Schutz Officially Dismisses the Class of 2010

The Beginning of the Rest of Their Lives
By Ingy Fahmy

On numerous occasions, you would find the seniors sitting by the front porch reminiscing about all the crazy things the previous classes did and how those times used to be marked as the “golden days” of Schutz. But what this year’s senior class seems to be oblivious to is the fact that its members will be talked about in the same spirit of the “golden days” memories that prior graduates shared before.
I will not exaggerate about how this class gets along all the time and how it is always “rainbows and butterflies” with them. Each class member is distinctive and unique in a way that is not comparable to any other. Even though differences exist in every class, this class had the chance to grow together and to put their discrepancies aside to aid in each other’s own growth.
As they get ready to close the door on their high school days, the graduates realize that commencement is often referred to as the end of a long journey; however, they understand that it only defines the beginning of the rest of their lives.
In the coming months, the seniors will have to face new realities, including leaving the comfort and familiarity of their own homes to establish and create their own new ones from scratch. Graduation carries around a constant feeling of bitter-sweetness; you want to be done, but at the same you do not want it to be over.
The Class of 2010 will soon be officially relieved from their educational duties at Schutz American School. Nevertheless, each member in this class was empowered with the tools to thrive academically, which will aid them in thecoming stages of their lives as they mature in the years to come. The graduates will soon become freshmen in universities such as the American University in Cairo, Berkeley College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Copenhagen University, Regents American College London, University of Alberta, Gardner Webb, Purdue University, and Vellore Institute of Technology.
The Schutz community wishes the departing seniors heart-felt congratulations and nothing but the best of luck and success in the beginning of the rest of their lives. The graduates hope they have left a mark on Schutz and its current students as Schutz has forever left a stamp on their lives.

The Jewel of Muscat

A Historical Trip into the Future
By Farah Kashwa

We have all heard about unconventional teaching methods done by several teachers. Students almost usually enjoy scientific labs or hands-on projects more than simply taking notes in the classroom. However, the journey of the Jewel of Muscat introduces a whole new syllabus to the educational system. Robert B. Jackson, a history teacher at The American International School of Muscat (TAISM), has been invited, by the Omani government, aboard a ship that will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Therefore Mr. Jackson has invited all his students and students from all over the world to follow the unique journey.

This project is both a historical and a cultural project that was started by the Omani and Singaporean Ministries of Foreign Affairs under the supervision of maritime archaeologist Dr. Tom Vosmer. The project involved the reconstruction of a ninth-century ship Arab merchant ship that sank off the coast of Indonesia. The original cargo on the ship in the ninth century consisted of some 60,000 pieces of Tang dynasty ceramics that was headed for Arab and Persian markets. After the ship and its cargo were discovered in 1998 by archaeologists, it provided them with a lot of information about the Indian Ocean trade and also the manufacture of Arab ships.

The construction of the Jewel of Muscat was complete during the early days of February. The ship was scheduled to set sail on the 16th of February, 2010, and is expected to arrive in Singapore in early July. On its incredible journey, it will follow one of the oldest and most significant mercantile trade routes that history knows. The route that will be followed is the same route that was documented by Arab geographers who sailed on the original ship. Even though their journey is from Oman to Singapore, the crew and ship will make several stops along the way: Cochin, India; Galle, Sri Lanka; and Panang, Malaysia, and then will finally dock in Singapore.

Once the crewmen and ship reach Singapore, the ship will be put on display permanently at the same museum which displays the artifacts discovered from the original vessel.

Mr. Jackson’s job throughout the journey is to document the trip by keeping a photographic and video record of it. As Mr. Jackson said, this will be a tremendous opportunity for both teachers and students to learn about geography, history, navigation, Indian Ocean trade, and ancient ship design.

The World Heeding the Calls

The World Answers Appeals to Provide Haiti and Chile With Relief

By Nikhil Krishnan

As the world already knows, earthquakes in two countries in the first three months of the new decade shook the world and many humanitarian organizations. The first being in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010, was on a 7.0 Richter scale magnitude. The other was near the city of Concepcion in Chile on February 27, 2010 with a Richter scale magnitude of 8.8. Just a few weeks after the earthquake in Chile, three more earthquakes struck Chile on March 11, 2010 with one of the earthquakes measured at 7.2 Richter scale. The situation in these two countries is completely different, the death toll continues to rise, and challenges for humanitarian groups and organization continue to increase.

Although Chile suffered an earthquake with a greater magnitude, the status in Chile has been a lot better compared to the status in Haiti. The Chilean government is extremely organized under the leadership of President Michelle Bachelet and is taking measures to ameliorate the situation. On the other hand, the Haitian government is extremely corrupted and has turned its back towards the country. Moreover, Chile was somewhat prepared for this calamity since it has been frequently struck by earthquakes in the past, but Haiti’s Port au Prince had its last earthquake in 1751. In Haiti, the damage is concentrated in the area of Port au Prince as opposed to Chile, where the damage is very widespread.

Therefore, humanitarian challenges have been very difficult to meet with. “The challenges we are facing are typical of an earthquake. You’ve got a lot of homeless people that are living outside of their homes. They may have lost their homes or they’ve been compromised. Power has been cut off, water and sanitation have often been cut off, and of course now they are dependent on aid organizations and the government for food, water, and sanitation and those kinds of things. So, as we know, this was one of the biggest earthquakes of the last 50 years, and it did quite a bit of damage,” stated Richard Sterns, president of World Vision at a PBS news interview.

As a result of the earthquake, the U.N. Missions Building in Haiti collapsed and most members including its head, Hedi Annabi, have passed away. The good news was that U.N. Development Program (UNDP) and the World Food Program (WFP) buildings in Haiti have survived and have been able to serve with the aid of about 11, 000 blue helmet soldiers and officers of the Mission des Nations Unies la stabilization en Haiti (MINUSTAH). Since, many nations have responded to appeals for relief in Haiti and Chile. The U.S. government has in fact raised about $ 48 million for donation. Many nations have sent military and naval personel to the two countries for creating and operating rescue bases. In addition, the International Committee of the Red Crosses has been providing medical aids to the hospitals in Haiti and Chile.

