A Discussion with Amr Abdel-Sameea at the BA
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Alexandria—
A strong debate took place at the BA on Saturday, 9 February 2008, with Amr Abd El-Sameea, Editor-in-Chief, Al-Ahram International, in a seminar entitled “Media and Culture of Dialogue”.
Amr Abd El-Sameea explained that the press is one of the most controversial issues around which many views and ideas revolve; and stated that the press receives large publicity, but is still vague in the minds of many.
He added that the press is involved in the decision-making process, as it can evoke a state of dissatisfaction among the public towards a system or another. It played a historical role in promoting dialogue since its initiation by Sheikh Refa El-Tahtawy in 1828. Press passed by five phases, namely: translation, oratory, the so-called “salon chatting”, nationalization, and finally pluralism in Egypt.
Amr Abd El-Sameea tackled also the threats facing the press and its assumed role in promoting dialogue on the issues pertaining the Egyptian society. He explained that discussions and debates on democracy, the main racecourse of the press, is not limited to condemning the selectivity practiced by international powers in addressing democracy.
Abd El-Sameea said that the danger imposed by those who mingle religion with politics and adopt fundamentalist approaches is no less than the danger of those who adopt references related to phases of socio-economic growth, that has no relation with our history.
He added that dialogue, which the press calls for, will help the society realize that authorities in Egypt are not intended by our conflicts and hostility.
Abd El-Sameea concluded that threats appear in various forms, and that we need to establish dialogue to address the rapidly increasing changes. This age is witnessing vast changes equivalent to those of the French Revolution and will surely lead to major impacts on our region and on our relations with others.
He stressed that democratic dialogue is the only defense against the evil of illegitimate powers that seek to damage the political and social structure of our society and to destroy Egypt’s long history of freedom and enlightment.
At the end of the seminar, the audience discussed several issues with Amr Abd El-Samea on political, social and humanitarian issues pertaining the Egyptian society and the Arab world at large.