Al-Ahram, Egyptian News.

Al-Ahram was founded in 1875 and is the most widely circulating Egyptian daily newspaper. It is majority owned by the Egyptian government.

Q3 2012
Syrian Insurgency Rumbles On.

The rebellion against the Syrian regime appears to have no end in sight as President Assad today outlined a new strategy to try and defeat the terrorist rabble that has made wanton slaughter its M.O. While the response of the Syrian government has appeared heavy handed at times, it is naive to simply point the finger of responsibility for the violence and massacres squarely at the forces at President Assad's command. President Morsi was quoted as saying:

When pressed on the issue of the Camp David Accords the President refused to comment on the matter saying:

Suez Canal to be made Nuclear-Free???

Rumours circulating from the Suez Canal Authority suggest they will approach the government to request the Canal be made a 'nuclear-free zone'. While Egypt has yet to ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba, the passage of nuclear powered and nuclear armed vessels may soon be prevented. A source from within the government who requested anonymity told Al-Ahram

It is believed that under the SCA's proposal nuclear powered shipping would be denied passage and vessels suspected of carrying nuclear arms would be expected to submit for inspection by the Egyptian Coast Guard and Navy. Should they refuse inspection then they will be prevented access...

Iranian President Arrives in Cairo.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Cairo today to meet with President Morsi, the details of the meeting have yet to be revealed but it is likely that the insurgency in Syria will be high on the agenda, as well as discussions on Iran's rumoured nuclear weapons program. A source from within the Morsi administration speculated that economic deals may also be in the offing which will provide much needed employment to thousands of Egyptians. An exchange of ambassadors is also likely to be conducted bringing full diplomatic relations between our two nations for the first time in decades.


Israeli Foreign Minister Accuses Egypt of Encouraging Violence in Palestine.

The right-wing Zionist bigot Avigdor Lieberman, never far from controversy, has accused President Morsi of advocating a civil war in the Occupied Territories. The President was unavailable for comment but a spokesman told Al-Ahram 'It would appear this zealot misconstrued the Presidents identification of the double standards under which Israel and the West operate, we should expect nothing less of course.' There have been conflicting leaks from the Government regarding official policy vis a vis Israel and the Palestinian question with some sources claiming the border with Gaza may be opened to to permit access for medical and building supplies without hindrance.

European Economy on the Brink of Collapse.

A series of summits in the bankrupt continent of Europe appear to indicate that the dream of the single currency may be about to end. Spain has called for a Germany free meeting to try and float the Southern European states which has caused much anger in Germany which will eventually be forced to pick up the tab for the impending collapse of the separatist nations.

Israel Assaults Gaza in Response to Rocket Fire.

The Israeli military has conducted a number of air strikes against the Hamas ruled territory of Gaza killing five people rumoured to include civilians. Hamas has also called for further attacks against Israel, a move condemned by Prime Minister Hesham Qandil.

Asked to respond to the request of Hamas to open the pressure Israel to lift the blockade the Prime Minister told al-Ahram

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Tantawi to meet Morsi to discuss constitution. - Al Gomhuria
Mido returns to al-Ahly after dismissal from Barnsley. - El Zamalek
Threat of Sunni uprising in Lebanon. - Akhbar El Yom
Navy to receive Indian warships. - El Wafd
Sam LaHood to be sent back to United States - Al Qahira

De-Mubarakisation of Egypt Crucial to Progress.

President Morsi outlined his intention to remove Mubarak era institutions and sympathisers from positions of influence, a speech met with rapturous applause outside the vacant Parliament building which the SCAF still won't permit to open. A crowd thought to be in excess of one hundred thousand rallied to cheer the President on with many waving placards calling for the Army to stay out of politics and leave the recently elected President to guide Egypt to a prosperous future. The President himself called on the crowd to appreciate the sacrifice the armed forces had made to support the toppling of Mubarak and give them time to 'come down from the high of power' that they had felt.

In Alexandria a group of thousands of youths marched on an army barracks seeming to blame the reluctance of the SCAF to hand power over and repeal the Interim Constitutional Declaration for the state of the economy and the unemployment problems blighting the land. As yet Field Marshal Tantawi refuses to even contemplate abandoning the ICD until negotiations over the Constitution between the SCAF and President Morsi continue to drag on with no signs of a breakthrough.

With much of the judiciary, senior military positions and the intelligence services having been installed by Mubarak, President Morsi faces an uphill struggle to make such sweeping changes, especially with no Parliament to support his decisions. An official close to the President told al-Ahram that they would be trying to push through an agreement with the SCAF by the end of the year and that all options would remain on the table to guarantee progress.

Mansour Plugs Levant Security Organisation.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour has suggested the formation of a 'regional security apparatus' to provide 'a united front of prosperity, stability and security' to counter Israel's military machine which continues to assault the hapless Palestinians and is readying itself for a strike on Iran's legitimate nuclear energy program. Whether such a group would be permitted to go ahead by the United States, hell-bent on maintaining Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and the 'defensive' wars it wages to assert its dominance and compel its neighbours.

