Topic: Al-Ahram Weekly

Ahead of elections, Egypt's state propaganda machine rolls on

Egypt's government paper Al Ahram was the central arm of state propaganda during the reign of Hosni Mubarak. Ahead of elections, it's taking aim once again at Egypt's Islamists.

Egypt 'necrophilia law'? Hooey, utter hooey.

'Necrophilia law'? Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, kids. At least until there's like, you know, some proof.

Egypt's ad hoc transition plan

Leading Egyptian presidential candidates have been tossed out of the race, distrust of Egypt's military rulers is rising, and the timeline for writing a new constitution has been tossed out the window.

Despite $1.5 billion in US aid, Egypt threatens prosecution of Americans

Egypt said yesterday it will prosecute a large number of people, including 19 Americans, involved in democracy promotion in the country, putting the country's US aid in extreme jeopardy.

North Korea not the only offender: 6 official photo fudgings

As state manipulators of the media go, few can compare to North Korea, which found it necessary to doctor an official photograph of Kim Jong-il's funeral procession. 

Just as governments are finding it easier to use technology to manipulate images, so too is the public finding it easier to spot such digital trickery. Here are six noteworthy attempts by governments to shape media coverage through image manipulation.

Freedom on the march, Egypt edition

A light sentence for the police killers of Khaled Said, another torture death in detention, and a prominent and blogger and activist arrested, all in the new Egypt.

Fatah-Hamas leadership dispute could jeopardize Palestinian statehood campaign

Fatah and Hamas are meeting in Cairo today to choose the leader of the Palestinian unity government. But strong disagreements could derail their reconciliation pact.

Egypt shifts to military justice for civilians in post-Mubarak era

A 17-year-old was sentenced to death this week amid a wave of civilian cases tried by military tribunals in as little as five minutes. Under Mubarak, civilians rarely faced military tribunals.

Egypt freezes Mubarak assets, forbids travel

Egypt today ordered a freeze on all assets belonging to former President Hosni Mubarak and his family, weeks after asking that foreign assets also be frozen.

Tunisian protests and Egyptian self-immolations

What I'm reading this morning.

Iran loses clout in Arab world

In the wake of its disputed election, Iran faces diminished support from some friends and hardening opposition among foes.

In Ghana, a political neophyte, with a household name, campaigns

Samia Nkrumah is the daughter of Ghana's first president. She's returned home to run for a seat in Parliament in Sunday's elections.

Obama's opportunity in the Middle East

To strengthen ties, he should not ask 'Why do they hate us?' but 'Why don't they believe us?'

Europeans see higher terror threat

A new tape by Al Qaeda's Ayman al-Zawahiri calls for reprisals in Europe, where officials see increasing terrorist activity and anger over provocative depictions of Islam.

New focus on undersea Internet cable security after cuts

Recent damage caused some to question the need to better protect undersea communication cables from attack.

Palestinians feud, but Egypt and Hamas working more closely

Meeting in Cairo fails to mend the divide between President Abbas and Hamas over Gaza border.