Programme missing “I cannot believe that today is 11 May and the election is on 26 May and still we do not have a clear presidential programme from Al-Sisi. We need a written programme that we can read and discuss in detail. The campaign has repeatedly promised to publish the programme. So the question now is: what could be the reason for the unjustified delay?” Suleiman Gouda, Al-Masry Al-Youm The president and the militias “If the armed militias that commit terrorist acts present a great challenge to the next president, the economic and financial militias pose an even greater challenge especially if they decide to give priority to their interests over those of the country. They have managed to impose their will on the government on various matters including the use of coal as a source of fuel despite its polluting effects. Thus, the president's stand on the pressure of these militias will be the first test he will face.” Wahid Abdel-Meguid, Al-Ahram Smuggled goods cost Egypt LE50 billion “Smuggling is one of the most dangerous threats facing the national economy. Studies show that smuggled goods cost the country LE50 billion per year in evaded taxes and customs now that smuggling has increased after the 25 January Revolution as a result of a lapse in security.” Al-Shorouk 200 Beit Al-Maqdis members in Criminal Court “The Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat said 200 members of the Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis group were referred to a criminal court for planning — together with Hamas and Al-Qaeda — to commit acts of terrorism, premeditated murder, sabotage of public property and intimidation civilians. Barakat also ordered the arrest of 97 more culprits.” Al-Akhbar A third interpretation? “The latest MB statement could have two interpretations: either that the group is about to reach a reconciliation with the authorities or that it is washing its hands of whatever will happen in the next few days. The next few days will show which interpretation is right, or else they will present their own, third interpretation.” Mahmoud Khalil, Al-Watan Facebook There is a change in Sudan's stand on the Renaissance Dam in spite of Ali Kerty statement that described the Egyptian media coverage of the dam as “comic”. Forming a national committee for the purpose after stating that Sudan may be harmed because of lack of studies on the dam shows that a change has happened. Hani Raslan My impression after listening to Hamdeen Sabahi's interview: if you want to write rhetorical speeches, listen to Hamdeen. But if you want to build a great nation, listen to Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. Magda Omar I will not choose a president who tries to impede another candidate. I will not choose a president who did not respect the law from the beginning. I will not choose a president who does not respect my mind. Mohamed Sobhi Twitter UncleFausto @unclefausto Whoever gets elected in Egypt will just be forcibly removed & then all his supporters will be hanged within a few months. #Elections2014 Kusai Kedri @KusaiKedri Egypt's U-turn? Al-Sisi to top editors: National security has precedence over freedom of speech. World Have Your Say @BBC_WHYS What is your reaction to Boko Haram's video? Should Boko Haram be negotiated with in order to secure the release of the girls? #WHYS Jonathan Bar-Gur @bargj11 BBC_WHYS Nigeria has no option but to negotiate the release of the girls as the government and army are useless. Then fight Boko Haram. arabist @arabist Stupid question, but: since boko haram wants to sell the schoolgirls, why not buy them? And once they're safe, deal with the kidnappers?
