Swvl, an Egyptian startup with an app to book bus tickets, plans to launch operations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh by the end of next year, a senior official said.

The startup, which operates buses along fixed routes and allows customers to reserve and pay for them using its app, began operations in Egypt in 2017. Swvl has since launched in Pakistan and recently moved its headquarters to Dubai.

"By the end of next year, we want to be in more cities, a city is a market for us. We are planning to open in Manila, Jakarta and Dhaka," Shahzeb Memon, Swvl Pakistan's general manager told Reuters on Monday in a phone interview from Karachi.

The company, which has raised $80 million in funding so far, launched its services in August in the Pakistani cities of Karachi, Lahore and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It plans to invest $25 million in the country to create 10,000 jobs and hopes to attract half a million customers by 2021, Memon said.

The company, however, has already run into regulatory hurdles.

Last week, a provincial government in Pakistan issued notices to the startup and another similar service saying they were operating without route permits and no-objection certificates from the government.

Swvl Pakistan responded with a statement saying the company always carried out its business in a lawful manner and was committed to complying with the region's laws.

Swvl says its service targets existing ride-hailing users and aims to create transportation options for a large and growing middle class in Asian cities.

Swvl's services are 30 per cent-40 per cent&nbsp;cheaper than using a car, Memon said.

Swvl, an Egyptian startup with an app to book bus tickets, plans to launch operations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh by the end of next year, a senior official said.

Swvl, an Egyptian startup with an app to book bus tickets, plans to launch operations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh by the end of next year, a senior official said. The startup, which operates buses along fixed routes and allows customers to reserve and pay for them using its app, began operations in Egypt in 2017. Swvl has since launched in Pakistan and recently moved its headquarters to Dubai. "By the end of next year, we want to be in more cities, a city is a market for us. We are planning to open in Manila, Jakarta and Dhaka," Shahzeb Memon, Swvl Pakistan's general manager told Reuters on Monday in a phone interview from Karachi. The company, which has raised $80 million in funding so far, launched its services in August in the Pakistani cities of Karachi, Lahore and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It plans to invest $25 million in the country to create 10,000 jobs and hopes to attract half a million customers by 2021, Memon said. The company, however, has already run into regulatory hurdles. Last week, a provincial government in Pakistan issued notices to the startup and another similar service saying they were operating without route permits and no-objection certificates from the government. Swvl Pakistan responded with a statement saying the company always carried out its business in a lawful manner and was committed to complying with the region's laws. Swvl says its service targets existing ride-hailing users and aims to create transportation options for a large and growing middle class in Asian cities. Swvl's services are 30 per cent-40 per cent cheaper than using a car, Memon said.

Egyptian transport start-up Swvl targets Philippines, Bangladesh after launching in Pakistan

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt</a> in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

"We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona.

It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20.

"We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said.

Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos.

Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for.

Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016.

Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself.

'Saddened by crackdown'

After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">hundreds took to the streets</a> in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators.

Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response.

"I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?"

In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014.

Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number.

In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors.

Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president.

"People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview.

"Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added.

Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, &nbsp;Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed.

A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed.

Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force.

'Getting rid of Sisi'

Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-says-world-must-find-solution-for-libya-crisis-213108">any challenge to Sisi's rule</a>, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them.

"The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP.

"The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said.

The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi.

Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos.&nbsp;

He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials.

Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him.

"The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said.

And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests.

"I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations. "We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona. It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20. "We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said. Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos. Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for. Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016. Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself. 'Saddened by crackdown' After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, hundreds took to the streets in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response. "I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?" In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014. Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number. In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors. Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president. "People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview. "Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added. Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed. A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed. Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force. 'Getting rid of Sisi' Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising any challenge to Sisi's rule, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them. "The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP. "The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said. The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi. Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos. He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials. Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him. "The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said. And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests. "I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

Exiled Egyptian dissident determined to topple Sisi

Egypt is clamping down on rare protests. The government has launched a crackdown, which human rights group say is one of the worsts during Alaa Abd El-Fattah's presidency.

Freedom under attack in Egypt

Egypt is in ferment again with the makings of another movement of the people for restoration of rights, freedom and better governance. It sometimes seems tragic that one of the oldest nations cum civilisations in the Middle East rarely attracts attention in international geopolitics today, except when it is in turmoil.

Egypt once ruled the focus of those who wished to influence the Middle East. At the height of the Cold War, it was Gamal Abdel Nasser and later Anwar Sadat who held sway over its destiny. Firmly embedded in the Soviet camp then, the end of Egypt’s confrontationist policy towards Israel in 1978 also saw the shift of geopolitical focus to other core centres in the Middle East. To understand what is currently happening in Egypt a brief visit to the past is necessary.

True to its civilisational significance, Egypt was destined to play a key role once the revolutions of the Arab Spring swept the Middle East. From Tunisia to Syria, the colour revolutions, as they also came to be known, brought the potential of transformation of Arab society to the doorstep of Egypt.

A 30-year-rule by Hosni Mubarak came to an ignominious end as people took to streets to express sentiment for true democracy, growth without the shackles of government corruption, and freedom.&nbsp;

The advantage that flowed to Egypt from the mature and sensible decisions of Anwar Sadat in 1978; to withdraw confrontation with Israel, compromise for the sake of the people and work towards economic progress, did not fully fructify during the 30 year regime of Hosni Mubarak; this despite every opportunity knocking its door and the US becoming a key ally. Mubarak could not retain Egypt’s position at the high table of Middle East politics as focus shifted to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the Gulf kingdoms.&nbsp;

When the Arab Spring reached Egypt, Tahrir Square became an international people’s symbol of rights and protest. The rising tide of social media in 2011 had its first major mass effect on society as flash mobs appeared out of nowhere, mobilised by Facebook and Twitter account holders outside the government’s gaze. The video feeds and pictures out of Tahrir Square showed the world what influence social media could bring to bear.

Embedded in the confusion of the often violent revolt was Egypt’s other strong entity, the Muslim Brotherhood. Established in 1928 under the leadership of Hassan al-Bana it remained on political sidelines with its radical Islamist oriented ideology.

While being regionally influential throughout the Middle East, the Muslim Brotherhood did not find favour to rule because of the secular nature of Egypt’s society and army. Detaching itself from the people’s revolt once Mubarak was ousted in Feb 2011, it remained well-organised to triumph in the election that followed. People were willing to give a chance to any alternative to Hosni Mubarak. That is how, after waiting for 84 years at the sidelines, the Muslim Brotherhood was electorally empowered to rule Egypt. The man it selected to head the government was Mohammad Morsi. His sheer inexperience and lack of clear agenda and strategy gave its leadership the perception that it could rapidly contest the well-established military whose hold did not dilute.

While visiting Cairo and Alexandria a few years ago and interacting with students and faculty at the Al Ahram and Alexandria Universities, I realised that Egypt, despite its economic backwardness, was culturally rich and essentially plural and secular in outlook. While studying Islamist trends in the Middle East, I concluded that Egypt’s was the last society which could go the radical way. Egyptians democratically chose the Muslim Brotherhood to rule their nation despite its known leanings.

It even received the backing of the US although Saudi Arabia was against it for ideological reasons. Mohammad &nbsp;Morsi had declared his intent to support the revolution and even abide by the Egypt-Israel accord. &nbsp;

Yet, his short rule was marred by the confusion resulting from the refusal of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to yield its space, a prevailing perception that the Brotherhood wished to take Egypt down the Islamist path and his attempt to wrest total power from the military. It led to a division with the non-Islamist forces that had initially supported it resulting in the military coup led by General Al Sisi in Jul 2013. With President Sisi attempting to extend his rule with amendments to the constitution that will allow him to rule till 2034, it is also the health of the economy, condition of the people and large scale corruption revealed by the prominent Egyptian businessman Mohammad Ali that have contributed to the sparks of protests in mid-September 2019. Will this be the second coming of the Arab Spring in Egypt?&nbsp;

Access to news websites and social media channels have been restricted by the government. Several pro-government media platforms have attempted to discredit demonstrators. However, what the government fails to realise is the fact that the fallout of the failing economy is driving the people to a new revolt. Western analysts observing Egypt for long say that this time it may not be Cairo or Tahrir square — smaller cities and towns could become the scene of the second coming.&nbsp;

The complexity of Egypt’s political makeup in all manifestations of protest movements has been the dividing line between secularists, Islamists and supporters of military rule. Initial protests could witness political Islam and non-Islamists joining hands for better alternatives of governance but their ability to stay together for the good of Egypt will always remain doubtful. Saudi Arabia will back the military and unlike common perception, it will have little to do with the Muslim Brotherhood. The US ambition of seeing liberal democracy in the Middle East with the start point being Egypt is itself fraught with risk in the absence of credible leadership. The last time it backed the Muslim Brotherhood and failed. Al Sisi’s options are really limited.&nbsp;

As it happens in many cases, he could abdicate and retire to a foreign land leaving the military to once again strong-arm its way under yet another dictator commencing another spiral of misrule. However, at some stage, the people look beyond themselves and could decide to fight this to the end. That stage seems yet far but there remains no doubt that what may happen in Egypt could be the progenitor of events in the Middle East which the people may have long-awaited. That is why Egypt remains important for us to observe, now and in future.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-6-yrs-on-egypt-in-revolt-again-2794684">Read the original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Egypt is in ferment again with the makings of another movement of the people for restoration of rights, freedom and better governance. It sometimes seems tragic that one of the oldest nations cum civilisations in the Middle East rarely attracts attention in international geopolitics today, except when it is in turmoil.

