Latest posts by Marwa Rakha

Egypt: Excellent Cat Meows for President Mubarak

Egyptians are quick to pounce on the opportunity to use all the social media tools at their disposal. Marwa Rakha takes a look at how bloggers and online peers mobilised themselves to poke fun at an editorial in a daily newspaper.

2 April 2010

Egypt: The Right to Speak Up

Egyptian bloggers and activists held a conference on January 22 in defense of their right to speak up after more than 20 Egyptian bloggers were arrested when their train arrived in the village of Naga Hammady where the Coptic massacre took place. Marwa Rakha sums up their reactions to their detention in this post.

28 January 2010

Egypt: Detained Bloggers Tell their Tales

More than 20 Egyptian bloggers, who were on their way to pay their respects to the families of the victims of the Coptic massacre, were arrested when their train arrived in the village of Naga Hammady in Upper Egypt. They were released shortly afterwards and they are now telling us their side of the story.

20 January 2010

Egypt: Bloggers arrested over Naga Hammady Visit

Egypt today arrested 20 bloggers who were visiting Naga Hammady in Upper Egypt to pass their respects to those killed in a sectarian outburst on January 7. Seven people were shot dead and several injured when an assailant gunned down Christian Copts leaving a church after the Christmas mass. The bloggers visit was to show a united front against sectarianism.

15 January 2010

Egypt: The Capital of Hell on Earth

Many Egyptian bloggers and activists have been detained by State Security on various occasions and for various reasons - real or fake - Wa7da Masreya interviewed several bloggers and posted a detailed post on torture techniques and psychological tricks those bloggers have been subjected to in State Security headquarters in the district of Nasr City.

17 December 2009

Egypt: Synagogue Gone … Synagone

Bloggers and online activists in Egypt are calling for saving an old synagogue, currently used as an office for the National Democratic Party - the country's ruling party. Marwa Rakha sums up reactions in this post.

15 December 2009

Egypt: And this one goes to Djamila Bouhired

Algeria's 75-year-old activist and revolutionist Djamila Bouhired is ill and is beseeching her country and countrymen to finance her medical treatment. The news has infuriated many Egyptian bloggers who see her as an Arab icon and a hero.

15 December 2009

Egypt: A fine line between patriotism and chauvinism

The November 14 football match between Egypt and Algeria has turned into an ugly war and it got worse after Egypt's defeat on November 18 in Sudan. From the fury of Egyptian President's son to that of renowned actors and actresses, media figures, writers, and Facebook users, anger has blinded common sense. Marwa Rakha looks at a new initiative to put out the fire.

28 November 2009

Egypt: President Mubarak and the Egyptian Dignity

Egyptian Facebook users continue to discuss the ramifications of the aftermath of the Algeria vs Egypt football final, which saw Algeria qualifying to the World Cup finals in South Africa next year. Marwa Rakha has the story.

24 November 2009

Egypt: Alaa Mubarak for President?

Several names have been thrown in the pool of candidates for Egypt's 2011 presidential elections. Now a new name is being floated. Find out why Alaa Mubarak, the Egyptian President's eldest son, is a current favorite among some Egyptians...or maybe not.

23 November 2009

Egypt: Nidal Hassan – Psychiatrist or Psychotic?

Major Nidal Hassan is the US military psychiatrist of Arab origins who went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood in Texas, killing 13 people. He is now facing charges of premeditated murder. "Psychiatrist or Psychotic?", ask Egyptian bloggers.

14 November 2009

Egyptians! Algerians! Wake UP!

From ferocious marketing campaigns to Facebook wars, hacking, and owl burning, the November 14th match between Egypt and Algeria has turned into an ugly war. Marwa Rakha reports from the battlefront.

14 November 2009

Egypt: Celebrities sans Diplomacy

Bikya Masr reported two stories a couple of days apart about celebrity blunders and lack of tact. Beyonce was targeted in the first and Salma Hayek spoke out in the second. Marwa Rahka has the story.

13 November 2009

Egypt: One day before playing Algeria

Tension is building up over the decisive football match between Egypt and Algeria due to take place in Cairo on November 14. The encounter will determine which of the two teams will qualify to next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Some Egyptian bloggers enjoy a game with a twist.

13 November 2009

Egypt: Damsels in Distress

Wandering Scarab does not believe that Egyptian women know what they really want; their actions demonstrate that they don't really want equality or freedom; they do not even know what...

30 October 2009

Egypt: The top 10 most influential people

Gamal Mubarak, son of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak -- who is expected to succeed his father -- was among the 2009 TIME 100 Finalists. Egyptian bloggers have their say in this post.

29 October 2009