Egypt Media Deep Dive

AP

1. Egypt curtails access to subsidized food as part of reforms

   Aug 10, 2017 | AP

   By Menna Zaki
   
   
   Egypt on Wednesday curtailed access to ration cards used by three-quarters of the country’s 93 million people to buy subsidized food items — the latest in the government’s ambitious economic reform plan.
2. Islamic group state claims attack on police in Egypt’s Sinai

   Aug 10, 2017 | AP

   The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for killing four Egyptian policemen in restive northern Sinai peninsula.
3. Coming to you from a Cairo village: Egypt’s first minicar

   Aug 4, 2017 | AP

   By AHMED HATEM
   
   
   In Egypt, where many suffer under economic hardship, 35-year-old entrepreneur Ahmed Saeed el-Feki has been working hard to make something of himself.
4. Egypt reserves reach record high of over $36 billion

   Aug 1, 2017 | AP
5. EU, Egypt agree framework for cooperation in coming years

   Jul 25, 2017 | AP

Barron's

6. Egypt ETF Slumps With June Inflation Jump

   Jul 10, 2017 | Barron's

   By imitra DeFotis
   
   
7. 4 Egypt Must-Reads: Pound Rises, Qatar Meeting & IMF Austerity

   Jul 3, 2017 | Barron's

   By Dimitra DeFotis
   
   

Bloomberg

8. Egypt Inflation Rate Surges to Record After Subsidy Cuts

   Aug 10, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

   By Tarek El-Tablawy and Ahmed Feteha
   
   
9. Egypt Budget Deficit Hits 5-Year Low After Cost-Cutting Measures

   Aug 8, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

   By Ahmed Feteha
   
   
10. Egypt Foreign Reserves Surge to Record as Confidence Returns

    Aug 1, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

    By Ahmed Feteha
    
    
11. Egypt Extends Cost-Cutting Effort to Applicants for Food Rations

    Aug 8, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

    By Tarek El-Tablawy and Ahmed Feteha
    
    

Buzzfeed

12. These Egyptians Are Not Here For Their Government Breaking Off Ties With Qatar

    Jun 8, 2017 | Buzzfeed News

    By Maged Atef
    
    

CNBC

13. Why Trump's road to stability in the Middle East runs through an increasingly rocky Egypt

    Jul 25, 2017 | CNBC

    By Linda Dimyan-Soliman
    
    

Forbes

14. China, Egypt And Mexico: Get Ready To Be Fully Financially Included

    Jul 29, 2017 | Forbes

    By Madhvi Mavadiya
    
    
15. Persecution Of Christians In Egypt

    Aug 10, 2017 | Forbes

    By Ewelina U. Ochab
    
    
16. 'Arab Spring' In Vain: Tunisia And Egypt Remain Corrupt

    May 20, 2017 | Forbes

    By Panos Mourdoukoutas
    
    
17. How A Cairo Startup Used Facebook's Messenger To Make $80,000 A Month

    Jul 30, 2017 | Forbes

    By Elizabeth MacBride
    
    
18. 10 Most Dangerous Places For Women Travelers (And How To Stay Safe)

    Jul 28, 2017 | Forbes

    By Laura Begley Bloom
    
    

Fox News

19. Trump and "Arab NATO": Be careful what you wish for

    May 28, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Raymond Stock
    
    
20. Egypt attack on Coptic Christians: Wake up, President Sisi! ISIS is murdering your Christian children

    May 26, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Lela Gilbert
    
    
21. Pope Francis' risky Egypt trip

    Apr 29, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Maureen M. Ferguson
    
    

AP

1. Egypt curtails access to subsidized food as part of reforms

   Aug 10, 2017 | AP

   By Menna Zaki

   Egypt on Wednesday curtailed access to ration cards used by three-quarters of the country’s 93 million people to buy subsidized food items — the latest in the government’s ambitious economic reform plan.

    

   Under a government decree, which was published in the official gazette on Tuesday, people earning more than 1,500 Egyptian pounds (about $84) a month would be excluded from getting ration cards. Beneficiaries were also limited to families with up to four members. The decree did not make clear what happens to impoverished families with five or more members.

    

   The new ration cards limits will not affect current card holders. Authorities estimate abound 70 million Egyptians are using ration cards. The measures went into effect on Wednesday.

    

   The Egyptian government is looking to bring down its budget deficit to 9.1 percent in the current fiscal year, from 10.9 percent in the previous one by cutting spending and lifting subsidies.

    

   Subsidy cuts have a history of stoking unrest in Egypt but the government has pleaded with the people to brace themselves and endure the tough austerity measures, promising the measures would spur economic recovery and attract foreign investments.

    

   Among the key measures undertaken within efforts to fulfill International Monetary Fund conditions for a $12 billion loan, Egypt devalued and then floated the national currency.

    

   Earlier this summer, the government raised prices by up to 55 percent for the most-used automobile fuels in the country — 80 octane gasoline and diesel — and doubled the prices of butane canisters used across Egyptian households for cooking. It also raised the prices of electricity by more than 40 percent, as well as drinking water and public transportation charges.

    

   Prior to that, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi approved a package of measures benefiting middle and lower class Egyptians, including income tax relief, bonuses for state employees and increases in pensions, in order to alleviate the effect of the price hikes.

    

   Along with the cuts in subsidies, Egypt has also introduced value added tax. The nation’s economy has been battered since the 2011 uprising and continues to face major challenges, including a rising Islamic militancy.

    

   The government embarked on the economic reform program soon after el-Sissi took office three years ago.

    

   Islamic group state claims attack on police in Egypt’s Sinai

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2. Islamic group state claims attack on police in Egypt’s Sinai

   Aug 10, 2017 | AP

   The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for killing four Egyptian policemen in restive northern Sinai peninsula.

   The group said in a Thursday statement carried by its news agency AMAQ and circulated on social media that its militants carried out the attack on Wednesday in the town of el-Arish.

   The Associated Press couldn’t independently verify the authenticity of the statement.

   State-run newspaper Al-Ahram newspaper said Wednesday that authorities are hunting the militants who opened fire on the policemen as they were riding in a private car.

   Egypt in recent years has been battling a stepped-up insurgency in northern Sinai, mainly by militants from an Islamic State group affiliate. The campaign accelerated after the military ousted elected Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

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3. Coming to you from a Cairo village: Egypt’s first minicar

   Aug 4, 2017 | AP

   By AHMED HATEM

   In Egypt, where many suffer under economic hardship, 35-year-old entrepreneur Ahmed Saeed el-Feki has been working hard to make something of himself. He has launched his own business building a minicar in a country that relies heavily on imports of small automobiles.

   In a village not far from the Giza pyramids, el-Feki set up a small workshop to create the first Egyptian-made minicar, the “minicar Egypt.”

   “The idea came at the same time as the flotation of the Egyptian pound so we decided to think outside the box and create a local product to replace the Tuk Tuk,” el-Feki said, referring to President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s move to help shore up the country’s economy.

   El-Feki’s golf-cart looking minicar is different in design and mechanical efficiency from the Chinese Tuk Tuk, a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi, which is popular in Egypt. The minicar’s engine power is 300cc, while the Tuk Tuk’s is 175cc. The body thickness is 4mm while the Tuk Tuk is only 0.75mm. The minicar is also much safer because it is a 4-wheel car while the Tuk Tuk is only 3-wheeled. The minicar saves more fuel than the Tuk Tuk.

   “The minicar is similar to the Tuk Tuk but I feel it is more practical when I drive it inside my village,” said 25-year-old Hossam Gamal el-Halawany, who has been the owner of a minicar for only a few days. “It can carry more passengers, around five, in addition to the driver.”

   El-Halawany said, however, he worried the minicar will be registered like the Tuk Tuks which means they are restricted in movement. “I am hoping to get a license for the minicar to allow to me move around the whole city and not only my village,” he says.

   Millions of Egyptians, especially in rural and densely populated areas, depend on auto rickshaws because of their cheap fares and smallness that make it ideal to navigate narrow alleys. Egypt imports Tuk Tuks from China, spending about $290 million a year, according to el-Feki.

   To shore up Egypt’s economy, President el-Sissi imposed austerity measures as part of a comprehensive economic reform program. The program was set to meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund which secured a $12 billion bailout to Egypt last year.

   Speaking outside his workshop in the village of Kerdasa, el-Feki said he has dreamed of helping shore up the country’s economy since the day the Egyptian government took the unprecedented move of floating the pound.

   El-Feki says the number of purchasing orders has grown and they are coming not only from Egyptian businessmen and companies but African neighboring countries as well.

   El-Feki said one interested party invited him to manufacture his vehicle in Mozambique, which he declined. For him, the startup had a nationalist dimension — he hopes to contribute to the Egyptian market, create jobs and increase the country’s export capacity.

   El-Feki said he is now working hard on refining and upgrading his product from just a hand-made car. He was producing 30-40 per month on his own but he is now taking his business to the next level after reaching a deal with the government to have the parts manufactured in Army-run factories. The parts come back to him and he then assembles the vehicles in a separate factory space, enabling him to ramp up production.

   The minicar is currently on sale for 34,000 Egyptian pounds ($1, 907), significantly less expensive than the Tuk Tuk, which costs 38,000 Egyptian ($2,130 dollars).

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4. Egypt reserves reach record high of over $36 billion

   Aug 1, 2017 | AP

   Egypt’s foreign reserves reached 36.036 billion dollars in July, a record high, which the prime minister described as “good news” as it shows that the economy is recovering, the central bank said Tuesday.

   The bank announced the increase in a brief statement saying that the figure is 4.7 billion dollars higher compared to the previous month. In December 2010, foreign reserves reached 36 billion dollars.

   Egypt’s Prime Minister Sherif Ismail hailed the increase of the foreign reserves saying, “this is an assuring message about the Egyptian economy and that we are capable of covering the needs of the Egyptian people.”

   “This means that the Egyptian economy has recovered,” he said.

   The rise comes after the government secured a $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. In order to qualify for that loan, the government imposed a set of tough economic measures, including subsidy cuts and the flotation of its local currency.

   The economic measures were hailed by the IMF but have left many Egyptians struggling with both reduced buying power and spiraling inflation while the government struggles to generate jobs in country with an official population of 92 million.

   This summer, Egypt raised electricity prices by more than 40 percent and increased gasoline prices by up to 55 percent while doubling the price of the household staple butane canisters, used for cooking.

   Ahead of the latest hikes, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi approved a package of measures benefiting middle and lower class Egyptians, including income tax relief, bonuses for state employees, increases in pensions and ration card subsidies.

   The government embarked on the economic reform program soon after el-Sissi took office three years ago. Egypt’s economy has been battered since the 2011 uprising and continues to face major challenges, including a rising Islamic militancy. Tourism, a major pillar of national revenue, was dealt a blow in 2015 when militants belonging to an affiliate of the Islamic State group downed a Russian airliner killing all 224 people aboard.

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5. EU, Egypt agree framework for cooperation in coming years

   Jul 25, 2017 | AP

   The European Union and Egypt have pledged to work together to develop the country’s economy, promote stability, counter extremism and manage migrant flows.

   EU foreign affairs Federica Mogherini met Tuesday with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and agreed on issues to focus on over the coming three years of the bilateral relationship between the EU and Egypt.

   Egypt is an important strategic partner for the EU in countering terrorism, controlling flows of migrants from the Mideast and Africa heading to Europe.

   But Mogherini also voiced European concerns about human rights in Egypt.

   Mogherini says she stressed that, “sustainable security and stability can only be achieved when human rights are fully available, implemented and upheld.” She also raised concerns over a law governing the work of non-government organizations in Egypt.

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Barron's

6. Egypt ETF Slumps With June Inflation Jump

   Jul 10, 2017 | Barron's

   By imitra DeFotis

   Fresh data show Egypt's inflation inched higher in June in a trend likely to continue as electricity and fuel prices rise.

   The VanEck Vectors Egypt Index exchange-traded fund (EGPT) was down 2% Monday in midday trading, paring earlier losses. Reutersquotes sources who say the import-dependent nation's core inflation, which rose to 31.95%, could rise to 35 percent over the next four weeks unless the Egyptian pound strengthens. The currency has lost half its value since the central bank allowed it to float.

   Reuters reports:"Core inflation, which strips out volatile items like food, increased to 31.95 percent year on year in June from 30.57 percent in May, the central bank said on Monday. ... Although the monthly inflation rate in Egyptian cities eased to 0.8 percent in June from 1.7 percent in May, government officials and analysts expect the higher fuel prices to add 3 to 4.5 percentage points to year-on-year inflation in the coming months ... Last week, the government increased electricity prices by up to 42 percent this fiscal year for households. A week earlier, it raised fuel prices by up to 50 percent to help meet the terms" of its $12 billion International Monetary Fund loan agreement that includes tax increases and subsidy cuts ..."A man sells fruit and vegetables from a cart in the "City of the Dead" neighborhood of Cairo built around old graves. ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

   While the ETF invested in Egypt is up about 2% so far this year, Egyptian financial Commercial International Bank  (CBKD.UK and CIBEY) is up 29% in U.S. and UK trading. CIB, as the bank is known, was down fractionally in recent U.S. trading.

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7. 4 Egypt Must-Reads: Pound Rises, Qatar Meeting & IMF Austerity

   Jul 3, 2017 | Barron's

   By Dimitra DeFotis

   Egypt's economy is in tatters, though fresh austerity measures to meet terms of an IMF loan of $12 billion should have long-term benefits.

   The Egyptian pound is stronger by 1% against the U.S. dollar today, but the VanEck Vectors Egypt Index exchange-traded fund (EGPT) was only up 0.2% in early trading. The WisdomTree Middle East Dividend Fund (GULF) was down 0.2%, the Middle East iShares MSCI Frontier 100 ETF (FM) was up 1.3% and the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) was up 0.6%.

   In a fresh summary of Egypt's economic travails, Quartz notes that in a country where a quarter of the population lives in poverty, inflation is surging due partly to surging electricity and fuel prices. The saving grace was the central bank's decision to let the Egyptian currency float in November.

   See our free post, Egypt Outlook 2017: Pounded, Could Ratings Rise?

   Also see what some Middle East media outlets are saying about Egypt:

   Egypt 'worse off on every indicator' since 2013 coup, from Aljazeera.com

   Egypt to host Saudi, UAW, Bahrain Over Qatar Crisis," from GulfNews.com

   Saudis Are After the Muslim Brotherhood, and Turkey’s in the Way, from Bloomberg.

   http://www.barrons.com/articles/4-egypt-must-reads-pound-rises-qatar-meeting-imf-austerity-1499092374
   

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Bloomberg

8. Egypt Inflation Rate Surges to Record After Subsidy Cuts

   Aug 10, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

   By Tarek El-Tablawy and Ahmed Feteha

   Egypt’s urban annual inflation rate accelerated in July to its highest level in decades, fueled by a new round of subsidy cuts ordered under the government’s economic reform program.

   Annual consumer prices in urban areas climbed 33 percent, up from 29.8 percent in June, according to the state-run CAPMAS statistics agency. The month-on-month rate accelerated to 3.2 percent from 0.8 percent in June.

   Fuel and electricity price increases went into effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, for the second time in less than a year. The measures are part of an International Monetary Fund-backed reform effort aimed at cutting the budget deficit, curbing government spending and drawing in sorely needed foreign investments.

   “Inflation may rise to 36 percent in August and September, because it takes about three months for the full pass-through of the subsidy cuts into the economy,” said Radwa El-Swaify, head of research at Cairo-based Pharos Holding. Starting in November, “we should start to see a significant drop in the annual inflation rate” because last year’s baseline will be higher than it’s been in recent months, El-Swaify said.

   The IMF expects inflation to average 22.1 percent in the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. Authorities have said they are not planning further subsidy cuts during the year.

   The reform efforts, which kicked off in November with the abandonment of most currency controls and fuel subsidy cuts, helped to secure a $12 billion IMF loan and an influx of foreign money into Egyptian debt. But they’ve also left the pound’s value halved relative to the dollar and driven up costs for consumers in the nation of 93 million, where about half live on or near the poverty line.

   The central bank is scheduled to meet next week to decide on the benchmark interest rate, which it has already raised by seven percentage points since the pound was floated. El-Swaify said authorities are likely to hold rates because the earlier increases should be sufficient to contain inflation, which is driven by higher prices rather than a surge in demand.

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9. Egypt Budget Deficit Hits 5-Year Low After Cost-Cutting Measures

   Aug 8, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

   By Ahmed Feteha

   Egypt’s budget deficit fell to the lowest level in five years, after the government embarked on an International Monetary Fund-backed plan to repair public finances that includes steep cuts to welfare programs.

   The budget gap for the fiscal year ended June 30 shrank to 10.9 percent of gross domestic product from 12.5 percent a year earlier, the president’s office said in an emailed statement. The primary deficit, a measure that strips out interest payments, fell to 1.8 percent of GDP from 3.5 percent.

   Egypt’s government has cut subsidies, introduced value-added taxes and curtailed growth in public sector wages as it tried to rein in a budget deficit that spiraled since the 2011 Arab Spring crippled the economy. Investor confidence has soared since the government floated the currency and secured a $12 billion IMF loan in November, and the country’s foreign-currency reserves rebounded to a record last month.

   In a separate statement, the presidency said the economy expanded 4.1 percent last fiscal year, and 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter. The trade deficit fell 26 percent, as exports grew 10 percent and imports fell 14 percent, it said. Revenue growth was 28 percent, while expenses grew 22 percent.

   The government plans to fully scrap fuel and electricity subsidies over the coming years, forecasting a primary budget surplus in the current fiscal year and an overall deficit of 9.1 percent of GDP. Though the spending cuts have improved state finances, they’ve increased the pressure on the nation’s 93-million residents -- half of whom lives under or near the poverty line -- who also face inflation running at almost 30 percent.

   Earlier on Tuesday, the government tightened access for new applicants to a costly rations card program, which subsidizes foodstuffs for more than 75 percent of the population.

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10. Egypt Foreign Reserves Surge to Record as Confidence Returns

    Aug 1, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

    By Ahmed Feteha

    Egypt’s foreign-currency reserves jumped to a record in July, as investor confidence surged since the country embarked on an International Monetary Fund-backed economic program last year.

    Net international reserves rose by $4.7 billion to $36.04 billion, according to central bank data released on Tuesday. Egypt’s reserves saw total inflows of $7.7 billion in July, including $3.7 billion in foreign investments and $4 billion from the local economy, Cairo-based Al-Mal newspaper reported, citing central bank Governor Tarek Amer. Egypt also received a $1.25 billion loan installment from the IMF in the month.

    Investors have poured money into Egyptian debt and equities since authorities removed most currency restrictions and raised interest rates in November to end a dollar-shortage and secure a $12 billion IMF loan. The government has also twice tapped international bond markets, raising $7 billion.Money Flows

    “Egypt’s reserves now cover almost eight months’ of imports, which adds credibility to the new currency regime,” Hany Farahat, an economist at Cairo-based CI Capital Holding, said by phone. The data show that Egypt is able to attract strong inflows, “implying the country’s currency problems are almost over,” he said.

    More than $13 billion has flowed into Egyptian Treasury Bills as of July 25, with yields soaring over 22 percent. Most of those funds, however, go into the central bank’s “repatriation fund” that guarantees expedited transfer of money for foreign investors.

    Reserves plummeted after the 2011 uprising against former President Hosni Mubarak triggered years of economic and political turmoil.

    Though reserves have rebounded, a weaker currency coupled with cuts to fuel subsidies have helped push inflation above 30 percent and prompted the central bank to raise interest rates by 7 percentage points since November. Egypt’s foreign debt has also risen, to $73.9 billion in March from $53.4 billion a year earlier.

    Surging prices are pressuring Egypt’s 93-million population, half of which lives near the poverty line, as the government tries to ease the pain through boosting social programs and cutting taxes for people on lower incomes.

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11. Egypt Extends Cost-Cutting Effort to Applicants for Food Rations

    Aug 8, 2017 | Bloomberg Markets

    By Tarek El-Tablawy and Ahmed Feteha

    Egypt tightened access to a costly rations program on which the majority of the population relies, the latest in a series of painful and politically-sensitive measures seeking to repair public finances and restore investor confidence.

    The decree unveiled Tuesday restricts access to new ration cards to people earning 1,500 pounds ($84.50) a month or less for applicants in the public or private sector, the Supply Ministry said in a statement. Lower caps apply to other segments of the population, including pensioners, and the total number of family members covered under the same card was set at four -- with no option to add additional names after the card is issued.The most important market news of the day.Get our markets daily newsletter.Sign Up

    It’s the latest effort by the government to cut spending and curb subsidies as its pushes ahead with International Monetary Fund-backed measures to boost growth and attract investment, which dried up following the 2011 uprising against President Hosni Mubarak. The government forecasts the budget deficit to fall to about 9.1 percent of gross domestic product this fiscal year, from about 10.5 percent.

    The new measures do not affect people who already hold food ration cards, which subsidize goods for more than 75 percent of the nation’s 93 million residents. This year’s budget includes almost $2.5 billion in tax cuts, bonuses and increased pension payments -- funds that are aimed at offsetting the impact of rising prices.

    Inflation has soared above 30 percent since the pound was floated in November, further burdening a nation where nearly half of the population lives near or below the poverty line. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, in the final year of his first term, has urged Egyptians to be patient with the reform process he described as a painful necessity to achieve long-term economic stability.

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Buzzfeed

12. These Egyptians Are Not Here For Their Government Breaking Off Ties With Qatar

    Jun 8, 2017 | Buzzfeed News

    By Maged Atef

    Thousands of Egyptians who live and work in Qatar fear they might have to leave the country following a diplomatic rift between the oil-rich Gulf kingdom and the Saudi-led group of Arab nations, including Egypt.

    Following Egypt’s decision to cut ties with Qatar, Egyptians are expressing their admiration for their new home in the Persian Gulf online, saying they have nothing to do with their government’s policies.This video that's being shared widely by Egyptians both inside and outside the country sums up the feelings of many of them.

    In the video, Egyptians appear on camera, say their full name, the number of years they have been living in Qatar, and then repeat: “The Egyptian media doesn’t represent me.”Since the video was posted on Monday, the phrase has given a once popular hashtag new life, with expats using it to stress that the Egyptian media's stance on Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani do not reflect their views.

    "To everyone who wants to be a follower of the mercenary Egyptian media, we say: The Egyptian media doesn't represent me."

    “We have half a million Egyptians living here. If each one sends $500 to his family in Egypt every month, we are talking about $3 billion every year [in remittance] — if you cut ties with Qatar, where are you going to bring this money from, and who will feed those half million family! Don’t be stupid."

    "If Egypt wasn't 100% sure that Qatar is a decent regime and its people are respectful, they would never dare cut ties. There are more than 200,000 Egyptians here (Qatar will take care of Egyptians - Egypt won’t)."

    "Qatar is paying the price for not caving to Saudi Arabia, and [Egyptian President Abdel Fateh el-Sisi], who sleeps with Israel, is cutting ties with Qatar on charges of supporting terrorist entities like Hamas."

    "As Egyptians in Qatar, we are worried about the situation in 'occupied' Egypt."Many Egyptians also shared videos and images that showed the Qatari emir meeting with with Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a populist Qatari scholar who has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

    “I swear [Tamim] slapped them [Saudi Arabia] badly! [You can] die with your anger! God protect Qatar and its people.”Qaradawi, 80, has been living in Qatar since 1961, and is seen as a spiritual guide to Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. Following the toppling of Brotherhood leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Qaradawi issued a fatwaurging all Egyptians to support the ousted leader.

    Egypt has asked the Qatari ambassador in Cairo to leave the country but unlike Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it hasn't recalled its citizens. Qatar has not made any statement yet on whether it will continue to host workers from Arab countries including Egypt.

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CNBC

13. Why Trump's road to stability in the Middle East runs through an increasingly rocky Egypt

    Jul 25, 2017 | CNBC

    By Linda Dimyan-Soliman

    With the world's attention focused on perennial Middle East hotspots like Iraq and Syria, foreign policy experts warn that Egypt bears watching, especially as the Trump administration struggles to craft a coherent policy to stabilize the region.

    Recently, a series of violent incidents targeting Egypt's minorities has underscored what regional observers say is a fragile social fabric that could easily tear as civil strife and terrorism rear their head. As the most populous country in the Middle East, Egypt is also a longtime U.S. ally — and a strategically important nation in the region that receives more than $1 billion a year in military financing.

    In April and May, bombings by the Islamic State (ISIS) targeting Coptic Christians drove home the plight of one of the oldest religious groups in the Mideast. The minority group comprises about 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million people, a number that has steadily dwindled in recent years in the face of systemic violence.

    The plight of Coptics has amplified the stakes for Egypt — home to the Suez Canal, a major hub of maritime activity and more than 7 percent of the world's seafaring trade — and regional security. The country is seen fighting a war against extremism on multiple fronts, and analysts broadly agree the U.S. is key to helping to prevent Egypt from slipping into calamity.

    Mirette Mabrouk, deputy director at the Atlantic Council, a U.S. think tank, told CNBC recently that a destabilized Egypt would be "disastrous for the entire region. The consequences would be horrific for the important military institutions, financial institutions and the Suez Canal."

    Beset by Islamic State radicals and its own battle against the Muslim Brotherhood, the country this week extended a state of emergency that granted the government increasing authority to crack down on extremists. The measure has drawn widespread criticism from human rights activists, but some observers see Egypt's actions as necessary.

    "With [a] continued police and army presence on the streets while also safeguarding institutions, landmarks, and religious sites, opportunities for terrorists to launch more attacks are significantly diminished," Sasha Toperich, senior fellow and director of the Mediterranean Basin Initiative at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Transatlantic Relations, told CNBC this week.

    "I would not be surprised if the three month state of emergency extension [continues] for another three months, until terrorist threats are either minimal or entirely" contained, Toperich said, "and that takes time. Safety and security of citizens should be, after all, top priority."

    In a region where security is deteriorating because of conflicts in neighboring countries, Egypt's own tenuous control over extremism matters for U.S. policy, experts warn. A destabilized Egypt could become a magnet for jihadi groups, creating new policy headaches for American objectives in the region.Philippe Wojazer | ReutersEgyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.'Fight these destabilizing elements'

    As part of a crackdown on extremism in the country, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has come under intense scrutiny from human rights advocates. A few experts argue that the encroachment of ISIS in the country and the region calls for a tough response.

    On Tuesday, Speaker of the House of Representatives Ali Abdelaal told lawmakers that "the reasons for which the state of emergency was declared are still in place and therefore it must be extended," effectively backing el-Sissi's decision.

    "With ISIS branches operating in Sinai, I think it's about time for the U.S. to extend its support to [Egyptian] President Sissi's efforts to fight these destabilizing elements," said Johns Hopkins' Toperich.

    The interests of Egypt and the U.S. commingle in various ways, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt has positioned itself as an honest broker in negotiations in the long-running conflict, and is a linchpin in efforts to choke off the smuggling of weapons to the terrorist group Hamas, Toperich added.

    Analysts also say that strong military ties between the U.S. and Egypt are key to projecting American power in the region and boosting Egyptian security. The country plays host to Operation Bright Star — the largest U.S. military exercise in the world that takes place every two years.

    The last scheduled operation was in 2009, four years before former President Barack Obama canceled the event in protest over Egypt cracking down on demonstrators. The one set for 2011 was postponed by the revolution. Bright Star is expected to resume under President Donald Trump.

    Yet a number of Egypt watchers believe the path to peace runs through Egypt, and the U.S. should do more to strengthen the country in the face of global terror, including the provision of more military assistance.

    --Reuters contributed to this article.

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Forbes

14. China, Egypt And Mexico: Get Ready To Be Fully Financially Included

    Jul 29, 2017 | Forbes

    By Madhvi Mavadiya

    China, Egypt and Mexico have been selected as ‘model countries’ in World Bank Group, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures’ (CPMI) new Financial Inclusion Global Initiative. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an organization that has been passionate about this issue, access to financial services will be simplified and made more available to the unbanked and underbanked in these three regions.

    Despite WBG President Kim vowing to provide Universal Financial Access (UFA) by 2020, two billion people still remain unbanked around the world so initiatives like these are necessary. The three-year program has two separate work streams, operational and knowledge, the former supporting each country’s national authority to improve access for a large number of people and the latter, to advance research and develop policy recommendations in digital finance.

    The results from this program will be showcased at the Financial Inclusion Global Initiative Symposium 2017 to be held in Bangalore, India at the end of this year. World Bank Group’s Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, Senior Director for the Finance and Markets Global Practice, said that working with the ITU and CPMI ‘will enable our partner countries to better harness the potential of digital technologies for financial inclusion and to manage associated risks,’ Pazarbasioglu said.

    World Bank Group will also be providing technical assistance as per the CPMI-WBG report on Payment Aspects of Financial Inclusion (PAFI) and this help strengthen public and private-sector commitment and improve ‘legal and regulatory frameworks, financial markets and ICT infrastructure for financial access and inclusion. It will also focus on improving financial product design; financial literacy and awareness; diversified access points; and large-volume, recurring payment streams.’

    ‘An estimated two billion adults are still without access to a bank account, and yet some 1.6 billion of them have access to a mobile phone, creating the potential for e-finance access,’ said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. ‘The ITU community is excited to leverage our unique technical expertise to make e-finance a reality for millions of people through the Financial Inclusion Global Initiative, and in so doing, contribute to poverty eradication and the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals.’

    Jason Lamb, Deputy Director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted that the organisation believe that the Financial Inclusion Global Initiative will ‘bring digital financial services to some of the world’s most vulnerable unbanked populations as well as advance knowledge on creating a robust digital payments ecosystem.’

    China, Egypt and Mexico were chosen for their potential for country programme, the level of national government and private-sector commitment to financial inclusion, the number of people that could be reached through digital financial services and potential for reforms to encourage innovation. ‘Egypt has the potential to bring a large number of people into the formal financial sector (more than 44 million adults). These analyses found that Egypt has adequate laws, regulations and financial and ICT infrastructure, but a lack of funding to cover related reforms,’ according to the World Bank Group.

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15. Persecution Of Christians In Egypt

    Aug 10, 2017 | Forbes

    By Ewelina U. Ochab

    On April 9, which was Palm Sunday and the start of the Holy Week, two Egyptian Coptic churches became a target for terrorists. At least 27 people were killed in the explosion at St. George’s Coptic church in Tanta and 17 people lost their lives in St Mark’s Coptic church in Alexandria. Over a hundred people were injured in both attacks. A few hours after the attacks, Daesh claimed responsibility for the unleashed terror. The attacks in Egypt add to the legacy of international terror that is at an increase in the recent months. It also adds to the legacy of the terrorist attacks specifically targeting Christian communities. 

    Such acts and persecution of Christians, in general, is not a news story. Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. Research published in August 2011 by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life revealed that Christians were harassed in 130 countries (between mid-2006 and mid-2009). In 104 countries, the harassment was conducted by governments and organisations, and in 100 countries, by social groups and individuals. The harassment of Christians was the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (90 percent of countries). However, Christians were also harassed in more than two-thirds of European countries (69 percent), 37 percent of American countries, 71 percent of Asian countries and 68 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa. The situation has not improved over the recent years. To the contrary,  over the years, a number of other research centres and international institutions have confirmed this conclusion. 

    Men mourn over the coffin of one of the victims of the blast at the Coptic Christian Saint Mark's church in Alexandria. (Photo credit: MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images)

    Attacks on Christians during their religious celebrations are also not a novelty. Christmas and Easter, the two most important Christian celebrations that attract large numbers of Christians to churches and other places of worship, become the primary targets. Churches and places of Christian worship become the primary target during those celebrations as it is clear that an attack during these celebrations will result in a large number of causalities. Some of the recent attacks utilising this tactic include the Lahore Easter attack and the Mindanao Christmas attack. During Easter Sunday on March 27, 2016, at least 75 people were killed in Lahore, Pakistan when a suicide bomber blew himself in a park during the Christian celebration. At least 16 people were wounded in a grenade explosion outside of a Catholic church in Mindanao, Philippines. The list goes on. 

    And the list goes on because the persecution of Christians is not being taken seriously or seriously enough. This is because Christianity is perceived as the majority religion and hence it is difficult to see Christians as victims. Christianity is indeed a majority religion in Western countries. However, Christians constitute a minority group in many countries in North Africa and the Middle East, places where Christianity is on a verge of disappearance. 