Egypt is in ferment again with the makings of another movement of the people for restoration of rights, freedom and better governance. It sometimes seems tragic that one of the oldest nations cum civilisations in the Middle East rarely attracts attention in international geopolitics today, except when it is in turmoil. Egypt once ruled the focus of those who wished to influence the Middle East. At the height of the Cold War, it was Gamal Abdel Nasser and later Anwar Sadat who held sway over its destiny. Firmly embedded in the Soviet camp then, the end of Egypt’s confrontationist policy towards Israel in 1978 also saw the shift of geopolitical focus to other core centres in the Middle East. To understand what is currently happening in Egypt a brief visit to the past is necessary. True to its civilisational significance, Egypt was destined to play a key role once the revolutions of the Arab Spring swept the Middle East. From Tunisia to Syria, the colour revolutions, as they also came to be known, brought the potential of transformation of Arab society to the doorstep of Egypt. A 30-year-rule by Hosni Mubarak came to an ignominious end as people took to streets to express sentiment for true democracy, growth without the shackles of government corruption, and freedom. The advantage that flowed to Egypt from the mature and sensible decisions of Anwar Sadat in 1978; to withdraw confrontation with Israel, compromise for the sake of the people and work towards economic progress, did not fully fructify during the 30 year regime of Hosni Mubarak; this despite every opportunity knocking its door and the US becoming a key ally. Mubarak could not retain Egypt’s position at the high table of Middle East politics as focus shifted to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the Gulf kingdoms. When the Arab Spring reached Egypt, Tahrir Square became an international people’s symbol of rights and protest. The rising tide of social media in 2011 had its first major mass effect on society as flash mobs appeared out of nowhere, mobilised by Facebook and Twitter account holders outside the government’s gaze. The video feeds and pictures out of Tahrir Square showed the world what influence social media could bring to bear. Embedded in the confusion of the often violent revolt was Egypt’s other strong entity, the Muslim Brotherhood. Established in 1928 under the leadership of Hassan al-Bana it remained on political sidelines with its radical Islamist oriented ideology. While being regionally influential throughout the Middle East, the Muslim Brotherhood did not find favour to rule because of the secular nature of Egypt’s society and army. Detaching itself from the people’s revolt once Mubarak was ousted in Feb 2011, it remained well-organised to triumph in the election that followed. People were willing to give a chance to any alternative to Hosni Mubarak. That is how, after waiting for 84 years at the sidelines, the Muslim Brotherhood was electorally empowered to rule Egypt. The man it selected to head the government was Mohammad Morsi. His sheer inexperience and lack of clear agenda and strategy gave its leadership the perception that it could rapidly contest the well-established military whose hold did not dilute. While visiting Cairo and Alexandria a few years ago and interacting with students and faculty at the Al Ahram and Alexandria Universities, I realised that Egypt, despite its economic backwardness, was culturally rich and essentially plural and secular in outlook. While studying Islamist trends in the Middle East, I concluded that Egypt’s was the last society which could go the radical way. Egyptians democratically chose the Muslim Brotherhood to rule their nation despite its known leanings. It even received the backing of the US although Saudi Arabia was against it for ideological reasons. Mohammad Morsi had declared his intent to support the revolution and even abide by the Egypt-Israel accord. Yet, his short rule was marred by the confusion resulting from the refusal of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to yield its space, a prevailing perception that the Brotherhood wished to take Egypt down the Islamist path and his attempt to wrest total power from the military. It led to a division with the non-Islamist forces that had initially supported it resulting in the military coup led by General Al Sisi in Jul 2013. With President Sisi attempting to extend his rule with amendments to the constitution that will allow him to rule till 2034, it is also the health of the economy, condition of the people and large scale corruption revealed by the prominent Egyptian businessman Mohammad Ali that have contributed to the sparks of protests in mid-September 2019. Will this be the second coming of the Arab Spring in Egypt? Access to news websites and social media channels have been restricted by the government. Several pro-government media platforms have attempted to discredit demonstrators. However, what the government fails to realise is the fact that the fallout of the failing economy is driving the people to a new revolt. Western analysts observing Egypt for long say that this time it may not be Cairo or Tahrir square — smaller cities and towns could become the scene of the second coming. The complexity of Egypt’s political makeup in all manifestations of protest movements has been the dividing line between secularists, Islamists and supporters of military rule. Initial protests could witness political Islam and non-Islamists joining hands for better alternatives of governance but their ability to stay together for the good of Egypt will always remain doubtful. Saudi Arabia will back the military and unlike common perception, it will have little to do with the Muslim Brotherhood. The US ambition of seeing liberal democracy in the Middle East with the start point being Egypt is itself fraught with risk in the absence of credible leadership. The last time it backed the Muslim Brotherhood and failed. Al Sisi’s options are really limited. As it happens in many cases, he could abdicate and retire to a foreign land leaving the military to once again strong-arm its way under yet another dictator commencing another spiral of misrule. However, at some stage, the people look beyond themselves and could decide to fight this to the end. That stage seems yet far but there remains no doubt that what may happen in Egypt could be the progenitor of events in the Middle East which the people may have long-awaited. That is why Egypt remains important for us to observe, now and in future. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

6 years on, Egypt in revolt again

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 2nd, 2019

Outlawed and repressed, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohamed-morsi-ousted-president-of-egypt-dies-in-court-during-trial-228135">Muslim Brotherhood </a>was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say.

The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects.

The videos by contractor and actor Mohammed Aly tapped into simmering anger against the country's economic woes and went viral, stirring rare political debate across the media and social networks.

Analysts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-leader-shrugs-off-call-for-fresh-protests-252444">Egypt </a> rule out any link between the Muslim Brotherhood and Mohamed Aly, who has so far refused AFP requests to comment on the situation.

But "the Brotherhood certainly benefited from his videos and their channels exploited what he was saying to portray a negative image of Sisi's leadership," said Mustafa Kamel al-Sayyed, a political science professor at the American University in Cairo, told AFP.

In the mercurial Aly, the Brotherhood saw an opening for renewed resistance rallying its supporters online.

The Islamist group, which has been banned since 2013 with thousands of its members jailed in a crackdown, quickly threw its support behind the demonstrations calling for Sisi's removal.

Many pro-Brotherhood figures have bombarded social networks with hashtags proclaiming anti-Sisi messages and slickly produced videos, highlighting the shortcomings of his rule.

And television channels, such as the Qatar-based Al Jazeera, and their social media influencers have battled against pro-government loyalists and bombastic hosts broadcasting daily on Egyptian satellite channels.

Sayyed believes the Brotherhood still holds sway with a sizeable part of the overall religiously conservative population, amid the backdrop of the dire economic situation for millions of Egyptians.

"The Brotherhood is an idea before it is an organisation and with the deteriorating economic situation for Egyptian society, this idea based on Islam will continue to attract many," he explained.

Founded by Egyptian scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928 as an Islamic charity and political movement, the Brotherhood grew rapidly, spawning offshoots from Morocco to Turkey, many of which remain active today.

But in Egypt its political currency ran out after its leader Mohamed Morsi became the country's first elected president in mid-2012 but remained in office for just one tumultuous year after the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

Morsi was toppled by the military in 2013 and Egyptian troops killed some 800 Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a single day in August that year in what became one of the worst atrocities in the country's modern history.

Morsi, who only briefly held the reins of power, died earlier this year collapsing in a Cairo courtroom while on trial.

"The Brotherhood is hiding behind Mohammed Aly's appeal because they do not have the capacity to call for a rally," said Amr El-Shobaki, a former parliamentarian and analyst at the state-supportive Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.

"Their capacity to recruit new members has been weakened," he added.

Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been jailed since Morsi's ouster, dozens executed and many have gone into exile finding safe havens in Turkey and Qatar.

Despite being chased from the political landscape, the Egyptian media often dwells on conspiracy theories that the Islamist group can easily organise and move supporters in from overseas.

But Shobaki argued, "the Brotherhood wasn't behind or even participated in the small-scale protests on 20 September".

"Rather, it was everyday youth, those economically marginalised, that went down" to the streets, he said.

Nearly one in three Egyptians live below the poverty line, according to official figures, as the government has imposed harsh austerity measures since 2016 causing prices to considerably soar.