Nobody from the Government was available to comment but a senior military official told al-Ahram 'the international community couldn't give a damn about the Palestinian, the Syrian, the Lebanese because these people have little to offer. We, as Muslims have a duty to protect those without the means to protect themselves and I can assure you that this will be brought to Field Marshall Tantawi at the next SCAF meeting and also before President Morsi.'

Whether this will transpire into Egyptian forces being deployed to Lebanon in the future is unclear and unlikely but it has also not been ruled out should it be requested.

Suicide Bombing Strikes Tel Aviv.

A suicide bombing in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv has claimed the lives of dozens of innocent people and wounded scores more. The attack yesterday lunch time has yet to be claimed by any group but was nevertheless responded to with the usual carpet bombing of the crowded and ravaged Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Qandil sent the condolences of the Egyptian people to Israel and condemned the attack as 'needless terrorist violence that will not serve the perpetrators interests - whoever they may be'. He also criticised the response of the Israeli military and confirmed that Egyptian Army medical units would be dispatched to the Rafah Crossing which would be opened to all who wish to leave the Strip.

Government Formed After Months of Wrangling.

President Morsi has sworn in the new Government which it is hoped will see an era of stability and progress across the nation following months of uncertainty. Although the President had originally promised greater inclusion of women and Christian Ministers, there are relatively few and the Muslim Brotherhood appear to have been granted positions which will ensure the long term 'Islamisation' of the nation.

Prime Minister
Dr. Hesham Mohamed Qandil

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Mohamed Kamel Ali Amr

Ministry of State for Military Production
Dr. Ali Ibrahim Sabry

Ministry of Finance
Momtaz Saed Abu El-Nour

Ministry of Insurance and Social Affairs
Dr. Nagwa Hussein Ahmed Khalel

Ministry of Scientific Research
Dr. Nadia Eskndar Zkhary

Ministry of State for Antiquities Affairs
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Ali Said

Ministry of State Environment Affairs
Dr. Moustafa Hussien Kamel Ahmed Moustafa

Ministry of State for Local Development
Mr. Ahmed Zaki Abdeen

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Facilities
Dr. Abdel Kawy Ahmed Mokhtar Khalifa

Ministry of Culture
Dr. Mohamed Saber Ibrahim Arab

Ministry of Justice
Counselor. Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Mekky

Ministry of Investment
Mr. Osama Abdel Moneim Mahmoud Saleh

Ministry of Education
Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Ghoneim Deif

Ministry of Electricity and Energy
Mahmoud Saad Mahmoud Balbaa

Ministry of State for Parliamentary Councils Affairs
Dr. Mohamed Mahsoub Abdel Meguid Darwish

Ministry of Tourism
Mr. Mohamed Hisham Abbas Zaazou

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Cultivation
Dr. Salah Mohamed Abdel Moemen Khalil

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
Hany Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Meguid

Ministry of Petroleum and Metallurgical Wealth
Osama Mohamed Kamal Abdel Hamid

Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
Mohamed Bahaa El Dine Saad

Ministry of Housing & Urban Development
Dr. Tarek Wafik Mohamed

Ministry of Higher Education
Dr. Mostafa El Sayed Mossaad

Ministry of Supply and Social Affairs
Zeid Mohamed Abo Zeid Mohamed

Balbaa Calls for Rapid Power Program to Alleviate Shortages.

Newly appointed Minister for Electricity and Energy, Mahmoud Saad Mahmoud Balbaa, has urged investment into new power generating projects to bring an end to the power outages that have gripped the nation and caused widespread protest and criticism. Balbaa commented that 'green and renewable energy were a long term goal but wouldn't be considered for the interim'. Instead it is anticipated that natural gas plants would be developed to harness the vast reserves held by the country. The option to move toward nuclear fuel has also not been ruled out, Balbaa expressing an interest in China's thorium fueled reactors.

Terror Attack in Sinai Kills 12.


An attack by militants on a bus carrying tourists in the Sinai has killed 12 people and left 20 injured. The bus was struck by a rocket while rounding a bend en route to Sharm el Sheikh, among the dead are a number of Europeans and a local tour guide and driver. The bus was being escorted by a private contractor which has confirmed its team are missing and presumed kidnapped. Violence in the Sinai has been escalating recently and shows no signs of abating. Interior Minister Ahmed Gamal el-Deen told al-Ahram

Asked for clarification on this issue el-Deen responded,

It has been rumoured that Defence Minister Tantawi will look to redeploy forces to the Sinai, with or without the agreement of Israel, though these will be lightly equipped and highly mobile forces with no artillery or armoured support as a sign of restraint.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Egypt to attend GECF summit. - Al Gomhuria
America resumes arms supplies. - El Zamalek
West allies with al-Qaeda in Syria. - Akhbar El Yom
Barack Obama scheduled to lose to 'unknown' candidate due to race. - El Wafd
Terror attacks rock Algeria - Spanish involvement likely. - Al Qahira

Rocket Attack in Sinai Thwarted - Hostages Executed by Militants.


