As Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak celebrates his 80th birthday and more than 27 years as the country’s president, Al Jazeera visits the country and in a special programme examines why for many ordinary Egyptians their country is still a nation in waiting.
Fifty five years ago, the voice of the Arabs or Sawt Al Arab radio was launched in Cairo, broadcasting the revolutionary ideology of Egypt’s new leaders — the Free Officers who had overthrown the monarchy.
Taking advantage of cheap transistor technology the Egyptian regime was able to get its message across the Arab World.
And by using a combination of emotional Arabist rhetoric and popular singers like Um Khalthoum, the voice of the Arabs emerged at a critical moment in the history of Arab unity.
Fifty five years ago, the voice of the Arabs or Sawt Al Arab radio was launched in Cairo, broadcasting the revolutionary ideology of Egypt’s new leaders — the Free Officers who had overthrown the monarchy.
Taking advantage of cheap transistor technology the Egyptian regime was able to get its message across the Arab World.
And by using a combination of emotional Arabist rhetoric and popular singers like Um Khalthoum, the voice of the Arabs emerged at a critical moment in the history of Arab unity.
The price of basic commodities in Egypt is hitting millions of people hard.
Those who could once afford to buy bread from regular supermarkets, are now being forced to rely on government subsidised bakeries.
The huge increase in demand has resulted in unprecedented queuing and violence, with at least 10 people being killed.
Egyptian forces have attempted to close the border with Gaza, breached by Hamas days earlier, but Hamas fighters used a bulldozer to keep the border open.Al Jazeera’s Jacky Rowalnd, reporting from the Gazan side of the border, watched the events unfold.