    The response to the persecution of Christians (including terror attacks) is predominately reactive and not preventive. The steps undertaken respond to the single attack, rather than learning from the reoccurring incidents of violence to prevent further attacks. This is also the approach taken in Egypt. In response to the Palm Sunday attacks, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi introduced a state of emergency for the next three months and deployed the military to secure the infrastructure. The government announced three days of mourning. The government will also establish a new body to counter extremism and terrorism. The response of the Egyptian government is a positive one. However, it may be too little too late. 

    Mourners carry a large cross and the coffin of one of the victims of the blast at the Coptic Christian Saint Mark's church in Alexandria. (Photo credit: MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images)

    The Palm Sunday attacks were not the first time that Christians, especially Coptic Christians, were targeted in Egypt. This persecution of Christians and attacks on Christians were extremely high in 2013 when the Muslim Brotherhood led a campaign to annihilate Christianity from Egypt. The ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood was meant to help Christian minorities in Egypt. However, the change of the government was not enough to help the Christian minorities. 

    Ewelina U. Ochab is a human rights advocate and author of the book “Never Again: Legal Responses to a Broken Promise in the Middle East.”

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16. 'Arab Spring' In Vain: Tunisia And Egypt Remain Corrupt

    May 20, 2017 | Forbes

    By Panos Mourdoukoutas

    A popular uprising that began in Tunisia and Egypt seven years ago, calling for an end to corruption and the creation of economic opportunities, has yet to achieve these goals. 

    In fact, Tunisia and Egypt have not become less corrupt since then, and unemployment continues to remain in double digits.

    Nonetheless, financial markets do not seem to be paying attention, with Tunisia Stock Market (TUNINDEX) up close to 20 percent, and Egypt Stock Market (EGX30) more than 300% in value since 2010. In local currency that is. In foreign currency things are different, with VanEck Vectors ETF down close to 60 percent from 2010.

    “The protesters in Tahir Square spoke with one voice about the corruption of government, its inability to deliver public services, and the lack of quality of opportunity in their country,” write Daron Acemoglu and   James A. Robinson in Why Nations Fail: The Origins Of Power, Prosperity And Poverty. “They particularly complained about repression and the absence of political rights.”

    Egypt has been poor because it has been ruled by a “narrow elite” which promotes its own interests rather than the interests of the masses, explain Acemoglu and Robinson.

    “Egypt is poor precisely because it has been ruled by a narrow elite that have organized society for their own benefit at the expense of the vast mass of people. Political power has been narrowly concentrated, and has been used to create wealth for those who possess it, such as the $70 billion fortune apparently accumulated by ex-president Mubarak. The losers have been the Egyptian people, as they only too well understand.”

    Acemoglu and Robinson’s argument can also explain Tunisia’s situation, where people have been and continue to be the losers. Corruption and unemployment in both countries continue to rise and remain well above the 18-year average. Tunisia ranks 75 out of 175 countries included in that index, according to the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International -- well above its 1998-2016 average of 54.74—see table.

    Egypt ranks 108 in the same index, well above its 20-year average of 84.95.

    Meanwhile, unemployment continues to remain in double digits and rising, while it is still difficult to do business, according to World Bank ratings, especially in Egypt—see tables.

    To be fair, seven years is too short a period to see meaningful improvements in corruption, unemployment, and ease of doing business. But all metrics are moving in the wrong direction, suggesting that another revolution has gone in vain. For a familiar reason: the new regime used the old mechanisms to advance its own interests rather than the interests of the masses.

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17. How A Cairo Startup Used Facebook's Messenger To Make $80,000 A Month

    Jul 30, 2017 | Forbes

    By Elizabeth MacBride

    Cairo cab drivers are not aggressive, but they are crazy. When I go to that great city, I hold on to the side of the taxicabs and pray.

    The fact that I didn’t have to ride in the typical Cairo taxis was one reason my visit there last December was a pleasure. I went to the RiseUp Summit, which is a gathering of entrepreneurs from across the world at the GrEEK Campus. On call instead of the cabs: a company called London Cabs, which had clean and comfortable cars.

    Cairo-based Elves, a personal concierge app, had arranged the cabs. The company, one of many in the crowded personal concierge space, has already come a long way since December. Founded by an Egyptian couple, Karim Elsahy and his wife, Abeer Elsisi, Elves has become a featured app on Messenger. Facebook generates about 30,000 hits a month for 40-employee Elves, which allows people to ask human agents for anything from travel, to hotel bookings to help find my luggage, or schedule a meeting for me. (By far most of the requests are related to travel). The human agents rely on bots to search for information and perform transactions.

    Elves is interesting for three reasons. It’s a sign of how fast the Egyptian ecosystem is evolving; it offers a window into how Facebook’s Messenger is evolving as a platform for third-party software, and it offers a (somewhat disturbing) window into the way artificial intelligence is evolving.

    I wasn’t the only one who noticed how well it did during RiseUp.

    Zak Fassi, who works on strategic partnerships for Facebook from Dubai, reached out after the event, said Elsahy. “He recommended us to HQ and after an onslaught of SF based FB engineers using us they asked us for an hour-long deep dive with the entire M for Messenger team,” he said. “That went really well, because the console we had custom built is very similar to what they’d been building for the last couple of years.”

    The connection with Facebook means Elves’ engineers have access to new features and code Facebook’s engineers are creating, and that when users in the Middle East open up Messenger, a plus sign leads to the Elves app.

    Though it’s just 18 months old, Elves is already generating about $80,000 in revenue a month (though most of that comes from buying airline tickets to supply to customers, an extraordinarily low profit-margin business). With about 15 investors that have put in a combined $700,000, the 40-employee company is now raising a seed round of $1.25 million.

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18. 10 Most Dangerous Places For Women Travelers (And How To Stay Safe)

    Jul 28, 2017 | Forbes

    By Laura Begley Bloom

    With the recent U.S. State Department warning about travel to Mexico in the wake of a woman dying at an all-inclusive resort, safety while traveling is top of mind – especially for women. It's not the first warning about travel to Mexico: In December 2016, the government cautioned travelers about going to almost half of the country's states — some of which are home to popular vacation areas like Los Cabos and Acapulco — because of violence and crime.

    But this latest warning is particularly noteworthy, as the incidents that prompted it impacted a number of women and underscored the importance of safety for female travelers, whether they're on vacation or a business trip in Mexico or anywhere in the world.

    As part of the launch of its newest and 20th tribe, Solo Female Travelers, Trip.com recently released a list of the 10 most dangerous places for solo female travelers. Based on a survey of Trip.com users, the list comprises the lowest rated countries. For some Trip.com users, this doesn't necessarily mean "no go," but it definitely means "take caution." And while Mexico didn't make Trip.com's top 10 list, it still raises concern with people like Julia Pond, Trip.com’s editorial director, who shared her insight on how to stay safe, whether you're in Mexico or any of the places on the list.

    Here, we list the 10 most dangerous places for solo female travelers, according to Trip.com, details from the U.S. State Department about safety concerns, as well as Trip.com's tips for how to protect yourself while traveling.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Egypt – the most dangerous place on the Trip.com list.

    1. Egypt

    Why it's so dangerous: This country topped the Trip.com list of dangerous places, and the U.S. Department of State has issued a stern warning to travelers about going to Egypt: "A number of terrorist groups, including ISIS, have committed multiple deadly attacks in Egypt, targeting government officials and security forces, public venues, tourist sites, civil aviation and other modes of public transportation, and a diplomatic facility." But Pond doesn't advise avoiding the country entirely. "Egypt is interesting in that a lot of people actually advise you not to travel there solo at all. That being said, there are plenty of people who do and don't have problems — Egyptians can be really hospitable," she says pointing out that although Egypt was the lowest rated country, it was still rated 5.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating that it has some risk, but Trip.com female users did not feel that it was a no go. " It's important to remember that even in countries with political problems or issues with violence, 'danger' is not a 100% guarantee.  I'd say the same with Mexico, honestly," says Pond. "There is certainly cause for concern but that doesn't mean you should cancel all travel plans."

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Be on your guard. In the Trip.com survey, some women noted that Egyptian men can be aggressive, especially in crowded markets. One Trip.com user noted that her “female guide would not visit the markets...because the merchants would harass her mercilessly if (the tourists) didn't stop at their stalls.”It is key to respect local dress norms in Egypt and avoid attracting attention: Cover your shoulders and knees. Very loose clothing that covers your wrists, ankles — and even hair — is better.Be aware that eye contact can be considered flirting. Some travelers find it helpful to wear sunglasses.Some women in the Trip.com survey preferred to sign up for a private or small group tour, at least at the beginning of their trip. This can help you get oriented to the place and culture.If you do use the metro, seek out women's carriages.Look for local information: Cairo 360 has great tips on going out, events and more in Cairo.If you’re in Cairo, seek out good neighborhoods like Zamalek.Consider an Uber in favor of a taxi.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Morocco was the second-most dangerous place on the Trip.com list.

    2. Morocco

    Why it's so dangerous: Second on the list is this exotic North Africa country where there's high potential for terrorist violence against U.S. citizens, according to the State Department. The State Department also warns that crime — aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, street robberies, burglaries — is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Street smarts in Morocco are similar to other countries (wear a cross-body bag, don’t flash valuables, walk with purpose, etc).It’s fairly rare for a man to physically touch you — but you should expect catcalling. The best way to deal is to ignore the person and keep moving. That said, if you feel threatened, find the closest police officer and report the incident.Clothing is a hot topic — you’ll see a wide variety of it in Morocco. But it’s advisable to stick with modest styles and avoid belly-baring shirts, short-shorts and strappy tank tops. The reality is, the less you wear, the more unwanted attention you’ll attract.If you lose your way, don’t ask a man on the street: Step into a shop or ask a woman for directions. Loitering young men are eager to make quick money “helping” tourists but women out and about or shopkeepers have no ulterior motive.Learn some Arabic phrases: If you go outside the city, this will serve you better than French. However, basic French phrases are also worth knowing.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Jamaica may look beautiful, but it's wise to be careful when traveling to this Caribbean island, especially when you go beyond tourist resorts.

    3. Jamaica

    Why it's so dangerous: "Popular resorts are fairly safe but traveling beyond those borders will mean dealing with unwanted attention," says Pond. Indeed, the State Department warns that violent crime is a serious problem throughout Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. And even if you're staying at a seemingly safe resort, beware: According to the State Department, "the U.S. Embassy received more than a dozen reports of sexual assaults against American visitors to Jamaica in a 12-month period. Most of these took place at all-inclusive resorts; most were allegedly perpetrated by resort staff. "

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:The culture can be homophobic; if you’re traveling with your girlfriend, be very discreet.This is a great place for using a cross-body bag, but also not a destination where you have to be overly concerned about covering up.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    India is another place to take caution, according to Trip.com users.

    4. India

    Why it's so dangerous: "India is a Trip.com favorite destination for solo female travelers and one of the most complex, with wide variations across regions," says Pond. But the country continues to experience terrorist activities that may impact U.S. citizens, according to the State Department. "Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques and restaurants in large urban areas," advises the State Department. "Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time."

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:If you go, go with eyes wide open. Even with a companion, sexual assault remains a serious and ongoing problem.Wear long, loose clothing that covers your shoulders. Lots of female travelers we know even buy and wear Indian clothing upon arrival.Be prepared for staring; you’ll likely experience a lot of it.Start and end your days early to avoid being out at night.If taking the train, purchase the highest-class train tickets in advance and take women-only transportation options in cities like Delhi.Never walk alone on city streets at night. In smaller towns, try to have a male companion. Even then, this may not be enough of a precaution.Regions like Kerala and cities like Rishikesh (known for its regular influx of yoga students) are comparatively safe, as are Gujarat, Punjab and Calcutta. Family-run guesthouses can be lovely places to stay.Take a small doorstop with you in case you’re staying in accommodations that make you uneasy (Pond had an unexpected late overnight in Bangalore once and says she felt anything but relaxed). These can slow an intruder down for a few seconds, long enough to yell for help or find an escape route.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Peru also ranks high on the Trip.com list.

    5. Peru

    Why it's so dangerous: Armed robberies, express kidnappings, carjackings, petty theft and credit card fraud top the list of State Department concerns in this South American country known for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Trip.com's users recommend visiting the countryside, smaller towns and mountain regions over Peru’s big cities.Call an Uber or cab from your hotel — no hailing on the street in Lima. Your hotel can give you the number of a reputable company.When you’re in the taxi, put your purse on the floor under your feet and store your suitcase in the trunk.Stick to the beaten path when hiking, especially if you’re alone.Avoid flashing jewelry or other valuables; wear costume jewelry you wouldn’t miss too much and go for a “less is more” aesthetic.Even if you speak Spanish, pretend you don’t when approached by strangers who set off your internal alarm bells.Avoid sporting events after dark — that’s when gang activity is common.Don’t skimp on inter-city bus tickets. Cheap companies never enforce basic safety rules and the Andes are a notoriously dangerous place to drive. Always keep your valuables on you — don’t put any in the stowed luggage compartment.A cross-body purse is best — it’s hard for someone to simply grab it and runCarry only the amount of cash you might need for the day when you can — otherwise, leave credit cards and extra cash in a safe at your hotel.Consider renting a cell from the airport (recommended for calling taxis). Store useful emergency numbers in it like 105 for the police and 117 for an ambulance.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    The Bahamas: It's beautiful, but travelers should take caution.

    6. Bahamas

    Why it's so dangerous: The risk of traveling to the Bahamas comes as a surprise to many U.S. travelers, who flock to this chain of beautiful islands for blissful beach holidays. But New Providence — which includes Nassau and Paradise Island — has a criminal threat level (armed robbery, sexual assault) that's rated as critical by the Department of State. Crime in Grand Bahama has been on the increase. And a 2012 United Nations report said that the Bahamas has one of the highest incidences of sexual assault in the Caribbean. "The U.S. Embassy has received multiple reports indicating tourists have been robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint in tourist locations in the downtown areas of Nassau; several of these incidents occurred during daylight hours," says the State Department.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:

    This destination is really all about the resorts, and maybe fishing trips; however, it ranked low for safety with Trip.com's community.Watch your drinks and food closely when out and about.Stick to more populated areas and resorts.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Colombia — another dangerous place.

    7. Colombia

    Why it's so dangerous: "Colombia can be an incredible experience," says Pond, who two months traveling through the region, but Trip.com users included it on the list for many of the same reasons the State Department cautions against travel here, including violence linked to domestic insurgency, narco-trafficking, crime and kidnapping that can occur in some rural and urban areas.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Use common sense: You might pull out a cell phone on the street in the U.S. or hang your purse on the back of your chair but here, those are definite no-nos.Book taxis ahead — never, ever hail them on the street.Avoid walking alone at night and, if you must, brace yourself for catcalling and other forms of street harassment.Overnight buses can be good travel options — but don’t skimp. The more reputable ones cost a bit more but are safer (they check passengers for weapons at boarding) and more comfortable (reclining seats!).

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    A pretty street in Ecuador — but don't let looks deceive you.

    8. Ecuador

    Why it's so dangerous: "Most Trip.com women found Ecuador to be fairly safe as compared to other destinations on our list and a place where people are friendly and supportive of tourism," says Pond. However, the State Department still saysthat crime (pickpocketing, robbery, hotel room theft), express kidnappings, sexual assaults and rape are big issues here.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Bus travel allows people to hop on and off — so make sure you keep an eye on your valuables.Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere — the toilet situation can be, to say the least, unpredictable.Listen to trusted locals for advice on best neighborhoods.Take particular care after dark.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    Turkey, one of the top 10 most dangerous places, according to Trip.com.

    9. Turkey

    Why it's so dangerous: "Turkey has experienced a considerable amount of political instability in the last year," says Pond, who also points out that it's important to check regular safety advisories before planning your trip. The State Department warns that U.S. citizens should "carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at this time." The warning goes on to explain that in 2016 "numerous terrorist attacks involving shootings, suicide bombings, and vehicle-borne bombings in tourist areas, public spaces, private celebrations, sporting events, and government, police and military facilities throughout Turkey resulted in hundreds of deaths."

