Readers' corner

Ten years on, how are we doing? Rather than indulge in vapid self-congratulation, the Weekly has asked some of its readers and contributors for objective assessments of our evolution. On the outside, looking in, they are the best judges of the newspaper's performance. Of course, answers vary widely -- in the best spirit of democracy. Maybe vapid self-congratulation was not such a bad idea after all...
DURING the past 10 years, I have seen Al-Ahram Weekly grow as a source of information on the political, social and cultural life of Egypt and its neighbouring countries. Its selection of items and its objective and well-balanced treatment of the news has turned the Weekly into a window through which thousands of Egyptians outside Egypt see their country and feel its pulse.
Because of its credibility, it has become an indispensable reference-work for departments of Middle Eastern studies in foreign universities and research institutes.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, I want to express my appreciation to the magnificent group of women and men who have contributed to making the Weekly essential reading.
Rushdi Said
Geologist and political writer
EVEN though I always keep up with Al-Ahram daily, I cannot dispense with Al-Ahram Weekly. Aside from incorporating solid translations of a number of politically and socially significant articles from the daily -- Ibrahim Nafie's editorials, Mohamed Sid-Ahmed's commentaries, Yunan Labib Rizq's reading of Egyptian history based on past issues of Al-Ahram and Salama Ahmed Salama's column are among the more luminous examples -- the week-by-week approach allows for deeper analysis and a broader reflective framework that is open to contributions from outside the Al-Ahram family, such as the articles contributed by Edward Said.
A constructively critical outlook, intellectual transparency, the regular profile feature and extensive coverage of culture, literature and the arts: all these lend the Weekly its prominence.
Mahmoud Amin Al-Alim
Literary critic and political writer
I HAVE enjoyed reading Al-Ahram Weekly since its first issue, though I cannot claim that I read every page of the newspaper. Certain articles naturally take precedence over others, particularly those written by foreign journalists like Graham Usher and David Hirst, or writers from abroad like Edward Said and Mustafa Al-Barghouti. I also enjoy reading the cultural supplement in which the latest books are reviewed.
I have often noted the newspaper's concern with internal issues, which are discussed with a frankness that remains lacking in national papers published in Arabic. I hope the Weekly will resume taking up an interest in these issues.
What disgruntles me sometimes is the presence of long articles, notably on aspects of foreign policy, which take up a whole page or most of a page, whereupon I wonder about the readers's concentration span. My feeling is that economy and lucidity are the signs of a good article in a weekly newspaper.
The arrangement of the pages, too, needs to be reviewed, though this largely depends on the number of articles on any given page.
The profile feature started out being exciting but became burdensome as the figures discussed increasingly came from outside the public sphere. I suggest stopping this feature until some new figure emerges who is relevant to current interests. How can the Weekly ignore, for example, Sharon?
Abdel-Azim Anis
Professor of Mathematics, Ain Shams University and political writer
A DECADE UPFRONT: Come every February anniversary, the face of Al-Ahram Weekly front page has been witness to current affairs and reflected the newspaper's evolution
CONGRATULATIONS to Al-Ahram Weekly on your 10th Anniversary! In a very short period of time, the Weekly has proven itself an invaluable asset to the English speaking population of Egypt. The outstanding quality of the political reporting and analysis is a source of pride to all of us who want the Middle East to be better understood abroad.
The AUC community also deeply appreciates the extensive coverage you give to cultural affairs, including our own esteemed AUC University Press. Thanks for doing a great job!
John D. Gerhart
President, The American University in Cairo
IN THE TEN years since it first appeared, Al-Ahram Weekly has succeeded marvelously in striking a difficult balance between being a purely Egyptian newspaper published by a national media institution and addressing a sophisticated, well-informed readership. In so doing, it has attained a high level of professionalism, skill and integrity in its production of solid news coverage and in depth analysis which, together with its unstinting dedication to the unbiased presentation of diverse views and its commitment to a variety of high-quality arts, culture, sports pages, make it a newspaper the Arabic language press can envy.
These qualities, moreover, should inspire the confidence of readers everywhere and merit our warmest congratulations on the anniversary of its first decade and our sincerest hopes for its continued success and excellence.
Salama A Salama
Columnist and Managing Editor of Al-Ahram
WHEN questions are asked concerning the state of the press in Egypt, I always say: Read Al-Ahram Weekly. I do not mean by that that it is a typical example of the average Egyptian newspaper, but a clear illustration of how far excellence can be reached.
Ten years of its appearance clearly demonstrate that it is possible in Egypt, today, to get into print what might at other times have been considered taboo subjects not to be touched. It combines variety of news, depth of analysis and sobriety of style that ranks it high among quality papers worldwide.
