Introduction

The Middle East Freedom Forum, a research institute for Egyptian affairs, was established in Cairo in November 2007. Its founder and director is Magdi Khalil, a Coptic-American human rights activist and an editor of the Egyptian Christian weekly Watani. The institute was launched at a large symposium in Cairo titled "Where Is Egypt Headed?"

The symposium was attended by many of Egypt's leading liberal intellectuals, among them Ahmad 'Abd Al-Mu'ti Hijazi, professor of Arabic literature at the University of Paris and former culture editor of the Egyptian weekly Roz Al-Yousef; Salah 'Issa, editor of the weekly Al-Qahira, published by the Egyptian Culture Ministry; Egyptian intellectual Tarek Heggy; Dr. 'Abd Al-Mun'im Sa'id, director of the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies; Dr. Hala Mustafa, editor of the Al-Ahram Center's quarterly Demokratiyya; Egyptian MP Dr. Osama Al-Ghazali Harb, editor of the monthly Al-Siyassa Al-Duwaliyya; Dr. 'Imad Gad, Israel affairs expert at the Al-Ahram Center; Egyptian philosopher Dr. Mourad Wahba; and Islamic scholar Gamal Al-Bana.

The symposium dealt with numerous issued pertaining to Egypt's future, including press freedom, Muslim-Copt coexistence, citizenship and human rights, Egyptian culture, the secular state, political Islam, Egypt's relations with the U.S. and Israel, the future of political parties in Egypt, and the Egyptian judicial system. [1]

Reactions to the symposium in the Egyptian press were mixed. Some articles criticized it, claiming that Magdi Khalil was serving U.S. interests, as was his "mentor" Dr. Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim, director of the Ibn Khaldoun Center. [2] Others praised Khalil's initiative, calling the institute a worthy endeavor that will benefit Egyptian society.

Following are details about the symposium and excerpts from the reactions to it in the Egyptian press.

Where Is Egypt Headed?

In his address at the symposium, Magdi Khalil declared that the Middle East Freedom Forum was an independent research institute, and would be free of external pressures even though its main offices were located in Washington. He stated that the institute's activities would be fully transparent, and would meet scientific, ethical, professional, and national standards. He expressed hope that the institute would serve to promote overall enlightenment in Egypt.

Khalil added that the institute would publish reports on the state of human rights in Egypt that would be more objective than those published outside the country. However, he added that the institute would not limit itself to scientific observation, but would also seek to encourage civil activism. He emphasized that the institute's board of directives included several active researchers, in order to enable the public to follow human rights violations in Egypt. [3]

Main Topics Discussed at the Symposium

The Future of the Egyptian Press

The issue of the Egyptian press was addressed at the symposium by Salah 'Issa, editor of the Egyptian Culture Ministry weekly Al-Qahira. 'Issa argued that Egypt was currently in transition from a "semi-democratic" to a fully democratic regime. He added that currently the press seemed to be the only Egyptian institution that was fairly effective and enjoyed considerable freedom. In the period following the 1952 revolution, he said, the Egyptian government owned most of the national press, and thus controlled 90% of the readership and 90% of the journalists, the latter operating under its guidance. Recently, however, the government has given the press a greater degree of freedom. 'Issa assessed that the "recruited" press of the revolutionary era was gradually becoming a free and bold press that engages the readers' intellect, not only their emotions - a change, he said, that has been accompanied by a lifting of the constraints on the media, since nowadays no one but the military in Egypt is immune to criticism. 'Issa also mentioned the advent of an independent press, which he said was professional and loyal to its readers and presented a wide range of reports and opinions.

Reviving Islamic Discourse

Reformist Egyptian philosopher Gamal Al-Bana expounded his view on the renewal and revival of Islamic discourse. He argued that religious discourse in the Muslim world today had reverted to the Salafi interpretations of centuries past, which had suited the circumstances of that era, but were no longer relevant now that freedom of belief is considered a fundamental right. He concluded that Islamic thought should be renewed by reliance on the Koran and the Prophet's Sunna only, not on the opinions of scholars and commentators. Al-Bana added that the goal must be the individual, and that Islam was only a means to an end.

