WATANI International
11 January 2009
How needy we are of these principles!
Ghandi, that great master, wise philosopher, and modest person, spread tolerance and love and opposed violence through a unique philosophy. He was one of the few who widened the meaning of non-violence to include not only the personal level but also both the political and social levels. Ghandi believed in love as a weapon that can defeat violence. But would it really work today? Can it defeat the widespread terrorism, violence, and injustice? These questions directly come to mind on reading the book Ghandi, Eatirafat, Ta’ammulat, Ru’a (Ghandi, Confessions, Contemplations, and Perspectives) compiled and translated by Heba Mahmoud Aref and published by Sotour Gadida.
Information violence
In his new book, Unf al-Maalomat (Information Violence), Gamal Ghitas tackles the new phenomenon of using information as a tool of violence. Published by Nahdet Misr, Unf al-Maalomat features Ghitas’s reflections on the concept of violence in general. He mentions in detail the different meanings and effects of information violence including that perpetrated by the State and bureaucracy, which he describes as a crime committed by governments against the people. He suggests proposals to halt or confront cases of information violence.
The good old days
In Radya Ahmed’s new novel Ra’ihat al-Balah (The Smell of Dates), published by the Supreme Council for Culture, the author writes about her childhood and growing up in the crowded district of Shubra in Cairo. Ahmed calls this special period ‘the good old days’, the times of peace and security she spent with her family.
All about civil society
Various strategic societal issues such as history, international civil societies, and definitions according to political, intellectual and philosophical viewpoints, are included in al-Mawsoaa al-Arabiya lil-Mogtamaa al-Madani (The Arab Encyclopaedia of Civil Society) edited by Amany Qandil and published by the Arab network for non-governmental organisations.
Moments of flight
At the moment when the Lebanese novelist Gabbour al-Dwaihi escaped from the barrage of bullets, he was still a child holding his mother’s hand as they made their way to
Republic of chaos
Gomhuriyet al-Fawda (
New strategy
Building a national Jewish homeland, establishing the Israeli State and widening it through the neighbouring Arab countries, making an incomplete peace agreement with Egypt, rule in Palestine, and other topics are included in Ambassador Taher Shash’s new book Estratijiyat Israel al-Gadida (Israel’s New Strategy), published by Shorouq International Bookshop.
Subsidy and consumer protection
Several vital topics closely related to our daily lives are addressed in the latest book by Ibrahim al-Akhra, Al-Daam wa Himayat al-Mostahlik fi Thil al-Awlama (Subsidy and Consumer Protection in the Era of Globalisation). Published by Madbouli Bookshop, the book raises suggestions on how to protect the consumer in the age of globalisation, the relations between bureaucracy and consumer protection, the political effects on subsidisation in the era of globalisation, subsidisation and reform, and other important issues.
Snake’s tunnel
Novelist Afaf Hassan’s new novel Al-Hubb fi Shaq al-Thoaban (Love in the Snake’s Hole) centres on the details of a love story that took place in the days of President Nasser, when those in the president’s circle would be intent on looking after their own special interests. The novel is a successful blend of warm, romantic feelings and details of tough political events.
Folkloric arts
In the latest issue of the periodical Dirasat fil-Fonoun al-Shaabiya (Folkloric Arts Studies) a full article is included on the mawalid (a popular celebration of the birth of a prophet or saint). The article contains several studies on the tradition that dates back to ancient
Capitalism is about to destroy itself
Al-Ra’simaliya fi Tareeqiha Li-Tadmeeri Nafsaha (Capitalism is on its Way to Destroy Itself) is the newest publication from the Shorouq International Bookshop and the national centre for translation. Written by Patrick Arto and Mary Paul and translated into Arabic by Saad al-Taweel, it discusses the predicament of capitalism which has widely succeeded, but is now seriously threatened “it never led to a useful project or worked for a better future”, as the authors state.