Skip to main content

Critics challenge validity of Egypt's anti-terror council

Culture now has a place on Egypt's National Council to Fight Terrorism, but does it have a real purpose there?
BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 12:  Egyptian President Abd El-Fattah El-Sisi departs following talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery on June 12, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. El-Sisi is in Berlin to participate in the G20 Africa Conference.  (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Read in 

CAIRO — For years, intellectuals have debated the Egyptian regime's belief in the importance of art and culture in the fight against terrorism. Now, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has launched the National Council to Fight Terrorism and chosen prominent theater and television actor Mohamed Sobhi as one of its members.

The decision came July 26, and by Aug. 2, the Zahma news website cited intellectuals who questioned Sobhi’s membership and the government’s seriousness in activating the role of culture and art in fighting terrorism, claiming that Sobhi’s presence on the council or the council as a whole are only public relations moves.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.