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May 22, 2013
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 Dispatches From Egypt: Bin Laden News Lands With a ThudPosted on May 9, 2011Editor’s note: We asked Lauren Unger-Geoffroy, an Arabic-speaking American who lives in Cairo, to share her perspective of life in Egypt after the revolution. Here she shares her doubts about the big news, and her surprise over her neighbors’ nonplussed reaction. OK, shock-and-awe reporting from Cairo: Why am I reacting more than anyone around me? The news of Osama bin Laden’s death was received relatively unspectacularly in Egypt and the Arab media. Yes, there were some halfhearted protests, but they were small, nonrepresentative and easily dispersed. As the Arabic newscasters repeated the changing scenario—rewritten daily by the U.S. media—the majority here in Cairo accepted the contradictory and unlikely recounts in their typically unconcerned fashion. Of course this is a people who are used to a media which manipulates them through “spin” propaganda and misinformation and, well, lies used to align the public’s reaction to the media’s own agenda. All this “fogginess” lessened the impact of the bin Laden development. Certainly it is less significant and is commanding less coverage and interest than the revolutionary battles raging now in Libya and Syria, with hundreds of civilians being killed as they struggle to overthrow their own corrupt governments. This is what we are living, where our attention is. This is the new page for the Arabic peoples; this is what counts. They say, “God have mercy on Osama. We were not with him and we were against his methods, but he was a symbol to the Arab people that they are not impotent.” Yes, many feel slighted as Muslims by the dumping of his body in the sea—“if it is true”—but they feel this is just typical of the United States’ disrespect of Muslims and no big deal about Osama. And they are a bit sad that this icon of Arabic resistance to the USA superpower dominance has been killed so ignominiously, if that is indeed what happened. But the truth is he is not really that important to the vast majority here, who are also somewhat relieved and dare to nurture a tiny hope that the loss of this iconic image of Arabs as dangerous terrorists and enemies may soften the animosity that the West has held toward them since 9/11. Advertisement “Malesh, malesh,” they tell me. “It doesn’t matter. Accept that he is dead, they killed him. It’s not important—he is not important to us. It doesn’t change anything if the story is not true. Accept it and things will be better, God willing.” They are more concerned about positive things, like the huge success here in Cairo last week of negotiations in the long struggle for unification of the Palestinian government, a diplomatic coup for Egypt and a true possibility for a stable and peaceful independent country of Palestine and the coming of peace—though Israel’s refusal to deal with this new government on the grounds that it has absorbed the Hamas has put a slight damper on the accomplishment. Egyptians are talking about their nation’s diplomatic success with Ethiopia—about the threat of the proposed Ethiopian dam to divert a massive quantity of the Nile’s water away from Egypt. Panic and menace were hovering. But finally, the people cried, Egypt is the mother of Africa, the Nile, history of civilization, the greatest population—and Ethiopians agreed they are with Egypt, will count on Egypt and will work with Egypt to find a mutually suitable solution. These are the topics of the day, overshadowed by Libya’s agony and the reported 800 dead in Syria as of last night, and we are watching this on TV. And tonight in an extremely poor area of Cairo where there are undereducated, very hotheaded fundamentalist Salafi and also Coptic Christians, there was a fight between two families over a girl who wanted to convert from Islam and marry a Christian, and a number of people apparently were killed. This is local drama, like anywhere. … Of course the predominant visuals are of our ongoing revolution, now in the formative stage of its new government. The images from February still dominate the Egyptian media, the discussions, music, art. National pride first, as we all observe. There are also developments in the fragile tendencies of political-social-religious affiliation. The Islamic faction is split between the Muslim Brotherhood, itself split among camps, and the fundamentalist Salafi, from whom the Brotherhood adamantly disassociates itself. The Liberalist faction is dispersed among many potential candidates. The religious tension you hear about is rather media-exaggerated, and the consensus here is that most of those incidents are caused by the “thug” technique of trying to use false Salafeen to destabilize and discredit the Islamic parties. I will explain all of these subtleties in another article. There is certainly the possibility that as the “fog” wears off, and principals here organize their thoughts, some others may find use for “spin” off the Osama killing to shift some public sentiment. People move on quickly these days. … I will keep you informed. Frankly, I was surprised by the blasé