Yesterdays terror attacks in the Sinai have been followed by more tragedy as the captive security personnel were executed after a raid by commando units on their hideout in the desert. One of the captured militants led the unit to a wadi near the border with Israel but apparently tipped off his comrades leading to a shootout in which the seven hostages were executed by the savage militants.

While awaiting extraction by helicopter interrogation of one of the militants revealed another cell preparing a rocket attack on the Israeli tourist city of Eilat which was prevented by hasty action from the commandos support team. The militant rocket team fled the scene but was captured along with a pair of pick up trucks outfitted with Grad launchers on the rear. Defence Minister Tantawi told al-Ahram

President Morsi called on the militants to hand themselves in or face swift punishment,

Already the mobilisation of several Army units have been reported, though it is believed the Ministry of Defence will notify Israel before deploying them to Sinai rather than run the risk of striking fear into their hearts that we stand ready to liberate Palestine.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Honey badger numbers increase in south of country - farmers concerned. - Al Gomhuria
Gas pipeline to Europe mulled. - El Zamalek
Studies reveal Great Pyramid not ancient alien weapon. - Akhbar El Yom
Republicans in United States plot new false flag for new Presidents first war. - El Wafd
Israel harvesting organs of Palestinian prisoners. - Al Qahira

Parliament Agrees to Nuclear Suez Ban.

Prime Minister Hesham Qandil praised Parliament for its bravery in banning access to the Suez Canal for all nuclear powered warships and ships suspected of carrying nuclear weapons. The ban takes immediate effect and will require warships suspected of carrying nuclear weapons to heed for inspections by the Egyptian Navy and Coast Guard or be prevented access to the Canal.

The biggest loser as a result of this law will be Israel whose submarines will no longer be granted permission to transit the Canal owing to their likely nuclear payload and probable refusal of inspection by Egyptian personnel. The United States will also now be required to transit its Carrier Groups to the Persian Gulf via the Cape.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to open bidding for oil and gas exploration. - Al Gomhuria
Interior Ministry dismiss accusations of al Qaeda in Sinai - says group doesn't exist. - El Zamalek
Amnesty for looters of antiquities announced. - Akhbar El Yom
Rumours of Russian aircraft contract leaked by Ministry of Defence. - Al Qahira

Sinai Operations Escalate - Curfews Declared.

Operation Sinai Sweep has begun in earnest as curfews in all villages and towns have been implemented by the Army and police. The Ministry of Defence has not clarified the terms of the Operation but rumours have spread that Bedouin and Palestinians are being rounded up and deported, a rumour denied by the Army. Communications with the Sinai appear disrupted suggesting telephone, radio and internet traffic is being interfered with, something confirmed by an Interior Ministry source.

Bedouin rights groups have condemned the operation saying they are being scapegoated for the governments lax security policies, Mustafa al-Sadira told al-Jazeera that there were widespread reports of the military executing Bedouin who refused to travel to concentration camps that had been set up. The military has confirmed the establishing of a number of camps for people with no identification but said they are tented areas with access to rations, water and warmth in these wintry months. Access will be granted to Red Crescent officials 'soon' say the military.

The SCAF has also confirmed a number of tunnels into the Gaza Strip had been destroyed by engineer units and that all tunnels would be destroyed. The Muslim Brotherhood has condemned the move saying that the tunnels provide the only access for goods into the Gaza Strip, a claim denied by the Prime Minister who pointed out that the crossings had been opened to goods for months now. The only use for the tunnels now being the transfer of arms, drugs and militants.

Reports have also come in to al-Ahram that scores of engineering vehicles and bulldozers have been seen on transporters travelling toward the Sinai from military depots, their destination is as yet unknown.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Morsi arrives in Tehran ahead of gas Opec meeting. - Al Gomhuria
Legal issues dog Parliamentary bill on Suez denuclearisation. - El Zamalek
Man caught wearing hat underwater wasn't wearing hat at all police say. - Akhbar El Yom
Major changes in subsidies for the poor promised. - El Wafd
Ministry of Health in contraception drive. - Al Qahira

Welfare Reforms Top of Agenda.

The Minister of Supply and Social Affairs, Zeid Mohamed Abo Zeid Mohamed, has pledged to do more to bring millions of Egyptian out of poverty and raise the standard of living for the poor. Mr Mohamed has promised his department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance are to reevaluate the poverty level of all Egyptians on the threshold between near poor and poor as well as removing access to subsidies for those outside the threshold. Under Mubarak 83% of food subsidy, 76% of electricity subsidy, 87% of petroleum subsidy and 76% of the social safety net subsidy went to the non-poor instead of the poor, a trend that Egypt can ill afford to continue for social and financial reasons.

Agricultural biomass will also be provided to rural communities to provide a source of energy that it is hoped will improve the standard of living for those in isolated regions significantly. Funding for Mubarak's legacy vanity project, the 'New Valley' will be ended and the money invested into desalination projects to increase the availability of clean drinking water, $75million of American aid money will be directed to these projects annually for the next 15 years.