Seizing the moment, however, Sisi himself appeared to blame the Muslim Brotherhood for the protests in a meeting with US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Donald Trump</a> in New York earlier this month.

Asked about the small-scale protests, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">Sisi </a>replied: "The region will remain in a state of instability as long as there's political Islam vying for power".

Shobaki maintains if the Brotherhood has any hope of being reintegrated into the political scene in the future, they must shed their "cultish" legacy.

"They can reorganise themselves as a political party again like Ennahda in Tunisia or the PJD in Morocco. The idea of this 'divine' group is why they have consistently failed for 91 years".

Outlawed and repressed, the Muslim Brotherhood was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say. The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects.

Outlawed and repressed, the Muslim Brotherhood was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say. The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects. The videos by contractor and actor Mohammed Aly tapped into simmering anger against the country's economic woes and went viral, stirring rare political debate across the media and social networks. Analysts in Egypt rule out any link between the Muslim Brotherhood and Mohamed Aly, who has so far refused AFP requests to comment on the situation. But "the Brotherhood certainly benefited from his videos and their channels exploited what he was saying to portray a negative image of Sisi's leadership," said Mustafa Kamel al-Sayyed, a political science professor at the American University in Cairo, told AFP. In the mercurial Aly, the Brotherhood saw an opening for renewed resistance rallying its supporters online. The Islamist group, which has been banned since 2013 with thousands of its members jailed in a crackdown, quickly threw its support behind the demonstrations calling for Sisi's removal. Many pro-Brotherhood figures have bombarded social networks with hashtags proclaiming anti-Sisi messages and slickly produced videos, highlighting the shortcomings of his rule. And television channels, such as the Qatar-based Al Jazeera, and their social media influencers have battled against pro-government loyalists and bombastic hosts broadcasting daily on Egyptian satellite channels. Sayyed believes the Brotherhood still holds sway with a sizeable part of the overall religiously conservative population, amid the backdrop of the dire economic situation for millions of Egyptians. "The Brotherhood is an idea before it is an organisation and with the deteriorating economic situation for Egyptian society, this idea based on Islam will continue to attract many," he explained. Founded by Egyptian scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928 as an Islamic charity and political movement, the Brotherhood grew rapidly, spawning offshoots from Morocco to Turkey, many of which remain active today. But in Egypt its political currency ran out after its leader Mohamed Morsi became the country's first elected president in mid-2012 but remained in office for just one tumultuous year after the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Morsi was toppled by the military in 2013 and Egyptian troops killed some 800 Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a single day in August that year in what became one of the worst atrocities in the country's modern history. Morsi, who only briefly held the reins of power, died earlier this year collapsing in a Cairo courtroom while on trial. "The Brotherhood is hiding behind Mohammed Aly's appeal because they do not have the capacity to call for a rally," said Amr El-Shobaki, a former parliamentarian and analyst at the state-supportive Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies. "Their capacity to recruit new members has been weakened," he added. Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been jailed since Morsi's ouster, dozens executed and many have gone into exile finding safe havens in Turkey and Qatar. Despite being chased from the political landscape, the Egyptian media often dwells on conspiracy theories that the Islamist group can easily organise and move supporters in from overseas. But Shobaki argued, "the Brotherhood wasn't behind or even participated in the small-scale protests on 20 September". "Rather, it was everyday youth, those economically marginalised, that went down" to the streets, he said. Nearly one in three Egyptians live below the poverty line, according to official figures, as the government has imposed harsh austerity measures since 2016 causing prices to considerably soar. Seizing the moment, however, Sisi himself appeared to blame the Muslim Brotherhood for the protests in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York earlier this month. Asked about the small-scale protests, Sisi replied: "The region will remain in a state of instability as long as there's political Islam vying for power". Shobaki maintains if the Brotherhood has any hope of being reintegrated into the political scene in the future, they must shed their "cultish" legacy. "They can reorganise themselves as a political party again like Ennahda in Tunisia or the PJD in Morocco. The idea of this 'divine' group is why they have consistently failed for 91 years".

Muslim Brotherhood sidelined in Egypt protests: Analysts

Abdulmalik Abdulaziz, a Uighur student, was arrested and handcuffed by Egyptian police and when they removed his blindfold he was surprised to see Chinese officials questioning him in custody.

Abdulmalik Abdulaziz, a Uighur student, was arrested and handcuffed by Egyptian police and when they removed his blindfold he was surprised to see Chinese officials questioning him in custody. He was picked up in broad daylight with friends, and taken to a Cairo police station where Chinese officials grilled him about what he was doing in Egypt. The three officials spoke to him in Chinese, addressing him using his Chinese name, not his Uighur one. "They never said their names or mentioned who they were exactly," said Abdulaziz, 27, who spoke to AFP helping to uncover new details of the 2017 arrests of over 90 Uighurs from the mostly Muslim Turkic minority. Abdulaziz, like most swept up in the three-day crackdown in the first week of July 2017, was an Islamic theology student at Al-Azhar, the Sunni Muslim world's most prestigious educational institution. "Egyptian policemen said 'the Chinese government says that you are terrorists'. But we responded that we are only Al-Azhar students," said Abdulaziz. AFP is using pseudonyms to protect the identities of those Uighurs interviewed. China is one of Egypt's biggest investors, pouring money into massive infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new administrative capital east of Cairo. Trade between the two countries reached a record high of $13.8 billion last year. Just three weeks before the raid, Egypt and China signed a security memorandum focusing on "combatting terrorism". After a few days of questioning in Police Station 2 in Nasr City, an upmarket suburb of Cairo, Abdulaziz was sent to Tora, one of Egypt's most notorious jails. Released after 60 days in detention, he escaped, seeking asylum in Turkey, a hub of Uighur immigration, in October 2017. 'Same tactics' Shams Eddin Ahmed, 26, was arrested outside the Moussa Ibn Naseer mosque on 4 July 2017 in Nasr City. His father in Xinjiang, a region in northwest China, also disappeared that month. Many Uighurs refer to Xinjiang as East Turkestan, including those AFP interviewed, but for Beijing, it has troubling connotations of independence and activism. "I still don't know if he's dead or alive," he recounted. Unmarked black vans pulled up as afternoon prayers ended and around five policemen arrested several Uighur worshippers. Ahmed was also transferred to Tora, the stifling carceral complex which houses many of Egypt's high-profile political prisoners. "I felt so afraid when I got there. It was extremely dark... I thought to myself how will we ever get out of here?" he said. "I was afraid that they would hand us over to the Chinese authorities," added Ahmed. The Uighurs were split into two groups of 45 to 50 men each and languished in large cells for weeks. Two weeks before their release, the Uighurs and other Chinese Muslims of different ethnic ancestry were divided into three groups and given colour codes. Red, green or yellow determined if they would be deported, released or further questioned. Ahmed said Egyptian prison guards handcuffed, blindfolded and then hauled many of the group into vans heading to Cairo police stations. During 11 days in police custody, he claims three Chinese officials questioned him specifically about his father. "Where is he and how does he send you money?" he told AFP. Ahmed was in the green group, meaning he was eventually released. He fled to Istanbul in early October 2017. Abdulweli Ayup, a Norway-based Uighur linguist who has researched the community in Egypt, confirmed hearing similar accounts from other detainees. "It's the same practice and tactic implemented in internment camps in China. I don't believe it's a coincidence," he said, adding Chinese authorities use the same three colour codes for detained Uighurs. 'Muslim brothers' Human rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities are held in a network of internment camps in China where they endure political indoctrination. Beijing says the "vocational education centres" are necessary to counter religious extremism. Germany-based independent researcher Adrian Zenz, who has mapped out camps in Xinjiang, said: "China's new push to redefine human rights in terms of economic development... suits many of these nations." "A country giving the Chinese significant leeway can in return expect significant favours," he added, referring to the Egyptian-Chinese security cooperation. Egypt's interior ministry and the Chinese embassy in Cairo did not respond to AFP's repeated requests for comment. "Those found to be overstaying contrary to the law, including Chinese citizens among other nationalities, are expelled", said Ahmed Hafez, Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman, when asked about the deportation of Uighurs in 2017. He did not answer AFP's questions on the 60-day detention of the group that had been picked up by police. Darren Byler, an anthropologist at Washington University, noted "similar attempts by Chinese officials in Thailand and elsewhere" to extradite diaspora Uighurs. "The autonomy with which Chinese authorities were permitted to act in Egypt is unprecedented," he told AFP. Ayup, the linguist, explains the devastating effect of the 2017 raids that reduced a thriving community of around 6,000 people to about 50 families. "For Uighurs, it's a nightmare that your Muslim brother would invite Chinese officials to interrogate you. They have lost their belief and have become paranoid in the diaspora," he said. Abdulaziz considers himself fortunate, but the fate of other Uighurs expelled by Egypt preys on his mind. "It has been years since we heard anything about those deported and our families. We just don't know."

