Egypt has further restricted Syrian entry, barring all Syrian nationals except those with temporary Egyptian residency permits. This follows a previous ban targeting Syrians with Western residency permits and Schengen visas, requiring pre-approval for entry. The move comes amidst a large, albeit unregistered, Syrian population in Egypt and recent restrictions on Palestinians entering from conflict zones. These actions reflect Egypt’s heightened security concerns. The discrepancy between Egyptian and UN figures regarding the Syrian population remains significant.
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In a recent operation, Egyptian authorities apprehended two individuals attempting to illicitly traffic nearly 450 ancient artifacts recovered from the seabed of Abu Qir Bay near Alexandria. The recovered items, dating from Greek and Roman Antiquity (circa 500 BCE – 400 CE), included coins, statues, tools, and weaponry. The suspects admitted to diving to obtain the antiquities for illegal sale. Seized artifacts, showcasing intricate detail and depictions of people and animals, are currently in the possession of Egyptian authorities.
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Analysis of a 2,000-year-old Egyptian Bes mug revealed a cocktail of psychedelic drugs, alcohol, and bodily fluids, challenging previous assumptions about its use. The concoction, identified through chemical and DNA analysis, included honey, nuts, and seeds, suggesting a ritualistic beverage. Researchers believe this mixture, with its psychotropic properties, was used in fertility rituals connected to the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, based on both the findings and ancient texts. This discovery sheds light on Greco-Roman-era magic rituals in Egypt.
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Archeologists from Egypt and the US have discovered an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor, Egypt, dating back to the Middle Kingdom (1938 B.C.-1630 B.C.). The tomb was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut on the Nile’s West Bank in Luxor. The tomb, thought to be a family tomb used for generations during the 12th and the start of the 13th Dynasty, contained coffins for men, women and children. Though ancient floods had destroyed most of the burials’ wooden coffins and linen wrappings, items like jewellery had survived. Egypt has been working to attract more tourists, heavily dependent on the country’s rich Pharaonic artifacts, which previously suffered a downturn following political turmoil and violence after a 2011 uprising.
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Egypt’s recent declaration as malaria-free after a century-long battle evokes a mixture of awe and joy. I find this announcement deeply significant not just for the country, but for humanity as a whole. As I reflect on this momentous achievement, I consider both the historical context and the broader implications of this victory over a disease that has shadowed human civilization for millennia.
Malaria has plagued the region along the Nile for thousands of years. Its eradication feels like a turning point, signaling the triumph of human determination and progress in public health. To think that a disease which impacted the lives of ancient Egyptians—including, possibly, the pharaohs—has now been relegated to history is nothing short of extraordinary.… Continue reading
It’s baffling how every time a story about Trump and money surfaces, there seems to be a resounding chorus of voices saying, “Yes, of course, he took the money.” The fact that this sentiment is so prevalent speaks volumes about the perception people have of the former President. It’s a sad state of affairs when the bar for integrity in public office has plummeted so low that the idea of a politician not engaging in corrupt practices is met with skepticism.
The reports of a $10 million cash withdrawal from an Egyptian intelligence-linked organization right before Trump assumed office are troubling, to say the least.… Continue reading
As I read about the $10M cash withdrawal that drove a secret probe into whether Trump took money from Egypt, I couldn’t help but be shocked at the level of corruption and brazen disregard for the law that seems to have permeated the highest levels of government. The fact that prosecutors and FBI agents were blocked from obtaining critical bank records by top Justice Department officials raises serious concerns about the integrity of our justice system. The case grinding to a halt under Trump’s attorney general, William P. Barr, only adds to the suspicion surrounding this entire ordeal.
The normalization of such corruption in today’s political landscape is truly alarming.… Continue reading
As news of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi agreeing to restore aid flow to Gaza after a call with U.S. President Joe Biden makes its rounds, many questions and concerns come to the forefront. This decision marks a potential shift in the dynamics of aid distribution in the region, with a focus on utilizing the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza as opposed to the Rafah crossing. It’s important to note that this change highlights the intricate web of politics and power dynamics at play in the Middle East.
The decision to reroute aid through Israel before reaching Gaza sheds light on the complexities of the relationships between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas.… Continue reading
As an archaeologist, I have always been fascinated with the mysteries of ancient civilizations and the secrets they hold. The recent discovery of a large ‘anomaly’ buried under the Giza pyramids has left the archaeological community perplexed and intrigued. The shallow structure measures 10m wide by 15m long and is less than 2m deep, sparking curiosity about what lies beneath the surface in this historically significant area.
There is a theory that suggests this location could possibly be the burial site of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid. It is believed that Khufu chose to be buried in a secret, nearby location rather than in the pyramid itself, to avoid grave robbers.… Continue reading
An Egyptian spy allegedly single-handedly sabotaged a potentially historic cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas by altering its terms before presenting it to the parties involved. According to CNN, intelligence official Ahmed Abdel Khalek modified the agreement after Israel had already agreed to it, inserting more of Hamas’ demands in order to secure their approval. This revelation is truly shocking and raises questions about the motives behind such deceitful actions in delicate peace negotiations.
It is intriguing to consider the implications of one individual’s actions having such a significant impact on the course of events in the Middle East. The revelation that this “spy” was following orders adds another layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting a larger, calculated strategy at play.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker