One Arab World

I'm going to quit this for a while. Maybe later; I'm just too tired and disgusted for now.

Peace. 

Government paperwork; everything from Power of Attorneys to Titles, Leases, and Agreements. I would guess half a gigs worth; my pda could handle this.

I address this very short letter to you and to all the honorable and free people in the world, to all the representatives of the free people and those whose consciences refuse oppression, injustice, false accusations and merciless murder.

My letter is very short due to the circumstances out of my control restricting my freedom and depriving me of my human rights, the foremost of which is the right to write, express and reject the injustice and suffering I am subjected to!!

The day my freedom was taken away in January 2005, your great efforts -after God and combined with the efforts of my supporters- played a crucial role in my release. The first faces I saw -an honor to me- were the faces of a delegation of European male and female parliament representatives. Your visit to me during my imprisonment is not only reason for breaking the doors of this prison and my temporary release, it also gave me the possibility of exercising my right in running for the first presidential election. I was imprisoned to prevent me from running for the election in January 2005. With God's grace and the enthusiasm of the reformists I was able to come in second to the president and be the only competitor to him and his son despite the rigging and all forms of injustice, defamation and changing the results. I also paid an extra price when my constituency's election results were rigged thus causing me to lose my permanent seat in the parliament due to blatant rigging. Some of you were in Cairo and witnessed a part of the tragedy.

Today I pay a new and high price as punishment for having run for the presidential election. I am also being prevented from continuing the democratic reform path in Egypt so that the current regime can strengthen its presence by claiming there is no alternative for it other than fundamentalism and terrorism, thus forcing people inside and outside Egypt to accept its presence.

Unfortunately, ladies and gentlemen, I do not pay this price alone. My children, family, party, my whole generation and all the reformists in this country pay the price, too. I lost my freedom, my work as a lawyer, journalist and chairman of the first and only civil political party to be established in a quarter of a century, the duration of Mubarak's rule. I am threatened of remaining in prison for five years and prevented from exercising my political rights for another five years to guarantee that Egypt is inherited by Mubarak's son, as well as making me an example to anyone who thinks of breaking the power monopoly not only in Egypt but in the Arab world!!

I call upon you to exert every effort to defend my fair case not for my sake, nor for the sake of my children or my party that is being destroyed, my human rights which are violated in this prison every morning, or my life which illness, injustice and oppression are eating away at. I ask you to defend my fair case to keep hope alive for the coming generations which we do not want to lose hope. It is for these generations that I call upon you to exert every effort to defend my fair case and to visit me in prison to witness the truth which the Egyptian regime is very good at concealing and telling lies to prove the opposite. Free people of the world. I am dying alone for a principle, for my country and for freedom.

Please raise my voice before my spirit departs this world.

- Ayman Nour

Help get this out and sign this. Also check this and this out.

- Karim Elsahy

10% can go a long way. We want to make it go even further.

As the next step towards what it is we want to accomplish here at One Arab World we are founding an “Act Tank” in Cairo. In an obvious sense of the term this Act Tank will act as both a think tank and a grass roots activism organization combined. We are going to first determine the problems we face, figure the most effective way to counter the problem; how best to approach a solution within the means we have, then actually go out and implement; hands dirty.

One of the companies I founded and chair has graciously agreed to direct 10% of all its net proceeds towards our Act Tank.

We’ve got several projects on our roster ; each person on our committee (5) has a baby. Here is mine.

I am one of few that believe that Egypt’s largest problems aren’t governmentally related; not even religious. In one of our debates here the question of Islamic reformation was met by a very interesting reply. “It is not Islam that needs reformation, it is Muslims that need reformation.”

I found that very interesting and I took it and applied it to our other notorious sectors. Politics, business, development…ect.

How far we can get on what we have is more important than how much more we can get.

So here it is.

I believe that one of, not Egypt’s, but Egyptians worst setbacks is a phenomenal increase in intolerance. I am fairly young but I am certainly old enough to see that phenomena grow. Christians, the white man in general, Shia/Sunni, gulf Arabs,…..ect. and of course… The Jew.

It’s bad for morality, business, and growth and it’s got to end. Here is what we are going to do; and as with any good plan it is simple as hell.

Analysis; It is easy to demonize something or someone you’ve never met (There are reportedly 38 Egyptian Jews left in Egypt and while I cant back this up with real statistics I would bet my life that not more than 1% of Egyptians have ever actually met a Jew). Solution; Met some Jews.

Implementation;

Step One, “Meet your Cousin”: Fly some Jews in from around the world (maybe five or six), hold a two day conference at a university, pack the hall with a bunch of curious Egyptian students, have the guests tell everyone about their lives, what they do, their political inclinations, their families, their beliefs, and so on, Q&A then refreshments.

I just got off the phone with a good friend of mine that was on my Thesis Committee (A 75 Year Urban City Plan for Jerusalem). He is the Rabbi of the third oldest congregation in America. He liked the idea a lot and is not only willing to help but thinking of coming himself. If anyone else would like to come or help shoot me an email.

Step Two, “The Pioneer Program”: Following in the footsteps of a very courageous idea, we are going to begin funding the temporary swap of Arab and Israeli bloggers… Let me explain. Rabbi Belzer is the founder and vp of an organization in Ireland that brings Palestinians and Israelis together to develop understanding… a beautiful objective.

This is like that on steroids. We are going to send Arab bloggers to Israel and Israeli bloggers to Arab countries to blog. When you do that you don’t just send the blogger ; you send his or her entire readership. Same amount of money, much bigger impact. I think we can fund a trip a month once we get started.

We are aiming to start before the end of the year (founding a NGO in Egypt is a ton of fun) but if you are interested start emailing us. For the bloggers thing we are going to be looking very heavily at stats.

If we don’t make an effort we are going to keep tightening the constraints on what it means to be us till there is no one left but you and your brother… not even your cousin.

I do have a couple in mind already though ;)

- Karim Elsahy

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Im not one to relish in this, I’m even against the death penalty but….

Burn in hell, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

- Karim Elsahy

Ok, we’ve ironed out the trip to a slightly more acceptable form and it has got to be the dumbest route I’ve ever heard of. Please feel free to criticize and any alternative suggestions would be great.

We are going to post from each of these points. We are going to link to backgrounds of the city, post pictures of both the city and the route there, set up interviews with everyone from politicians to the average Joe (or Ahmed) and maybe give an opinion or two.

1: Start point, Alexandria, Egypt

2: Mars Matrouh, Egypt (Closest real Egyptian city to the Libyan Border)

3: Egyptian – Libyan Border: We are still working on the paper work but it seems to  be going smoothly.  Any help would still be appreciated though.

4:Banghazi, Libya

4-5:Optional stop en route to Tripoli (We’ve got a few of these depending on how interesting things seem)

5: Tripoli, Libya

6: Libyan – Tunisian Border

7: 2-3 optional stops en route to Tunis

8: Carthage ruins, Tunisia

9: Tunisian – Algerian Border (here is where it starts to get a little freaky; we read unpleasant things about disappearing tourists)

10: Algiers, Algeria

11: Oran, Algeria (and this is where the route gets stupid;  see Algeria and Morocco are a bit cross with one another over a little misunderstanding called Western Sahara and hence have no relations and the borders are closed. In the most simplistic of solutions we are going to ferry to Spain from Oran then back to Morocco, because Morocco is not to be missed of course, then back to Spain and onward… yes you read right.)

12 - 13: Via ferry we get to Alicante, Spain then on to Almeria, Spain for another 10 hour ferry back to Africa; Melilla, Morocco to be exact (actually I think it may be Spanish territory…we’ll find out.)