New Security Regulations Put Into Effect

Pat Down is Here to Stay on U.S.-Bound Flights

By Ingy Fahmy

In light of the two incidents that occurred in two different airports during the busiest time of the year, the Christmas Holidays, tightened security measures have been put into effect immediately. The transportation Security Administration (TSA) is applying new security rules to passengers flying to the United States from the following 14 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

These 14 countries are especially identified because they are “stable sponsors of terrorism”, such as Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Sudan, or because they are “countries of interest”, such as the remaining ten nations. According to the State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism for 2009, new countries may have made the list due to recent happenings. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has “moved arms back into southern Lebanon where it was providing training to members of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). In Sudan, there is evidence of the existence of terrorist elements of Al-Qaida as well as elements of the Palestine Islamic Jihad and Hamas. Nigeria and Yemen both made the list because they are the countries that Umar Abdulmutallab emerged from with the plan to bomb the plane to Detroit, Michigan. Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan are countries in which the United States is in a state of war. Libya is a country that has reduced its advocacy for international terrorism, but it is still in contact with some terrorist individuals and organizations.

These upgraded security measures are in response to, first an attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. Mar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian who is believed to have received training from Al-Qaida operatives in Yemen, was charged with the attempt to blow up the plane with explosives sewn into his underwear. This attempt was a response to the incident that rose from the Continental Airlines terminal at Newark Airport. Security footage showed an unidentified person passing through an exit lane to a secure area without being screened. The airport went into lockdown as all flights were grounded and all passengers were returned to the ticketing area for rescreening. The unidentified individual could not be found.

Citizens of the above-mentioned 14 notions or passengers holding passports from those nations, taking flights that originated or passed through any of them, will be subjected to full-body pat downs and will face extra scrutiny of their carry-on bag before boarding on United States-bound flights. This intensive screening will be enforced at airports worldwide. Also, this new system treats people differently based on their nationality or the country from which they are traveling.

However, eased conditions for Americans and most other nationalities that do not fly through the 14 countries on their way to the United States are on the way. These passengers will no longer be subjected to automatically intensified security regulations imposed after the Christmas Day incidents.

At present, only flights to the United States are deeply affected. Airlines are currently telling passengers to “plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance of their flight’s departure to allow extra time for check-in and the boarding process”, and “passengers will be required to cooperate with cabin crew on any other in-flight security measures instructed”. Now, life for travelers is likely to become more complicated once again because pat downs are here to stay on United States-bound flights.

A Super Sub Who Is a Master at His Craft

Geddo Is by All Means a New Soccer Phenomenon in Egypt

By Aya Kordy

Egypt has a population of about 8 million people, each individual is very distinct from the other in terms of the way they think, speak, believe and live. Egypt has several dilemmas: its economy, the abuse of power by government officials, and the lack of democracy; hence, the nation is divided into various diverse groups. Nonetheless, all these groups can and do unite when it has to .do with one thing: soccer

On the 2nd of February 2010, the Egyptian national team played against Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations in Ghana. The score was 2 -1 for Egypt and Nigeria was really pushing for another goal in the last ten minutes. However, five minutes after the young sun Mohamed Nagy Geddo was admitted into the field, he scored a goal and subsequently became the man of the match. Geddo ‘s soccer career from then on significantly changed.

Fans were overwhelmed; Egyptians fell in love with Geddo. The hidden skills and talent of this young, unidentified player did not end though at the opening game. He was a substitute player like no other, one that manages to score a goal in a very limited amount of time towards the end of each game. Though he was only granted 20 minutes each match, he scored the most goals in the competition. Five goals in six matches led to the discovery of the newly identified star. He was referred to as ‘The Super Sub’.

Interviewers were racing for a word from the new national star. He was a newborn compared to all the other players. The journalism class was privileged enough to conduct an interview with that key player. Gedo was so modest while answering the questions. His name is Mohammed Nagy Ismail, born on the 30th of October in Hoosh Issa in El Behaira governorate. Curious as everyone was, I asked where the nickname Geddo came from. Bluntly replying, he explained that he had an incredible bond with his grandfather and spent a lot of time with him. The name Geddo became then associated with him as a sign of that incredible bond.

He started playing soccer on the streets, then in Hoosh Issa’s Youth Center, then in Damanhur Club, and finally in El Ithad Club. The next question was of his experience in the national team and if he thought he was supposed to start the kick off of the ninety-minute match. Geddo then put in plain words that it was a once in a lifetime experience, continuing that sometimes he felt the urge of playing more; however, he knew that the coach had the team’s best interest at heart. Interrupting me from asking the next question, he added that Alaa and Gamal Mubaraks’ presence gave him and his fellow colleagues the impression of how people back in Egypt were strongly supporting them. How it was different leaving Egypt as an average player from coming back as an idol, was my next question. He implied that it was very hard for him to comprehend that he was for many a source of pleasure. Talking more about soccer, Geddo clarified that his role model in Egyptian soccer is Abou Terika and from abroad Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting that one of his biggest dreams is playing for the Spanish club, Real Madrid.

Ending the interview with a very emotional question, I asked if that quote: “I’ll buy my sister a cell phone if I score five goals” is true. Timidly replying, he explained that his sister believed he was going to score no less than five goals while, he believed it was not possible since there are only six matches, if they reach the finals. She then betted on her hunch and he accepted the challenge agreeing that if she was right he would buy her a cell phone. Fortunate as she was, he did indeed score five goals in the championship. “And I did buy her a cell phone”, he continued.

Geddo proved himself, in the first African Cup tournament he participated in as a player who is indeed a master at his craft. He is a living example of a soul who is solely dedicated and living to achieve his goal, and never considering his simple origin as an obstacle. It was without doubt a delight interviewing such a humble and goal- oriented man.

Should We Scream? Should We Drop Cream? How About a Happy New Year!

