Egypt

Islamist political parties have won an overwhelming majority in Egypt’s first post-Mubarak parliamentary elections, Saturday.

Results have revealed that the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) won the largest number of seats, with the hardline Salafist Nour party coming in second. Both the secular Egyptian Bloc coalition and the liberal New Wafd parties came in far behind the two majority parties.

Over the past six weeks, Egypt has gone to the polls to vote in three separate phases in efforts to elect the 498 members of the People’s Assembly. In addition to the 498, another 10 will be appointed by the ruling military. more >>

An international Christian organization has voiced its concern over news that the Muslim Brotherhood's leader is to become the speaker of Egypt’s newly-minted Parliament, a move that heightens fears that Egypt's Christian community could very well be in danger.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) nominated its Secretary-General, Mohamed Saad al-Katatni, to lead the country's first Parliament chosen since the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak during the Arab Spring uprisings. 

It is the first time in decades that an Islamist is taking over that post, according to CNN. more >>

In what observers say is another step away from amicable international relations, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has advised Israeli pilgrims to halt their annual trip to the tomb of Rabbi Yaakov Abu Hatzira, located in Damanhour, Egypt.

This serves as Egypt's most recent attempt to separate itself from Israel, according to observers. Although the growing tension between the two countries will have political ramifications, the conflict runs deeper. The growing disparity between Egypt and Israel echoes the Arab-Israeli conflict, reportedly dating back to the beginnings of Arab nationalism and the Zionist movement. 

With the Muslim Brotherhood expected to control Egypt's newly formed Parliament, critics question if the Arab-Israeli conflict will intensify underneath an Islamic government, or if the Brotherhood will uphold its campaign promises of pragmatism. more >>

A Coptic Christian who is a billionaire telecommunications mogul is on trial in Egypt over allegations of “blasphemy and insulting Islam.”

Naguib Sawiris, the man on trial, posted a cartoon of a bearded Mickey Mouse alongside a veiled Minnie Mouse. If convicted, Sawiris could face a year in prison.

“This is a religious agenda being acted out,” said Dr. Carl Moeller of Open Doors, a ministry that focuses on supporting persecuted Christians. more >>

Islamists now dominate Egypt’s parliament after the leading political party, The Muslim Brotherhood, has won the majority. The religious-centered political party gained one third of the votes in the third round of lower house elections Friday.

Despite an end to the third round of parliamentary elections, run-off elections are set to follow. Partial results announced that the Brotherhood walked away with 37.5 percent of the votes, while the ultra-conservative Salafi Al-Nour party came in at a close second.

The election results have indicated that the Muslim Brotherhood will have the most sway in parliamentary decisions, and that its ideals will play a significant role in forming Egypt’s new constitution. more >>

Ayman Nour, leader of the al-Ghad el-Thawra political party in Egypt, has called for a march that will commemorate the death of 21 Coptic Christians.

Ayman Nour wants to march alongside members of his political party and political activists in the country. The march is to be conducted this Saturday on New Year’s Eve. Nour has stated that this march is meant to promote solidarity with the "martyrs of the church” and is in “memory of the church bombing."

Nour and his followers will try and march to Alexandria Church, the scene of a violent attack that involved the death of Coptic Christians. more >>