Agricultural Policy to be Brought in to 21st Century.

Dr Khalil, Minister for Agriculture has said his department will clamp down on the allocation of viable farmland for tourism development. In the past millions of dollars have been raised by individuals who bought viable land for agricultural development cheaply, only to then sell this land on for 500 times the price for developing tourist resorts. He has promised an amnesty for those holding land and has promised a full refund before investigations are commenced and the land seized. Those who have profited most may be investigated and charged with 'defrauding the good Egyptian people'.

Drainage of agricultural land limits productivity in a number of areas and a work project to employ 30,000 Egyptians to improve drainage has been sanctioned. The project will begin in January with applications opening now, anybody interested can contact the Ministry direct or attend meetings at village and town halls.

Ministry of Trade and Industry has Ambitions for 2013.

The Ministry has recommended apprenticeships for manufacturing in the automobile, steel and construction industries and the expansion of factories and steel mills to boost employment and lift tens of thousands out of poverty. Minister El-Sayiad is believed to have travelled to Iran with the President to meet officials from the Khuzestan Cement Company to build a cement plant in Alexandria, while he is there he is thought to be looking for investment to expand car factories in Helwan and Salheya, potentially doubling the workforce over the next two years as apprentices complete their technical training. The apprenticeships will be open for all 18-25 year olds.

Al-Ezz Dekheila Steel Company which currently employs 5,000 staff is also looking for investment and expansion. Chinese ambitions in Africa mean quality steel is hard to come by and it is hoped that by boosting production in Egypt, steel could be exported to African states to support the development of the continent. The Ministry is planning to see Egypt rise from the 65th largest producer of steel to at least 30th by the end of the decade.

Nassef Sawiris, CEO of Orascom has said he intends to form a scholarship program and has urged other leading Egyptian businessmen to follow suit. He has pledged 0.25% of Orascom's profits to support this venture. He said 'not every Egyptian comes from a privileged background and can afford to attend leading universities and schools. The Egyptian people should lead their own way out of the financial difficulties and my program intends to help them do this. I call on other businessmen and women to invest and help the youth of our country lead us into a new era of prosperity.'


Other Egyptian Headlines.
Bamboo plant latest trend for Cairo middle class. - Akhbar El Yom
Sudanese border guard defects. - El Wafd
Egyptair passenger jet in birdstrike scare. - Al Qahira

Air Strikes Along Gaza Border - Rights Groups Condemn Action.

A series of air raids along the border with the Gaza Strip by the Egyptian Air Force have taken place according to a Ministry of Defence official. The raids made use of penetrating bombs which the official said the intent was to cause militant tunnels to collapse prior to future operations in the area. Eyewitness reports said a number of Alpha Jet aircraft conducted the strikes which were met with no opposition. There are believed to be 1,200 tunnels into the Gaza Strip and each one raises an annual fee of $2,500 for Hamas according to reports.

In other news from the Sinai operation, the Makhad Trust has condemned the treatment of Bedouin people, it claims to have evidence that the Ain Khudra has been damaged and 'violated' by Egyptian soldiers. The Ministry of Defence has denied the claims but promised an investigation. It has also issued a statement that the rights of the Bedouin are being respected, though the complex security situation makes full respect complicated in principle.

An attempt to enter Sinai across the Suez Canal by rights groups has been stopped by law enforcement groups who are controlling access via bridges and tunnels over and under the Canal. An attempt to cross by boat was involved in a near collision with an oil tanker returning to Qatar, tugs escorting the tanker used hoses and flare guns to force the barge which was having trouble manoeuvring to return from whence it came. No casualties were reported although an albatross was killed by water from the hoses. His family has been informed.

So far Interior Ministry figures indicate that 130 tunnels into Gaza have been destroyed and more than 300 suspected militants have been incarcerated and are awaiting trial. An estimated 100 tonnes of munitions, mostly rockets and explosives have been destroyed and 31 vehicles seized and turned over to locals.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Sukari mine confirms 400,000 ounces of gold produced this year. - Al Gomhuria
Mubarak Petrochemical and Gas Complex to be renamed. - El Zamalek
Palestinians hopeful of statehood bid at United Nations. - Akhbar El Yom
Court rules Mubarak will face trial in January regardless of health concerns. - El Wafd
Copts prepare for Christmas - Stocking sales through roof. - Al Qahira

Arab League Passes Resolution on Syria.

At an Arab League summit the League has passed a Resolution that will potentially pave the way for intervention by the League in Syria in an attempt to bring stability to the strife ridden nation. The text of the Resolution states reads

The Minister of Defence has confirmed that three divisions from the Army have begun exercising in preparation for deployment though he wouldn't state where. Some have speculated that they may be stationed in Northern Jordan or even to Syria, Field Marshall Tantawi also refused to rule out further deployments.

