Palestine in the Egyptian Press: From al-Ahram to al-Ahali

(Paperback)

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Palestine in the Egyptian Press follows the evolution of the press institution in modern Egypt, as well as of the prominent role the Palestine question played in its rise to political prominence. Through the lens of the press, author Ghada Hashem Talhami studies the development of democracy under authoritarian rule, as successive Egyptian regimes struggled to curb and contain the power of the fourth estate. The Palestine question began to impinge on Egypt's consciousness after World War I, largely due to the manifest pro-Zionist sentiments of a segment of the Jewish population. At the same time, rising Islamic groups and pan-Arabist circles engaged in the national identity debate and quickly seized control of the Palestine question as the most vulnerable area of Egypt's security, identity, and borders. Following the evolution of the press under Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak, Palestine in the Egyptian Press explores the restrictions and freedoms allowed to the media. There is no better reference to explain the press syndicate's rise to prominence, the success of generations of journalists in establishing Arabic as the formal language of Egypt, or the Palestine issue as the centerpiece of Egypt's pan-Arab policies.

Reviews

This work goes well beyond the scope of its title to examine the struggle of the Egyptian press over the past 150 years for the freedom of the press. Based on painstaking and thorough research, Professor Talhami has produced the most eloquent and stimulating study of this significant and neglected dimension of the Egyptan struggle for democracy. This is essential reading for understanding Egyptian politics today. -- Tareq Y. Ismael, professor of political science, University of Calgary, and editor, International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies
A landmark achievement and unique analysis of the role of the press as 'hero and villain' of Egyptian political life and as a major force in the Palestine question. -- Naseer H. Aruri, Chancellor Professor Emeritus, Political Science, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Author Bio

Ghada Hashem Talhami is D. K. Pearsons Professor of Politics at Lake Forest College, emerita.