Mohamed Sid-Ahmed
Columnist and political writer
AS SOON as Al-Ahram Weekly was launched and my hands fell on the first issue, I recalled something I read while I was a student at AUC. It was a book on social psychology which spoke of the origins of that discipline, saying: "Unlike Minerva, it was not born full-grown." The Weekly defies that: it was born full grown.
What I find special about it is its objectivity, its emphasis on cultural aspects in Egypt; and its originality -- just look at the photo in the front page and dream on the thoughtfulness behind such photo journalism. Space does not permit me to write all my ideas, indeed feelings, about this paper. But the reader can guess how I cherish the Weekly if he or she knows that I keep every issue in my personal library.
Adel A Beshai
Professor of Economics, AUC and a member of the Shura Council
THE APPEARANCE of the Weekly 10 years ago was a major cultural and political event. The paper's most important feature is that it is very well produced and of a very high editorial standard. It shows clearly that Egypt, with its limited resources, can produce a paper in English of international standard, in terms of both form and content. Its coverage of a wide range of political, cultural and artistic aspects of life in Egypt is unparalleled in the Egyptian press. To my mind, it could be compared -- at times favourably -- with the Guardian Weekly. I think the Weekly's main innovation is its fantastic Profile section, which covers distinguished personalities from all walks of life. It would be a good idea to collect this series in one volume -- an encyclopaedia of major Egyptian personalities that would trace their lives and major contributions as well as their weaknesses and failures.
Mahmoud Abdel-Fadil
Professor of Economics, Cairo University
SO, TEN years have passed since I first saw the Weekly. It was a bit puzzling at first trying to figure out the genre. What was it all about? International news or local views? Entertainment directory and love of the antique, or trenchant critiques of the East and West, and of the North and South? Art, architecture, agriculture, armament, artisans, avant gardes, or accidents and accomplishments?
But then I gradually came to understand, albeit vaguely, that it was about all those things. And what a relief. I stopped asking and began to indulge myself in reading the weekly, Al-Ahram Weekly, the best Egyptian newspaper (alas in English).
Carry on. May God grant you continuity.
Abdel-Wahab Elmessiri
Professor Emeritus, Ain Shams University
THIS IS BOTH a public and a private event. The appearance and subsequent growth of Al-Ahram Weekly comprised a series of journalistic leaps -- a significant moral boost for Egyptian journalism. For the Weekly has proved that even in the south it is possible to produce a high-quality publication in a language other than the national tongue.
It is also a private occasion for me, since I think of the Weekly as a distinguished family and am proud to be one of its members, however intermittent my presence might have been. But I cherish my link and respect all other members of that family.
Gamil Mattar
Political analyst
"WE WISH it were in Arabic." This is what we exclaim, together, when we read each and every new edition of the Weekly. Those who are familiar with the Weekly share the common view that it is professional, free and critical, and meets the standards of modern journalism. Its critical edge is sharper than most Arabic language newspapers in Egypt, though this gap may quickly erode given the increasing daring of many new Arab language papers, both private and partisan.
In fact, the logic of market competition will increasingly force even old Arab language papers to fly away from the flock. Not many will do this through vigorous professional excellence: it is much easier to do it by indulging in the shock tactics of the tabloid.
I do, however, feel bad about the concentration of opinion-page writers, however good they are. Commentary needs to be diversified, and opinions themselves need to be much more pluralistic.
Mohamed El Sayed Said
Deputy Director of Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies
WAS EGYPT in need of a new newspaper in English? All aspects of the question considered, yes. Previous attempts at creating this sort of publication were made in different circumstances and could only achieve so much. It made more sense to establish a new newspaper with a new concept that would cater to the developments Egypt had witnessed. Both the administrators of the Weekly and the staff they in turn appointed have proved well chosen.
My own experience testifies to the fact that the Weekly is well read, particularly by foreigners both in Egypt and abroad, on the Internet, and through the mediation of embassies, for I have often received responses to my articles by foreigners who had read them in the Weekly. The paper's approach is open and liberated, which allows it to represent the various currents of thought and the views of the elite without restrictions, penetrating the surface of the issues tackled and exploring their depths. The Weekly must reinvent its look and format more frequently in order to expand its readership, however.
Hassan Nafaa
Professor of Political Science, Cairo University
AL-AHRAM WEEKLY is not the only newspaper to have been published in Egypt but in a short period of time it has established itself as the most outstanding of all the English language newspapers that the country has known. It is closely and attentively read by a large number of Egyptian intellectuals and members of the foreign community, including diplomats, businessmen, journalists and other resident foreigners. It is also widely read abroad by Egyptians, foreign academics and all those interested in what happens in the country.
