Bjorn Thomassen, Sallie Pisch and James Walston
In the nearly ten months since Egyptians took to the streets on January 25, Egypt has faced exhilarating triumphs and crushing tragedies. An interim government has been trying to fight internal corruption, appease continual protesters, and revive the economy, but has now had to step down. The political scene is increasingly polarized, while many Egyptians at the same time unite around a hope for a better future. Just weeks before Egypt’s first post-Mubarak vote, the path to building a “New Egypt” remains uncertain as people have once again taken to the streets. Some of the clashes are taking place on Mohamed Mahmoud street, where the old campus of the American University in Cairo is located.
Last Wednesday evening AUR grad and Cairo-based journalist and Managing Director, Sallie Pisch, talked about the realities on the ground as Egyptians work to build a better future. Sallie wrote her International Relations Capstone thesis in 2010 on political mobilization in Egypt, based on fieldwork and interviews throughout the country. She argued that Egypt was “ready for change”, and right she was.
Bjorn Thomassen (center) and Sallie Pisch (right) during their discussion on Egypt.
In her presentation at the AUR Sallie explained the major challenges that Egypt faces. Her talk was followed by a discussion about the situation in Egypt and the wider Arab world. The event was attended by a large number of students and faculty and friends of the AUR, including Gary Sick, who served on the U.S. National Security Council under 3 US Presidents.
Below are links to recent articles, photos and videos by Sallie Pisch:
Latest articles:
- http://english.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=348755
- http://english.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=348675&SecID=12
Photos:
- https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.533888676784.2027789.113300770&type=1&l=6ece3511f5
- https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.533785812924.2027770.113300770&type=1&l=48c60a30ac
Videos:
