Leila Fadel

From The Heart Of Egypt's Revolt, The Pulse Of Artistic Life

Leila Fadel — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:39:00 +0000

Egypt's capital, Cairo, is now synonymous with protests and sometimes violence. Late at night, the once-bustling downtown streets are largely empty these days.

How Different Cultures Handle Personal Space

Leila Fadel — Sun, 05 May 2013 09:24:00 +0000

Our perspectives on personal space — the distance we keep between the person in front of us at an ATM, the way we subdivide the area of an elevator — are often heavily influenced by the norms of the places we inhabit.

Jerry Seinfeld once focused an episode of his sitcom on the concept of personal space, giving us a new term: the "close talker."

Of course, invasions of personal space aren't always merely awkward.

Egyptian Activists Say Their Religion Isn't Your Business

Leila Fadel — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:03:00 +0000

Since Egypt's revolution began, tensions among Egypt's Muslims and Christians have only increased. Earlier this month, it once again turned deadly. Tit-for-tat killings left three Muslims and at least six Christians dead.

That and other religious violence is prompting a public debate about religious identity in Egypt. One group of young Egyptians wants to remove religious labels from national ID cards.

'Where The Trouble Starts'

Aalam Wassef, one of those advocates, will gladly tell you he's a video artist, a musician and a publisher.

Egypt's Jon Stewart Says He Won't Back Down Amid Charges

Leila Fadel — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:21:00 +0000

It's 9:30 p.m. on a Friday night, and Bassem Youssef's show is on TV screens at cafes throughout downtown Cairo.

It's the Egyptian political satirist's first show since he was summoned to the prosecutor general's office to answer questions about the jokes he makes on TV.

Egypt Negotiates Necessary IMF Loan

Leila Fadel — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:11:00 +0000

Two years after the revolution, Egypt is in a deep economic crisis.

Islamists Say They Are Filling Vacuum Left By Egyptian State

Leila Fadel — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:44:00 +0000

In the lush Nile Valley city of Assiut, the police went on strike earlier this month, along with thousands of other cops across the country. They demanded the ouster of the minister of interior, and more guns and equipment to deal with anti-government protests.

A group of hard-line Islamists then stunned the city, which is south of Cairo, by promising to handle security during the strike. The next day, the policemen were back at work.

But the group, Gamaa al-Islamiya, says it will continue to provide services when the government fails.

In Post-Revolution Egypt, Fears Of Police Abuse Deepening

Leila Fadel — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:02:00 +0000

Egypt's police force was the underpinning of former President Hosni Mubarak's iron-fisted regime, and it quickly became the enemy of Egypt's 2011 revolution.

Yet there has been little to no reform of the police force to date. Human rights groups say the police have begun to act like armed gangs, laying down collective punishment in restive areas across the country. But the police say they are the victims, under constant attack by anti-government protesters.

On Feb.

Egyptian Women Begin To Speak Out Against Sexual Violence

Leila Fadel — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:43:00 +0000

Transcript

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

A very different story now, from Egypt. There, sexual violence against women is on the rise. And a warning: Some of what you'll hear in the next few minutes is disturbing, starting with this: Women who show up at protests are in danger of being mobbed by men and gang raped. During the most recent demonstration, one victim was sexually assaulted with a knife, another strangled with her scarf, and another violated in front of her children.

Group Of Violent Anarchists Emerges Amid Egypt's Political Turmoil

Leila Fadel — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:44:00 +0000

A group of anarchic young men and women in Egypt roam through protests, faces covered, and refuse to speak to media. They bill themselves as armed resistance and have flooded YouTube with videos of themselves making Molotov cocktails and threatening Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood. The country's prosecutor general designated them a home-grown terrorist group on Tuesday. Seasoned activists who blame the government for the root of the violence over the past five days say the group is counter-productive and their methods hurt the cause.

Criticism Against Egypt's Opposition Coalition Grows

Leila Fadel — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:39:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Now, you can't really have a democracy unless the people in power also have an opposition.

For The First Time In Decades, Iran's President Visits Egypt

Leila Fadel — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:26:00 +0000

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday became the first Iranian leader to visit Egypt since the 1970s, the latest sign of the thawing of relations between the rival Muslim nations.

Ahmadinejad received a red-carpet welcome as Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi greeted him on the tarmac at Cairo International Airport with a kiss on each cheek.

Under Egypt's former leader, Hosni Mubarak, a visit like this would never have happened.

Egypt is a leading Sunni Muslim nation, while Iran is the most influential Shiite Muslim country.

Egyptian Cleric's Mission: Spread Salafi Doctrine

Leila Fadel — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:09:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Having overthrown their autocratic leaders, several Arab nations now face the question of how to govern themselves.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

One of the toughest questions is the role that Islam should play in crafting new laws. Secular or moderate groups hope to leave space for democratic debate rather than clerical rule. That's especially true in Egypt, which has a large Christian minority.

INSKEEP: This morning, we'll meet a man who prefers a different path.

Egyptians Grown Weary Of Ongoing Political Clashes

Leila Fadel — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:59:00 +0000

Transcript

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

In Egypt today, rival political factions met with the nation's highest religious official. They were searching for ways to end the violence of the past week that has left some 60 people dead.

Salafi Rapper Sings About His Identity Crisis

Leila Fadel — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:10:00 +0000

Former Salafi, turned rapper, Omar Kamal left the Salafi fold during Egypt's revolution. He says that when Salafis came out of the dark they showed their hypocrisy. To the rhythm of beat boxing, he uses his lyrics to chronicle his own identity crisis — a crisis that reflects Egypt's struggle to find itself.

Tunisian Veil Ban: Frontline Of Identity War

Leila Fadel — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:33:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

The secretary of state made several visits to North Africa where the Arab uprisings began in 2011. Those uprisings widened the political space for religious conservatives.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

And in the country we'll visit next, people have been arguing over a powerful symbol of ultra-conservative Islam: the face veil.

INSKEEP: Tunisia is not a country where women are compelled to cover their faces or their hair.

Tunisia's Salafis: 'A Danger' Or Preachers Of God's Law?

Leila Fadel — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:32:00 +0000

The uprisings of the Arab Spring unleashed a new political force in the region — Salafis, ultraconservative Muslims who aspire to a society ruled entirely by a rigid form of Islamic law. Their models are the salaf, or ancestors, referring to the earliest Muslims who lived during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad.

To their critics, the Salafis are religious fanatics who are trying to drag the region back to 7th century Arabia.

At Least 40 People Dead In Egypt As Violent Protests Continue

Leila Fadel — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:09:00 +0000
Transcript
AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:
From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Audie Cornish.
The political crisis in Egypt is deepening. Today, as violence flared in multiple cities, the main opposition coalition rejected President Mohammed Morsi's call for dialogue. The worst clashes have been in Port Said on the Mediterranean. Over the past three days, at least 43 people have been killed there. The rioting was sparked by death sentences handed down against 21 local soccer fans.

Egypt's Salafis Emerge As Powerful, And Controversial, Political Force

Leila Fadel — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000
The uprisings of the Arab Spring unleashed a new political force in the region — Salafis. These ultra-conservative Muslims aspire to a society ruled entirely by a rigid form of Islamic law. Their models are the salaf, or ancestors, referring to the earliest Muslims who lived during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad.
To their critics, the Salafis are religious fanatics who are trying to drag the region back to 7th-century Arabia.

Muslim Brotherhood Tries To Distract From Second Anniversary Of Egyptian Revolt

Leila Fadel — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:20:00 +0000
On the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution on Friday, liberal and secular opposition groups held protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square. The Muslim Brotherhood did not hold counter-demonstrations this time. Instead, its members did charitable work in poor districts of Cairo and other cities.

Constitution Vote Seen As Referendum On Egyptian Brotherhood

Leila Fadel — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:17:00 +0000
Update Dec. 23, at 5:30 a.m.:
Egypt's constitution appears to have passed with 64 percent of Egyptians voting "yes," according to preliminary results issued by state-run media. But the document passed under a cloud of controversy as the opposition to the Islamist-backed document cried fraud.
Once official results are announced, President Mohammed Morsi is expected to give up his all-inclusive powers. A set of controversial decrees he issued last month, that effectively put him above the law, will be void when the constitution is adopted.