Egypt-U.S. Relations

Al-Ahram Center for Strategic and Political Studies director Dr. 'Abd Al-Mun'im Sa'id led the discussion on the future of Egypt's relations with the U.S. and Israel. He said that both Egypt and the U.S. had derived greater benefit from their reciprocal relations than either had from its relations with any other country. Egypt's peace accords with Israel, for example, would not have succeeded but for the close relations between Egypt and the U.S. The U.S., on its part, benefited from Egypt's standing in the Arab, African and Islamic arenas, which helped it strengthen its position in Afghanistan, in the first Gulf War, and in the Cold War.

Sa'id acknowledged that Egypt-U.S. relations had also known periods of tension, and assessed that there would continue to be conflict over various issues, including the peace process, the crisis in the Gulf, extremism in the Arab world, and questions of democratization.

The Future of Democracy in Egypt

This topic was addressed at the symposium by Egyptian MP Dr. Osama Al-Ghazali Harb, editor of the monthly Al-Siyassa Al-Duwaliyya. He stated that there was a consensus in Egypt that democracy was the solution to all the country's problems, and added that democracy was no longer the concern of only the Egyptian elite. It is also the concern of the country's lower classes, he said, which have realized that it may hold the solution to their economic problems, and to Egypt's problems of corruption and social inequality.

Harb named three factors that had to be taken into consideration in assessing the future of democracy in Egypt: First, Egypt has a distinguished tradition of liberalism, since it has had multiple political parties for over a century. Second, external forces were pressuring Egypt to become more democratic, and third, Egypt is currently at a low point in its history in terms of democracy, since it is ruled by an undemocratic regime that inhibits multiparty politics and does not recognize the freedoms of civil society.

Harb pointed out that several parties - Al-Wafd, Al-Tagammu', the Nasserist Party, and the Democratic Front - have formed a coalition calling for democracy. The regime, however, remains adamant in its opposition to democracy, as evident from its decision to let the Muslim Brotherhood into the parliament and from its control over the media. He added that democracy would not come to Egypt through Islamist extremism.

The Future of Education in Egypt

Dr. Kamal Mughith of Egypt's National Center for Social Research criticized the state of education in the country, saying that it was still based on the model of the kuttab - the traditional Muslim school. He explained that Egypt's curricula were still dominated by Islamic teachings that were at odds with the concept of citizenship, and that textbooks were not only rife with historical inaccuracies but that they completely ignored Coptic history and sites holy to the Christians.

Dr. 'Imad Gad of the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies said that for decades, the Egyptian school system and media had drummed into the public that the conflict with Israel could only be solved by military means. This, he said, is why the hostility towards Israel was bound to persist.

The Egyptian Judiciary

Dr. Tharwat Badawi, lecturer on law and constitution at Cairo University, said at the symposium that the Egyptian judiciary had to be independent and must elect its own members without intervention by the executive branch.

The National Association for Human Rights and Development director, attorney Amir Salem, who is also defense attorney for Ayman Nour, imprisoned former leader of the oppositionist Al-Ghad party, said that although the judiciary had long been struggling for independence, it was still under the direct influence of the executive branch. This, he said, was because the president remained head of the Council of Judicial Bodies, while the justice minister heads the Supreme Judicial Council. Salem added that many judges serve as advisors to various ministries, which compromises their objectivity.

The Future of Egypt as a Civil versus Religious State

In an address that dealt with this topic, Egyptian reformist intellectual Dr. Sayyed Al-Qimni argued that the model of the religious state had no future. Al-Qimni pointed out that even Hamas had refrained from implementing shari'a, even though the first article in its covenant declares its commitment to that ideal. This, he said, was because Hamas recognized that traditional principles are not compatible with the present time. Nevertheless, Egypt's institutions, from the schools to the media, the mosques and the churches, still promote only one perspective - the dominance of religion - so that the citizens are never exposed to other points of view.

Egyptian diplomat Mahmoud Qassem said that Egypt was a civil state in religious guise, but that this guise was becoming more dominant every day, threatening to completely transform the essence of the Egyptian state. He added that Egypt's present regime was using the trappings of religion to gain legitimacy and to remain in power as long as possible, while other forces in Egypt (namely the Muslim Brotherhood) were striving to establish a religious state in the full sense of the term. [4]

Reactions in the Egyptian Press

Khalil is the Heir of Dr. Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim

The founding symposium of the Middle East Freedom Forum evoked mixed reactions in the Egyptian press. The opposition weekly Al-Usbu' attacked Magdi Khalil, saying: "Remember the name Magdi Khalil. He is a Coptic Egyptian political science scholar who lives in Washington, and who is touted as the heir [of Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim]. [This epithet] was given him by his associates and by some academics and human rights organizations, [because] he is playing a role similar to that played by Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim, director of the Ibn Khaldoun Center. [This role is one of] complete submission to American dictates, and of unflagging efforts to carry them out, even if they contravene the supreme interests of the [Egyptian] state.

"However, there is a clear distinction between the disciple [Khalil] and his mentor [Ibrahim]. [Unlike the mentor], the disciple does not have elaborate and long-standing relations with the decision makers abroad - meaning that he must, at least for the time being, take a moderate approach towards the Egyptian regime and its institutions. This is in contrast to Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim, whose close [ties] with Washington rapidly led him into confrontation with [the regime].

"Magdi Khalil preferred to concern himself with problems that probably exist in every society, even in America's racist society. He began to fan the flames of strife with his articles and [public] appearances, [portraying] Egypt - the land of tolerance - as a country [torn] by ethnic conflict. He constantly harps on the same issues: political reform, the Coptic [issue], and various questions of Islam and its institutions in Egypt - because these are the issues that concern Washington..." [5]

The Middle East Freedom Forum Was Founded to Serve Khalil's Private Interests

Hani Labib, columnist for the Egyptian weekly Roz Al-Yousef, likewise attacked Khalil and his institute: "Magdi Khalil [is adept at] exploiting all types of media to promote his private goals. [His main goal] is to cultivate his image as an enlightened and liberal reformist, though his views and ideas indicate that he is the exact opposite... He has managed to convince public opinion that he is an outstanding academic and intellectual...

"The Middle East Freedom Forum was created in the guise of a commercial enterprise, like... a translation company or publishing house. It [was founded] as part of the covert rivalry between [Khalil] and [Coptic activist] Michael Mounir... It is also a branch of Khalil's business in the U.S., and it receives funding and ideological support from 'Adli Abadir [leader of the Switzerland-based association Copts-United]...

"The interesting thing about Magdi Khalil is that he sees [absolutely] nothing positive about Egypt, and spreads [all sorts of] strange ideas. For example, he always accuses the Egyptian Copts of helplessness and submissiveness, [complaining] that the Copts abroad must take care of all their concerns. He ignores [the fact] that the Copts' problems and concerns should not be handled by commercial [companies], or in the international arena. [Rather, they should be handled] along with the civil and national rights of all Egyptian citizens. Moreover, he portrays the Coptic elite in Egypt as a faceless group disdained by the Egyptian government... disregarding the considerable differences [of opinion] that exist within the Coptic [community]..."

About the symposium, Labib wrote: "The [symposium] dealt with many general issues, and was attended by numerous public figures, but the discussion rapidly deteriorated into an ugly ethnic argument. The argument was provoked by a small group of Copts from abroad, headed by Magdi Khalil. These [people] have for years [claimed] that the Egyptian regime would never allow them to hold conferences in Egypt like they do abroad... [This last symposium] proves that, contrary to their claims, nothing is stopping them from meeting in Egypt. [Furthermore,] Magdi Khalil's symposium took place in the same week as the National Human Rights Council conference, which Khalil failed to attend. This proves that the sole objective of his symposium was to undermine the official council's conference, by holding a rival conference... [6]

The Middle East Freedom Forum Symposium - A Brave Step towards Progress, Democracy, and a Civil State