14: Fes, Morocco

15: Marrakech, Morocco

16: Safi, Morocco (option)

17: Casablanca, Morocco

18: Rabat, Morocco

19: Tangier, Morocco to Tarifa, Spain via ferry

20: The Andalusia leg of the trip starting with Seville, Spain

21: Cordoba, Spain

22: Granada, Spain (after this we pick up the pace. We’ve seen Western Europe and it gets real expensive from here on so we drive like hell to Eastern Europe. As far as the blog is concerned this is the end of the trip anyway)

23:Barcelona, Spain

24: Turin, Italy

25 – 35ish: Eastern Europe to Greece

Ship car from Greece and fly home.

Trip time: 5-6 weeks. Start date: First week of September 2006. Transportation: 01 Jeep Cherokee, 80,000 km. Protection: Mace, baseball bat, and I vetoed Tamers idea to bring an electric shock on the bases that the boarders are tough enough as is.  Gear: Mini DV cam, Professional Digital Camera, two laptops with extra batteries, satellite phone,  nav system, and 5000+ play list (Napster to Go). Desert experience: spent some time with some bedwen in Sinai and watched a discovery channel special; but we got a lot of heart baby.

I’ve been getting a lot of emails with important things not to miss and some great hook ups from places to crash to interview setups to paperwork setups and it is much appreciated… keep em coming. We are also getting some sponsorship for the trip.

-          Karim Elsahy

A predictable outlook on International Relations

Predictable, since there is no empirical evidence to support it, only an inclusive analysis of the global system as it is today, and how it will probably look like in the future, if it stays on the course that is currently in motion. The motion, or the driving mechanism I speak of, is globalization. It has bestowed its rules indiscriminately on all countries, making competitiveness the absolute priority. One must question, the future that such a system mainly characterized by competitiveness, has to offer, to the international relations of countries around the globe. I once pondered on the novelty of that word "competitiveness", when I said "It would be ignorant to not see that barriers are being torn down constantly, yet it would be the pinnacle of ignorance to not see the system of blocs that is being created to replace them in order to alleviate competitiveness, that replaces those torn down barriers with ever larger and sturdier walls. What will happen fifty years along the road of globalization? Will it force small countries to unite in order to compete? Is the complete unification of the European continent, Latin America, the remaining relatively small Asian tigers, and the Arab World a given, or will they wither away?"

If necessity is indeed the mother of all invention, then the meshing of certain small states into one entity is inevitable. Small individual countries, no matter how robust their economic performance and their decent standards of living, will mostly strive for more, history serving as a precedent, with a few exceptions acknowledged. The pressure exerted on countries to produce and reform is often overwhelming, even after applying all necessary reforms, the sheer magnitude of their economies will obviously be a crucial element contributing to just how much they can offer their people. Therefore the countries that find themselves in a position to unite with other similar countries (ethnically or ideologically), in order to expand and enrich their economies will inevitably do so, out of economic needs, if not desirable ideological dreams. Here, a dummy system has been created, to experiment with the notion of one of the predicted blocs that would stem directly from the effects of globalization in the future, (In this case, the Arab world)   

The idea behind introducing a truly unique democratic model tailored to cater the Arab world is simple. It is first and foremost, about Arab competitiveness in the global system. Implemented with validity by way of the ballot box, this system will put into consideration the freedom of man to be, and to choose his own destiny. If man is to be presumed free by nature, then any constraints on his freedom is unjust, as long as he is leading a life that does not harm others around him in his society. The idea behind it is to insure maximum flexibility for tranquil, economically and socially sustainable, prosperous provinces (Currently sovereign independent Arab countries), so that the citizens of that United Arab World can excel, no longer awaiting concessions from large powers in order to promote fair globalization. Instead, the urge to take matters into their own hands, due to the discontent of being the underdog in such a system, will overwhelm them. A well publicized example of unfair trade in recent years has been the developed worlds' insistence (Mainly European countries), on keeping mainly their farm subsidies in place, therefore leading to a decline in the developing worlds' agricultural exports.