There Are Many Different Tradition That People Do On New Year’s Eve

By Hanna El-Amrawi


For many people the New Year is not another chapter in someones life. It's a chance to start over and have a new beginning with new resolutions, that will make the coming year filled with love and fortune. This idea of celebrating New Year’s Eve has been going on in some manner for over a millennia. Different cultures and regions have come up with different ways in order to make the coming year the best it could be. These customs range from eating grapes to wearing yellow underwear. Whatever the customs maybe, most rituals that accompany this holiday symbolize purging of the old year and ensuring good times in the new one.

Buying new clothes is a common ritual in most countries during the New Year. In Venezuela, wearing yellow or red symbolizes good luck in the coming year. For extra luck, people give each other yellow underwear. So next time the clock strikes twelve, make sure you show your friends that you are wearing yellow.

If you are spending New Years alone, and no one has passed by to give you that yellow underwear, well do not feel alone, look at your door step. In Denmark, it is a good sign to find your door loaded with a pile of broken dishes at New Year’s Eve. The more broken dishes you have on your door step, the more popular you are. Throughout the year old dishes are saved so that, on New Year’s Eve, people could throw them at their friend’s homes. So if your planning to head to Scandinavia during winter break, BEWARE from broken dishes. Make sure you clean up it up, so that your animals don't step on it.

When you were little, did you ever think that animals could talk? Well in Romania talking animals are considered a bad sign. When the clock strikes twelve, everybody gets quiet in order to listen to their animals. If their animals talk, then they will have a bad year and if they do not, then there year will be filled with love and fortune. Seems to me that these Romanians just want to be lucky!

Well if the animals do talk and you run out of luck, you can always follow the Spanish tradition. In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, people eat one grape on midnight for every stroke of the clock, symbolizing luck and love for each month of the year.

With the leftover grapes you might want to add some strawberries and top it all off with some wiped cream. Well let us hope you dropped some cream on the floor while making your delicious fruit salad. In Switzerland, people allow a drop of cream to fall on the ground in order to ensure abundance in the coming year.

While many people wish for luck and abundance on New Year’s Eve, some people wish to travel in the next tweleve months. When the clock strikes twelve, Colombians and South Americans walk around their house with suitcases to ensure travel. So if you wanted to travel in the summer, you better have started packing your suitcase.

Let us say things did not work out and you didn't get to travel, well you would probably be very upset. In Ashikaga, Japan, people participate in the Akutare Matsuri, or the festival of Abusive Language. The Japanese climb a tall hill in order to reach the 1,200 year old Saishoji Temple while screaming and yelling at workers, teachers or politicians. After the outbreak, they enter the temple and take part in ceremonies that will allow happiness to flow in the coming year.

Whether you stuffed your face with grapes or listened for talking animals, the Journalism class would like to wish you all a successful year.

Egypt’s Very Own Iron Woman

After Two Decades of Evasion, Hoda Abdel-Moneim Returns to Face it All

By Ingy Fahmy

Egypt’s “Iron Woman”, Hoda Abdel-Moneim, has finally returned to Egypt after being on the run for more than two decades. She was arrested at Cairo International Airport last August when she boarded off a flight arriving from Greece. The infamous “Iron Woman” of the 1980s suddenly came back without any introduction or notification to the public. Judicial authorities placed Hoda in custody in Qanatir Khairiya prison in Cairo, where she will be detained there until her retrial begins.

Hoda Abdel-Moneim, who faces charges of forgery and embezzlement of up to 600 million Egyptian pounds in loans from five Egyptian banks, stood trial in September and her hearing was delayed to November 21st upon request of her lawyer, Ragaai Attia. Abdel-Moneim pleaded not guilty, averring that she has repaid all her debts to the five banks and has also paid taxes to the government. Hoda has been ordered to remain in custody pending her third hearing in November.

The tale of Hoda Abdel-Moneim began in 1980 when she established her own investment company known as Hodaco Misr. Her company started an endorsement campaign for luxurious and exclusive housing projects in the posh Cairo suburbs of Heliopolis, Maadi, and Al-Haram in Giza. Hodaco Misr was able to attain a 20 million pound loan from the Egyptian Land Bank and the Suez Canal Bank, along with receiving millions of pounds from people paying down-payments for investing and reserving houses. Three years later, in 1983, Hoda started stumbling across obstacles when the socialist prosecutor-general (SPG) indicted her of forging official bank documents and failing to distribute estate to those who paid. Thus, the SPG ordered Abdel-Moneim’s property to be detained, and she was prohibited from exiting the country until further investigations were to take place.

Hoda Abdel-Moneim, however, still managed to leave the country regardless of her being a flight risk. At the time, her story created media frenzy. Local press later christened her as the “Iron Woman”, and alleged her of utilizing her influential connections to pull strings in order to allow her to flee the country without being stopped or questioned upon departure. It was rumored that she was concealed behind the attire of an Islamic women’s gab (niqab).

Mustafa El Said, a former economy minister said, “There is a growing belief among officials of the government of Prime Minister Ahmed Nazeif that businesspeople who fled the country should be encouraged to return and repay their debts”. This belief is shared among many government officials and the citizens of Egypt. It is believed that it is the government’s aim to allow them to return and settle any outstanding loans with the exchange of a pardon so that they will not face prosecution. The return of the “Iron Woman” has made it clear that it is the government’s initiative is aiding those who have made a mistake in the past and wish to repent it.

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Pandemonium Over the Sincerity of Obama's Choice
By Aya Kordy

In 1895, the foundations for the Nobel Peace Prize were created when Alfred Nobel wrote his last will, leaving much of his enormous fortune to the establishment of the Nobel Prize. Alfred Nobel was a Swedish engineer, a weaponry manufacturer and the inventor of dynamite. Ever since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been honoring men and women from all over the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peacemaking.
Many world leaders have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past for their outstanding contributions to their world. For example, leaders such as President Jimmy Carter sponsored numerous peace treaties, formal Vice-President Al Gore made efforts in creating a world awareness of the rapidly changing climate, and both President Anwar El Sadat and President Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Accord creating peace between Egypt and Israel.
In October, members of the Nobel Peace Committee decided to award President Barrack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize. The decision stunned many around the United States and the world, including those at the award ceremony who were caught on camera gasping when Obama’s name was announced. Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, “Our choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in Obama, for intending to build global support in his policies. Our choice was meant to build momentum behind Obama’s initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world, and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.”
After only hours from receiving the news, Obama responded, “I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize.” He added, “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century.”
Many were stunned by the surprising choice so early in the Obama presidency, which has yet to produce distinct achievements in peacemaking. Several objected to the choice of Obama, as he still oversees wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While others contended that Obama won the prize as a result of his “star power” rather than significant accomplishments. Surprisingly enough, even former Polish President Lech Walesa, who won the prize in 1983, questioned whether Obama deserved it now. “So soon. Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is still at an early stage. He is only beginning to act,” Walesa said.
Some view Obama’s nomination as an ideal choice, for Obama in less than a year was loved by millions, and he sent his message of peace all over the world. On the other hand, many regard Obama’s efforts as being at their earlier stages and are yet to materialize into concrete and measurable achievements. Whether or not Obama really deserves the Nobel Peace Prize will be determined solely by his actions in the upcoming four years.