Why the Weekly attained such success is to be explained by the content of what it offers to its readers and by the interesting blend of Egyptian and non-Egyptians among its editors and writers.
On the one hand, it offers its reader a wonderful combination of both investigative journalism and opinion columns. Unlike other English and French language newspapers published in Egypt before the Weekly, its editors are not content to present readers with a summary of the news found in Arabic language newspapers. Nor is it a copy of the daily Al-Ahram, although it does publish some of the best articles written by its distinguished editors.
On its pages one finds not only good coverage of Egyptian and Arab politics, but also stories by artists, writers, academics and public figures who have something to say about the issues that concern its readers.
The editors of the Weekly are a relatively young group of Egyptians, compared to those who edit other Egyptian newspapers, and they came to journalism by way of their interest in politics, an interest which many of them had shown while they were university students. They have, therefore, the capacity to judge what is politically relevant.
They have joined hands with a similar group of young foreigners resident in the country who have a profound understanding of the affairs of the countries or the continents they come from.
And on pages of the Weekly are articles written by a group of the most distinguished experts and journalists, keen observers of the Arab and international scene though resident abroad. Roger Owen, Edward Said and David Hirst are only a small sample of the people one is fortunate to find on pages of the Weekly.
One can only hope that, while the Weekly is celebrating its tenth anniversary, efforts are being made to make it more widely available to readers in other countries. It is an honest and objective mirror of the concerns of Egypt and the Arab world at present.
Mustafa Kamel El-Sayed
Professor of Political Science, Cairo University
IN THE PAST decade, I have been an enthusiastic reader of Al-Ahram Weekly, and I have watched the continuous progress of a respectable modern newspaper. Many sections are fascinating, including Fayza Hassan's column, the historical articles by Dr Yunan Labib Rizk, and the Profile section.
The list of cultural activities is very valuable and the introduction of the Books section was an important addition.
The weakest point in the paper is the translation of some poor quality articles from Al-Ahram daily and the omission of important articles, particularly from the opinion pages of the daily.
I would like to congratulate the editor and all staff members, including the photographers, for this great achievement.
Dr Mohamed Abul-Ghar
Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cairo University
THURSDAY is an important day for me because it is the day that I read Al-Ahram Weekly. The newspaper keeps me informed not only about politics, news, and Egyptian culture, but also archaeological discoveries, and I myself learn a lot from the archaeological stories that young Egyptian reporters write.
My students at UCLA and my friends all over the world buy the Weekly to learn about Egyptian culture and to keep in touch with their second home, Egypt. I am proud to contribute my own column -- From an Archaeologist's Notebook -- to this newspaper which sets the standard for reporting in Egypt.
On the occasion of its anniversary, I would like to wish all the writers of the Weekly Ankh wdja Snb: an ancient Egyptian greeting meaning life, prosperity, and health.
Zahi Hawass
Archaeologist and Director of the Giza Plateau
AMONG the novel additions I welcomed on my return to my beloved Cairo was Al-Ahram Weekly. What a delight, from the big story on the front page to the whimsical witticisms of the busy Madame Sosistris. All the political, social and cultural commentaries in between makes it compulsory reading!
I take great pleasure in savoring my Friday morning feast with my café-au-lait, croissants and the Weekly. I look forward to more coverage of the arts to complete my happiness.
As for the passionate and dedicated men and women behind this excellent Egyptian-born English language publication, I salute you and thank you for a job well done! Congratulations on your 10th anniversary to all you talented and capable creators of the Weekly!
Lubna Abdel-Aziz
Actress
WHEN journalism is complemented by powerful visual material -- old prints, original photography, expressive drawings -- and high-quality layout, the result is a newspaper like Al-Ahram Weekly.
And when the artist's mood agrees with that of the editor-in-chief, the result is an exhilirating working relationship with the newspaper. To the latter I can personally testify: competence and excellence are contagious, so much so that when I make a drawing for the Weekly I labour under a greater responsibility, yet I feel an greater sense of freedom.
Gamil Shafiq
Artist
AL-AHRAM WEEKLY presents an interesting variety of topics, well-researched and written to a standard that is higher than we generally find in the Arabic press.
The news writing of some foreign correspondents, though, tends to sometimes editorialise and be a bit rhetorical, using over-sophisticated expressions, although it is not necessary that what is written simply and clearly cannot be profound as well.
There has been very good coverage on specific issues -- such as those pertaining to social development written by Mariz Tadros, whose writing I have found balanced, unbiased and courageous.