The core concept is integrating the two predominant forces on both the social and political fields in the Arab World today, they are the religious/conservative and the liberal/secular. In my opinion there are certain, in fact numerous limits to individual liberty. I am equally certain however, that it is our duty to extend and expand them as much as humanly possible, in order to receive the true consent needed from man to bind him. Therefore guaranteeing both sides an equal voice regarding how they wish to be ruled is in my opinion by no means tresspassing the limits set upon individual liberty, yet still, such a goal in the current system remains unattainable at best.

-Tamer Elsahy

I have got to say (with a bit of a self pat on the back here) that there have been some great dialogues going on here. What makes them so great, in my opinion, is the extremities in the polarization of opinion represented; done so, by and large, with meticulous calculation, support, professionalism, levelness of thought, and very little bullshit (relative to politics of course) on behalf of the people that comment here.

I would like to bring particular attention to a couple of readers/commenters/regulars as an illustration of what I am talking about.

These two guys are at fairly solid ends of the spectrum; at least in the context of the kinds of discussions carried out here. I read both of them with an approach that ranges from extreme interest to fatigue. Depending on how my day is going I will open up their newest comment with an excitement that cable internet cant cope with to “damn it not this guy again.”

It’s obvious that one is a Jew and one a Muslim; hardcore at that.

So here it is; two commenters profiled:

Abd ul-Rahman Hilmi:

“I cannot disclose any personal information as I worry for my safety when considering what I say. Abd ul-Rahman is not even my real name. I do apologize for this if it causes any inconvenience. I can tell you that I am a male Arab and part of the Islamic Liberation Party. My views are the views of Hizb ut-Tahrir al Islami, you can scan through one of our sites to get a more in depth understanding."

Previously profiled here.

Andrew Brehm:

“I have few things to hide. :-)

I am 28 years old, work as a system engineer for a multi-national software company (the name of which I fear I should not make public as I am a consultant and not an employee), was born and grew up in West-Berlin, and live in Dublin, Ireland. My non-spam-trap email address is ajbrehm @ gmail.com. My home page is at http://www.netneurotic.net and on http://www.netneurotic.net/me/ you will find a picture (it's five years or so old but it's me all right). I have a blog at http://citizenleauki.joeuser.com.

Apart from computers and the Internet I am interested in linguistics, evolutionary biology, religion, politics, old/classic movies, humor, British television shows, French comic books, and food.

I attend shul (synagogue) services every Friday (very strictly so) and sometimes Saturday mornings as well. And I am well known as a good customer in the local Subway's, the Chinese restaurant across the road, and several Arab fast food places! :-) Think somebody who starts eating as soon as left alone and who complains a lot about minor things when asked how his day went, and you have me in a nut shell. And the shell fits.”

We also have our eye on a couple of other regulars; Alien Kain, Strange Attractor, a few Danes we picked up since the cartoon fiasco, and the up and coming Raccoon (shoot me out some emails with a little personal info). You people have taught me so much while almost continuously annoying the hell out of me, so to both of you and the rest of you; hats off and thank you for making this thing readable.

-Karim Elsahy

On morality and knowledge.

I should have developed on a certain knowledge based childhood. Yet it was insufficient to satisfy my thirst. Therefore, I must have remained in a state of seeking out the unattainable. Confucian oriented thoughts would normally shower my mind into an alleviated and content state, reminding me that wisdom is morality, and knowledge is unsubstantial, if it were not considered as a pre-requisite, indeed transitory vessel to attainable morality. For knowledge as a form, has changed in this age of globalization, into an unspeakable vehement creature, bent on transforming us humans into a system, the system. To be a part of the system, they say, is the righteous way of living. Righteousness becomes treachery, and the line between the purest form of knowledge, and its modern counterpart, is ever blurry. The system is global in essence, which is an acceptable trait; if and only if, it takes into account the different ideals of man, for no system should be called global if it neglects he who conforms, while shunning away he who does not. Should man choose capitalism or socialism, theocracy or democracy? What is that way of living that would best accommodate for humans in this age and the next?