Egypt vs. Algeria: Reaching a Boiling Point

A Rivalry that Dates Back to 1989!

Farah Kashwa

For many decades, Egypt and Algeria have always had a rivalry when it came to soccer. There were games where there was heated competition. There were games played as grudge matches. There were games played in unfriendly atmospheres. And then, there is Egypt and Algerian rivalry, which was a rivalry taken to a totally different level.

Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990 at Algeria’s expense. Algerians got very upset and started attacking the referee. After that, at an after-match recepetion, an Egyptian doctor travelling with the team got his eye gouged out by an Algerian player using a broken bottle. As a result, relationships between the Egyptian and Algerian national teams have always been tense.

On November 14th, at the Cairo Stadium, Egypt needed a three-goal win to qualify for the World Cup at Algeria’s expense. Even though it was a hard goal to achieve, many Egyptians had faith in their national team players. Two minutes into the game, Egypt scored! Egyptians thought that the three-goal victory was going to happen easily; however, the second goal was scored in the last two mintues of the game. Therefore, all 80,000 Egyptians attending the match at the stadium were sitting on the edge of their seats for the 92 minutes in between. With the smashing Egyptian 2-0 victory over Algeria, there had to be a sudden-death match.

With the luck of the draw, Sudan was announced to be the hosting country of one of the most intense games both countries have ever witnessed. When the Egyptian national team arrived in Sudan, their bus was attacked by Algerians. However, that was only after the Algerian bus carrying the players was attacked during their visit to Egypt.

Before the match kicked-off, both teams were praying to be victorious because for both Egypt and Algeria, qualifying for the World Cup was something both countries have not achieved in a long time. A couple of minutes into the game, both teams had an unfriendly interaction and started to get violent. Also after a while, another unfriendly interaction occurred between both teams which proved that not only were the fans heated, but also the players. With Algeria scoring a crushing goal, the Egyptian national team never recovered thus allowing Algeria to qualify for in the 2010 World Cup. What happened after the game is what is causing a great political and national turmoil between the countries.

After the match, the Algerian fans attacked the Egyptian fans attending the match in Sudan. The Algerian fans reportedly bought knives and other dangerous weapons upon arrival in Sudan with all the intention of using it against the Egyptians, win or lose! Egyptians, unexpecting the attack, were defenseless. An Egyptian fan who was attending the game in Sudan and witnessed the atrocities said, “We have seen death”.

It was hours of terror in Sudan! Egyptians were hiding in Sudanese houses. Some men and women took off anything representing Egyptian flags only so they could walk in the streets without being attacked. Because many Egyptians wanted to express themselves about the recent events, they have rallied outside of the Algerian embassy in Cairo on the 19th of November protesting and voicing their objections to the recent events.

However, with all these events, the Egyptian-Algerian relationship has been scarred forever. One might wonder what happened to playing just for the love of the game.

From the Perspective of a Developing Nation

The Slaughtering of the Pigs Creates Heated Debate

Alaa El Damaty

In 1350, the world was introduced to the deadly Bubonic Plague. Now, in 2009, the world is experiencing a similar phenomenon. The number of people infected with Swine Flu is increasing every day around the world. The first week of June marked the spread of the flu to 62 countries, with 17,410 persons infected and 115 dead. In any world phenomenon, reactions differ from place to place, and Egypt, as a developing country, is going through a unique reaction to the spread of the flu. Unlike many countries, Egypt has taken the decision to slaughter most of its 300,000 pigs. This decision has positive and negative aspects.

It has been noted that Egypt’s tourism has greatly increased since the decision to slaughter the pigs was taken by President Mubarak.. Sharm El Sheikh is a major competitor in tourism of Cancun in Mexico. Many have switched their tourist destinations from Cancun to Sharm El Sheikh because of that decision, thereby limiting the chance of the Swine Flu spreading in Egypt. Despite this positive side to the slaughtering, Egypt has been internationally criticized by many for its actions.

"It has been decided to immediately start slaughtering all the pigs in Egypt using the full capacity of the country's slaughterhouses," Health Minister Hatem el-Gabaly stated after having a Cabinet meeting with President Hosni Mubarak. The question is: will these slaughterhouses be sufficient for the amount of pigs being slaughtered? When the slaughterhouses could not handle the amount of pigs to be slaughtered, the remaining number of pigs was to be burned with chemical substances and then buried in lime while they are still alive. Most humanitarian organizations around the world, especially animal right’s activist organizations, view this act as an atrocious one.

Also, there are not enough refrigerators to fit the hundreds of thousands of pigs slaughtered. The remaining pigs were left to rot, which created more problems. In an attempt to save the meat from rotting, some companies used the pork in many of their supposedly beef products. It was declared by the Ministry of Health that some meat companies have used the pork in products such as luncheon meat and sausage sold in the market.

The killing of the pigs also led to religious controversy; radicals like Michael Mounir entered the scene. He believed that the slaughtering of the pigs is a sign for the start of the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Mounir argued that the decision to slaughter the pigs was not only cruel, but it was meant as a sign of prejudice against the Coptics
As a developing nation, Egypt was brave enough to take the decision to slaughter all of its pigs, but it was not prepared to handle the decision and its consequences.