Is Morsi Morphing Into Authoritarian He Opposed?

Leila Fadel — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:19:00 +0000
When Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was elected, some Egyptians jokingly referred to him as the Muslim Brotherhood's "spare tire." He was the backup candidate of the Islamist organization, whose first choice for the presidency was barred from running.
But Morsi has proved much more formidable than many Egyptians believed.
Before becoming president, Morsi was unaccustomed to the limelight, something that was clear during his first press conference after being elected last summer.

Egypt's Constitution Vote Mired In Controversy

Leila Fadel — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:04:00 +0000
Transcript
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
And in Egypt, a panel of Islamist lawmakers has approved a new draft constitution, but what should have been a welcome step in the country's transition to democracy is instead mired in controversy.

Egypt Rushes To Pass Draft Constitution Amid Protest

Leila Fadel — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:37:00 +0000
A new draft constitution will be unveiled in Cairo on Thursday, but it is far from clear whether the move will help resolve or deepen the crisis between President Mohamed Morsi and Egypt's judges. Robert Siegel talks with Leila Fadel, who is in Cairo.

Protestors In Egypt Denounce President's 'Power Grab'

Leila Fadel — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:13:00 +0000
Huge crowds thronged Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square on Tuesday voicing their opposition to what they see as a power grab by President Mohamed Morsi. Robert Siegel talks to Leila Fadel.

Egyptian Judges Prepare For A Strike

Leila Fadel — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:18:00 +0000
After a series of controversial decrees by Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, the country's judges are conflicted over what to do.
The president and Egypt's highest judicial authority met Monday to try to resolve the crisis, but the decrees, which essentially nullify judicial oversight, remained in place. And the judges are going ahead with plans for a strike.
Yussef Auf has been a judge for 10 years and says he has never witnessed such an affront to his profession.
"It's the biggest attack on the judges so far I've seen in my life.

Burst Of Protest In Egypt Not Likely A Revolution

Leila Fadel — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:37:00 +0000
Cairo's Tahrir Square was nearly empty as the sun rose Saturday. A few demonstrators camped out overnight after mass protests on Friday condemned controversial decrees by Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi.
Earlier this week, Morsi gave himself unchecked powers until a constitution is written and passed by a popular referendum — in about two months. He also decreed that neither the body writing the constitution nor the upper house of Parliament could be dissolved by the courts.
That set off angry demonstrations.

Protests Erupt In Egypt After President Expands Powers

Leila Fadel — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 23:11:00 +0000
Thousands of protesters flooded into the streets of Egypt on Friday — some in support of President Mohammed Morsi, others condemning what they called a vast power grab by the president that puts Egypt on the path to one-man rule.

Egypt, U.S. Help Negotiate Cease-Fire In Gaza

Leila Fadel — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:20:00 +0000
Transcript
AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:
It's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Audie Cornish.
ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST: And I'm Robert Siegel.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to an immediate cease-fire. That brings an end to eight days of fighting. The death toll at last count: at least 140 Palestinians and five Israelis. Today's agreement was brokered by the Egyptian government, with a big assist from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who spent the day shuttling between Jerusalem, Ramallah and Cairo.

Egypt Tries To Help Hamas Broker A Cease-Fire

Leila Fadel — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 21:38:00 +0000
Egypt has stepped up negotiations on a cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip on Monday. Hamas' top leader and two senior Israeli envoys were in Cairo and met separately with Egyptian officials, including President Mohammed Morsi. One of Morsi's aides said a truce deal could be imminent.

Few Signs Of Break In Mideast Flare-Up

Leila Fadel — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:02:00 +0000
Transcript
GUY RAZ, HOST:
It's WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Guy Raz.
Israel is now warning of a possible significant expansion of its operation aimed at Palestinian militants in Gaza. Earlier today, an Israeli air strike on a suspected Hamas target killed at least 10 people, and Hamas fired dozens of missiles into Israel. We'll get to our cover story on legacy and the Obama White House in a few moments, but first to the Middle East and our reporter in Cairo, Leila Fadel.
LEILA FADEL, BYLINE: The Israeli bombardment of Gaza continued today by sea and air.