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Assault is not uncommon, according to this survey. Be careful. Conservative dress is critical in less urban areas. Bring a scarf and use it as a head covering if needed (for example, if you want to visit a mosque).Grab taxis from well-lit, well-trafficked areas and use lowest denomination bills whenever you can.Ignore aggressive shopkeepers and restaurant owners — just keep walking.Definitely seek out a hammam experience. Most of the hammam options are either all-female or all-male so choose the all-female time to visit.

    Photo courtesy of Trip.com

    The landscape of Guatemala.

    10. Guatemala

    Why it's so dangerous: The State Department warns that the threat of violent crime in Guatemala is critical. And while not targeted at U.S. citizens, travelers should still be careful, since "criminals in Guatemala may assume that U.S. citizens and their relatives have more money than average Guatemalans," the State Department says.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Cabs at night, arranged for via your restaurant or hotel, are advisable versus walking home alone.A tour company to take you from city to city is a great idea — choose one with door-to-door service.Use a money belt for your valuables: While robbery is actually pretty gender-neutral here, it’s not a pleasant experience for anyone.Learn some basic Spanish phrases. Being able to ask for help, say "hello," determine how much something costs and where the bathroom is are all valuable.

    Watch out what's in that cocktail when you're traveling to Mexico, advises the State Department. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

    Mexico

    Why it's so dangerous: Despite travel warnings, a record 35 million international travelers visited Mexico in 2016, up 9% over the previous year. So the percentage of crime is low, when you take into account those numbers, but it still exists. In certain states (some of which are home to popular resort areas), the State Department warns that U.S. citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery. But even in less dangerous places, there have been recent examples of crimes against travelers.

    Trip.com's advice for how to stay safe:Women should be cautious and exercise general safety practices: dress modestly, watch your drink, be careful at night. Though the guidebooks don't always get it right, in this case it's best to do as it tells you in terms of staying out of danger.Do research on which regions you will travel to because, just as the culture and customs can vary widely across the country, so can the level of safety. One user surveyed mentioned that women going solo should be especially careful in the south of Mexico.New reports on tainted alcohol served at some five-star Mexican resorts should be taken seriously. Consider not drinking at all or only drinking only from sealed bottles you inspect yourself. If in a group, designate one person, or even a couple of people, to avoid drinking and keep an eye out for anything unusual.

    Trip.com's Overall Safety Advice

    No matter where you're traveling, Trip.com's Julia Pond has tips for how to stay safe:

    Always, always follow your instincts. "All too often women especially feel they need to be polite — and stick around longer than is wise. If you have a feeling that it’s better to get out  then get out — of the taxi, the bar, the whatever. Better to look foolish or rude than get into real trouble," says Pond.

    Look to other women. "Approach local women or mixed groups of men and women if needed," says Pond. 'The odds are better you’ll encounter someone who might be willing and able to help you."

    Do your homework about local authorities. "Some are corrupt; your best avenue for help may be your local embassy or consulate," says Pond.

    Protect yourself. "Bring a small doorstop for flimsy hotel room doors. It’s not foolproof protection but it can slow someone down just enough for you to alert others you need help or find an escape route," says Pond.

    Be conservative. "The more conservative a country is, the more conservative you should be," says Pond. "If you can avoid drawing attention to yourself, then you can concentrate more on the experiences that make travel worthwhile."

    Be careful everywhere. "The bottom line is, no one place is 100% safe or 100% dangerous," says Pond. "It’s important to work with your own comfort levels. I’d always encourage travelers to ride their own edge — whether that’s a solo trip to Paris or Bangladesh."

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Fox News

19. Trump and "Arab NATO": Be careful what you wish for

    May 28, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Raymond Stock

    President Donald Trump reportedly landed in Saudi Arabia last Saturday with dreams of forming an “Arab NATO” to fight the Sunni Islamist terrorists in the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda (AQ) as well as the Shi'ite Islamist state, Iran. 

    In an historic speech at the first Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh on Sunday, he rightly named the main enemy as Islamist ideology, and boldly rallied the heads of the Arab and Muslim worlds to unite to take up the fight themselves. 

    Though for some weeks prior to his maiden trip abroad as president, his "Arab NATO" idea was getting a lot of media buzz, he did not mention it in his address to the fifty-odd leaders in Riyadh. 

    However, according to the London-based Arab newspaper, Asharq al-Awsat, Trump has pushed the concept with "several Arab leaders."  

    The idea apparently aroused interest at Thursday’s NATO summit in Brussels, which Trump attended. 

    “The plan is moving forward and is being studied,” a diplomat told the paper, which said the proposed new organization will be called the Middle East Treaty Organization (METO). 

    The name has an eerie history. 

    Trump’s vaguely-floated concept appears riddled with problems that show how an administration so much better than its predecessors at diagnosing the problem (the threat of Islamism), still suffers from wishful thinking about the region.

    In 1955, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Turkey, backed by the U.S., founded the first Middle East Treaty Organization—dubbed the Baghdad Pact, to oppose the spread of Soviet influence and radical Arab nationalism, then emanating from the Egypt of firebrand dictator Gamal Abdel-Nasser. 

    The fatal moment for that alliance came early, in the violent overthrow of the British-backed monarchy by Arab nationalists in Iraq in 1958. 

    METO, renamed the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), then moved to Ankara, where it sputtered on toothlessly until its death with the Iranian Revolution in 1979. 

    A coup in either Cairo or Riyadh, unlikely now but always possible, could undo any arrangement in a femtosecond (one quadrillionth of a second, established by the late Egyptian-American scientist Ahmed Zewail, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1999.) 

    The new METO appears to be different from the Islamic Military Alliance, originally proclaimed by the Saudis in 2015, which then seemed to vanish as mysteriously as the army of Persian King Cambyses II, lost on a trek to the Egyptian oasis of Siwa circa 524 B.C. 

    The Riyadh Declaration, issued by Saudi King Salman following the summit, claimed the leaders of the 55 nations who took part had pledged a force of 34,000 "reserve" troops to the alliance--though the leaders were not consulted in issuing the statement. 

    Whatever its name, some sort of new military architecture is definitely needed to deal with these threats. 

    Theoretically, there are some other options already in existence that could be adapted to purpose, but all are seriously flawed. 

    For example, there is the largely feckless, Cairo-based, 22-member Arab League—whose member states often don’t get along, big league. 

    Then there is President Barack Obama’s alleged 60-nation coalition to confront IS, in which but a handful of Middle East partners—primarily Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the ever-ambivalent, more and more Islamist Turkey—have really shouldered the burden.   

    In fact, Trump’s vaguely-floated concept appears riddled with problems that show how an administration so much better than its predecessors at diagnosing the problem (the threat of Islamism, not just terrorism), still suffers from wishful thinking about the region. 

    One line in Trump’s speech at the summit perhaps reveals the conundrum, “The Lebanese Army is hunting ISS operatives who try to infiltrate their territory.” 

    That may be true, but the same Lebanese Army is itself infiltrated by, and cooperates with, Hezbollah--which Trump correctly castigated in the same speech. 

    Indeed, any Arab NATO must ultimately include Russian satellite Syria, plus Iraq, both fatally bound to Iran and consumed by internal conflict.   

    As this writer noted in a recent foxnews.com op-ed (“Trump Told the Truth in Saudi Arabia. What Happens Next Could Be Interesting,” May 24), the Saudi king, Salman, and Egypt’s president, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, along with Trump, may form an Arab-based triumvirate to lead the resistance to Sunni and Shi’ite jihadism. 

    But Trump's idea is to put Saudi Arabia in charge of the organization, when Egypt is the traditional leader of the Arab states.

    And Egypt—driven to seek massive Russian military assistance for the first time since 1972 by Obama’s suspension of most of our annual aid to Cairo in 2013 (since resumed with more strings attached)—refuses to intervene in Syria and balks at confronting Russia’s BFF, Iran. 

    Then again, the Russia angle might not even bother Trump, who has formerly praised President Vladimir Putin, and is still generally soft on Moscow, which has shown no genuine interest in fighting IS, despite claims to the contrary. 

    So beyond the rhetorical level, it mainly boils down to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an organization which already has a limited military dimension--plus perhaps Jordan, already playing a key role in fighting IS and AQ, and officially at peace with the Jewish State, but hampered by the prominent role of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood and ties to its Palestinian branch, Hamas. 

    The GCC states might informally flirt with our strongest ally Israel, but are a long way from formal recognition yet, despite having occasionally open commercial, and quasi-diplomatic, relations at times. 

    Any alignment that could turn into a heavily-armed coalition against Israel should be pondered deeply first. 

    Most problematic is Qatar—notorious for funding Islamists from Libya to Egypt to Syria, from Gaza to Afghanistan (including Hamas and the Taliban), though it also hosts America’s Central Command.  

    Yet the quest for Arab unity, a mirage since the heady days of Nasser, who brought about the greatest Arab defeat in history in 1967 after waging a futile war in Yemen, continues. 

    As does the hope for a better vision to replace Nasser’s--and the even darker dreams of the Islamists--though the magic formula has yet to be found.

     

    Raymond Stock, a Shillman-Ginsburg Writing Fellow at the Middle East Forum and Instructor of Arabic at Louisiana State University, spent twenty years in Egypt and was deported by the regime of Hosni Mubarak in 2010 for an article he published in Foreign Policy Magazine in 2009. He is writing a biography of 1988 Egyptian Nobel laureate in literature Naguib Mahfouz (1911-2006) for Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and is a prolific translator of his works.

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20. Egypt attack on Coptic Christians: Wake up, President Sisi! ISIS is murdering your Christian children

    May 26, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Lela Gilbert

    The first thing I read on Friday morning was that 28 Egyptians in the Sinai had been murdered by terrorists, with more than 20 others wounded. And my first thought was clear and to the point:

    Maybe this will finally wake up the Egyptian authorities.

    The grisly attack, carried out with firearms, took place on an isolated road in the Sinai desert – a sparsely populated region of Egypt where some believe ISIS is setting up a new base of operations in the wake of their losses in Iraq and Egypt.

    The victims belonged to a church group of Coptic Christians and many of them were children. They were on their way to pray at the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor.

    The victims belonged to a church group of Coptic Christians and many of them were children. They were on their way to pray at the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor.

    Coptic scholar Samuel Tadros described the scene in the New York Times, “The terrorists waited on the road like game hunters. Coming their way were three buses, one with Sunday school children. Only three of them survived. Their victims were asked to recite the Islamic declaration of faith before being shot.”

    Of course it wasn’t the first attack on Egypt’s Christians this year. It seems like just yesterday when, on Palm Sunday, two Cairo churches were bombed, and during those twin assaults a total of 45 people were killed and 126 injured.

    Maybe this will finally wake up the Egyptian authorities, I remember thinking at the time.

    In March, just weeks before, and again in Sinai, hundreds of Christian families fled their homes after ISIS threatened to slaughter them. And it wasn’t an idle threat – seven Christian men were found dead, their bodies discarded along roadways like so much trash.

    Last year was no better. In May 2016, I wrote, “A riot – based on a salacious rumor – led to ferocious violence against a Coptic family in El-Karm, located in Egypt’s southern province of Minya. Some 300 raging Islamists stripped a 70-year-old mother naked and paraded her, shamed and weeping, through the streets of her hometown, while torching seven Christian houses.

    “Then on December 11, a suicide bomber attacked St. Peter and St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, killing 29 and injured dozens.”

    At the time MEMRI reported, “Jihadis took to social media to express their satisfaction, even before any organization claimed responsibility. Many ISIS supporters shared posts on social media … explaining why Egypt’s Coptic Christians deserve punishment, while others vowed that Egyptian Christians will either be expelled or slaughtered.”

    ISIS has since identified Christians as their “favorite prey.”

    After the murder of Sinai’s Christian children on Friday morning, and perhaps due to President Donald Trump’s recent demands that Arab countries aggressively rein in their terrorists, Fox News reported:

    “Egypt's military fought back against the attackers who stormed a bus full of Coptic Christians and killed 28 people on their way to a monastery to pray, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Friday.”

    “The Egyptian military struck bases where the attackers had trained, the president said without elaborating. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Egypt’s Coptic Christians have become the preferred target of the Islamic State in the region.”

    Is it too much to believe that this most recent bloodshed, particularly targeting children, has finally awakened the Egyptian authorities?

    We can hope. And we can certainly pray. But only time will tell.

     

    Lela Gilbert is author of "Saturday People, Sunday People: Israel through the Eyes of a Christian Sojourner" and co-author, with Nina Shea and Paul Marshall, of "Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians." She is an adjunct fellow at the Hudson Institute and lives in Jerusalem. For more, visit her website: www.lelagilbert.com. Follow her on Twitter@lelagilbert.

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21. Pope Francis' risky Egypt trip

    Apr 29, 2017 | Fox News - Opinion

    By Maureen M. Ferguson

    Amnesty International is sounding the alarm bells about the increasing and “terrifying wave of attacks” against Christians in Egypt, just as the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholic Christians, Pope Francis, is headed there in a display of solidarity with these persecuted brethren. 

    He will meet this week with Egypt’s President el-Sisi and the Grand Imam Sheik el-Tayeb in an attempt to promote peace and protection for Egypt’s 9 million Christians living under assault in the largest Muslim country of the Arab world.

    It’s a risky trip, and not just in the diplomatic sense. The Pontiff will fearlessly celebrate an open-air mass on Saturday in Cairo, despite the frequency of church bombings there. 

    Just in the last three weeks, ISIS has claimed responsibility for leaving 44 worshipers dead and over 100 injured in grisly attacks during Palm Sunday mass at two of Egypt’s historic churches, and its militants opened fire on a monastery soon thereafter. 

    Another bomb was discovered in a Coptic church in March before it could explode, but December’s Bloody Sunday bomb claimed 25 lives at St. Peter’s in Cairo.  Amnesty International has documented countless other tragic acts.

    The persecution of Christians in Egypt is just a microcosm of similar persecutions across a wide swath of the globe.

    In the cradle of Christianity itself, Christians themselves are nearly extinct. Over 1 million Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee their ancestral homeland or be killed, and in Syria 80 percent of the Christians are now refugees elsewhere. 

    In Pakistan, such violence is tragically common, such as in last year’s Easter Sunday suicide bombing that left 72 dead and 320 injured, most of them women and children.  Dreadful oppression exists in China, North Korea, India, Indonesia, etc.

    According to "Under Caesar’s Sword" researcher Daniel Philpott, the persecution of Christians is global in nature and particularly brutal. One year ago, the Obama administration even issued a formal declaration that there is an ongoing genocide of Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities in the Middle East.

    Genocide. An unbearable designation, yet a year has gone by since the genocide declaration, and what is being done about it?

    One Congressional leader who fought for the genocide label, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), refers to the “scandal of silence” around this persecution. He reminds us that it is even more scandalous to call it genocide and then do nothing to stop it.

    This seemingly intractable problem is now in the lap of a new administration, and advocates for religious freedom have a long list of recommendations to help protect these vulnerable populations. 

    First among these is to quickly fill the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, an appointment the Trump administration is apparently on the verge of making. 

    To be effective, this appointee needs to be an experienced person of stature, who will be able to navigate the State Department to get the funding and staff to make a difference.

    Additional recommendations given at a recent Capitol Hill briefing sponsored by the Religious Freedom Institute is for our foreign policy to advance religious freedom as a national security priority, “necessary for peace and stability.” Congressman Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), a former ambassador himself, emphasized that religious freedom is the key stabilizing force in societies, and that American diplomats need training in order to export that notion.

    For example, the U.S. gives in the neighborhood of $1 billion annually to Egypt in foreign aid, yet Egypt’s government is not adequately protecting the Coptic Christians.  Surely more diplomatic pressure can be applied there.

    Our persecuted brethren are in desperate need of our help.  Government refugee aid flows through the United Nations, yet sadly most U.N. camps are unsafe for Christians.  So, they rely on private aid organizations like the Knights of Columbus and In Defense of Christians.   

    The images of those Coptic Christians beheaded in orange jumpsuits on the shores of the Mediterranean may be seared in our minds, but there are literally millions of others unseen who are living in fear, have been forced from their homes, their churches looted and burned, some sold into sexual slavery to ISIS fighters, others barbarically crucified. 

    Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt this week will be a stark reminder that they need our prayers, our advocacy, and material assistance… lest the scandal of silence and inaction persist.

    Maureen Ferguson is Senior Policy Advisor for The Catholic Association. 

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