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I knew Sadat


Al Jazeera looks at the life of the late Egyptian president Anwar al-Sadat.
Mohammed Anwar al-Sadat was born in 1918 into a modest family in a poor village in the Nile delta.

Influenced from a young age by nationalist politicians such as Kamal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish republic, Sadat hoped to end the British occupation of his country.

He graduated from the military academy when he was 20 years old, but being an army officer did not prevent him from joining underground resistance movements.

With the second world war raging, Sadat calculated that Egypt's best chance of overthrowing British rule lay in a German invasion. In 1942, he was accused of consorting with a Nazi spy network in Cairo, fired from the army and imprisoned.
He was released from prison in 1948 and shortly after joined the nationalist Free Officers Movement, which had been founded by Jamal Abdul Nasser.

In July 1952, the young officers carried out a military coup that culminated in the overthrow of King Farouk and which subsequently brought more than 70 years of British colonisation to an end.

In 1969, Nasser, appointed Sadat as his vice-president. Within a year, he was president.

Spotlight

Sadat inherited a nation in turmoil, one whose army was still reeling from its crushing defeat to Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.

Sadat turned to the Russians in an attempt to re-build the Egyptian army's arsenal, but - unlike his predecessor - he believed it was a mistake to rely solely on Soviet backing and instead began to court the US.

On October 6, 1973, in a move calculated to attract US attention, Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal, capturing a narrow strip of land. After three weeks of fighting and with a fragile UN ceasefire in place, Sadat's grand plan came to fruition.

In November, Henry Kissinger, the US national security adviser, arrived in Cairo for talks. Agreements between Israel and Egypt were brokered and the following year Richard Nixon, the US president, visited Egypt for the first time.

A series of diplomatic efforts ensued which ultimately led to an historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel and Sadat's highly symbolic visit to the Israeli Knesset.

Sadat stepped into the international spotlight while the whole world watched, but the Egyptian president was also being closely observed by forces within his own country who opposed his moves.

On October 6, 1981, while watching a military parade in Cairo, Sadat was assassinated by four gunmen from a militant Islamist group.

While some saw him as a visionary others perceived him as a traitor.

I Knew Sadat talks to his supporters and his critics, and uncovers a life that in many ways changed the way Egypt is seen by others and by itself

4:30 PM | Posted in , | Read More »

Mubarak's dangerous 'groupthink'

