EGYPT'S unique geographical position has bestowed upon it a unique confluence of orientations. Egypt could equally well be described as an African, Arab, Islamic or Middle Eastern entity. The country's commitment to and fulfilment of each of these roles dictates balance, so that one role would not be highlighted at the expense of another. The recent disputes over Nile water shares among the countries both upstream and downstream of the river have drawn Egypt's attention to – let's say – its negligence of its role in Africa. Although Egypt has never ceased to maintain trade, agricultural and industrial relations with many countries of the African continent, in the past few years such cooperation has lacked the genuine touch of ‘embracement'. In the mid-20th century, Egypt's paternal presence was very much felt by other African nations, as Egypt lent a helping hand to those countries in pursuit of independence from colonialism. The sense of proximity sprang from the belief that peoples of the African continent shared the same hopes and aspirations. Globalisation and the stumbling dialogue between East and West may have taken Egypt away from its pioneering role in the continent. We have woken up to find that our influence in Africa has dwindled. We have forgotten, among other things, the role that our media could have played in creating a renewing rapprochement between Egypt and the African nations. Looking at the positive side of the current dispute over Nile water shares, there are lessons to be learned. The African orientation is part of our identity, which we should not ignore even after the resolution of the current disagreement.