Morals at war, and the clash of ideals.

Ahmadinajad says that democracy and liberalism have failed. Coming from a tyrannical psychopath, I am expected to discredit it instantaneously, yet I won’t, for it reflects the preaching of ideals of one opposing side in the war of ideas. I have personally witnessed the drive from morality for the substitution of liberalism, liberalism as a word, is nothing when preached, and everything when lived. I myself must choose liberalism, for it entails the highest form of morality, and suits me greatly when I have the leisure to experience it. The freedom to be, is not contended. Yet liberalism and democracy have been transfixed today, poised in a battle against theocratic and conservative ideals and morals. Our morals standings against theirs, is the prevailing attitude. Just like a man in battle mode, our moral standings and ideals lose all consideration to the basic elements that constitute them. Like a mad mans eyes, the void reflected there, is no more merited than our ideals today. The Denmark newspaper incident thus, serves as a vivid illustration. You cannot justify the fruits of your ideals when your ideals are at war, for they lose all substance. As weak and tender as silk they become nothing but that, ideals. Morality as a given, without the need for ideal, that is how I perceived the world I live in as I grew up in Egypt. Yet that world of morality I speak of has been fitted for war as well, by a group of people beyond my reach. All that remains is a clash of civilizations. I for one see the crucial need for change in the Arab World, concerning our moralities as well as our ideals. For that to occur we must shift from the age of defeat and despair that we live in, on to our very own age of enlightenment. The form, of which this enlightenment can take place, is discussed below.

Today we in the Arab world can no longer live without ideals. Morally induced ideals surely must precipitate a true form of morality. The ideal I speak of is a United Arab World. An ideal based on thoroughly addressing and considering, all outstanding moral issues of all different ethnic and ideological identities. A system created by all, for all. Where consideration in essence, is not to be neglected. Inclusion. Inclusion. Inclusion. Inclusion is key, within each individual Arab country, within a United Arab World, and within the global system. It is the least we can ask for as a people. Inclusion is the key element for the system to be sustainable. No longer should we need to have another Gamal Abdel Nasser. He can die, as all men do, but the ideal must remain. For the ideal, belongs to the people, and the people do not belong to Nasser, nor to any one that precedes him. We speak of Arab Unity for a reason, it is not just a passionate long held dream nor is it a void ideal, it is morality at its pinnacle. The Arab world in its current state is not even scratching its pool of potential; therefore there is no compelling reason for us to remain as thus, when we are in essence a single mixed race, with much more obvious similarities than differences. When I say it is morality at its pinnacle, I do not intend to relate my thesis to the form Arab Unity took in the 50’s and 60’s. Instead, I speak of a system of that would take all historical accounts into consideration. A system that we as Arabs can start and create together. A system that would bring with it much needed reformation of ideas, a system that would introduce identity to the people, a system that would revive and reform the much distorted ideals and morals that we plunder our lands with today.

Introductions are always dramatic, that is their purpose, therefore I presume that I have done my part here, and from now on I will try to immerse myself with the ideas and thoughts of the readership that this blog contains.

-         Tamer Elsahy

So there it is. You finally get to hear from the guy that’s been with me on almost all the things we’ve done from the anti terrorism protests to the Basilica Vigil and Itharak to our planned North African Trip. I have invited my younger brother to write regularly here so feel free to rip him to pieces as frequently as you do me.

-         Karim Elsahy

I’ve been traveling and largely away from a connection for about a week or so. I managed to rack up about a thousand emails that I’m not even close to getting back to. Most of the emails are about Alaa getting arrested which I still don’t know much about.

I am in Egypt now and will be living here for a while. Now I will finally be able to do some things I’ve been wanting to do for a while.

Once things settle a bit (a couple of more days) I’ll resume regular blogging and I’ve got a ton of exciting things I’m working on that I cant wait to share with you all.

In the mean time, if you haven’t already, link it up.

Peace.

- Karim Elsahy