The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

Ukraine effect

I went to the Muhammad Munir concert last night. Munir is among Egypt's most popular singers today. He came on stage wearing a bright orange shirt and an equally absurd orange scarf. A few songs into his set he told the crowd that he was wearing orange "not because I am happy with the Arabs, but because I am happy with Ukraine."

Al Misry Al Yom has kicked off the New Year with a rather impressive and courageous man-on-the-street opinion poll on Mubarak. There are no percentage approval ratings like we are used to seeing in our presidential polls, but there are two full inside pages devoted to assorted people, some known and others just average Egyptians, sounding off on Mubarak. I'll translate and post some of the highlights tomorrow when I have more time.