Journalism is a matter of public trust. A journalist's duty is, above all, to relay news accurately. This has always been the driving ethic behind The Daily Star Egypt; and so it will continue to be in our next phase under the banner of Daily News Egypt. When the newspaper first hit the newsstands, bundled with the world class International Herald Tribune, in May 2005, it filled a gaping hole in the local media scene. With only one state-owned daily in English, Egypt was in dire need of an independent, privately-owned newspaper to provide unbiased and forthright news and analysis. This would not only cater to Egyptian readers and foreign residents, but also to the rest of the world. With the internet revolution, news and information is literally at our fingertips. Discerning readers the world over are learning that there are always more sides to any story than what they're being spoon fed, either by their respective governments or by the global news giants which play a bigger role in setting local news agendas than most people realize. Our growing team of reporters and editors will strive to redress this imbalance with a mission to set our own news agenda and give precedence to national causes that affect millions of Egyptians. Daily News Egypt s coverage will be even more diverse and in-depth, bringing Egypt s pulse during this vital transitional period in the country s history, to your doorstep wherever you are. Offering premium politics, business, culture and lifestyle coverage, coupled with the signature opinion page carrying syndicated commentaries by distinguished voices from around the world as well as prominent Egyptian intellectuals, Daily News Egypt will give a unique perspective on local and regional affairs in a local and global context. As a liberal, all-inclusive paper Daily News Egypt believes in the role of journalism as the fourth estate, a watchdog to challenge authority and monitor the centers of power, as Robert Fisk quotes Haaretz journalist Amira Haas in his book "The Great War for Civilization. This, for us is the driving ethic behind all journalistic endeavors, whether in covering wars, presidential elections or government corruption. Over the past two years the newspaper has indeed been at the forefront of all the major - at times seismic - events that have stirred Egyptian public opinion and mobilized thousands of people. We have covered pro-democracy demonstrations by civil society activists; high profile court cases involving members of the opposition (including the Muslim Brotherhood cases that had hitherto received very little attention from the local English-language press); workers strikes that have taken the country by storm over the past year; sectarian clashes; human rights violations; clampdowns on press freedom and freedom of expression; and the controversy over recent amendments to the constitution. Additionally, our features section has included human interest stories about marginalized communities such as the boat-dwellers; the housing crisis of the underprivileged residents of Qalet El Kabsh; the displaced Nubians living in Kom Ombo near Aswan, as well as stories on archaeological discoveries. Our regional coverage has also keep readers abreast of significant changes on the Palestine front; the Iraqi refugee crisis; the Darfur calamity and the recent humanitarian situation on the Egypt-Rafah border involving some 6,000 stranded Palestinians. Our culture and lifestyles coverage has further provided a comprehensive look at the vibrant film, music and art scene in the culture capital of the Arab world. And with our re-launch as Daily News Egypt, we will continue on our mission of providing cutting-edge coverage in all fields, armed with the four cornerstones of any solid news reports: research, sourcing, evidence and fact-checking. Be sure to pick up your copy of Daily News Egypt every morning either bundled with the IHT, or now available individually on newsstands all over the country.