'Nightmare' as Egypt aided China to detain Uighurs

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday.

The intensity of the blast at the city's main cancer hospital raised fears of an attack, but officials said it was the result of a car accident.

Reuters video of the aftermath showed considerable damage to the front of the hospital, with an entrance wrecked and rubble-strewn over the pavement. Victims' belongings were scattered among the debris.

The blast occurred when a car driving against traffic on Cairo's Nile corniche road collided with three other cars, the interior ministry said in a statement.

It triggered a blaze that forced the partial evacuation of the National Cancer Institute, the health ministry said.

One local resident, who gave her name as Salwa, said bodies had been fused together by the explosion and it was hard to believe it was the result of a car crash.

"There was a sound of an extremely loud blast. It was no way two cars crashing. The car must have been rigged with explosives," she told Reuters Television.

Another witness, who declined to give his name, said the car's driver ran away before it exploded.

Later in the morning, investigators scoured the scene amid a heavy police presence.

Egypt's public prosecutor is investigating the incident, sources told Reuters.

Egyptian security forces are waging a counterinsurgency campaign against Islamist militants, some with links to Islamic State, that is focused in the north of the Sinai Peninsula.

Attacks outside Sinai have become relatively rare, although there have been several security incidents in recent months in Giza, across the Nile from central Cairo.

In May, an explosion targeting a tourist bus injured at least 12 people, mostly South African tourists, near the Giza pyramids. In December, three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed, and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb hit their tour bus near the pyramids.

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday.

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday. The intensity of the blast at the city's main cancer hospital raised fears of an attack, but officials said it was the result of a car accident. Reuters video of the aftermath showed considerable damage to the front of the hospital, with an entrance wrecked and rubble-strewn over the pavement. Victims' belongings were scattered among the debris. The blast occurred when a car driving against traffic on Cairo's Nile corniche road collided with three other cars, the interior ministry said in a statement. It triggered a blaze that forced the partial evacuation of the National Cancer Institute, the health ministry said. One local resident, who gave her name as Salwa, said bodies had been fused together by the explosion and it was hard to believe it was the result of a car crash. "There was a sound of an extremely loud blast. It was no way two cars crashing. The car must have been rigged with explosives," she told Reuters Television. Another witness, who declined to give his name, said the car's driver ran away before it exploded. Later in the morning, investigators scoured the scene amid a heavy police presence. Egypt's public prosecutor is investigating the incident, sources told Reuters. Egyptian security forces are waging a counterinsurgency campaign against Islamist militants, some with links to Islamic State, that is focused in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. Attacks outside Sinai have become relatively rare, although there have been several security incidents in recent months in Giza, across the Nile from central Cairo. In May, an explosion targeting a tourist bus injured at least 12 people, mostly South African tourists, near the Giza pyramids. In December, three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed, and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb hit their tour bus near the pyramids.

20 dead, 47 injured in car explosion in Cairo: Egypt Health Ministry

Egypt’s first and last democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, died on Monday, lying on the floor of the courtroom where they were trying him on yet more charges. (He was already serving several life sentences.) &nbsp;

It was probably a heart attack, but according to witnesses, they left him lying there for 20 minutes before medical help arrived.

He was 67, and he was not in good health. He had diabetes and liver disease. But he was not getting proper treatment for the illnesses. A British parliamentary group that investigated his situation at his family’s request last year concluded that without urgent medical assistance the damage to his health could be “permanent and possibly terminal”. Well, it was.

Morsi was not a very good president. He was a narrow, stubborn man who governed solely in the interests of his own Muslim Brotherhood party and its Islamic priorities. He behaved like this even though he had barely scraped into the presidency with the votes of many who, though secular in their views and values, feared victory of the candidate of the old regime.

They fully shared his desire to uproot the secular ‘deep state’ that had ruled Egypt through three military dictators and six decades, but they had not signed up for an Islamist constitution. &nbsp;

So they started demonstrating against Morsi. And only a year after he was elected, they cheered when the military stepped in and overthrew him, like so many turkeys voting for Christmas.

Morsi and his party behaved badly. The secular pro-democracy activists were no wiser. And they have both paid a high price in blood and misery for their mistakes. So is there any particular reason to highlight the fact and manner of Morsi’s passing?

Yes, because it creates an opportunity to consider what might have happened if he had not been overthrown.

He would probably still be alive, because he would have been getting good medical care, but he would no longer be in power. His four-year presidential term would have expired in 2016, and he would not have won a second term. &nbsp; 
 
The whole of Morsi’s first presidential term, had he served it out, would have been spent struggling to pull the economy out of the ditch. In the course of that, he would have had to impose all sorts of austerity measures that would have hurt exactly the people who were his core voters: the pious poor. And half of them would not have voted for him next time.

The whole tragedy of 2013, which ended up with General al-Sisi’s snipers killing more than a thousand unarmed protesters in Rabaa and Nahda Squares in Cairo and wounding at least 4,000 others — a massacre perhaps as bad as Tianenmen Square — was completely unnecessary. People more experienced with democracy would have known that Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood rule would both be rejected in the 2016 elections.

All they had to do was wait it out and let the voters sort it out next time. That’s what Americans who deplore Donald Trump are doing right now, but they have more than two centuries of democratic government under their belt.

The voters may choose to make the same ‘mistake’ again, being only human, but mostly they don’t. And even if they do, there will be another chance to fix things the next time around. As long as the decisions are not completely irrevocable, they can eventually be reversed – and you get to keep your democracy.

If Morsi had not been overthrown, the biggest Arab country, with one-third of the world’s Arabic-speaking people, would still be a democracy. Other Arab countries like Algeria and Sudan, where they are trying to make democracy happen today, would have a powerful supporter in Egypt, not a sworn enemy.

Syria would probably still have suffered a civil war, and so might Yemen, but the ultra-conservative monarchies of the Gulf would no longer dominate the Arab world with their money. Nobody can question the courage of the young men and women who overthrew the Egyptian dictatorship in 2011, but they were too ready to dispense with democracy at the first sign of trouble.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-morsi-an-egyptian-chronology-of-a-death-foretold-2763280">original article)</a> 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Egypt’s first and last democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, died on Monday, lying on the floor of the courtroom where they were trying him on yet more charges.

Egypt’s first and last democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, died on Monday, lying on the floor of the courtroom where they were trying him on yet more charges. (He was already serving several life sentences.) It was probably a heart attack, but according to witnesses, they left him lying there for 20 minutes before medical help arrived. He was 67, and he was not in good health. He had diabetes and liver disease. But he was not getting proper treatment for the illnesses. A British parliamentary group that investigated his situation at his family’s request last year concluded that without urgent medical assistance the damage to his health could be “permanent and possibly terminal”. Well, it was. Morsi was not a very good president. He was a narrow, stubborn man who governed solely in the interests of his own Muslim Brotherhood party and its Islamic priorities. He behaved like this even though he had barely scraped into the presidency with the votes of many who, though secular in their views and values, feared victory of the candidate of the old regime. They fully shared his desire to uproot the secular ‘deep state’ that had ruled Egypt through three military dictators and six decades, but they had not signed up for an Islamist constitution. So they started demonstrating against Morsi. And only a year after he was elected, they cheered when the military stepped in and overthrew him, like so many turkeys voting for Christmas. Morsi and his party behaved badly. The secular pro-democracy activists were no wiser. And they have both paid a high price in blood and misery for their mistakes. So is there any particular reason to highlight the fact and manner of Morsi’s passing? Yes, because it creates an opportunity to consider what might have happened if he had not been overthrown. He would probably still be alive, because he would have been getting good medical care, but he would no longer be in power. His four-year presidential term would have expired in 2016, and he would not have won a second term. The whole of Morsi’s first presidential term, had he served it out, would have been spent struggling to pull the economy out of the ditch. In the course of that, he would have had to impose all sorts of austerity measures that would have hurt exactly the people who were his core voters: the pious poor. And half of them would not have voted for him next time. The whole tragedy of 2013, which ended up with General al-Sisi’s snipers killing more than a thousand unarmed protesters in Rabaa and Nahda Squares in Cairo and wounding at least 4,000 others — a massacre perhaps as bad as Tianenmen Square — was completely unnecessary. People more experienced with democracy would have known that Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood rule would both be rejected in the 2016 elections. All they had to do was wait it out and let the voters sort it out next time. That’s what Americans who deplore Donald Trump are doing right now, but they have more than two centuries of democratic government under their belt. The voters may choose to make the same ‘mistake’ again, being only human, but mostly they don’t. And even if they do, there will be another chance to fix things the next time around. As long as the decisions are not completely irrevocable, they can eventually be reversed – and you get to keep your democracy. If Morsi had not been overthrown, the biggest Arab country, with one-third of the world’s Arabic-speaking people, would still be a democracy. Other Arab countries like Algeria and Sudan, where they are trying to make democracy happen today, would have a powerful supporter in Egypt, not a sworn enemy. Syria would probably still have suffered a civil war, and so might Yemen, but the ultra-conservative monarchies of the Gulf would no longer dominate the Arab world with their money. Nobody can question the courage of the young men and women who overthrew the Egyptian dictatorship in 2011, but they were too ready to dispense with democracy at the first sign of trouble. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Mohamed Morsi: An Egyptian chronology of a death foretold

Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, collapsed and died while on trial in a Cairo courtroom on Monday, six years after the military ousted him in tumultuous circumstances that pushed Egypt back to autocratic rule.

Egypt's former president Mohamed Morsi has died in court

A day after Egypt former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohamed-morsi-ousted-president-of-egypt-dies-in-court-during-trial-228135">Mohamed Morsi</a> collapsed and died in state custody, United Nations rights office has called for an 'impartial inquiry by an independent body' into the case.

Rupert Colville, the spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, "Any sudden death in custody must be followed by a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body to clarify the cause of death."

"Concerns have been raised regarding the conditions of Mr Morsi's detention, including access to adequate medical care, as well as sufficient access to his lawyers and family, during his nearly six years in custody," Colville said. &nbsp;

Colville also noted that Morsi "also appears to have been held in prolonged solitary confinement," and said the investigation must "encompass all aspects of the authorities' treatment of Mr Morsi to examine whether the conditions of his detention had an impact on his death."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-former-president-mohamed-mursi-dies-report-228094">Morsi, who died at the age of 67</a>, was Egypt's first democratically elected president in 2012 after the Arab Spring uprisings. After a brief turbulent year in power. He was overthrown by the army in 2013.

He died Monday after collapsing during a trial hearing in a Cairo court.

Morsi was a top figure in the now-banned movement, the Muslim Brotherhood.

Mulim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice political party said in a statement published on its website accused Egyption authorities for being responsible for the Morsi's death.

The Egyptian authorities "put him in solitary confinement... They withheld medication and gave him disgusting food... They did not give him the most basic human rights," the statement said.

Morsi was sentenced to death in May 2015 for his role in jailbreaks during the uprising that ousted his predecessor, longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. But this was overturned in 2016.

Morsi was serving a 20-year prison sentence for a conviction arising from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012, and a life sentence for espionage in a case related to the Gulf state of Qatar. He had denied the charges.

Reports said Morsi on Monday was in court for a hearing on charges of espionage emanating from suspected contacts with the Palestinian based group Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Egypt former President Mohamed Morsi collapsed and died in state custody, United Nations rights office has called for an 'impartial inquiry by an independent body' into the case.

A day after Egypt former President Mohamed Morsi collapsed and died in state custody, United Nations rights office has called for an 'impartial inquiry by an independent body' into the case. Rupert Colville, the spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, "Any sudden death in custody must be followed by a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body to clarify the cause of death." "Concerns have been raised regarding the conditions of Mr Morsi's detention, including access to adequate medical care, as well as sufficient access to his lawyers and family, during his nearly six years in custody," Colville said. Colville also noted that Morsi "also appears to have been held in prolonged solitary confinement," and said the investigation must "encompass all aspects of the authorities' treatment of Mr Morsi to examine whether the conditions of his detention had an impact on his death." Morsi, who died at the age of 67, was Egypt's first democratically elected president in 2012 after the Arab Spring uprisings. After a brief turbulent year in power. He was overthrown by the army in 2013. He died Monday after collapsing during a trial hearing in a Cairo court. Morsi was a top figure in the now-banned movement, the Muslim Brotherhood. Mulim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice political party said in a statement published on its website accused Egyption authorities for being responsible for the Morsi's death. The Egyptian authorities "put him in solitary confinement... They withheld medication and gave him disgusting food... They did not give him the most basic human rights," the statement said. Morsi was sentenced to death in May 2015 for his role in jailbreaks during the uprising that ousted his predecessor, longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. But this was overturned in 2016. Morsi was serving a 20-year prison sentence for a conviction arising from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012, and a life sentence for espionage in a case related to the Gulf state of Qatar. He had denied the charges. Reports said Morsi on Monday was in court for a hearing on charges of espionage emanating from suspected contacts with the Palestinian based group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations calls for 'impartial inquiry by independent body into death of Egypt's Mohamed Morsi

An explosion targeting a tourist bus injured at least 12 people near a new museum being built close to the Giza pyramids in Egypt on Sunday. Pictures posted on social media showed a bus with some of its windows blown out or shattered, and debris in the road next to a low wall with a hole in it.

Explosion targets tourist bus near new Egyptian Museum

A bomb blast hit a tourist bus near Egypt's famed Giza pyramids on Sunday, wounding at least 17 people, including South Africans, in the latest blow to the country's tourism industry.

The roadside bomb went off as the bus was being driven in Giza, also causing injuries to Egyptians in a nearby car, medical and security sources said.

There were no deaths reported.

"A device exploded and smashed the windows of a bus carrying 25 people from South Africa and a private car carrying four Egyptians," the security source said.&nbsp;

Video footage captured by AFP showed the bus and car with broken windows on the side of the road.

According to the security source, the wounded were being treated for scratches caused by the broken glass.

Ndivhuwo Mabaya, spokesman for South Africa's department of international relations, told AFP that "there might be South Africans involved" but declined to give any figures.

Sunday's incident comes after three Vietnamese holidaymakers and their Egyptian guide were killed when a roadside bomb hit their bus as it travelled near the Giza pyramids outside Cairo in December.

It also comes just little more than a month before the African Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt is to kick off.

Egypt has been battling an insurgency that surged especially in the turbulent North Sinai region following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who was replaced by former army general Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

In February 2018, the army launched a nationwide operation against militants, focusing mainly on the North Sinai region.

Some 650 militants and around 45 soldiers have been killed since the start of the offensive, according to separate statements by the armed forces.

Since first being elected in 2014, Sisi has presented himself as a bulwark against terrorism, promising stability and increased security.

Recently, the country's vital tourism industry has started to slowly rebound after suffering strong blows due to deadly attacks targeting tourists following the turmoil of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

Figures by the official statistics agency showed that tourist arrivals reached 8.3 million in 2017, compared with 5.3 million the previous year.&nbsp;

Authorities have gone at great lengths to lure tourists back, touting a series of archaeological finds and a new museum next to the pyramids, as well as enhanced security at airports and around ancient sites.&nbsp;

But that figure was still far short of the record influx of 2010 when more than 14 million visitors flocked to see the country's sites.

A bomb blast hit a tourist bus near Egypt's famed Giza pyramids on Sunday, wounding at least 17 people, including South Africans, in the latest blow to the country's tourism industry.

A bomb blast hit a tourist bus near Egypt's famed Giza pyramids on Sunday, wounding at least 17 people, including South Africans, in the latest blow to the country's tourism industry. The roadside bomb went off as the bus was being driven in Giza, also causing injuries to Egyptians in a nearby car, medical and security sources said. There were no deaths reported. "A device exploded and smashed the windows of a bus carrying 25 people from South Africa and a private car carrying four Egyptians," the security source said. Video footage captured by AFP showed the bus and car with broken windows on the side of the road. According to the security source, the wounded were being treated for scratches caused by the broken glass. Ndivhuwo Mabaya, spokesman for South Africa's department of international relations, told AFP that "there might be South Africans involved" but declined to give any figures. Sunday's incident comes after three Vietnamese holidaymakers and their Egyptian guide were killed when a roadside bomb hit their bus as it travelled near the Giza pyramids outside Cairo in December. It also comes just little more than a month before the African Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt is to kick off. Egypt has been battling an insurgency that surged especially in the turbulent North Sinai region following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who was replaced by former army general Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In February 2018, the army launched a nationwide operation against militants, focusing mainly on the North Sinai region. Some 650 militants and around 45 soldiers have been killed since the start of the offensive, according to separate statements by the armed forces. Since first being elected in 2014, Sisi has presented himself as a bulwark against terrorism, promising stability and increased security. Recently, the country's vital tourism industry has started to slowly rebound after suffering strong blows due to deadly attacks targeting tourists following the turmoil of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. Figures by the official statistics agency showed that tourist arrivals reached 8.3 million in 2017, compared with 5.3 million the previous year. Authorities have gone at great lengths to lure tourists back, touting a series of archaeological finds and a new museum next to the pyramids, as well as enhanced security at airports and around ancient sites. But that figure was still far short of the record influx of 2010 when more than 14 million visitors flocked to see the country's sites.

Bomb blast hits tourist bus near Egypt pyramids, 17 injured

An Egyptian man was sentenced to death by hanging on Sunday for a deadly attack on a Cairo church in 2017, a judicial source said.

A Cairo criminal court sentenced the man for "murdering nine Copts and a policeman, possessing weapons and forming a terrorist group linked to IS," the source said.

The attack which killed 10 people was claimed by the Islamic State group. The attack targeted the Saint Mina Coptic church in Helwan, on the southern outskirts of Cairo.

According to the authorities, the attacker was armed with an assault rifle, ammunition and a bomb he intended to detonate at the church.

Two others were sentenced in absentia to life in prison, four received 10-year terms and two were given three years each in prison. Another defendant was acquitted.&nbsp;

All of those convicted have the possibility to appeal.

(With inputs from AFP)

An Egyptian man was sentenced to death by hanging on Sunday for a deadly attack on a Cairo church in 2017, a judicial source said. A Cairo criminal court sentenced the man for "murdering nine Copts and a policeman, possessing weapons and forming a terrorist group linked to IS," the source said.

An Egyptian man was sentenced to death by hanging on Sunday for a deadly attack on a Cairo church in 2017, a judicial source said. A Cairo criminal court sentenced the man for "murdering nine Copts and a policeman, possessing weapons and forming a terrorist group linked to IS," the source said. The attack which killed 10 people was claimed by the Islamic State group. The attack targeted the Saint Mina Coptic church in Helwan, on the southern outskirts of Cairo. According to the authorities, the attacker was armed with an assault rifle, ammunition and a bomb he intended to detonate at the church. Two others were sentenced in absentia to life in prison, four received 10-year terms and two were given three years each in prison. Another defendant was acquitted. All of those convicted have the possibility to appeal. (With inputs from AFP)

Egypt condemns man to death for Cairo church attack

The St. Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai houses manuscripts that document Christian history. and now, they are being digitised to guarantee that these invaluable records are not lost with time and war. Watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia Post, every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION, World Is One.

The West Asia Post: World's oldest library in Egypt goes digital

After three days of voting, Egyptians approved a constitutional referendum that will allow Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to remain in office until 2030. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, World Is One.

The West Asia Post: Al-Sisi wins referendum to extend rule

A few kilometers south of the three Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, an Egyptian archaeological mission has unearthed three, including one that was shared by two priests over 4,400 years ago.

Three tombs discovered under Egypt’s Great Pyramids

After three days of voting, Egyptians approved a constitutional referendum that will allow Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to remain in office until 2030. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, world is one.

The St. Catherine's monastery at mount Sinai houses manuscripts that document christian history. and now, they are being digitised to guarantee that these invaluable records are not lost with time and war. watch this and many more stories like this from the west-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia Post, every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION, world is one.

Living in Gaza is not easy for human beings, let alone animals. it's high time they move to safer habitats. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on the West Asia Post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, world is one.

The West Asia Post: Animals evacuated from Gaza's last zoo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-defends-belt-and-road-says-not-exclusive-club-213575">Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club'</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macrons-main-measures-in-response-to-yellow-vest-protests-213552">French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests</a>

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">Egypt referendum firms up Sisi rule as regional unrest flares&nbsp;</a>

As mass protests rock other Arab countries, a snap referendum in Egypt has gone against the grain and cemented President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's rule for years to come.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-kenneth-hits-mozambique-after-lashing-comoros-213569">Cyclone Kenneth hits Mozambique after lashing Comoros</a>

Cyclone Kenneth battered northern Mozambique on Thursday with gusts of up to 280 km per hour (174 miles per hour) after killing three people on the island nation of Comoros overnight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-pm-modi-to-file-his-nomination-from-varanasi-parliamentary-seat-today-213557">Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to file nomination from Varanasi today</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi on Friday.

All senior leaders of the BJP, NDA and North East Democratic Alliance are expected to be present in the city to mark the occasion. For today, the Prime Minister is expected to begin his schedule with prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club' Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club' Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club". French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority. Egypt referendum firms up Sisi rule as regional unrest flares As mass protests rock other Arab countries, a snap referendum in Egypt has gone against the grain and cemented President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's rule for years to come. Cyclone Kenneth hits Mozambique after lashing Comoros Cyclone Kenneth battered northern Mozambique on Thursday with gusts of up to 280 km per hour (174 miles per hour) after killing three people on the island nation of Comoros overnight. Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to file nomination from Varanasi today Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi on Friday. All senior leaders of the BJP, NDA and North East Democratic Alliance are expected to be present in the city to mark the occasion. For today, the Prime Minister is expected to begin his schedule with prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-extending-sisis-rule-passed-with-8883-votes-election-board-213071">Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi</a> on Tuesday called on the international community to find a political solution to the conflict in Libya.

Speaking at an African leaders conference discussing the Libyan crisis, Sisi said Libya's police and army must provide stability and safety and counter the armed factions.

Forces supporting Libya's internationally recognized government pushed back troops loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar to more than 60 kilometres&nbsp;southwest of the capital Tripoli, Reuters reporters said.

Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), which is allied to a rival government in eastern Libya, mounted an offensive on Tripoli almost three weeks ago but despite heavy fighting last week it has failed to breach the city's southern defences.

Meanwhile, Egypt's election board said today that referendum to extend President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rule until 2030 has been passed with 88.83 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday called on the international community to find a political solution to the conflict in Libya. Speaking at an African leaders conference discussing the Libyan crisis, Sisi said Libya's police and army must provide stability and safety and counter the armed factions.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday called on the international community to find a political solution to the conflict in Libya. Speaking at an African leaders conference discussing the Libyan crisis, Sisi said Libya's police and army must provide stability and safety and counter the armed factions. Forces supporting Libya's internationally recognized government pushed back troops loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar to more than 60 kilometres southwest of the capital Tripoli, Reuters reporters said. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), which is allied to a rival government in eastern Libya, mounted an offensive on Tripoli almost three weeks ago but despite heavy fighting last week it has failed to breach the city's southern defences. Meanwhile, Egypt's election board said today that referendum to extend President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rule until 2030 has been passed with 88.83 per cent votes.

Egypt's Sisi says world must find solution for Libya crisis

Egyptians expressed mixed opinions while voting on Saturday (April 20) for constitutional changes that could see President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to stay in office until 2030 while also bolstering the role of Egypt's powerful military.

Egypt: Final vote on extending Sisi's regime

Huawei will roll out 5G phone network for the first time during this summer's Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt's minister of communications and information technology said on Sunday.

The Chinese firm will introduce the technology at the 74,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium which is set to host 10 games including the final during the competition.

"Egypt wishes to cooperate with Huawei in the field of artificial intelligence, technology transfer and with 5G," Amr Talaat said.

Huawei is the leading manufacturer of equipment for next-generation 5G mobile signal with almost instantaneous data transfer that will become the nervous system of Europe's economy, in strategic sectors like energy, transport, banking and health care.

However, some Western nations have barred it amid fears Beijing could gain access to sensitive communications and critical infrastructure but Huawei denies all these accusations.

The biennial Cup of Nations takes place between June 21 and July 19 in the north African country.

Defending champions and original hosts Cameroon are in a tricky group alongside Ghana, Benin and Guinea-Bissau.

Egypt was awarded the staging rights

Huawei will roll out 5G phone network for the first time during this summer's Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt's minister of communications and information technology said on Sunday.

Huawei will roll out 5G phone network for the first time during this summer's Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt's minister of communications and information technology said on Sunday. The Chinese firm will introduce the technology at the 74,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium which is set to host 10 games including the final during the competition. "Egypt wishes to cooperate with Huawei in the field of artificial intelligence, technology transfer and with 5G," Amr Talaat said. Huawei is the leading manufacturer of equipment for next-generation 5G mobile signal with almost instantaneous data transfer that will become the nervous system of Europe's economy, in strategic sectors like energy, transport, banking and health care. However, some Western nations have barred it amid fears Beijing could gain access to sensitive communications and critical infrastructure but Huawei denies all these accusations. The biennial Cup of Nations takes place between June 21 and July 19 in the north African country. Defending champions and original hosts Cameroon are in a tricky group alongside Ghana, Benin and Guinea-Bissau. Egypt was awarded the staging rights

China's Huawei to launch 5G at Africa Cup of Nations

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 17th April 2019

Egypt's parliament has approved constitutional amendments that would allow President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to stay in power until 2030. Sisi is due to stand down in 2022, when his second four-year term ends.

Egypt constitutional changes could mean Sisi rule until 2030

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-raises-minimum-wage-to-help-assuage-economic-hardships-206801">Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi</a> met Sunday with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces are fighting for control of the capital Tripoli, state media reported.

They "are discussing the latest developments in Libya" at the presidential palace in Cairo, state newspaper Al Ahram said.

A presidential spokesperson did not return AFP's calls for confirmation.

Sisi has been an ardent supporter of Haftar's forces, which control swathes of eastern Libya and launched an offensive on April 4 to take the capital.

Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people and wounded 561, the World Health Organization said on Sunday.

Haftar has defied international calls to halt his battle against fighters loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in Tripoli.

Earlier this month, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry cautioned that the conflict could not be solved militarily.

His remarks came at a Cairo press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, who also called for a political solution among all sides in Libya.

The Libyan commander has modelled his political style of authoritarian leadership after Sisi, himself an army general turned president.&nbsp;

Egypt has provided funding and arms to his Libyan National Army, seeing him as a bulwark against Islamist militants.

Haftar, who was exiled in the United States for two decades, returned to Libya in 2011 when the revolution erupted, commanding forces that eventually toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

The oil-rich north African country has been in turmoil ever since with successive weak governments in place and several Islamist militias battling for territorial control.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Sunday with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces are fighting for control of the capital Tripoli, state media reported.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Sunday with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces are fighting for control of the capital Tripoli, state media reported. They "are discussing the latest developments in Libya" at the presidential palace in Cairo, state newspaper Al Ahram said. A presidential spokesperson did not return AFP's calls for confirmation. Sisi has been an ardent supporter of Haftar's forces, which control swathes of eastern Libya and launched an offensive on April 4 to take the capital. Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people and wounded 561, the World Health Organization said on Sunday. Haftar has defied international calls to halt his battle against fighters loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. Earlier this month, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry cautioned that the conflict could not be solved militarily. His remarks came at a Cairo press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, who also called for a political solution among all sides in Libya. The Libyan commander has modelled his political style of authoritarian leadership after Sisi, himself an army general turned president. Egypt has provided funding and arms to his Libyan National Army, seeing him as a bulwark against Islamist militants. Haftar, who was exiled in the United States for two decades, returned to Libya in 2011 when the revolution erupted, commanding forces that eventually toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The oil-rich north African country has been in turmoil ever since with successive weak governments in place and several Islamist militias battling for territorial control.

Egypt's Sisi meets Libyan strongman Haftar in Cairo: State media

Hosts Egypt were handed a favourable draw for the 2019 Africa Cup on Nations finals on Friday (April 12), but continental powerhouses Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa were placed together in a tough group.

Hosts Egypt handed favourable draw for Africa Cup of Nations

Much of the Middle East’s recent turmoil stems from internecine Middle Eastern rivalries spilling onto third country battlefields and Saudi and United Arab Emirates-led efforts to roll back the achievements of the 2011 popular Arab revolts and pre-empt further uprisings.

This week’s successful toppling of ailing Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika and months of anti-government demonstrations that have put Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir on the defensive suggest that the Saudi-UAE effort may be faltering.

So does the record of the past eight years. The counterrevolution’s one success, Egypt, has produced some of the harshest repression in the country’s history.

Saudi and UAE intervention in Yemen has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, tarnished the image of the two Gulf states, and provided an opportunity to Iran to expand its network of regional proxies.

In a twist of irony, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, who justify the Yemen war by pointing to an invitation by the internationally recognised exile government of &nbsp;President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, support the rebel forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Libya.

Haftar’s forces are poised to march on Tripoli, the seat of the United Nations-recognised government of Libya, two weeks after the field marshal met with King Salman in Saudi Arabia. The fighting in Libya has turned into a proxy war between Gulf rivals with Qatar supporting the Islamist-dominated Tripoli government.

In Syria, rivals Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, who exasperated the country’s eight-year-long devastating civil war by backing rival rebel forces, are back to square one: the man they wanted to remove from office, president Bashar al-Assad, has gained the upper hand with the support of Russia and Iran.

The protests in Algeria and Sudan suggest that the social, economic and political grievances that fuelled the 2011 protests continue to hover just below the surface in a swath of land that stretches from the Atlantic coast of Africa to the Gulf.

Like in 2011, protests in the Middle East are not isolated incidents but the most dramatic part of a more global wave prompted by a loss of public confidence in leaders and political systems that have sparked anti-government demonstrations in countries as far-flung as Zimbabwe and Haiti.

The Algerian and Sudanese protests come on the back of a wave of smaller, political and socio-economic protests since 2011 that suggested that the Middle Eastern counterrevolution amounted to putting a lid on a pot that could boil over at any moment. Protests have erupted in recent years in a host of countries, including Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia.

The protests also suggest the fragility of hopes of Middle Eastern autocrats that China’s model of successfully growing the economy, creating jobs and opportunity, and delivering public goods coupled with increased political control and suppression of rights would prove to be a sustainable model in their own backyard.

The fragility of the model is enhanced by the tendency of autocrats to overreach in ways that either distract from their core goals or pursue objectives like the creation of a ‘new man’ that ultimately have failed in countries like Turkey.

Turkey’s Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been in power for the better part of two decades. Its success suggests that the effort to create a secular New Turk by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the visionary who carved modern Turkey out of the ruins of the Ottoman empire almost a century ago, has stumbled.

Egyptian general-turned president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have taken control and civilisationalism to new extremes by seeking not only absolute political power but also the ability to shape culture and dictate personal behaviour.

Al-Sisi recently ordered his officials to dictate the themes and scripts of Egyptian soap operas, a popular regional staple, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. A military-linked production company has taken charge of some of Egypt’s biggest and most successful shows.

Film directors have been instructed to focus on shows that praise the military and law enforcement and demonize the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that has been brutally targeted by Al-Sisi as well as the UAE that together with Saudi Arabia backed his 2013 military coup. The coup toppled Mohammed Morsi, a Brother and Egypt’s first and only democratically elected president.

Xi’s hopes to promote ‘core socialist values’ such as patriotism, harmony and civility amounts to an effort to counter individualism, materialism and hedonism. The campaign involves blurring piercings and jewellery worn by male pop stars during performances on television and the Internet, obliging soccer players to wear long sleeves to cover their tattoos, and ensuring that women conference hosts raise their necklines and rappers restrict their lyrics to the promotion of peace and harmony.

Saudi Arabia has argued that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul six months ago by rogue government operatives who are currently standing trial in a process that lacks transparency and has called into question the kingdom’s version of events.

The overreach suggests that Middle Eastern autocrats are unlikely to respond to the protests in Algeria and Sudan any differently than they did in 2011.

Analyst Giorgio Cafiero predicts that in the wake of Bouteflika’s resignation, Saudi Arabia is likely to support efforts to maintain control by what Algerians call Le Pouvoir (The Power) or the deep state, a cabal of military and security officials and business tycoons, The same is likely to be true for the UAE.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia and the UAE alongside Egypt continue to back Al-Bashir although he is on the defensive after months of protests that have rocked the East African state.

Whether Algeria’s ancient regime backed by Gulf states is able to retain power may well be dependent on what conclusions protesters draw from the experience of the 2011 revolts.

Like the protesters then, Algerian demonstrators need to decide whether Bouteflika’s resignation is a sufficient enough success to justify the surrender of their street power and return to a structured political process.

Indications are that the protesters have learnt their lesson.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Much of the Middle East’s recent turmoil stems from internecine Middle Eastern rivalries spilling onto third country battlefields and Saudi and United Arab Emirates-led efforts to roll back the achievements of the 2011 popular Arab revolts and pre-empt further uprisings.