The head of the Evangelist community in Shubra, Rif'at Fikri Sa'id, was supportive of Khalil's initiative, writing in the Christian weekly Watani: "In light of the fundamentalism, and the religious and ideological backwardness that surround us on every side, and with the mounting [chorus] of clamorous voices calling for extremism and discrimination against the other, Egypt needs intensive, serious and dedicated efforts from its civil [society] organizations. The Middle East Freedom Forum, headed by Magdi Khalil, is a new [light] illuminating the long path towards enlightenment - a path that requires years of serious and unceasing work aimed at achieving true democracy and inculcating the ideal of a civil state.

"The theme chosen by Magdi Khalil for his conference - 'Where is Egypt Headed?' - is very important, for it deals with the country's future. [Unfortunately] the future generally interests no one but a handful of progressives who strive for culture and progress. Most people are mired in the past - [clinging to] traditions long since obsolete in attempt to convince us that the only way forward is through a return to ancient [times]. Others content themselves with assessing and interpreting the present, thus spending their time lamenting our unfortunate situation. Aware of this state of affairs, the Middle East Freedom Forum has taken a bold and original step: It is not [merely] interpreting the past, but has initiated an appraisal of Egypt's future by some of the country's leading thinkers and academics. The real crisis, and the source of the problems and ills of our Arab region... is that backward thinking prevails, while the [rest of the] world progresses... It is no surprise that others have made progress while we have remained backward.

"Today, more than ever, we must relinquish the conspiratorial mentality, which is still [typical] of quite a few Egyptians. Whenever they hear a progressive idea, a call for [the establishment of] a civil state, or [an argument] against reactionary and outdated [notions], the reactionaries [object], and question the motives of those calling for progress. They use expressions like 'agents of the West,' 'American conspiracy,' and 'implementation of the Zionist-American agenda.' They [characterize Khalil's forum] as Coptic, or as affiliated with the Coptic diaspora, even though most of the Copts [living abroad] are Egyptian through and through, and are working for Egypt's benefit, trying to advance it and to help it become a true civil state...

"Today we must encourage anyone who works for the advancement of Egypt, whether he be Christian or Muslim. We all share the same interests - just as the danger of backwardness, and of hatred towards progress and enlightenment, threatens to destroy all of us, Christians and Muslims alike..." [7]

Secular Coptic intellectual Kamal Zakhr Moussa also condemned the criticism leveled at Magdi Khalil and his institute. He wrote: "Magdi Khalil, an activist of the Coptic Egyptian [diaspora], opened a research institute here in Egypt... [and launched it] with a well-attended symposium dealing with the question 'Where is Egypt Headed?' This is further proof that Egypt is receptive to different ideological trends, and is not afraid [to let people express themselves ] openly - as long as this is done in a public and transparent manner, and [as part of the promotion of] civilian [rights].

"The [supporters of the] totalitarian [regime], however, hurried to accuse Khalil and his institute of being new [agents] of the American gang that is infiltrating Egypt - a gang [often] referred to as 'the American administration' - now that [the previous American agent], Sa'd Al-Din Ibrahim, has failed [in his mission]... [They make this accusation] even though Magdi Khalil graduated from the economics and political science faculty [at an Egyptian university]. Before emigrating, he worked as an analyst for the Central Bank of Egypt, and for six years wrote weekly for the Al-Ahram economic supplement...

"Our brothers, the [supporters of the] totalitarian [regime], are demanding that the Coptic diaspora cease holding conferences outside [Egypt]. They tell [these Copts] to come [back] to Egypt, if they dare. But when the Copts do [hold conferences] in Egypt, they are accused of [representing an American] infiltration... This raises an important question: doesn't the campaign [against the Copts] serve the interest of regional powers that wish to defeat Egypt and undermine its stability? And another question: Why this attack on public figures whose only common denominator is their Coptic [identity]? Is it a coincidence, or is it motivated by hidden racism?..." [8]

*L. Azuri is a research fellow at MEMRI.