Through his stubbornness Hosni Mubarak has managed to transform himself from a 30-year "loyal ally" into an 82-year-old liability.
Almost all dictators cling to power as long as they can. They get use to being the boss and it becomes a way of life for them. Mubarak is no different. But clearly the love of power is not all that is going on with him.
Mr. Mubarak suffers from the same syndrome as did Louis XVI just prior to the French Revolution. Louis lived in the royal complex of Versailles. He rarely visited Paris, which was just 25 miles away, and knew almost nothing of the daily lives of his non-noble subjects.
Like Louis, Hosni too lives in isolation from the people who go about their business beyond the walls of his presidential palace. Thus, when Mubarak says he loves Egypt and will never run away from his country, he is talking about a place as distant from that of the ordinary citizen as the moon.
A sure sign of this disconnect came with the Feb. 3 interview he gave ABC’s Christiane Amanpour. According to the correspondent, Mubarak said he was "fed up with being president and would like to leave office now, but cannot, he says, for fear that the country would sink into chaos."
This is surely a sign that the Egypt he knows is not the Egypt commonly recognized by his people or the rest of the world.
From outside the presidential palace it is starkly clear that a sort of popular chaos is what already besets Egypt and the only way to calm it is for Mubarak to leave office and probably the country as well.
The vast majority of Egyptians can see that this is so. President Barack Obama can see this is so and has probably emphasized the fact to Mubarak. Even the King of Saudi Arabia can see what is happening and has offered Mubarak asylum in his country. So why can’t Hosni Mubarak see it?
Along with the isolation that rulers, and especially dictators, experience comes the phenomenon of "groupthink."
In his 1972 book, Victims of Groupthink, Irving L. Janis shows how governing political elites create self-reinforcing decision making circles. In other words, in the last 30 years Mubarak has surrounded himself with like-minded advisers and aides.
These are people who have a vested interest in his regime. They constantly reinforce his world view and second his decisions. There are no devil’s advocates here.
Being a military dictator also probably drives the groupthink outlook.
Generals give orders, they do not normally take them. And, all too often, it is the orders given that are meant to shape reality and not the other way around. It is assumed that whatever deviation there is between the two can be swept away by force.
Until now this has been the Egyptian dictator’s expectation. His choice of vice president, Omar Suleiman, is a product of Mubarak’s artificial groupthink world and no doubt selected to keep that world intact.
Therefore, Suleiman’s initial impulse was to reflect his master’s preferences.
Days and days of demonstrations by tens of thousands of Egyptians demanding Mubarak’s immediate departure were deemed impractical and disrespectful of a man who has so long "served his country."
But Suleiman, until recently head of the regime’s intelligence services, now appears to have his doubts. Making reality match Mr. Mubarak’s fantasy will almost certainly require such force as to guarantee the radicalization of the protest movement.
Most of the conservative talking heads both in the US and in Israel fear the potential of an Iranian-style outcome for Egypt. That is why many of these voices -- from Glenn Beck to Benjamin Netanyahu -- have called on Mubarak to get tough lest we end up with ayatollahs on the Nile.
But Egypt is not like Iran, neither the Iran of 1979 nor 2011. There is no rational reason to believe that the Muslim Brotherhood will suddenly turn into the Sunni version of a Republican Guard.
However, if the Egyptian government does "get tough" and ends up applying force, there is yet another scenario that presents itself, and that is the recent history of Algeria.
Back in 1991-1992 the Algerian military crushed the country’s Islamic political movement, the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), just at the moment when it had won democratically conducted national elections.
A military dictatorship was established which proceeded to arrest or kill all the moderate FIS leaders (those who had "worked within the system"), thus opening up the movement to much more violent factions.
Indeed, these factions were ready to be as violent as was the country’s military. The result was decades of vicious civil war.
One assumes that Omar Suleiman knows of the Algerian experience, and one assumes that someone from the State Department has filled in Barack Obama. Maybe they are both hoping that all the Egyptian protesters will just get tired and go home now that negotiations are said to be underway.
This is unlikely to happen. With thousands of protesters still in the streets, the opposition is most likely telling Suleiman that their reality is much more real than that of his dictator boss.
If Suleiman is wise he will get the message and make it crystal clear to Mr. Mubarak that he has quite suddenly become a liability his nation can no longer afford.
For unless Mubarak can shake off the groupthink, Egypt risks spelling liability, Algeria. Now that will be chaos for you.

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Plot-survivor Mubarak brought down by his people

CAIRO - He survived 10 attempts on his life, and at 82 his health was a subject of speculation. But in the end, it was his people who brought down Egypt's modern-day pharaoh.
Pulling off a second surprise in as many days, President Hosni Mubarak on Friday stepped down and handed over power to the army from whose ranks he emerged, his deputy Omar Suleiman announced on television.
Late Thursday when he had been expected to quit, Mubarak said in a televised speech he would stay on until September, to the fury of hundreds of thousands of demonstrators waiting to celebrate in central Cairo.
The party was delayed for one day, in an emotional roller-coaster for the mostly youthful demonstrators.
Until the outbreak of anti-government protests on January 25, Mubarak seemed insurmountable as president of the most populous nation in the Arab world.
His rise to power came unexpectedly, when his predecessor Anwar Sadat -- who made history by signing a peace deal with Israel -- was gunned down by Islamist militants on October 6, 1981 during a military parade in Cairo.
He took office a week after the assassination, and since then he ruled without interruption under a draconian emergency law that remains in force.
Islamic fundamentalist groups -- including Al-Jihad, Gamaa Islamiyya and Talaeh al-Fatah -- were responsible for most of the attempts on Mubarak's life on both Egyptian and foreign soil.
The first direct attempt to kill him came in 1993, a year after Islamists launched a campaign of violence aimed at toppling the secular Egyptian government, when a bid to fire rockets at his plush Cairo residence was foiled.
Later murder attempts involved a variety of schemes, including a plot to car-bomb the presidential motorcade in Cairo.
In 1995, militants opened fire at the presidential motorcade in Addis Abiba. The previous year saw an attempt to kill him with explosives as he was due to meet Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi at a military airport.
In September 1999, Mubarak was slightly wounded when a man with no apparent links to any Islamic group stabbed him in Port Said.
Health-wise, Mubarak's reputation as for vigour -- he was once known to play squash almost daily -- was dented in 2003 when he fainted while addressing parliament.
Officials blamed his collapse on a cold and the fact that he had been fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In 2004, he underwent surgery in Germany for a slipped disc, intensifying speculation on potential successors.
Then last March he returned to Germany for the removal of his gall bladder and a growth on the small intestine. Rumours that he had died under the surgeon's knife were quashed when state television showed him recovering.
Mubarak's health was usually a taboo subject in Egypt and the father of two, whose wife Suzanne is half-Welsh, kept his private life a carefully guarded secret.
In 2007, speculation about his health snowballed to the extent that Mubarak had to make an unscheduled public appearance to lay rumour to rest.
The octogenarian, with jet black hair -- possibly dyed -- and aquiline nose, was born on May 4, 1928 in the Nile Delta village of Menufiyah.
He rose through the ranks of the air force and fought in repeated wars with Israel, to claim hero status, before supporting Sadat in pursuing peace with the Jewish state in 1979.
Throughout his years in power, Mubarak maintained the unpopular policy of peace with Israel and accommodation with the West that cost Sadat his life.
His government, overseeing a developing nation of 80 million people, has been the frequent target of domestic opposition -- ranging from the Muslim Brotherhood to secular and liberal dissidents.
The regime quashed militant groups which carried out attacks in the 1980s, the 1990s and, more recently, 2004 and 2006 when the tourism industry was targeted.
His government's ties with the United States and Israel made him a target of criticism across the region, especially during the 2006 Israel war in Lebanon and Israel's Gaza offensive in 2008-2009.
Domestic opponents accused Washington of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses, corruption and the Mubarak regime's failure to push ahead with badly needed reforms.