What I find interesting about the Weekly as well is that it delves into human-interest issues in depth, and focuses on individual personalities and their perceptions of the world, notably in the profiles section -- which has contributed to educating me about people in my country -- and which is an aspect of journalistic coverage which I believe is not available in most publications.
There are also beautiful literary styles -- such as that of Fayza Hassan in her writings. I also find the Travel section of particular interest -- because of the breadth of archaeological and historic topics it deals with which, again, I do not find in other publications.
On a last note, Al-Ahram Weekly definitely needs to downsize its very long articles, in line with the principles of modern journalism. One should not forget that the excellence of much writing lies in its brevity.
Aziza Hussein
Leading NGO activist
IT IS ONE of the best newspapers in the region in terms of reflecting diversity of ideas and an increasingly interesting venue for many intellectuals in the Arab world to place their contributions. The Weekly also managed to establish itself as a very important window through which foreign readers might grasp what is going on in the region politically and socially.
I believe there is no other foreign language publication in the Arab world that has such depth in its relationship to Arab reality.
As for the Palestinian cause, we have always noted that the paper has a serious interest. And while it is true that most Arab newspapers show similar interest nowadays, with the Intifada, the Weekly's distinction is related to the consistency of interest in the Palestinian question, and in the depth of analysis.
Mustafa Barghouti
President of the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees
Al-Ahram Weekly produces both admiration and surprise in its readers. The editorial spirit, the insistence on maintaining accuracy and objectivity -- these are qualities that have, alas, become rare in Egyptian journalism.
Indeed, it is unfortunate that Al-Ahram Weekly's Egyptian reporters (who are arguably the best) write mainly in English at a time when Arabic journalism is in dire need of their abilities. Perhaps the newspaper should give more space to the complex social issues it touches on, and perhaps it should practisce a more wide-ranging dialogue with those foreign parties whose view on the Arab World are unjust.
Salah Eissa
Editor-in-Chief of Al-Qahira newspaper
IT IS EXTREMELY hard to master an appropriate tone at a time when voices and tones have become muddled. Al-Ahram Weekly -- Western in language and technique, Arab in spirit -- has managed to fill a crucial gap: it might be easy for us to address each other, but more important is addressing the rest of the world. The retreat of Arab thinking is something for which we have paid dearly, but the task of addressing other societies and cultures remains difficult. How many foreign-language publications have been terminated? And when one encounters so much of the Israeli point of view on current issues in English, one feels the need for a publication that presents the Arab point of view. The Weekly team represent the heart and mind of Egypt, and favour reason, dialogue and creativity over violence, disparagement and dependence. The tone is exact, the visual element effective.
This is not merely an English-language newspaper, but the medium through which the message of Arab people is conveyed to the world.
Mustafa Nabil
Editor-in-Chief of Al-Hilal magazine
WHEN I heard, more than ten years ago, that Al-Ahram institution was planning on issuing a weekly newspaper in English under the title Al-Ahram Weekly, two questions arose.
Would an Egyptian newspaper published by a journalistic institution owned by the Shura Council enjoy enough intellectual freedom to attract the readership accustomed to foreign newspapers, which generally enjoy a wider margin of freedom than our Arabic national press?
And for how long would it be the case that the majority of writers and reporters at this newspaper be foreign? Ten years on and both these worries proved unfounded. Not only has the Weekly provided an indispensable service to English-language readers in Egypt, it has also produced a whole generation of competent, innovative journalists who cater to the needs and expectations of the English-language reader.
Amina Shafiq
Senior Al-Ahram journalist and veteran Press Syndicate activist
EVEN though Al-Ahram Weekly is intended for those who have no Arabic, Arabic readers (myself included) make a point of reading it. Could it be the unique way in which it covers current events -- quickly, attractively, accurately? Professing a high degree of speed, attractiveness and accuracy?
I, for one, consider Mona Anis's exciting interview with Hizbollah's Hussein Nassrallah in Lebanon following the victory of the resistance over Israel among the most significant journalistic events of the year 2000. Had I not been a regular reader of the Weekly, I would have missed this interview.
Safinaz Kazim
Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Al-Musawwar magazine, and Islamist writer
TEN YEARS after the first issue of Al-Ahram Weekly appeared, the experiment has proved successful. A young newspaper that deals with new ideas in every one of its issues, Al-Ahram Weekly believes in dialogue, opening up its pages to every trend. In fact, it embodies the true meaning of a national press, a meaning that is lost on so many other Egyptian newspapers. Whenever I have written for the Weekly, it has been a valuable experience for me.
Magdi Mehanna
Managing Editor, Al-Wafd newspaper
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