Much of the Middle East’s recent turmoil stems from internecine Middle Eastern rivalries spilling onto third country battlefields and Saudi and United Arab Emirates-led efforts to roll back the achievements of the 2011 popular Arab revolts and pre-empt further uprisings. This week’s successful toppling of ailing Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika and months of anti-government demonstrations that have put Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir on the defensive suggest that the Saudi-UAE effort may be faltering. So does the record of the past eight years. The counterrevolution’s one success, Egypt, has produced some of the harshest repression in the country’s history. Saudi and UAE intervention in Yemen has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, tarnished the image of the two Gulf states, and provided an opportunity to Iran to expand its network of regional proxies. In a twist of irony, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, who justify the Yemen war by pointing to an invitation by the internationally recognised exile government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, support the rebel forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Libya. Haftar’s forces are poised to march on Tripoli, the seat of the United Nations-recognised government of Libya, two weeks after the field marshal met with King Salman in Saudi Arabia. The fighting in Libya has turned into a proxy war between Gulf rivals with Qatar supporting the Islamist-dominated Tripoli government. In Syria, rivals Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, who exasperated the country’s eight-year-long devastating civil war by backing rival rebel forces, are back to square one: the man they wanted to remove from office, president Bashar al-Assad, has gained the upper hand with the support of Russia and Iran. The protests in Algeria and Sudan suggest that the social, economic and political grievances that fuelled the 2011 protests continue to hover just below the surface in a swath of land that stretches from the Atlantic coast of Africa to the Gulf. Like in 2011, protests in the Middle East are not isolated incidents but the most dramatic part of a more global wave prompted by a loss of public confidence in leaders and political systems that have sparked anti-government demonstrations in countries as far-flung as Zimbabwe and Haiti. The Algerian and Sudanese protests come on the back of a wave of smaller, political and socio-economic protests since 2011 that suggested that the Middle Eastern counterrevolution amounted to putting a lid on a pot that could boil over at any moment. Protests have erupted in recent years in a host of countries, including Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia. The protests also suggest the fragility of hopes of Middle Eastern autocrats that China’s model of successfully growing the economy, creating jobs and opportunity, and delivering public goods coupled with increased political control and suppression of rights would prove to be a sustainable model in their own backyard. The fragility of the model is enhanced by the tendency of autocrats to overreach in ways that either distract from their core goals or pursue objectives like the creation of a ‘new man’ that ultimately have failed in countries like Turkey. Turkey’s Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been in power for the better part of two decades. Its success suggests that the effort to create a secular New Turk by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the visionary who carved modern Turkey out of the ruins of the Ottoman empire almost a century ago, has stumbled. Egyptian general-turned president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have taken control and civilisationalism to new extremes by seeking not only absolute political power but also the ability to shape culture and dictate personal behaviour. Al-Sisi recently ordered his officials to dictate the themes and scripts of Egyptian soap operas, a popular regional staple, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. A military-linked production company has taken charge of some of Egypt’s biggest and most successful shows. Film directors have been instructed to focus on shows that praise the military and law enforcement and demonize the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that has been brutally targeted by Al-Sisi as well as the UAE that together with Saudi Arabia backed his 2013 military coup. The coup toppled Mohammed Morsi, a Brother and Egypt’s first and only democratically elected president. Xi’s hopes to promote ‘core socialist values’ such as patriotism, harmony and civility amounts to an effort to counter individualism, materialism and hedonism. The campaign involves blurring piercings and jewellery worn by male pop stars during performances on television and the Internet, obliging soccer players to wear long sleeves to cover their tattoos, and ensuring that women conference hosts raise their necklines and rappers restrict their lyrics to the promotion of peace and harmony. Saudi Arabia has argued that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul six months ago by rogue government operatives who are currently standing trial in a process that lacks transparency and has called into question the kingdom’s version of events. The overreach suggests that Middle Eastern autocrats are unlikely to respond to the protests in Algeria and Sudan any differently than they did in 2011. Analyst Giorgio Cafiero predicts that in the wake of Bouteflika’s resignation, Saudi Arabia is likely to support efforts to maintain control by what Algerians call Le Pouvoir (The Power) or the deep state, a cabal of military and security officials and business tycoons, The same is likely to be true for the UAE. Similarly, Saudi Arabia and the UAE alongside Egypt continue to back Al-Bashir although he is on the defensive after months of protests that have rocked the East African state. Whether Algeria’s ancient regime backed by Gulf states is able to retain power may well be dependent on what conclusions protesters draw from the experience of the 2011 revolts. Like the protesters then, Algerian demonstrators need to decide whether Bouteflika’s resignation is a sufficient enough success to justify the surrender of their street power and return to a structured political process. Indications are that the protesters have learnt their lesson. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Middle Eastern rivalries spilling on the battlefields

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has raised the country's minimum wage to 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($116) a month from 1,200 pounds, he said at an event on Saturday celebrating women.

Sisi said the raise would apply to all Egyptian workers and added that pensions would rise by 15 per cent, with pensioners receiving a minimum increase of 150 pounds to take the minimum pension to 900 pounds.

"This was supposed to come out on June 30. But I said this matter cannot wait," the president said.

Egypt has implemented a series of tough economic measures, including devaluing the pound, slashing energy subsidies and introducing a value-added tax, to help meet conditions of a $12 billion IMF loan. The measures have left many of Egypt's nearly 100 million people struggling to make ends meet.

Remaining fuel subsidies are expected to be cut around mid-2019, and the petroleum minister said last month Egypt would implement an automatic price indexation mechanism on 95 octane petrol starting in April.

Under the measures announced by Sisi, state employees will receive a raise of 7 per cent, or a minimum of 75 pounds, while those not employed in the civil service will receive a 10 per cent raise, also receiving at least 75 pounds.

All state employees will also get a bonus of 150 pounds to help compensate for inflation, Sisi said, urging Egyptians to alter their spending behavior to help combat rising prices.

“You want to control prices, don't buy things that get more expensive. The matter is simple. By God, by God, by God, anyone selling and buying wants to profit and be successful – if they find that their prices are exaggerated and people don't go buy their commodities, prices will fall," he said.

The pay increases will cost the state 30.5 billion Egyptian pounds in total, Sisi said, noting that more than 300 billion pounds would be allocated for salaries in the 2019/2020 budget, up from 270 billion in the previous year.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has raised the country's minimum wage to 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($116) a month from 1,200 pounds, he said at an event on Saturday celebrating women.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has raised the country's minimum wage to 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($116) a month from 1,200 pounds, he said at an event on Saturday celebrating women. Sisi said the raise would apply to all Egyptian workers and added that pensions would rise by 15 per cent, with pensioners receiving a minimum increase of 150 pounds to take the minimum pension to 900 pounds. "This was supposed to come out on June 30. But I said this matter cannot wait," the president said. Egypt has implemented a series of tough economic measures, including devaluing the pound, slashing energy subsidies and introducing a value-added tax, to help meet conditions of a $12 billion IMF loan. The measures have left many of Egypt's nearly 100 million people struggling to make ends meet. Remaining fuel subsidies are expected to be cut around mid-2019, and the petroleum minister said last month Egypt would implement an automatic price indexation mechanism on 95 octane petrol starting in April. Under the measures announced by Sisi, state employees will receive a raise of 7 per cent, or a minimum of 75 pounds, while those not employed in the civil service will receive a 10 per cent raise, also receiving at least 75 pounds. All state employees will also get a bonus of 150 pounds to help compensate for inflation, Sisi said, urging Egyptians to alter their spending behavior to help combat rising prices. “You want to control prices, don't buy things that get more expensive. The matter is simple. By God, by God, by God, anyone selling and buying wants to profit and be successful – if they find that their prices are exaggerated and people don't go buy their commodities, prices will fall," he said. The pay increases will cost the state 30.5 billion Egyptian pounds in total, Sisi said, noting that more than 300 billion pounds would be allocated for salaries in the 2019/2020 budget, up from 270 billion in the previous year.

Egypt's Sisi raises minimum wage to help assuage economic hardships

An Egyptian police officer was wounded and seven suspected militants were killed Thursday in a firefight and raid in the capital Cairo, the interior ministry said.

Militants "opened fire" on security forces at a checkpoint on the southern part of the city's ring road, leaving one officer wounded and three attackers dead, the ministry said.

"The militants driving a pick-up truck disguised in electricians' work clothes were planning a hostile act planting a bomb in Giza," the statement said.&nbsp;

An explosive device, guns and electric cables were found in the truck, the ministry said.

Checkpoints had been set up in response to intelligence that militants "had been planning a series of attacks with the aim of sowing chaos".

Traffic was clear along the southern Giza Ring Road on Thursday morning, an AFP photographer said.

Four other suspected militants were killed in a raid on an apartment in the southern outskirts of Cairo, where bomb-making material and weapons were found, the interior ministry said.

The government said those killed in both incidents were part of the militant Hasm group, an armed affiliate of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

Authorities led a crackdown on Brotherhood members after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, jailing many supporters on terror charges.

The Hasm group emerged in 2016 and has in the past claimed responsibility for several attacks including those against judges and police officers.

Egypt has been battling an insurgency since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power in 2014.

A military offensive launched last February against the Islamic State group in the Sinai Peninsula has killed more than 550 suspected jihadists and around 50 soldiers, according to official figures.

An Egyptian police officer was wounded and seven suspected militants were killed Thursday in a firefight and raid in the capital Cairo, the interior ministry said.

An Egyptian police officer was wounded and seven suspected militants were killed Thursday in a firefight and raid in the capital Cairo, the interior ministry said. Militants "opened fire" on security forces at a checkpoint on the southern part of the city's ring road, leaving one officer wounded and three attackers dead, the ministry said. "The militants driving a pick-up truck disguised in electricians' work clothes were planning a hostile act planting a bomb in Giza," the statement said. An explosive device, guns and electric cables were found in the truck, the ministry said. Checkpoints had been set up in response to intelligence that militants "had been planning a series of attacks with the aim of sowing chaos". Traffic was clear along the southern Giza Ring Road on Thursday morning, an AFP photographer said. Four other suspected militants were killed in a raid on an apartment in the southern outskirts of Cairo, where bomb-making material and weapons were found, the interior ministry said. The government said those killed in both incidents were part of the militant Hasm group, an armed affiliate of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Authorities led a crackdown on Brotherhood members after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, jailing many supporters on terror charges. The Hasm group emerged in 2016 and has in the past claimed responsibility for several attacks including those against judges and police officers. Egypt has been battling an insurgency since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power in 2014. A military offensive launched last February against the Islamic State group in the Sinai Peninsula has killed more than 550 suspected jihadists and around 50 soldiers, according to official figures.

Seven militants dead after firefight, raid in Egypt's capital: Interior ministry

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