Date of source: Wednesday, January 4, 2006
The author discusses the historical debates on the proportional representation of Copts and states that the idea was originally refused because Muslims and Copts felt that it was in Egypt’s best interests to put national identity above religious identity.
Date of source: Thursday, January 5, 2006
The author argues that Arabs and Muslims should not deny the Holocaust because of their feelings over the Palestine issue, but that at the same time, the Holocaust does not excuse Israeli aggression against he Palestinians.
Date of source: Sunday, January 8, 2006
Youssef Sidhom wishes Egyptians a happy feast, and calls for 2006 to be a year of national coalition, with better Muslim-Christian relations, and full citizenship rights for all Egyptians.
Date of source: Sunday, January 8, 2006
The scenes of the national unity iftār [fast-breaking meal during the holy Muslim month of Ramadān] and the shaykh of the Azhar sitting next to the pope on official occasions no longer reflect the new reality.
Date of source: Sunday, January 8, 2006
Some liberal and leftist intellectuals, who supposedly do not confine identity to within the parameters of religion, should not be excused for uttering the phrase "the Coptic governor". The author argues that citizenship, not faith, is important.
Date of source: Thursday, January 5, 2006
It is not acceptable to go along with the negative trends in a society under the pretext of maintaining stability, but what is needed is the modernization of society and a change in the way people think within the framework of citizenship.
Date of source: Saturday, January 7, 2006
Many decisions taken later by the Erdogan government were incompatible with the U.S. interests as Washington found out that Erdogan and his party were stuck to their conservative Islamic popular platform whenever the need arises.
Date of source: Tuesday, January 10, 2006
In relation to the cartoons, deemed offensive by many Muslims, the Danish foreign minister phoned his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmad Abu al-Ghayt, and discussed the Danish premier’s statements, in which he denounced any act that could offend any religion or its followers.
Date of source: Thursday, January 5, 2006
Abu Zayd, the Egyptian intellectual who was declared an apostate, claims that Egyptian universities are intellectually stagnant and that modern ways of thought must be introduced.
Date of source: Sunday, January 1, 2006
Youssef Sidhom looks forward to a new year dedicated to national reconciliation, and equal citizenship rights.