reaction to Osama’s demise and the blatantly unconvincing spin. There was not much discussion even on Egyptian Facebook—the news just doesn’t touch Egyptians that much. And, of course, truth in media is never assumed here, and more and more the people just accept its absence and say “OK, whatever.” Maybe I am imagining that it’s important or that something has changed. Was the USA always so noncredible in media and government reporting—like a Third World patriarchal dictatorship doping the masses with nationalistic rallying and threats from “others” and sloppy propaganda? People here say, yes, the USA is always like that; we know, and it doesn’t matter. Awww. Malesh. Sorry to be a party pooper. OK. Yay! And I suppose that since al-Qaida’s people, wherever they are, accept his death, it is irrelevant whether or not there was a body or if it was his or if he died the other day or long ago or what anyone might doubt. America is still strong, and thank God for a piece of glory and closure and a victory boost for President Obama’s popularity. And then ...? There is an African saying: “The stories of the lion hunt will always glorify the hunter, until lions learn to speak.”  Previous item: The Government: Credit Where Credit Is Due Next item: Your Taxes Fund Anti-Muslim Hatred New and Improved CommentsIf you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy. |
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By Dr. O. P. Sudrania, May 25, 2011 at 3:40 am Link to this comment
@Arabian Sinbad,
“Another hating bigot from India who is proud of giving his title as “Dr.” as if that would give him authority or validity. If you are really a bullshit “Dr.” then the proverbial saying of “Dr. heal thyself!” would certainly apply to you.
You’re a sick, hating bigot and you need lots of help! Show respect for yourself and your profession and stay away from commenting on issues that are beyond your little confined brain!”
———————————————————————————
I am not surprised at your this idiotic reaction, as it makes the Islam distintive like you bulshit bigoted Muslim who are a curse to the “Islam” and your prophet. Not me but so many in this world use words like ‘pedophile’ for him. Truth burns.
Regarding my “Dr” prefix, I got it in the hate university of Muridke run by the junior Islamic current prophet viz. Prophet Maulana Mohammad Masood Azhar. Arabian, did I get it right; you must know my boss better than me. He is your accomplice.
Wake up and all these Islamic bomb blasts in Pakistan following the murder of your hero in Abbotabad, if it is a smallest indication of what is Islam like, then you should take my comments as a freindly advise than get irritated. If I remind to peruse Prophet Md David Coleman Headley who has even shamed his mother’s surname, it will itch you more if not burn.
It is this face of Islam that makes it distinctive and abhorent. It does not need a big scholastic degree to understand such a stupid abhorent beast taking pleasure on the carnage after enacting it. Amazing, he wasted his whole life in pursuit of this deadly dastard act and spent a huge amount of energy, money and resources on its reece over >two years. I wish if he had used it all for a constructive service than this barbaric destructive act.
Why do the Muslim bigots like you consider it your monopoly when you are confronted by a sincere truthful comment? This is not the first time that I have encountered your empty shallow abusive replies. This makes me bolder than you help convince us about the pious missions which you barbaric medieval minds like to follow, practice and impose on all others, they like it or not. This is bigotry, understand.
No wonder the western scholars and the Muslim apostates (on whom your venerable prophet declares death fatwa) call and write, “It is the Islam stupid”,
“barenakedIslam”. Have you heard of your good well wisher - Daniel Pipes? Let me assure you, “You should learn to behave if you call for respect that you idiot expect from others”. Forceful silencing tacts are outdated.
May your prophet, who himself needs the prayers from mortal jihadists like you - pbuh; be both blessed and bless you. I am sincere to write with my real name because I do not believe in hide and seek game. Unlike the bold Islamists like you who cowardly hide their names and faces to strike so that they can practice the “Taqqiya” art shamefully. Shame on you and your dynasty.
God bless
Report thisDr. O. P. Sudrania
By LocalHero, May 10, 2011 at 10:26 am Link to this comment
This ridiculous story commands no interest outside the
US because they see it far more clearly than the
knuckle-dragging, brainwashed American public. No
matter who the targeted fellow the rampaging, nut-jobs
in Seal Team 6 killed, all they accomplished was the
murder of a frail, senile man with absolutely no
connection to 9/11.
Job-well-done, hired assassins!
Report thisBy DavidByron, May 10, 2011 at 9:20 am Link to this comment
OK this author pulled the same stunt last time. Is this a parody? Is this a parody of the unintentionally moronic American abroad talking about others but unknowingly describing his own country, which he/she misses due to utter lack of awareness and knowledge of their own country?