Please Recognize the Graduates of 2009

Officially Dismissing the Senior Class

Youssef Talaat

Commencement is often misinterpreted by many to mean the ending of a journey, but commencement is only the beginning. Upon graduating, the 2009 senior class will end their high school careers and embark on a tough, long journey full of freedom and responsibility. To be honest, it is sometimes difficult for students to leave the comfort and familiarity of their own homes to discover the new world that is college. College life is significantly different than life at home; parents are no longer around to remind us of our duties and responsibilities and the people we have grown with are no longer there to assist and support us. However, the true personality of people is further developed through the college experience. The truth is, Schutz’s seniors are armed with education, the most powerful weapon of all, and are ready to face whatever challenges await them.

The class of 2009 has been a team since day one. They always acted as one and have always supported one another. Many seniors recall their senior trip to Budapest as one of their most memorable moments in high school as it made them realize the true value of their friendship and camaraderie. Their graduation ceremony, which will be held on June 18, 2009 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, will be a very emotional period for many of them. Mixed emotions of both joy and sorrow will be exchanged as students leave high school to embark on an unfamiliar journey.

This year’s graduating class will be truly missed next year. Aya Kordy, a junior at Schutz, expressed, “They’re the class I cherish the most, and they are definitely the people I will miss most next year.” Massimo Laterza, Dean of Students, described the class as being “small in number, but diverse in temperament and attitudes.” The class of 2009 will be attending universities such as the American University in Cairo, Babson College, Boston University, McGill University, and Rajagiri School of Engineering. The Schutz community wishes the departing seniors luck in their upcoming journey and has high hopes for their achievements in the future.

Another Wave of Terrorism in Egypt

An Explosion in the Heart of Islamic Cairo that Hits Tourism Industry
Aya Kordy

Tourism in Egypt expanded rapidly over the past few years and was greatly supported by an aggressive worldwide advertisement campaign encouraging tourists to visit the historical capital of the world. The Passport and the Immigration Office in the Ministry of Interior Affairs stated that 11.1 million tourists visited Egypt in 2007, compared to about 12.8 million tourists in 2008, with an increase of 15.9%.

The positive increase of the number of tourists in 2009 was later threatened due to a terrorist attack in Egypt’s most visited market. This took place on the 22nd of February at 6:30 pm when the tragic terrorist attack occurred in one of the most historic markets in the world, Khan el-Khalili market, killing a 17-year old French teenager and injuring around 24 others including Egyptians, Saudis and Germans. The blast took place in front of one of Cairo’s most respected holy places, the Hussein mosque. Blood blemished the stones in front of the mosque, where men had been performing their evening prayers. Seconds later, military forces rained on the area and directed a total lockdown of the square. While officers were investigating, ambulances carried the wounded to the nearby Al-Hussein University Hospital.

Police investigators came up with two theories; one theory believed that the bomb was placed in a bag left under one of the stone benches around the square. The other believed that the bomb was purposely thrown from the window of the nearby Al-Hussein Hotel; nevertheless, none of the theories has yet been confirmed.

A few hours later, a sound of another explosion took place; luckily it was a controlled explosion after the police found the bomb and safely diffused it. Security officials stated that there was no immediate claim of responsibility by any activist or religious group; nonetheless, three suspects had been taken into custody. Furthermore, Islamic extremists regard the attack as a reaction to Israel’s appalling attack in Gaza last month, and Egypt’s non-cooperation with the Palestinians.

Over the last 20 to 30 years, the United Nations has approved more than 13 conventions that attempted to eliminate terrorist activities; however, terrorism is still on the increase in the world. Among other countries Egypt was placed on the map of possible terrorist attacks. Examples are numerous. In September 1997, 10 foreigners were killed due to terrorists throwing firebombs on a tourist bus, outside the Egyptian Museum. In November 1997, Egypt’s Islamic militants killed 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians near the southern city of Luxor. In October 2004, 34 were killed and dozens injured when suicide bombers attacked Taba and Ras Shitan. In April 2005, three tourists were killed when a suicide bomber set off his explosive device on Al-Moski Street near the popular Khan al Khalili bazaar in Cairo. In July 2005, at least 83 were killed and more than 200 were injured in a triple bombing in Sharm el-Sheik, “Egypt’s deadliest terror attack ever”. In April 2006, 23 were killed and 85 wounded in a triple bombing in Dahab.

Evidently, terrorism has increased since the end of the 20th century. Statistics prove that the probability of a terrorist attack occurring increases every year. Many would agree that terrorism threatens to undo a generation of multilateral efforts for human development, encouraged by principles of social justice and human rights. Tourism is Egypt’s most profitable industry, worth about $6.6 billion a year; therefore, officials fear that over time tourism’s income would decrease.

Furthermore, reacting to the Khan El Khalili crisis, more than three thousand Egyptian youth belonging to the newly established 14th of February Movement meandered around the market giving a rose to every tourist, apologizing for the outrageous behavior of other fellow citizens. The Egyptian youth explained that those terrorists do not embody the Egyptian people, and that Egypt respects and values foreign countries. These young Egyptians stunned the world and gave hope in a better future.

Finding Frauds

Financial Crisis Uncovers Deceit

Youssef Talaat

It turns out that Charles Ponzi was not the last of fraudulent businessmen. In fact, the current financial crisis has uncovered illegal schemes all over the world. In the United States, the largest case of investor fraud ever committed by one person was uncovered as soon as the stock market began to plunge. Bernard Madoff’s scheme of $ 65 billion was discovered as soon as he could not pay off investors who tried to withdraw their money fearing that it would be lost in the market downturn. His scheme primarily consisted of paying investors return from their own money or money paid by other investors rather than from profit.

Months after the infamous Madoff scandal, when the crisis lightly began affecting the Egyptian market, Nabil Al Boushy and his partner, Fikri Badr Eddin, got caught in the same trap.

Nabil Al Boushy and Fikri Badr Eddin, directors of Optima Company, are currently awaiting their trial before the Cairo Criminal Court on charges of investor fraud. According to the Rhyptian daily Almasry Alyoum, the prosecution reported that the defendants took hold of $ 203 million, which belonged to 83 investors. Al Boushy’s scheme was originally discovered in Dubai when a check in his name bounced back. His clients included many celebrities, government officials, and prominent members of the Egyptian community. He is now threatening to release the names of government ministers that received 180 % interest from his firm.

Al Boushy’s failed scheme is an indicator of the decline in the Egyptian stock market. Egyptian stocks are slowly declining and companies are reporting both decreasing profits and losses. Shares of companies that offer durable goods such as automobiles or real estate are most affected by the crisis. The interest rate has dropped in February for the first time since April 2006 as inflation and economic growth rates continue to slow down. Experts are expecting the inflation rate to drop to the single digit level by June. Even though the Egyptian market is negatively affected by the global crisis, one can say that it is somewhat stable when compared to markets in the United States or Spain.

One of two things caused these investors to trust Nabil Al Boushy: ignorance or greed, and one cannot pick the worse of the two. On one hand, investors could be ignorant; they thought that the immense profits he promised are ordinary and that this would be a solid, profitable venture.

On the other hand, they could be greedy; they let these immense profits blind them into believing whatever he claimed. In both cases, these investors did not act appropriately. People need to understand that businesses rise and fall all the time; some people win and some people lose.

They also need to understand that people rarely make money overnight. The art is not in making money, but in keeping it.

A New Phenomenon in the Language of Communication

Shoe Throwing Becomes a Common Action Around the World

Alaa El Damaty

It has become a trend for people to communicate their views and opinions with shoe throwing. What has led those people to commit such aggressive actions?

In Iraq, during a conference, as George Bush was making his farewell visit, an Iraqi journalist, Muntadhar al-Zaidi, decided to throw both his shoes at the U.S President.

In the Egyptian Parliament, when Ashraf Badr, a Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Parliament member, disagreed with what was being said, he attempted to throw his shoe at Hassan Nashaat, a National Democratic Party (NDP) Parliament member.

In Iraq, President Bush was visiting to celebrate the conclusion of the Security Pact, which extended the stay of the US troops in Iraq until December 31, 2011. During the speech, President Bush was expressing his assurance that the extension in Iraq will help to bring more democracy and freedom in the region. In contrast, Al-Zaidi believes that the United States’ intervention has not brought democracy but has "killed the Iraqis!" He could not bear the idea that the US has got three more years to stay in Iraq. What really pushed him to throw his shoes was that, at that moment, George Bush was noting how progressive the stay in Iraq was for the Iraqis, which to the journalist, was a complete twist of reality. The journalist was arrested and sentenced four years of prison.

In the Egyptian Parliament, tensions arose when a debate between Ashraf Badr and Hassan Nashaat about the situation in Gaza escalated out of proportion. When the National Democratic Party (NDP) member accused the Muslim Brotherhs (MB) of working for the benefit of the enemies of Egypt and called them traitors, rage prompted Badr to throw his shoe at Nashaat. Badr was later heard to say, "The traitors are those who close the Rafah border and export gas to Israel." The MB member was suspended from Parliament until the next session in November and was referred to the Ethics Committee for further interrogation.

It is evident that all of the shoe throwing cases happened because of pure frustration. It is probable that in each case, all other methods of communication were exhausted before the people opted for the frustrated action of shoe-throwing. In Iraq, the frustrated journalist has been expressing his views about the U.S. intervention in Iraq in Al-Baghdadiya News Channel time and time again, but no changes took place. His anger about the unchanged status quo pushed him to throw his shoe at Bush, whom he believed to be responsible for the crisis in Iraq. In Egypt, the MB member has been constantly attacked because he represents the opposition. He attempted many times to express himself in the Parliament, but his views were often undermined just because he belongs to the Muslm Brothers. With all of this built-up frustration, when he was called a traitor, he also decided to express his anger by attempting to throw his shoe at Hassan Nashaat.

Observers think that shoe throwing has become the new trend of expressing frustration in different parts of the world. Therefore, they urge diplomats to recognize this problem and deal with it.

A Message from the Past

Remembering the Class of 2008

Youssef Talaat

After students graduate, it is hard for them to keep in touch with everyone back at school. Students go their separate ways, and their memories are blurred with passing time. It is important to find out how the Schutz graduates are adapting to college and what they miss about Schutz. For this reason, we decided to contact the entire Schutz class of 2008 to learn more about their college lives.

Currently, more than 70 % of the class of 2008 is studying abroad. Suraj Baadkar is studying Computer Engineering at Pune Institute of Computer Technology in India. Laila Afifi is studying Management, and Hannia Zanana is studying Management/ International Business at Royal Holloway University of London. Tatiana Shehfe is studying Marketing/Psychology & Communications at Richmond American University in the UK. Karim Sayegh is studying Medicine at Ruprecht-Karl-Universitae in Germany. At the Untied States, Seif El Attal is studying Manufacturing Engineering at Boston University, and Wael Leheta is studying Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University. Tarek Talaat is studying Architecture at Boston Architectural College. Over in New York, Omar Zahran is studying Marketing Management at Pace University. Kara Newell is studying Elementary Education at Elon University in North Carolina. In the West Coast of the United States, Nour Kotb is studying Marketing at Concordia University. In Canada, Kartikya Pareek is studying Environmental Engineering at Carleton University and Seif Zahran is studying Business Management at Concordia University.

At the American University in Cairo, Shereen Hassan is studying Biology/Pre-Med, and Ali Seif is studying Construction Engineering. Karine Aziz and Gelan Badr are both studying Industrial Engineering at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology in Alexandria. Roba Mahfouz is studying Economics/Management at the Alexandria-based branch of the London School of Economics. Tarek Ibrahim, who was ranked at the top of the class, joined the German military and had to defer university for one year.

When asked, the majority of the class said that they are adapting very well to college life. At first, some of them had trouble adapting to such a new and unknown environment, but once they got used to it and started making friends, it became better. One student, Laila Afifi, commented, "College life is great, very different from the bubble we used to live in. At first, it is difficult, but once the second term gets going, it gets a lot easier." Those who went to Europe and the U.S. had mixed feelings about the cold weather: some liked it and some did not. Overall, the class of 2008 is adapting very well to college especially in the second semester.

