From Dr Wafik Moustafa
wafik@drwmoustafa.com

It is a sad, unwise and counter productive move by Egyptian authorities to stifle the limited freedom provided by such websites. If a website does not espouse ideological or political violence and justly expresses views however discomforting to state elites- it should have the full protection and respect.

Over the past 10 years with the revolution of information in full swing, many elites in the Arab World have not grasped nor able to accept the fast change in the world around them. Books are banned directly or indirectly that the number of books translated into Spanish last year were more that what has been translated into Arabic over past 1000 years.

Without freedom of individuals and creativity of thought, we can not move forward. India, Pakistan and many African nations have a true free press. Pakistan’s President Musharaf despite military rules period, did not suppress freedom of the press.

The phobia of free speech is eroding the basic foundation of the state and will eventually drive the country into dark and unknown future.

Egypt is a great nation;it is easy to be carried away into the over optimistic.The reality, its main source of living comes from its ancient monuments (5000 years), Suez Canal(140 yeas) and US AID(30 years) and remitance send from Egyptians abroad who are incidently have no voting rights!and at best treated as marginals- they contribute essential pensions for millions of families inside Egypt, which unfortunatly goes unrecognised or appreciated by the elites.Agriculture is regressing and statistics are embaressingly low and not available.On the contrary Industrious China ,India or Pakistan does not qualify for such aid or secrecy.they are almost self sufficient and reassuringly ,no citizen there is stiff scared from airing their views in public. suffice to say it is not difficult for our people to emmulate India ,Pakistan or Africa. We have been independent nation since in 1922 ,the same year of Ireland's independence, and above all we were a cradel of civilisation full 5000 years ago.this should make us proud but not to be compalcent or arrogant,

The opportunists who are conveniently draped by cloak of sensibility by using their positions and pens to suppress any positive potential, they will be the first to jump ship.

I believe time is running out ,hence a swift and pragmatic programme of reform is urgently needed to reverse the current impasse.

Dr Wafik Moustafa

Lives and have a medical practice in London
President of British Arab Medical Association BAMA
Ex Chairman of Egyptian Community Association UK