Mrs. Carter for H&M

For every career move a big celebrity tries, Beyoncé takes it one step further and exceeds every expectation. Famous for her own clothing line, ‘House of Dereon’ she has recently collaborated with mega high street brand H&M! The latest news came in and trumped the much anticipated collaboration Rihanna debuted at London Fashion Week for British brand River Island. The new ad campaign will be all over posters, billboards and buses everywhere. Mrs. Carter will be modelling the store’s latest designs in the campaign. She recently said she’s always loved the brand’s fun affordable fashion and the collaboration emulates the four major elements- earth, wind, fire and water.

The campaign entitled ‘Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M’ is set to debut this summer. The first photograph released shows the gorgeous star laying on a lounge chair on the beach, dressed in a beautiful white sleeveless blouse, patterned shorts and cute flower detailed sandals. Wavy hair brought to the side, accentuated with a tropical white flower, gold hoops, and gold bangles- Beyoncé is the epitome of a goddess.

I personally cannot wait to see what H&M and Queen Bey have in store for us this summer!

Psychics- Real OR Fake?

It goes without saying that every girl asks herself why she’s so stressed or worried, and then dwells on what the future holds.  I’m pretty sure it’s the same for guys too. Recently, a lot of friends including myself have taken an interest in speaking to a psychic to know what our futures really have in store for us. Whether it is for religious purposes or not, a lot have been skeptical about whether or not anything we might be told may be, in fact, true or not. In certain religions, i.e. Sikhism and Hinduism they normally go to ‘Pandits’ who map out their lives according to their exact date and time of birth. They fortune tell according to astrology and can combine numerology with divine intuition. In every culture, even Middle Eastern cultures, there have been many methods of fortune telling including reading of the ‘finjan’ –cup.

The question arises, ‘is this in fact, fake?’ To be honest, judging from recent experiences and asking people about their experiences, the answer is not really. I believe that many psychics and fortune tellers can be frauds based on how they scam you with questions. If he or she asks a lot of questions and gives you vague statements that prompt you to say ‘Oh my gosh, yes!’ or even name a person with the letter they mention - i.e. ‘S’. These readings are referred to as cold readings and likeliness is that the psychic isn’t real. Real psychics look to empower you with information. They tap into your habits, issues and characteristics generally. They pin point what is going on with you at the time being, feeding off what energy you exude at the time. Hence, I like to think of it as a momentary reading. The real psychics don’t try to guess names of the people involved in your personal life, but ask you for that information to hone in on that person’s energy. Again, they go based on the energy you give out. The psychic acts as a mirror, providing you with a reflection of yourself and guiding you through the specific questions or situations you present to them.

 Judging on the experiences I’ve heard about, the reality is that no one really knows what the future holds. It is up to you, and whether or not you are spiritual, you are in control of your own fate. Every stress, worry, and decision is in your hands. A psychic or fortune teller is no different to family and friends guiding you and giving you advice for situations you already know how to handle. It’s almost like looking for affirmation but losing money along the way. A couple of friends have said that the whole beauty about life is the element of surprise and not knowing what will happen… It’s true, life is all about the journey and it is inevitable that we will all find our true happiness. 

Grieving A Great Loss: The Loss of Our Father and Shepard His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

Yesterday, tragedy struck when our beloved Coptic Pope, H. H. Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria passed away. Immediately, when news arrived of this loss myself and several people were grief stricken. The disbelief that our father figure was no longer in our midsts. Yesterday, Heaven rejoiced whilst the Earth stood still and mourned.

As of yesterday, thousands and thousands of Copts flocked to the Cathedral showing their cross tattoos on their wrists as proof to enter because of the country's predominantly Muslim population. Many went for comfort and to console one another, and also to express their concerns.

Pope Shenouda is not only a spiritual leader but has been known as the bridge between the Coptic community and Muslim Leaders. He served as a political representative of the Coptic community.
He taught people peace and patience. A patriotic man who only ever wished unity in the country of Egypt.
This is a critical time for Egypt's history and undeniably the future. Let's pray for his soul, our Church and Egypt. As a people we must comfort each other, stay strong, and most importantly unite.


His funeral will be held on Tuesday.

Academy Awards 2012 Do's and Dont's

This time of year thrills me because you don't get more glitz and glamour than at classic Award shows such as the Oscars! As they were looming, the curiosity grew and finally when I got to watch the star studded event from the Red Carpet to the Award Ceremony it felt majestic watching all the stars in their gowns and tuxedos (Luckily, Ryan Seacrest had a spare jacket!) Here are what I felt were the best and worst dressed stars...

BEST DRESSED: Jennifer Lopez a.k.a J Lo wows again! Despite reports about her wardrobe malfunction she glowed in this Zuhair Murad masterpiece. I don't think I have ever seen her get an outfit wrong growing up!

BEST DRESSED: When I saw Branglenia strolling up the Red Carpet, my jaw dropped not only 'cause the flawless couple looked fantastic but out of the very few black gowns worn, Angelina did it the best! This Atelier Versace gown is absolutely stunning and could it have been on a more perfect individual. I couldn't help notice though that she didn't paint her toe nails with those peep toe shoes. Something to consider next time Angelina!

BEST DRESSED: I don't think in all my life could any woman get it wrong with a Giorgio Armani gown. Penelope Cruz looked a vision in this blue gown by the designer. One word- elegant.

WORST DRESSED: Okay, not every girl can get it right. Despite having the perfect date that is George Clooney, poor Stacy Keibler got it wrong with this Marchesa number. Not a fan of it's shine and amount of material at the waist.

BEST DRESSED: As the face of Dior, it only be appropriate that Nathalie Portman appear in not only one of the brand's dresses but also a vintage 1954 Dior Couture gown. The red and micro-dot print is adorable. Absolutely, loved this look.

WORST DRESSED: Again, Kelly Osbourne is no position to judge other people's fashion. She seems to be on every fashion panel for E! The way she criticizes everyone's outfit is beyond me when she looks a mess herself. This dress is not flattering. Nor is the latest hair do. Honey, sack your stylist!

WORST DRESSED: This Zac Posen piece combined with the blazer isn't an amazing look for the mature and classical Glenn Close. The color and style overall are not entirely flattering for this actress.

WORST DRESSED: Guiliana Rancic, again, is one not to judge on style. Last night, all I could think about was how rich is it that both her and Kelly Osbourne are judging when their outfits are far from great. She seemed so proud of this Tony Ward gown, but I'm not a huge fan of the look altogether to say the least.

BEST DRESSED: I cannot express enough how much I love Ellie Saab and seeing one of his visions on a beauty such as Milla Jovovich. A picture speaks a thousand words.... I'll leave you to judge this one because as far as I'm concerned I am speechless.

WORST DRESSED: Going against, all the positive comments I heard about this look... I really do not approve. Cameron Diaz is a stunner, but this Gucci gown doesn't do her any justice. It's too busy and in my opinion, messy along the bottom. It's not very A-line or flattering. Better luck next time Cameron!

BEST DRESSED: There are not enough words to describe the sheer elegance that is Gwyneth Paltrow and this Tom Ford gown. The combination? Fabulous! The cream cape combo made these screen siren stand out without a doubt. Stunning.

Overall, it was a beautiful night and everyone looked the epitome of glamorous! Congratulations to all the winners and all the nominees who graced the Kodak Theatre! Cannot wait for 2013!

Every Fashionista's Dream is Looming (Again!)....

Yes ladies! It's that time of year again! London Fashion Week 2012!!!

This event is one of the highest fashion-profile events in the world and is one of the four most influential international catwalks! London Fashion Week is absolutely spectacular. Celebrities world wide travel for this event to see the latest in fashion and trends by the world's top designers worn by some very famous supermodels. Not to mention the London Fashion Weekend where the freshest and latest designers get to showcase their talents too!

This time London Fashion Week is showcasing the Autumn/Winter 2012 collections. Genuinely cannot wait to see what's in store by designers this year.

London Fashion Wee is taking place from the 17th February 2012 to the 22nd February 2012 at Somerset House in Strand, London. Dates include:

Womenswear shows and Exhibitions: 17th February to the 21st February
Menswear shows: 22nd February

For more information check out: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

For all those who can't afford to go to LFW there is the alternative London Fashion Weekend. It will be held from the 23rd February to the 26th February, also, at Somerset House! Tickets are available through Vodafone or on their link:

http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/

Allen Gregory

Allen Gregory! A creation by Jonah Hill, Andrew Mogel, and Jarrad Paul aired on FOX! is absolutely amazing.

Jonah Hill plays the role of an ostentatious second grader who comes from a wealthy background but is also a young protege who claims to be friends with celebrities such as 'Sandra Bullock'. This show made for adult humour shows us Allen Gregory in Elementary School struggling to make friends and be popular. My favourite, so far, is his crush on the 60 year old school Principal Gottlieb. The scene where he is first introduced to her is particularly priceless! The following episodes reveal how he 'pursues' her if you will whilst fighting for popularity amongst his peers.

If you love comedies like 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad', and enjoy the humour of movies such as 'Superbad' then watch 'Allen Gregory'. You will not regret it!

For those in the UK, you can catch Allen Gregory on E4 every Tuesday 10:30 pm!

Filim Pictures

I am so excited to share this with you all! My bff's brother and friends have started a production company in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These film makers started this venture last year. They aim to bring new concepts to the Middle Eastern market.

It's a really awesome way to learn English too!

You can check out their latest viral on youtube.com! If you can't be bothered to search or you'll simply tell yourself you'll do it later, look no further because the link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_6YT6Bp0E&feature=youtu.be

Also, please show your support for the guys on Facebook! I've posted the link below too! Go on! 'LIKE' it!

http://www.facebook.com/Filimpictures?sk=wall

Take the time to share this with your friends too! Let's support this movement!

People's Choice Awards 2012: Best and WORST dressed

WORST: Ashley Green... Ashley, Ashley, Ashley. A little leather tends to sex up lace, but with this outfit she took it a little too far. Not feeling this Vamp vibe at all!

Best: I am not a huge fan of this Hannah Montana songstress... Oops, meant Miley Cyrus. But, out of all the outfits I've seen at this star studded event this is quite possibly one of the best. Its simplicity, flows, and cuts are perfect for a night out!

WORST: Elisha Cuthbert is adorable but not in this number. Sad times. The gold bodice/black skirt combo is outdated and makes her look way older than she is. Genuinely do not approve.

Best: Julianne Hough! Aye mami! This dress is too sexy for its own good! Not to mention the woman inside the dress. The low cut is definitely a yes! To add to it? The silver is doing wonders. Absolutely love.

WORST: Worst, worst, worst. OMG! Horrific! Kelly Osbourne has done it again and she seriously has no right to appear on Fashion Police alongside the Queen Joan Rivers to judge other celebrities' fashion sense! No need for a description of how I feel since a picture is worth 1000 words- enjoy!

WORST: I am such a huge fan of Lucy Hale. Those eyes and cheek bones... *sigh* This dress, however, umm... why? Such a shame. Disappointed is the only thing that comes to mind.

Best: Ahhh Vanessa. It pleases me that there are some young women out there who get it right. Love the golden touches.

Best: Aww Ashley Benson! If only your Pretty Little Liars co-star (Lucy Hale) could have got some tips from you! The monochrome is very Chanel-esque and it's absolutely flattering. Love it.

Best: This 'How I Met Your Mother' star and mommy-to-be got it so right! The red mini-dress is the perfect shade and its fit is flattering even with her bump! Well done! Shame co-star Colbie didn't get it right this year. Ladies! Help each other out!

Food For Thought

Here's something that has been circulating the web and it's something to be admired. I thought I'd share this viral because I, myself, couldn't have put it better myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY

Religion? Or straight up Traditions?

As a Coptic young woman growing up in a modern society, I have witnessed many things when it comes to my community and background. As I grow, I realized that I am not the only one experiencing the things I have done. I have been a part of many discussions about taboos in our communities and whether or not they really are wrong in respect to religion.

To start with, what is the definition of religion? It is 1) the belief in and worship of a superhuman power- God and 2) beliefs as discussed or taught. Tradition, on the other hand, is defined as 1) the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on this way and/or 2) a long established custom or belief that has been passed on this way.

Definitions noted?

As ethnics we tend to refer to our religion and say, 'no it is not allowed.' Is it really? I'm a Christian who tries to live righteously to the best of my abilities. After all, God put us on Earth as part of our test. I, also, come from a very conservative family. A family who pride themselves in reputation. What reputation? Amongst the people of our community of course. It seems to be the same with all the other families. They compete for best looking, best dressed, most successful, most popular etc. Just like a high school if you will. They take it to extremes and are willing to spread rumors and lies to destroy the reputation of their so-called brothers and sisters. As a result, girls such as myself are forced to dress, look, and behave a certain way in the fear of not bringing shame on to their family or ruining the family's name if you will. Sometimes, there are situations one is put into and then when explained say it is wrong in our religion. How is it wrong?

A recent example I encountered is tattoos. This debate took place between two women and their daughters. The witness? The family priest. The poor man got a headache to say the least. Tattoos are not biblically wrong. There is no verse or anything casting it as wrong. Society and communities have turned it into something most definitely to be frowned upon. The mothers, of course, disagreed. They said that unless it is of a religious representation it is entirely wrong. Note, neither of the daughters want tattoos but were only out to set a point. That tattoos are not biblically wrong and that along the way we've managed to mix traditions with religion! When asked, the priest said that tattoos were indeed not wrong. However, 'that if one is covered in tattoos what will one think?' he added. This brought about the point. What about what people will think?

If one is constantly being taught about religion being the guideline we must abide by then why should we concern ourselves with other people? Surely the only judgement we should care for is that of God? Sadly, that is not ethical. Reputation is far more important. God forbid you be a good person going about your life as normal.

Reputation isn't everything. I could be an undercover thief but look like a saint in society by contributing to charity and being popular amongst the masses. What does that gain me? The point is, not only in my community, but in many ethnic communities, reputation is far more important. Saying religion is the reason behind the traditions is my biggest peeve. The two are not tied. Nor are they the same thing. With the years we've managed to mix the two and refer to it as religion.

Remember- God only sees YOUR heart.

A Poem For Every Woman Out There

The following poem is a favorite that I wish to share with everyone. I read this poem every so often to remind me of my worth as a young woman and that without downs, I won't strive to achieve for success. This poem is beautifully written by an extraordinary woman. An inspiration for those who strive for power, eloquence, and self dignity. Maya Angelou is a woman after my heart: You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.

Can men and women be friends?

Recently, I found this clip circulating on Facebook... I must say I found it hilarious when I watched it because these film students set out asking university students at the library, 'can men and women be friends?' I'll give you a moment to watch the clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_lh5fR4DMA

Finished? It's funny right? How shocking that nearly all the guys said 'no' and all the girls, in fact, said 'yes'. This prompted me to message everyone on my contact list and ask them the very same question. All I wanted was an honest yes or no answer. The results were hilarious and very intriguing! As you can pretty much imagine, I got a very mixed reaction.

Unlike the clip not all girls said , 'yes'! Obviously, like the clip a lot of girls did say 'yes'. Funny enough judging by how well I know them and their ages. They were relatively young and naive enough to say yes! (Sorry girls!). Only two of the girls (one being the youngest in my contact list) said 'no'! Well done on them. The older and maturer girls in my contact list said 'no'. Straight up with no hesitation. Men and women can't be friends. Why? Because the likeliness of one fancying the other is inevitable. They added, 'even if he was the most unattractive lad there will be some sort of feelings there, unless he's gay!' I got that response a lot! Hilarious right?

Then, a second group of people gave me the 'yes and no' response. They said it depended entirely on the situation, age, and their occupation! If in school or university, then yes men and women can be friends. If older and working then it's next to impossible unless they are strictly professional colleagues. Some, also, added that it depends if there's an attraction full stop. If there is an attraction then it's a definite 'no'. If otherwise, then 'yes'. One friend mentioned that her friend said 'yes, if the girl is ugly!' What a funny response. Men will be your friend if you're unattractive? Hmm... Interesting.

One friend out of the bunch brought up a very good point. Being a typical alpha male, he said 'no'. However, he went on to add the following-
'Ask every woman this question.... Who's your closest male friend?' He went on to say, 'they will mention one name immediately. Ask, 'would the guy be able to get with you?' Would he or would he not get with you?' The answer... Most will say 'yes'. He said that they would be likely to change their answer after thinking about it for a bit to a solid 'no'. He made me laugh. That honesty was rare and refreshing. He also asked me, 'why is it that good looking people have more friends of the opposite sex than 'regular' looking people?' That question made me genuinely think.

Men and women are, in fact, always curious and attracted to their friends of the opposite sex but would never say. Some people know they don't have a chance and would rather be friends than nothing. I personally think of it from a psychological perspective. After reading a few journals on the male and female psyche I couldn't make up my mind. In the olden days it used to be about romance and it was a likely taboo to have cross-sex relationships. It was all about the male working and the female at home looking after the household. Times are changing and that women are slowly being perceived as equals to their male counterparts hence these friendships between men and women are more likely.


Movies and TV shows work against the whole 'equality' theory. Examples being 'When Harry met Sally' or Monica and Chandler from Friends. They promote that friends will always virtually get together at the end. Not necessarily. I think environments like university or work allow women and men to interact thus kindling friendships. It doesn't mean they're attracted to one another but enjoy each other's company in that moment in time. However, there is always something appealing about that person. For example, I work in a pretty huge office. I am not friends with everyone on our floor. I take my co-workers as my co-workers. Are they friendly? Most definitely. Am I really friends with all of them? Not really. We do engage in conversations and spend time together when there is a company function per say. What draws me to them? That depends. I've noticed it with everyone to be honest. Everyone is different. There's a certain characteristic that appeals to you about the person enough to be their friend. It doesn't necessarily have to be beauty or something of a physical nature, but something like sense of humour or kindness for example. I can see why some people say men and women can't be friends because it is easy to confuse liking that one's kindness for 'love' if you will.

Still, statistics and studies show that from high school through to work, men and women interact plenty and one will develop many cross-sex friendships in their lifetime. However, once married and settled down those relationships dwindle because of the change in priorities and, well, in some cultures it's believed to be a taboo. Whatever the case, there is literally no right or wrong answer. Times are changing. Environments you are placed in, force people of different sexes, religion, background or whatever to interact and live alongside one another regardless. Still word to the wise, ladies be careful not every guy is out there to be your friend! Same applies to you fellas out there (sadly).

Can these people get real?

Today, I carried out my regular routine of getting up in the morning and getting ready for work, followed by checking twitter and the web for the latest news. I came across another article that has proven that things are just becoming a little too ridiculous in the Middle East. Below you will find the link to the article. Have a read before I share my thoughts on this matter.

http://bikyamasr.com/50403/islamic-cleric-bans-women-from-touching-bananas-cucumbers-for-sexual-resemblance/

Finished? Bet you're shocked. Laughing? Appalled? Is it possible to be all three at the same time? That was my immediate reaction! Then, as an impulse decided to circulate the article to my co-workers! Everyone had a good laugh until one of my superiors mentioned that in Iraq they actually banned women buying cucumbers and tomatoes. Wow. I am genuinely disturbed. Why does everything have to have some hidden sexual meaning? How perverse must you be to sit there and actually think to yourself women cannot touch a cucumber because it 'resembles a penis'. Disgusting is what comes to mind. God forbid a woman makes a salad without turning it into something sexual. Now a third party male has to be present and make the salad himself so the woman doesn't get turned on. They've just given a new meaning to salad tossing!

This sheikh who goes unnamed should be ashamed of himself. As a 'man of God' who must spread the good word and actually educate purity he's managed to turn something simplistic into something perverse. Ironically, he lives in Europe. Shouldn't he be educated enough? Why are these sheikhs, clerics, and religious figures coming up with insane new rules? Why must it all be related to sex?  If you haven't read the last post about lifting the driving ban, then you'll understand what I'm talking about. These new allegations that keep springing up are offensive. It seems as though they are trying to oppress women and not expose them to anything the world has to offer so it seems.

Lifting the driving ban on women in Saudi.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2068810/Saudis-fear-virgins-people-turn-gay-female-drive-ban-lifted.html

Yesterday I read this article pasted above in the Daily Mail. When I read its title my first impression was to laugh but when I carried on to the article's content I was mortified.

Despite living in Saudi for most of my life I knew how tedious it was to have to depend on male family members, friends or driver to be transported around the city. You'd usually have to wait more than an hour because they have other errands to tend to. Even sharing drivers was a nightmare!

Saudi's law on no driving for women was implemented when cars were first brought into the kingdom. Not for religious purposes but just because King Saud at the time decided women shouldn't drive. For years women have tried to battle this ban but were never successful.

The first time I heard about the proposal for the driving ban to be lifted I was against it for one reason only- women's safety. Saudi is already notorious for unsafe and hazardous driving due to letting minors and unlicensed drivers drive as freely as they please. Not to mention the hormonally crazed adolescents driving around the streets harassing female passengers whether young or old. However, more and more did I start to understand the importance of allowing these women to drive when I started to work and was forced to become dependant on my late father, his friends or drivers. It was such a pain and totally frustrating to sit and have to wait just because, I, as a young woman can't drive. When the proposal rumors were spreading I began asking several friends - Saudis, non-Saudis, females and males- what they thought about lifting this driving ban. The reactions were vast! Women who went abroad and got licences forced to come back had to reform to Saudi's traditional ways and found it an absolute nightmare to become dependant on someone else. They obviously want the ban to be lifted. Other women who never left Saudi but worked always found it problematic depending on drivers that they usually shared. Hence, ideally they want the driving ban lifted. One friend, a male, mentioned that he agrees that the ban be lifted but in stages. Not all at once. He said they should created certain rules for particular ages to ease the population into the changes rather than giving the women all the rights to drive just like that. Reasons being safety. 'What if a police officer pulls them aside in a quiet area?' He spoke sense. In Saudi Arabia, everyone fears being taken to a police station or confronted by a police officer because Lord knows what he would be capable of doing and getting away with it.

