the in the position in March. The cre­ seems that in the Palestinian case, Palestinian crisis. Don’t forget that ation of the post of prime minister Yasser Arafat will not relinquish any despite all the mistakes committed should be seen as a positive step of the power he has grown accus­ by the administration of George W. towards the renewal of peace nego­ tomed to enjoying.” Bush, the announcement through the tiations between Israel and the Since the use of the first crude Security Council of a state of Israel Palestinians, but Arafat tried until nuclear bomb during WWII, and a state of Palestine is a step for­ the last minute to limit the powers of weapons of mass destruction have ward. It was never mentioned in the new position. become more sophisticated, accu­ Clinton’s time or by any other previ­ In theory, el Feki feels the rate and deadly. Merely the posses­ ous president. appointment of a prime minister sion of advanced technology is “It means that Israel will have fixed borders and if we can build on such a breakthrough it will improve the image of the Americans and the British. The Arab people are angry for they believe there has been a conspiracy to make them a target because of Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. They feel the whole world is against Islam and the Arabs.” Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has just begun his second term in office and el Feki stated that that is not encouraging, describing Sharon’s policies as dumb and gloomy. “President Mubarak congratulated What is your plan for spring? him on his re-election but the invita­ Stay at Conrad Cairo in a guaranteed Nile view room and have tion to visit Egypt was refused. He is a tasteful breakfast buffet. Sit in the warm sun, enjoy Conrad’s pool, then rejuvenate your body and soul at our Health Club not giving us the opportunity to do for free, while the kids have fun at the Kids Corner. For an unforgettable stay, choose from a wide variety of anything, for every day he is under restaurants and bars and benefit from 15% discount on all more pressure from the Palestinians. your dining. You will also take advantage of free parking. I do not think he "will be able to Now Conrad Cairo exceptionally offers you.... deliver. We had hoped that he would a Double Room for L.E. 375 or a Single Room for L.E. 340 be like Menachem Begin, one of Above rates are per night on bed & breakfast basis including service charge and taxes, subject to availability and prior reservation and valid for Egyptians and those people who want to improve foreign residents. Free accommodation for children up to 12 years their image at the end of their life, when sharing parents room. but it seems that a man like Sharon CON RAD

1191 Corniche El Nil. Cairo 11221, Egypt. Tel.: 580 8000 Fax: 580 8080 www.ConradHotels.com enough to cause concern. Israeli has session of parliament, President because of the regional situation. nuclear capability and the stated Mubarak said that we wanted the “The Supreme Council of Policies cause of the current war in Iraq is same criteria applied to Israel as had recently circulated a questionnaire the alleged possession of chemical been exercised in Iraq.” aimed at different social sectors to and biological weapons by the gov­ obtain a representative opinion from ernment. This brought up the ques­ “Last November, at the groups at varying levels of wealth tion of whether a state such as Egypt opening session of par­ and education. We were expecting should also possess such unpopular liament, President them to say that unemployment, the “deterrents”. Mubarak said that we lack of liquidity or transportation “The issue of nuclear weapons is wanted the same criteria problems were their major concern. irrelevant now for we have made applied to Israel as had However, what proved to be the our commitment. Egypt signed the greatest concern to the Egyptian been exercised in Iraq. ” N.P.T. in 1968 under Abdel-Nasser people was the Palestinian question. and it was ratified by the Egyptian Recent events have also spurred “This was number one for we parliament in 1972 during the time criticism aimed at the League of have common borders, so Egyptians of el Sadat.” Arab Nations with the public asking feel they have a responsibility The Non-Proliferation Treaty about the practicality of an Arab towards the Palestinians who do not (N.P.T.) was a landmark internation­ coalition. deserve the predicament they face.” al treaty that opened for signature in “It is impossible for us just to El Feki’s views and opinions will 1968, and went into force in 1970. stand up and say that we want inte­ not be popular with everybody. The objective was to prevent the gration and unity. No, it needs p o s­ However certain things are evident­ spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote co­ operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarma­ ment and finally unilateral disarma­ ment. 188 parties signed the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States. More countries have ratified the N.P.T. than any other arms limi­ tation and disarmament agreement, a testament to the Treaty’s signifi­ cance. “Encouraged by the Atomic ical good will and determination to ly clear; el Feki has a safe and pros­ Energy Agency and other organiza­ prove we are ready to accept con­ perous Egypt firmly in his sights. tions, everyone is using nuclear cessions, that we are ready to under­ An Egypt that can proudly take its power for peaceful purposes. But stand others. This is completely dif­ seat in the commonwealth of nations with regards to armaments it is an ferent from fighting for what we because it respects, and is respected Egyptian initiative to ask the entire want in the literal sense of the by its neighbours, allies and even its Middle East to become a zone free word.” opponents. El Feki’s respect for the from all weapons of mass El Feki admitted that Egypt is fac­ law and open dialogue to solve destruction.” ing a number of internal problems, problems is refreshing in this time El Feki then referred to the arsenal the most serious of which he sees as of hidden agendas and one hopes his at Israel’s disposal. unemployment and the economic approach is contagious. “Last November, at the opening difficulties that will increase Jacqueline Burrell he

26 he magazine SPRING 2003