Cabinet breakthrough “There is hope of an eminent breakthrough given the effort exerted by the new cabinet these days. The ministers are present in areas of crises or problems in an attempt to solve them on the ground. This is good work; however, it is not enough. It should be boosted by the support of the people.” Mohamed Barakat, Al-Akhbar About face “Some believe that the Saudi decision to designate the MB a terrorist organisation — along with other regional organisations — is far more significant than the same decision made by Egypt a few weeks ago. Saudi Arabia had endorsed the MB ever since its conflict with the Egyptian state under Nasser in 1954 and 1965. Many of the organisation's members and leaders travelled to Saudi Arabia then. They lived, worked and were promoted there until they were allowed to return to Egypt after their reconciliation with Sadat, also mediated by Saudi Arabia.” Emadeddin Hussein, Al-Shorouk Mutual austerity required “We know the authorities would like us to take austere measures until we pass the difficult present phase. It is perfectly acceptable to take some austere measures in developing countries, especially in difficult times. However, it is only fair that the government should start with itself. It should adopt an austere plan and reveal its outcome before it asks us to follow suit.” Heba Omar, Akhbar Al-Youm One million abodes “The Minister of Defence Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi launched the initiative entitled ‘For Egyptian Youth', through which an Emirati company will build one million housing units for low income youths in the next five years.” Al-Ahram A clear message “Before Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia, the Saudis sent the US president an unprecedented message concerning security in the region, namely the banning of the MB and its various branches. King Abdallah told Obama that he is welcome as a partner in the stability of the region, but that curbing terrorism is our job and we will deal with it in our own way.” Maamoun Fendi, Asharq Al-Awsat Facebook The international MB organisation has had its internet committees spread rumours that the state will impose taxes on expats in the hope of making them angry ahead of the presidential elections. Do not serve their purpose by repeating those rumours. Sarah M Elrashidy Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi gives the latest hint that he will stand for president, says “formal procedures will be finalised over the coming days” and “I cannot turn my back on the majority if it wants me to run for president”. The Truth about Egypt from True Egyptians Twitter Nevine @NevineZaki Such an odd week: Russia invades Ukraine, UAE, Bahrain & Saudi cut ties with Qatar & now US & China are accusing each other of HR violations!
COPTIC NATIONALISM @DioscorusBoles The Muslim Brotherhood gets a good bashing from Saudi, UAE, Bahrain, Mauritania, and, of course, Egypt. Well done!
Alexander C. Kaufman @AlexCKaufman Looks like Saudi, UAE and Bahrain are excluding Qatar from the security group for its support of the Muslim Brotherhood
Mina Fayek @minafayek According to Alarabiya, supporting the Brotherhood is mostly what messed up relations between the GCC trio & Qatar