With deployments in the Sinai already, some question whether Egypt will be able to support such a large scale offer to the Arab League plan, the Ministry of Defence however believes that the Arab League members who don't provide soldiers may assist through the provision of logistic and support assets in a manner similar to other multinational peacekeeping and stability efforts.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Alexandria port progress ahead of schedule. - Al Gomhuria
Mubarak era judges replaced. - El Zamalek
European Union prepared to sell out Palestinian statehood because of Holocaust guilt. - Akhbar El Yom
Romney elected President in United States, already refuses to pay tax on earnings. - El Wafd
Arachnophobe Morsi threatens to ban spiders from Cairo - mass spider migration reported. - Al Qahir

Military Developments.

The Egyptian Air Force has taken order of a number of new aircraft in recent months, crowds gathered to witness the first EAF Su-35 arrive at Cairo West where pilots put on a brief aerobatic show demonstrating the impressive capabilities of the aircraft. Twenty of the type have been received and are awaiting assignment to squadrons. Field Marshall Tantawi described the aircraft as 'the most capable in our region and a sure sign that we take the defence of the nation seriously.'

A further twenty latest block F-16s were also received from the United States to complement those already in service. The arms package agreed some years ago also sees Egypt take possession of the latest JDAM bomb kits which can be applied to standard 'dumb' bombs to turn them in highly accurate munitions. Additional F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft also arrived taking the EAF's inventory of the type to fourteen. These are also awaiting assignment.

The recent acquisitions will see the current fleet of 60 Mirage V aircraft retired and possibly exported or returned to France for credit. The Air Force wasn't alone in its procurement with the Navy receiving its latest Ambassador class missile boat which arrived in Alexandria having completed trials off the American coast with its Lockheed Martin designers and Egyptian crew. The Navy will soon be decommissioning up to eleven vessels as it receives Indian designed ships in the coming year.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Mubarak suffers stroke in prison. - Al Gomhuria
Shark attack in Red Sea closes Sharm beaches. - El Zamalek
Trials of Sinai militants begin. - Akhbar El Yom
Copt wins lottery, pledges to build new church and Centre for Understanding. - El Wafd
Mossad laboratory clones Jew-shark hybrid to plunder undersea riches. - Al Qahir

Opinion Piece.
Sayed Waft ibn Aslam - Former Ambassador to the United Nations. (Made up.)

As the door of the Security Council slams shut this evening there is one big loser from the failure of the Council to back the Arab League. The Syrian people have been doomed to their fate as the United States has opted to guarantee the reign of Bashar al-Assad until a time of its choosing, after which it appears Washington will sanction a Turkish invasion of Syria, presumably after some form of false flag operation. Despite attempting to point out that a Turkish invasion of Syria would be an offensive action and that collective Arab security would be defensive to protect the Syrian people from the Turkish horde which massacred hundreds of thousands of Syrian people not one century ago, Washington decided instead that pledging support to its antiquated alliance was more important than the lives of Syrian civilians.

The United States was not alone in its policy of permitting the slaughter to continue. The once Great Britain played on the fact that the West had contributed financially to securing the Syrian people, this is very true of course. Britain has contributed body armour and other 'non-lethal military support' to the rebels, after all, they are the most important people on the ground in Syria. It is somewhat perverse that a nation whose military deployments are so unpopular, whose servicemen go without adequate equipment, pay, welfare, support and who see their numbers cut time and time again while its corrupt and selfish financial sector continue to prosper at the behest of a Prime Minister and Chancellor more interested in the prosperity of their cronies than the welfare of those under their charge would rather become involved in an intervention in Syria that it can ill afford financially or militarily to fight.

Ambassador Rice focused on the belief that the Arab League Resolution was solely about maintaining the regime of President Assad while missing the point that its primary aim was to see talks between the fractured and ailing SNC and the slowly regaining power Assad. Everyday that the United States waits, Assad's grip on the nation increases as his armed forces cleanse the state of those who seek to destroy it.

One thing is clear. This last week has seen irreparable damage to the reputation of the United States in the mind of the average Arab on the street. The heady days of late 1980s when America needed us as a counter to the former Soviet Union have long gone, since those days American adventurism into Iraq twice claimed the lives of millions of Iraqi civilians and children, 'a price worth paying' according to former Secretary of State Albright. America scaremongers our people about the threat posed by Iran, perhaps now the real threat comes in fact from the United States. It is clear that America views the Arabs with nothing more than contempt. Well it is time for the Arabs to come together and make their collective power felt.

NATO Prepares for Syrian Intervention.

Having rejected the Arab League's attempt to deal with the Syrian crisis on the grounds that it might lead to a war between NATO and the Arab League, the United Kingdom has dispatched a group of warships to the Eastern Mediterranean in the first stages of a build up to remove President Assad from power and install a Western puppet as in Iraq. Though nobody yet knows whether the SNC will be capable of fulfilling its anticipated role after the recent military crackdown launched by President Assad, it is now apparent that the United Nations, in particular the United States and its lapdog rejected the Arab League out of hand because of their own designs for the region.

Al-Ahram sat down to discuss the ongoing diplomatic spat with Prime Minister Hesham Qandil, here are some excerpts of the conversation:

Meanwhile in the streets of Cairo a protest outside the American Embassy saw effigies of Ambassador Rice burned alongside images of George W. Bush and Mitt Romney with '2003-2013, same region, same race, same war, different nation' banners. The crowds were prevent from getting within 200 metres of the Embassy by police who resorted to baton charges and tear gas. Meanwhile three protesters assembled outside the British Embassy, initially thought to be a sign of the waning influence of the little island of the coast of Europe, though later it emerged that they had merely exited their bus at the wrong stop.

As NATO prepares itself for a war against the Arab people once more, it is clear that this time they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Historically the West has only entertained military action against states with antiquated and obsolete weapons or that have undergone years of sanctions. Syria by contrast boasts an advanced air defence network and deadly sea denial capabilities, as well as ties to Hezbollah who can be counted on to demonstrate that the West's fears of the so called 'al Qaeda' network were little more than a rag tag group of fanatics.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Government to release details of rendition deals under Mubarak - likely to humiliate Western governments. - Al Gomhuria
Bearded lady denied right to shave by village Mullah. - El Zamalek
Speculation of Egypt-Saudi causeway deal excites Sinai residents. - Akhbar El Yom
Foreign Ministry seek to calm Tunisian fears of Russian build up. - El Wafd
Nile crocodile gains celebrity status after being photographed on surf board. - Al Qahir

Israel Stirs Tensions.

The Israeli Minister of War, Ehud Barak, has condemned the decision to host Russian forces in and around Alexandria. The owl looking former cross dresser drew parallels between Russian foreign policy and that of the Soviet Union and warned that Israel would be forced to respond, presumably by slaughtering more innocent Palestinian children to flex its muscles.

The partnership with the Russian military looks likely to expand as ground has been broken for a new 'armoured warfare training facility' south-west of Alexandria which will increase the readiness of the Egyptian Army to conduct combat operations. It is believed that a Ministry of Defence report found flaws in communications and serviceability of some of the units involved in operations in the Sinai and that in the future a greater emphasis will be placed on speedy offensive operations.

Chinese Firm to Seal Contracts???.

Rumours emanating from the Prime Minister's Office suggest that Chinese firm CCECC will undertake a number of large construction projects in Egypt soon. There is speculation that a port facility, the Egypt-Saudi causeway and investment in oil and gas facilities are among the projects listed. Prime Minister Qandil refused to comment on the deal at the present time but did deny that a deal to construct Chinese nuclear plants had been arranged.

There has been speculation for some time that China is set to build a 300MW reactor in Egypt. The Prime Minister told al-Ahram that at this time the possibility of nuclear energy in Egypt was highly unlikely on cost grounds as well as owing to environmental concerns. Mr Qandil also said that 'the idea that an independent Arab state bordering Israel may be permitted nuclear material is laughable.'

Habib el-Adly to Answer Questions on Rendition.

The new Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Maher El-Beheiry, has stated that former Interior Minister Habib el-Adly will be called to face trial over revelations that Western Governments knowingly sent suspected terrorists to Egypt to be tortured under the rendition program. The death of Omar Suleiman last year has led to files being released by his family that implicate the Mubarak regime and security apparatus in torturing foreign nationals in the presence of agents from a number of countries.

Mr el-Beheiry refused to comment on the details of the case but said Mr el-Adly had much to lose and plenty to gain by cooperating with the Court. Habib el-Adly is currently serving life imprisonment and it thought that he may be cut a deal if he comes clean on the role Egypt played in the program as well as handing over the $1billion he is thought to have stashed away during his time in office.

Pipeline to Europe?.

There has been a suggestion that a gas pipeline from Egyptian gas fields and future shale fields in the Western Desert region may be run through Libya under the Mediterranean to Italy and onward to Europe. An initial proposal to run a pipeline to Greece from Egypt has been ruled too costly but a Finance Ministry official suggested that the pipeline may help boost the economies of all parties. Funding for the project would have to come from Europe but is thought that in the long term it would be good for the ailing bloc of bankrupt nations (and Germany).

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Mukhabarat arrest 83 members, warns of more to follow. - Al Gomhuria
Rocket fire from Gaza strikes al-Arish - 2 children killed. - El Zamalek
Amnesty for looters announced. - Akhbar El Yom
Boy born with no legs had legs all along, doctors realise. - El Wafd
Welfare reforms due soon. - Al Qahir

Further Arrests in 'Spy Ring'.

Mohamed Raafat Shehata, Director of the General Intelligence Service, has confirmed the arrests of 134 members of his agency in the biggest purge of the intelligence services in decades. Shehata refused to confirm rumours that a secret department within the GIS had been tasked with 'weeding out agents whose loyalties to the state couldn't be relied upon'. Much of the upper and middle echelons of the Service have been removed and face charges of espionage, conspiring to work with foreign entities contrary to the interests of the state, selling state secrets and involvement in torture.

Sources suggest that as part of a deal with the Russian Federation the SVR and FSB provided assistance to the department known as 'Horus' to identify agents suspected of ties to the United States and Israel. Interior Minister Ahmed Gamal el-Deen suggested that it was essential to the security and sovereignty of the state that the Mubarak era security apparatus be dismantled as much as possible. There is also speculation that sentences for those found guilty will be reduced for those who cooperate on the Government's investigation into the role the GIS played in the rendition program.

Shehata made a big point of identifying and publicly humiliating Wafiq al-Dobna, a GIS agent believed to run a network of informants at the behest of the U.S. State and Defense Departments. He has called on those members of the network to turn themselves in now and face reduced sentencing and informed them that they would be found and punished. Prime Minister Qandil also called on the United States to change its embassy staff. Though he refused to say it was related to the spy scandal, he instead suggested that Ambassador Patterson represented the Obama administration which was far removed from that of the new President. He said he looked forward to welcoming President Romney's nominee and the new staff that they bring with them.

Navy Receive New Ships.

The Egyptian Navy has taken delivery of four new warships from India. Two Kora missile corvettes and a pair of Car Nicobar patrol boats arrived in Alexandria earlier in the week having concluded sea trials with their crews in India. The Kora's in Egyptian service will be renamed the Amenhotep class while the Car Nicobar's will become the Rameses class. The arrival of the Amenhotep's will see the five eldest Osa class missile boats retired by the end of 2013 as the readiness of the Amenhotep's improves.

Commander in Chief of the Navy, Rear Admiral Osama El-Gendi, said the delivery of the Indian vessels was a step in the right direction for the Navy which he said 'had been forced to feed on scraps in recent years'. El-Gendi said the Navy could expect a bright future as its inventory was modernised.

Ministry Outlines Welfare Reforms.

Zeid Mohamed Abo Zeid Mohamed, the Minister of Supply and Social Affairs, has outlined welfare reforms that will see the fuel subsidies received by industry ended and an increase in the price of fuel coupled with cash transfers for millions of families. Families have until the new year to apply for the transfers and those who are eligible will receive their transfers on January 1st. It is thought that limiting the subsidy to families and removing it from industry will save close to $3billion per year.

Ration cards for the poorest 15 million families will also be issued to ensure that they receive gas canisters at a raised price of 4 LE, still well below the market cost of 80LE. The Government will also move from fuel oil to natural gas in the new year which it is thought will cut the cost of the fuel subsidy by half which equates to a saving of almost $7billion per year.

Finally over 60% of the social safety net will be ended to those who can afford the cut. At present millions receive the subsidy despite being above the poverty level. Prime Minister Qandil revealed that 8 MPs are currently eligible 'though he expected them to end their claims soon' and that he didn't expect to see any state employees on the list in the new year. The food subsidy will continue for all however. It is thought that the annual $21billion subsidy bill will be cut by these reforms by a total of $13billion.

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Tajikistan encourages terrorist acts against China. - Al Gomhuria
Saudi firm to construct transportation network across Sinai. - El Zamalek
6 tonnes of heroin seized on Sudanese border - security increased. - Akhbar El Yom
Tantawi trapped in aircraft toilet as lock fails. - El Wafd
World continues to wait on Syria. - Al Qahir

Ministry of Supply Swamped by Applications for Cash.

Having announced new welfare reforms the Ministry of Supply has ground to a halt as its website crashed and the postal service proved unable to deal with the volume of post delivered to the Ministry. At first internet traffic was believed to be responsible for the crash however it later emerged that the site was targeted by cyber criminals angry at the proposed reforms according to the GIS.

Zeid Mohamed Abo Zeid Mohamed told al-Ahram that he was confident his Ministry would get to grips with the applications and that all who applied and were eligible would receive their coupons and transfers. He urged applicants that the system was not run on a first come first serve basis and that there was no need to rush to submit their applications.

Clerical staff have been overrun by the forms and the Ministry of Finance has admitted that problems emerged as phone lines and e-mails between the Ministries jammed as checks on applicants were conducted. They have pledged to improve the service and efficiency of their communications and offered a guarantee that they would process all applicants.

Chinese Contract Speculation Proves Correct.

Prime Minister Qandil today broke the ground at Suez City with members of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as construction began on two new port facilities either side of the Gulf of Suez. On the Suez City side a port roughly 8 square kilometres in size will be constructed just south of the city with the option to expand and double its size in the future. The Hassan al-Banna port will serve as an entry point for goods entering Egypt from the Far East and should provide employment for thousands of Egyptian workers.

Meanwhile on the other side of the Gulf to the south of Port Taofik a naval base for the Peoples Liberation Army Navy will be established to assist Chinese counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The facility will permit the docking of 3-4 warships and host an airstrip.

Furthermore CCECC has agreed to work on the construction of two liquification and export facilities at Idku and Damietta. It will provide a quarter of the funding for the projects which will see production of natural gas increase by 12BCM per year when the facilities come online some time around Q3 2016.

Welfare Reform 'Paying Off.' - Abo Zeid Mohamed.

The long anticipated welfare reforms have finally been introduced, albeit a month later than scheduled. Minister Abo Zeid Mohamed praised the transition while recognising that it had been far from easy, telling al-Ahram 'We have removed one of the most corrupt legacies of the Mubarak era. Although we were inadequately prepared for the changeover initially, I have to praise the cooperation we have received from other ministries without whom this process would have stuttered in its first week of applications.'

There have been some reported problems with some families claiming not to have received their ration cards and others claiming they have had them stolen. A ministry hotline has been launched to deal with these claims staffed by thousands of young unemployed teenagers who received free IT and call centre training after taking part in an employment lottery.

Egyptian Army Withdraws from Jordan.

Nearly a year since the Egyptian Army's largest deployment in decades, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Egyptian forces would begin their journey home. A Ministry of Defence source told al-Ahram 'At the time of the deployment we were preparing for an intervention into Syria, since then NATO have made it clear that we will not be permitted access to Syria and fractures within the Arab League over whether intervention would be a neutral peacekeeping operation or whether it would take either side have made the whole situation unworkable.

Defence News.

The Army has received 25 new Abram tanks produced locally, they have replaced 55 T-54/55 tanks which are scheduled to undergo engineering work to retask the vehicles. The Army's joint training facility built with Russia has been completed and desert exercises with Russia and possibly other SCO states in the future may now commence.

The Egyptian Air Force has taken delivery of its final batch of Su-35 and Super Hornet aircraft which have joined their squadrons for training at Gebel el Basur and Birma/Tanta respectively. The fleet of Mirage Vs has been retired and participated in a flypast over central Cairo prior to being placed into storage at Alexandria ready for shipping to France.

The Navy meanwhile has retired its to aged Chinese frigates which have both been sent back to China with no replacement yet announced. The final Amenhotep class corvette ordered from India has arrived in Alexandria, heralding the retirement of five old Osa missile boats. Two further Rameses class patrol craft are due to arrive from India in several months bringing to an end the deal with the rising Asian giant.

Finally, Air Defence Command has established six new no fly zones indicating the arrival of new equipment, though there has been no comment from the Ministry of Defence other than a statement that 'Egyptian airspace is now among the best protected in the world following the arrival of new systems.'

Other Egyptian Headlines.
Expansion of HEAX complete, Russian Air Force arrive. - Al Gomhuria
SSI to face investigation over past 'offences against the state. - El Zamalek
Agriculture predictions for year ahead 'optimistic'. - Akhbar El Yom
Minor earthquake shakes south of country. - El Wafd
Wetter than normal weather good for farmers. - Al Qahir

Pressure mounting on SNC to present goals

Pressure continue to mounts this week as more and more members of the United Nations and the Arab League specifically, have called upon the Syrian National Congress to present long term and strategic goals for it's ongoing civil war against Bashar Al-Assad and his regime under siege. Although no official support for the rebels has taken place, many experts and pundits agree that a willingness to engage in dialogue and hear the overall plan of the SNC is giving much needed legitimacy to a movement seemingly always on the brink of victory, or collapse.

The Arab League is currently discussing a motion to allow the SNC to send a representative to the body, to discuss the future of the Syrian people, and the SNC specifically. There has been no word yet on the response from the Assad regime regarding this.


Egyptian president to meet with Saudi foreign minister.

President Morsi is scheduled to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud bin Faisal Al Saud in what many are calling an important "reset" in relations after the recent SNC proposal debacle. Though still on good terms, many in the presidential palace feel that relations with the Saudi family have been strained and that work must be done in earnest to repair the communicative and cooperative dialogue between the two states. It is hoped that an agreement regarding both Palestine and the Syrian question will be reached sometime this week.

Egypt condemns Turkish aggression

Recent events on the Syrian-Turkish border have erupted into a full scale war between the Turkish government and the regime of Bashar al-Assad. After a mortar strike killing ten Turkish civilians resulted in a retaliatory strike from Turkish artillery positions, Turkey has positioned it's navy in a full scale blockade around the state of Syria, effectively isolating it from it's allies and supporters abroad.

In a serious speech given today at the UN Security Council, the Egyptian government called for the immediate cessation of hostilities between both sides and pushed the case for a no-fly zone, supported by UN peacekeepers in an effort to create a buffer zone to protect Turkey and prevent more violence in the region.


Egyptian fleet to set sail

the Ministry of Defence has announced that it will seek to send a small flotilla of ships into the Med. Sea in an effort to stem the tide of growing violence within the region. Citing calls from Egyprian citizens in the region and along the Turkish border with Syria, the flotilla will be tasked with stopping the flow of supplies to the Turkish fleet operating in the area, as well to resume normal shipping in the area.

Saudi exercise draws criticism

A recent decision by Saudi Arabia to conduct live fire testing of munitions close to the hotspot between Syria and Turkey has caused a general outcry of concern and anger across the world. Many leaders have labeled the move as both provocative and reckless. Whilst the Saudi government has assured the world that these tests were already pre-planned, most are unconvinced of the innocent maritime nature of the exercises. An Egyptian official spoke on a condition of anonymity regarding the events.

"The government has definitely been forced to choose a side after the move by the Saud government. It's definitely going to put a serious strain on our relations."