Recently, a women tried to defeat all odds and drove. She was arrested and sentenced to 10 lashes. Reports claim that the current King Abdullah stopped this from actually happening. I recall all the controversy over twitter and other social network sites egging on women such as Manal Alsharif to drive. Why would you risk putting yourself in that sort of position? I genuinely feel for the women of Saudi because all the other Middle Eastern countries don't impose such a ban on their women.

Okay, now to the main point... The article! How in their right minds does it make sense that by allowing their women to drive homosexuality will increase and the number of virgins will decrease? Sounds all a little too perverse for my liking. By allowing women to such a 'luxury' they will start to sleep around? Meet men and lose their virginities so to speak? Disgusting. A woman wants to feel independence. Just drive from point A to point B and make no stops to 'fornicate'. Also, an increase in homosexuality? What does that mean? If women are driving around all day that means more men will be available at home to do the dirty with other men? How is that even explicable. The part where they say 'invoke pornography'. Erm, how? Pose nude in their cars? They already block URL's to sites like Hi5! There is absolutely no logic behind these atrocities they call explanations. To top it off, that these allegations were made by so called 'scholars' astounds me! Doesn't sound very educated does it?

In general, as an outsider looking in I'm saddened for the women of Saudi but as a girl brought up there and had the privilege of meeting some of the remarkable women there I am angry on their behalf. I seriously hope for a change in the mentality of the government and people in charge because it genuinely is a battle for equality above all else.

The latest in Egypt.

This subject is very dear to my heart. Speaking as a Coptic Christian I am appalled at what is going on over there. I disagreed with the revolution to over throw Hosny Mubarak for one reason only- he was protecting the minorities (Coptics). He, himself, had imprisoned Salafists (a.k.a the Muslim Brotherhood) knowing good and well the threat they offered to society. Since he'd been over thrown, attacks on the Copts have grown regardless of previous attacks that were kept on the down low whilst he was in power to say the least. Sadly, the world is sitting and watching this genocide in the making. Blowing up churches, burning places of worship, shooting and running over peaceful protesters with army tanks is horrendous. How can the world leaders sit and watch whilst people are losing loved ones in a torturous manner?
Recently, the formation of a government is taking place after the first phase of Egyptian elections. Who you ask is going to lead and form the new government? The Salafists nonetheless. How can such a party of thugs who claim to fear God and be highly religious come into such power? When I speak to Egyptians - muslims and non-muslims - they all agree that they shouldn't be in power. For the first time everyone wanted to make a stand and do their best to vote. This proved a difficult task especially for expats who only found out the proper procedure ten days before voting! There should have been an online voting poll for the world's Egyptians. Only 100,00 Egyptians outside of Egypt actually voted. These numbers are disheartening.
As a result, now we must watch whilst the elected PM has to form his new government. Where is the justice when it is the uneducated who were reused into voting? They are taught to believe that these people are religious, fear God, and do a service to the poor? This ploy funded by other Middle Eastern countries is unfair. No outside help has helped the other parties running in the elections. Is it known by the world that a Christian can't run? Instead a party started by multi-billionaire Naguib Sawires and represented by a liberal muslim politican has been totally ignored. They are liberals who want justice and a fair 'new' Egypt but only received a mere 20% of the votes. Naguib Sawires was interviewed two weeks prior to the first phase of the elections on CBC. He made it clear that they required funding and wanted outside help. Recently, the Slafists declared that they would boycott all Sawires products and tax them 50%.
How is that just? Is it because they are of another religion and creed that they must be outcast? Where has this been seen before? Oh yeah, countries such as Iraq! What does it take for the world to take notice that there is a prejudice in the Middle East? Not just with Christians but other Muslims such as Shiites. Everyday, people live in fear and try to find a way out because they are being pushed into this corner, struggling to remain alive. But, where can they go? North America and Europe have stopped offering refugee status to all these minorities trying to survive! Keyword: survive. I am honestly outraged that the rest of the world believes in democracies and rights as human beings yet we can watch what is going on in these countries and pass them off as 'those stupid people are fighting again'.
I hope that people will take more notice of the current situation in, not just, Egypt but all the Middle Eastern countries because this is the start of what is likely to be a genocide against all minorities.