Most students miss the same thing about Schutz: the intimacy. They miss the closeness and familiarity of the Schutz family. They also miss the student-teacher relations at Schutz; very few professors know each of their students personally. Suraj Baadkar said, "The thing I miss about Schutz is the family environment we have on campus."

The environment at school is friendlier than the environment at college, and that is why most students had a hard time adapting socially to college life. Wael Leheta explained, "There are so many people in college that there is no way you can know everybody like we did at school." Most members of the 2008 class also miss the extra-curricular activities at Schutz, such as EMAC and ISAC tournaments, Sports Day, and Spirit Weeks.

The class of 2008 would like to thank the Schutz family for fully preparing them to meet the many challenges that come with college.

?Is it a Happy New Year

Optimism Prevails Despite the Many Challenges of 2008

Malak Kira and Aya Kordy

As they say “nothing is impossible”, that makes us expect anything and everything from 2009. What changes will occur economically, politically, and globally in 2009? The economic crisis of the past year was unprecedented, and it is unrealistic to think that businesses and individuals will recover immediately. After facing many obstacles in 2008, the people are hoping for a better and promising future; nonetheless, the challenges of 2008 are yet to be overcome.

Businesses and individuals will be facing many economic challenges in 2009. The speed at which the economy plunged into recession in 2008 after a period of growth and prosperity was really terrifying. Unfortunately, that does not essentially mean we can recover as quickly. The year 2009 is expected to be the worst economical year the world will face since 1947.

Economists predict that unemployment will almost double over the next two years in the United Kingdom. There will be a fall in the housing market; the prices will go down by 10% to 15% this year on top of last year's decline of 16%. People are expecting that the Obama administration will revive economic and foreign policy. The question remains whether there will be any turnaround.

As for politics, the continued violence in the Middle East, due to the war between Israel and Hamas will dominate world debates in 2009. In addition, the U.S. military presence in Iraq will be considerably reduced as the U.S. forces will slowly pull out while the Iraqi forces will gradually have full security control. There will definitely be a turning point in Iraq in 2009, possibly the most significant since the U.S. intervention it nearly six years ago.

Furthermore, the most talked about inauguration in history took place. President Barack Obama headed to the White House on January 20, 2009. It was an evening filled with parades, speeches, performances and despite all that, it was still referred to as a “ball”. About 49 years ago John F. Kennedy gave an unforgettable inauguration speech in which he stated, "Ask not what not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country". The world in 2009 will continue to ask, “Will Obama inspire the change we need?”

Evidence of global warming is emerging in 2009, particularly in the Arctic where scientists had predicted it would hit first. Summer ice cover has dropped dramatically while permafrost in Siberia is melting. The first incident reduces the planet's ability to reflect solar heat back into space. The second will release excess amounts of methane, which will worsen the rate of global warming. A conference will be held this December in Copenhagen, to agree to a new Global Climate Change Treaty that will reinstate the Kyoto Agreement, which expires in 2012. “Only a decision then to establish tight, binding laws to cut emission levels will save the planet”, say campaigners.

The year 2009 offers the chance for some of the most major changes in years. As time passes, everyone wishes to start a new page; however, realistically speaking, starting all over is rarely an option, because fixing the past is our only hope to get rid of the many problems in our world.

The Historical Reminder

Archaeologists Unearth Egypt’s 118th Pyramid

Heba El Sahn

The Ancient Egyptian civilization never ceases to intrigue people from all over. The Ancient Egyptians were able to stun the world with the vastness of their achievements and discoveries. To this day, archaeologists are constantly uncovering new facts and monuments concerning the historical society. On November 11th, 2008 a new pyramid has been discovered seven meters beneath the sand. This pyramid is around 4,300 years old and is believed to be the tomb of Queen Sesheshet, who is the mother of Pharaoh Teti, the founder of Ancient Egypt’s 6th dynasty. While observing the monument, the angle of the base suggested that the pyramid was originally 14 meters tall and 22 meters at its base. The remnants found are only five meters tall. It also happens to be the second pyramid found this year in Saqqara (an ancient royal burial complex), and the 118th pyramid found in Egypt so far.

It was a surprise discovery since the archaeologists believed that they had thoroughly searched the Teti site. They had been digging over there for over 20 years. The theory is that a long time ago researchers used to dig up one area and take the sand and pile it up in places that are still unexcavated. This probably caused archaeologists to think there was nothing there. On the other hand, tomb robbers knew about the monument and they had raided the funerary chamber many times. It is because of this fact that archaeologists are not hopeful to find Sesheshet’s mummy when they search the burial area. They are anticipating to locate, however, inscriptions about the queen in whose honor this pyramid was built.

Queen Sesheshet held the highest honorary position of her time. She was given the title of “First Queen” or “King’s Mother”, which means she is the king’s most favored wife and that her son is the heir to the throne. Even though Queen Sesheshet’s political influence was minimal, she was acclaimed for being a supporter of the Arts; and even promoting it in a time when Egypt was in political turmoil at the end of the fifth dynasty. It is not a coincidence then, that her name is parallel to the name of the goddess of history and writing, Seshat.

It was upon the queen’s death, that her son Pharoah Teti ordered the construction of the pyramid. Pyramids were not usually built for women, but he did it out of love and respect for his mother. It was expected in Ancient Egyptian culture that when a loved one passed away, one should present a gift in devotion to the departed. Pharoah Teti believed his mother should receive the greatest gift of all at the time, and with that in mind the pyramid was made for her burial.

It is from the findings and research done by archeologists and historians that people learn about the greatness of the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Egyptians should embrace their history and work to learn more about it. This discovery should not be something that we learn and later forget, for it has a greater purpose. It should make us proud that our ancestors did so much, and it should reinforce our confidence that we can achieve great things. Queen Sesheshet’s pyramid stands for Egyptians today as a historical reminder of the glory of their past.