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MDP rewrote its history again in Hulhumeedhoo

Hulhumeedhoo Community yet again proved their adherence and commitment to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the second consecutive election, this time in Local Council. History was rewritten yesterday where as similar land slide victory was made during Maldives first ever parliamentary election during 2009.

Both victories are similar in its nature. During parliamentary election Mr. Ilyas Labeeb was sworn in by the most votes in the Maldives for one constituency. Mr. Hassan Shahid became the his successor to gain the same number of votes for the same constituency, but for the city council. Right now one thing is very straight and clear. Hulhumeedhoo has barred entry of any political party other than MDP, and so is the mood of entire Addu City.

Another main lessons learnt over the last two elections were that Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), less in number though, are strictly behind their leader who were ousted by people's referendum in the presidential election in 2008.

Hulhumeedhoo community is foreseeing a bright and prosperous future, being the forerunner in brining MDP and democracy to the Maldives.


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Ilyas Labeeb reaffirms his parliamentary promisess to Hulhumeedhoo people

Talking to the heavily yellow dressed MDP "lashkar" at Seenu Atoll School, for relaunching of City Council Campaign, the MP for Hulhumeedhoo Mr. Ilyas Labeeb reaffirmed his parliamentary promises as attainable before his five year term ends.

He laughed while saying "Relocation of Atoll Office to Hulhumeedhoo or rather providing the same services from Hulhumeedhoo will also be accomplished soon". He stated that Ismehela Hura will be developed for tourism and we would see it coming to a reality real soon.

He promised again that Health Center will be transformed into a well equipped Hospital in four month time. He noted that the process of transition began just after the establishment of Southern Health Cooperation Services, and thanked its management and other government authorities for their continued support.

Ilyas Labeeb requested his MDP supporters and all the people of Hulhumeedhoo to support Mr. Hassan Shahid and elect him as the member for Addu City Council from Hulhumeedhoo Constituency.

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We will bring international journalists to cover next big protests- DRP

Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that they would be bringing international journalists to cover their protests in the future.




Speaking at the media conference held yesterday at DRP office, Galolhu dhekunu MP and the president of Youth Wing of DRP said that they would invite journalist from around the globe to cover their protests against the government in the future. He added that DRP has already begun work to accomplish this.



Mahloof also condemned Maldives Police Service for obstructing the work of the journalists who were covering the “Unbahjehi vazeerun” protest organised by the opposition on Monday.



Mahloof described last night as a “Black day” for the media of Maldives. He said that the party has started work to bring to the attention of the international community the tactics employed by President Nasheed’s government in breaking up opposition protests in the capital.



Furthermore, he said that the footage of the wanton vicious beatings of police last night.



Mahloof also said that a team from DRP will leave to Sri Lanka to discuss the issues with international media.



He alleged that President Nasheed is not ruling by democracy but with military rule.



DRP announced that the next protest will be held next Thursday night at 08:45.

4:35 PM | Posted in , | Read More »

What determines a candidate as best?


The quest for selecting most eligible and most potential candidate as ‘peoples’ envoy’ to the parliament is deviating the actual purpose of their candidacy today. In this year 465 candidates are contesting for 77 constituencies of the parliament and each candidate propagates his or her own way to serve people. Cash rewards, valuable assets, air tickets, job security, family intrusion and illusive obsessions are some of the depraved elements of campaign strategies adopted by most of the candidates in Maldives.
Any candidate elected to the parliament upon aforementioned elements is highly unlikely to represent the public. Indeed, for them their private benefit would outweigh those of public as they would have given bribes in some way or the other to grab most votes.
Today it’s a common phenomenon on the ground and various levels of campaign activities that candidates boast about things they, as natives, have done for the islands in the past. Some candidates claim that they have helped to develop infrastructure of the islands, promoted educational fields, enhanced job opportunities and granted money for the needy. Indeed it’s an obligatory duty of the riches and no candidate should claim parliamentary seat as a reward for that.
Honesty is the basic guide line to become a good MP. A good MP never promises the unattainable nor swank about what he or she has done well for the people in the past. Ability to give tough and rational feedbacks and capacity to reason on issues discussed at parliament floor, free from obsession, is instrumental for a good MP. Academic excellence and professional exposure is necessary to lead arguments at parliament. If he or she is hesitant or incapable of providing adequate justification on his or her believes and thoughts then he is incompetent. In the Maldives, Reeko Moosa Manik and Ibrahim Ismail are the two outstanding members of the parliament who had great hand in shaping and modernizing the constitution of the country.
We hope that our people choose a candidate who is second to none than those mentioned above. This is the first time in the history that a constituency for Hulhumeedhoo is placed and electing the right and competent candidate for the job is essential for the wellbeing of islands and the country at large.

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Hulhumeedhoo constituency-a fierce battlefield!

Countdown for this year’s parliamentary election slated for May 9, 2009 has begun with the release of eligible candidates names by Maldives Election Commission on Saturday. As per the list published at election commission website, 465 people are contesting for various constituencies through out the country, where as twelve of them are contesting for Hulhumeedhoo.

75% of candidates are contesting on their own for Hulhumeedhoo constituency while three dared to compete with their respective party tickets. Ms. Fathimath Badhoora, only female candidate for Hulhumeedhoo, is the contender of Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) while Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Didi is challenging from Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) and Ilyas Labeeb from the ruling party, MDP. Individual contenders are Mr. Ibarahim Zahid, Mr. Mohamed Shibath, Mr. Ibrahim Hameed, Mr. Moosa Fathuhy, Dr. Abdulla Afeef, Mr. Sadurudheen Rasheed, Mr. Ali Rasheed, Mr. Abdul Haadhee Fahumee and Mr. Mohamed Rasheed.

Hulhumeedhoo is the only constituency where most number of candidates is contesting and it is believed that the islands would blow with the waves of campaign activities by twelve candidates. Pressure on Hulhumeedhoo public have been unpredictable had two of the contestants did not drop their names from running the contest. However a segment of the community believes that more candidates mean more choices for people.

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Hulhudhoo youth endorsed Ilyas Labeeb

Hulhudhoo youth, in a special gathering held at Hulhumale’ International School last Friday, endorsed Ilyas Labeeb as their candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election slated for May 9, 2009. The gathering was called for introducing the candidate to Hulhumeedhoo people living in Hulhumale’ and launching Ilyas Labeeb’s campaign T-Shirts.

Mr. Ali Manik (Kalhi Ali), a prominent figure in bringing change in last year’s presidential election in Hulhudhoo, honored the launching of T-Shirts. Another new campaign song by the famous vocalist Mr. Mohamed Azleen (Azky) and Lajuna was then introduced by Mr. Ahmed Zahid, the president of Hulhudhoo Sports Club.

Introducing the meeting at Hulhumale’ International School Mr. Ahmed Zahid highlighted the commitment from Hulhudhoo youth to Ilyas Labeeb’s constituency. He thanked Mohamed Azleen in particular for composing such beautiful songs to boost campaign.

On Sunday Mr. Ibrahim Zareer introduced the same T-Shirts to Hulhudhoo people at Dimish Kara campaign ‘Harage’. Many youth participated in the event that was arranged without any prior notice or announcement. “We would provide this special campaign T-Shirts to everyone who is engaged in the campaign, it would spread our message” said a member of campaign team.

Campaigns for various candidates are expected to take its culmination latter next month, however every candidate believes that this year’s parliamentary election wouldn’t be as easy as they had anticipated.

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