C’mon. This is a joke, right?
“Of course this is a people who are used to a media which manipulates them through “spin” propaganda and misinformation”
Report thisBy Arabian Sinbad, May 10, 2011 at 5:58 am Link to this comment
By Dr. O. P. Sudrania, May 10 at 2:08 am
“They can never live in peace either with the host society or amongst themselves where they form a majority. Divisions are not material
but to hate “them” is material that is ingrained in the very philosophy they preach and practice. Until it is reformed by eliminating these words like fatwa, jihad, gender bias, cult of kafirism, only a few to mention, they can never be a trustworthy people.”
===============================================
Another hating bigot from India who is proud of giving his title as “Dr.” as if that would give him authority or validity. If you are really a bullshit “Dr.” then the proverbial saying of “Dr. heal thyself!” would certainly apply to you.
You’re a sick, hating bigot and you need lots of help! Show respect for yourself and your profession and stay away from commenting on issues that are beyond your little confined brain!
Report thisBy Dr. O. P. Sudrania, May 10, 2011 at 2:08 am Link to this comment
“The stories of the lion hunt will always glorify the hunter, until lions learn to speak.”
Lauren, “Which Lion are you speaking for”? Osama or Obama” Both are hailed as lions in their own way. The difference is of time and place!
Anyway, you have written a piece in as simple way as you could but it still could not hide certain facts of the Muslim society that they are a diehard bigot. You mention a Muslima marrying a Coptic and a big fight with resulting deaths. I wonder why? Does it make that Muslim society a moderate majority or a bunch of psychopaths? It certainly does not fill in confidence in others about them.
Then you also mention of several different groups in the “Brotherhood” in Egypt. It is nothing new, we all know and it is global phenomenon. Because of the hate and intolerance they believe in. Wherever you see it, it is a common story. They can never live in peace either with the host society or amongst themselves where they form a majority. Divisions are not material
but to hate “them” is material that is ingrained in the very philosophy they preach and practice. Until it is reformed by eliminating these words like fatwa, jihad, gender bias, cult of kafirism, only a few to mention, they can never be a trustworthy people.
You also mention about dumping the body of OBL in sea and their reactions, in your words, “...They say, “God have mercy on Osama. We were not with him and we were against his methods, but he was a symbol to the Arab people that they are not impotent.”
Yes, many feel slighted as Muslims by the dumping of his body in the sea—“if it is true”—but they feel this is just typical of the United States’ disrespect of Muslims and no big deal about Osama. And they are a bit sad that this icon of Arabic resistance to the USA superpower dominance has been killed so ignominiously, if that is indeed what happened.”
I think this reaction reflects the mindset we may call
Islam, if not the Muslims at large in Egypt. Perhaps they are having too much in their plates to eat right now with a raging tumult in the entire Muslim world. I
should not be misled by this apparent calm reception but your above few words speak volumes if anything. Why is Middle East and Muslim countries on boil? They are in the limelight daily but for wrong reasons. They use this aggression as their business either to milk the wealthy Muslims or the wealthy West. This is wrong that makes them, “Idle mind is a devil’s home”.
God bless
Report thisDr. O. P. Sudrania
By Arabian Sinbad, May 9, 2011 at 11:08 pm Link to this comment
I like this non-professional journalist and writer. She’s got a good sense of humor and she reports her impressions based on keen observation and authentic interaction!
If she’s not bought by any official media outlet, then she will emerge as a truth-reporter to whom I will always look for to read.
Keep up the good work Lauren!
Report thisBy Free Instrumentals, May 9, 2011 at 8:23 pm Link to this comment
i wonder if Osama was killed in 5 years would people react like they did a week ago.. if he was killed in 10? its just weird to me that people care so much after not really caring for the last 8 years.
Report thisBy PatrickHenry, May 9, 2011 at 2:59 pm Link to this comment
How about the Issies fleeing the U.S. on 9/11?
http://tvnewslies.org/tvnl/index.php/news/911-related/13473-full-el-al-flight-took-off-on-911-from-jfk-to-tel-aviv.html
Report thisBy gerard, May 9, 2011 at 9:29 am Link to this comment
Well thank God! The “lions” are learning to speak!
Report this