Trial of a Rebellious Pen: An Interview with Ibrahim Issa

Despite an Obvious Lack of Democracy, a Courageous Opposition Exists in Egypt

Aya Kordy

The journalism class had the opportunity to interview one of Egypt's most powerful journalists, revealing what happened behind the scenes with President Mubarak and how Ibrahim Issa will always write about the truth no matter how many times he is sent to jail. This interview was a great privilege and honor for the journalism class as it was a terrific opportunity to know how journalists struggle to search and publish truthful facts in the world. Ibrahim Issa was born on November 9, 1965. He studied Mass Communication and started his journalistic career as an intern in Rose al-Youssef magazine in 1984. At the age of 23, he became the Desk Editor of Rose al-Youssef. In 1995, he assumed the position of Editor-in-Chief of the controversial Al Dostoor newspaper.

When did you start writing? When did you find out that you were a gifted writer?
-As a young boy, writing has been my passion; I always used to win journalism contests, I used to write the morning news for the school radio, and send letters to the children’s magazine "Samir. I published my own magazine in Cairo, called "Al Haqa'iq", meaning "The Truth", and circulated it in my home governorate El Monofeya. However, you know what would take the wind out of your sails? When I was in Junior High, I would literally say, and I am quoting myself, "I'll go to the Mass communication Faculty, major in journalism and work in Rose al-Youssef", just as if one could read the future. I am revealing that entire story to prove to everyone that perseverance, will and dreams are very important, as I advise all young journalists to possess their dreams. Can you recall Martin Luther King's tremendous speech "I have a dream"? That is all I am trying to say.

Ever since you started writing about the president's health, did you have any evidence? If yes, how did it reach you?
- The common practice in newspapers anywhere in the world is that you can never reveal what your sources are, and as a journalist it is your duty to double check the accuracy of the information. If you reveal your source, you will be held accountable and may be convicted. However, let me tell you what I wrote and why I was convicted. I wrote two articles entitled "Fireworks" and "Gods Do Not Fall Sick", in which I mentioned the right of citizens to know about their rulers' health. I also discussed that our president reached a very old age where senility starts happening. That is all I said, yet they sent the articles to court and the case has been there for the past thirteen months. However, till this day no one denied the information I released, so I believe they sent me to court as a result of my opposition in general against the president.

Did you expect to be convicted?
- Every time I write an article, I expect anything. But my answer would be no. Strangely enough, when I wrote these two articles in particular I did not think they would take me to court as I believe I wrote much more critical articles against the president.

What were you going to do if the presidential pardon had not been released?
- Nothing, what could I possibly have done? I know that I am not like Thomas Freedman who can write about Bush saying he is mentally ill and still go home and live a normal life. Ttherefore, I am fully aware that I do not have the same privilege as journalists in Europe and in the States do. Thus, I believe we are paying the price of working in Egypt.

Can you relate to us the important highlights of the conversation with the Prime Minister?
- He passed on a message informing me that no personal problems exist between the president and me, and that was a message sent from the President himself, which was an honor for me of course.

Did the pardon make you change your attitude towards President Mubarak in your writing?
- First, I must say that I thanked President Mubarak for the pardon. I called the prime minister, and I expressed my great appreciation in press releases. Nevertheless, that does not mean that I do not still disagree with the president's politics.

What do you think is the real reason behind the Presidential Pardon?
-I think President Mubarak realized how much of an issue it is to jail a journalist and how big of a scandal it will cause nationwide and all over the world. There is also the realization that Egypt is one of only twelve countries in the world that has laws which can jail journalists.

What do you think about the current trials of other Egyptian journalists?
-I believe it is preposterous! It is enough to say that there are one thousand cases against journalists in Egypt.

Do you believe that democracy exists in Egypt?
-Of course not! When you have thirty three legal clauses that could send journalists to jail, then this country has not got the slightest idea about democracy. Nonetheless, courage of the Egyptian opposition exists in Egypt.

What is your political orientation?
-I am liberal, I believe in the freedom of speech and I believe in social responsibility and justice.
As an American school we have a Journalism class where we learn the basics of journalism and get a general idea about the life of journalists.

Why do you think such a class does not exist in the Egyptian Schools?
-Because education in Egypt reflects the image of the Egyptian society and also its political and social reality. When you are in an American school it is like being in America; therefore, being in an Egyptian school is just like being in Egypt. The entire idea of the government possessing freedom of speech starts when people are still young at school learning the ABC's of life.

What do you think is the future of journalism in Egypt? What is the message that you want to convey to young journalists?
-I strongly believe that the future of journalism is very promising. As for my message it is to love being a journalist as it is a very lovable job and be educated as much as you can, as education is what you are going to need down the road.

Global Economic Meltdown

Major Markets Worldwide Face Jeopardy

Heba El Sahn

Everyday new statistics are coming up about the economic meltdown that is taking place worldwide. People are buzzing about the actual crisis or its result on the present markets. The poor are suffering more and more as the days go by because of the increasing food prices. Successful business men and landowners are also feeling the blow and are trying their best to protect their assets. The meltdown is a serious issue which threatens investors and affects the population all over the world.

One needs to know what caused this problem in order to understand the extent of its effects. For the past years before the crisis, interest rates have been in their all-time lows. This occurred when there was an increase in money supply and thus more money has been able to go around. When interest rates are low, this generally causes the economy to develop since more people and institutions can have access to money easily. This in turn, gets them to spend more freely and so increase the growth of the economy. But in the case we are dealing with, the interest rates went down to historical lows, and this got the usual economic growth to backfire.

When the cost of borrowing money decreased, financial institutions got to have a money surplus. They started to offer loans to risky borrowers who were less likely to pay them back. While this was all right for a time, (even getting the economy and the institutions to profit), after a while its negative effects started to show. The practice started to spread more and more, with little regulation, and as expected these risky borrowers were not paying their loans. To balance this, lenders charged high interest rates. The high interest of course pressures the borrowers and makes them more likely not to pay their credit.

The consequence of the current economic meltdown is sending shockwaves worldwide. The US received the hardest hit by putting many of its vital companies in jeopardy. The US is now facing a crashing stock market alongside a rising unemployment rate. Iceland is currently in an economic depression, and economists state if the case worsens the country might be facing national bankruptcy. Many of the world’s leaders are doing their best in coming up with a solution. The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, is proposing a series of summits to be held to figure a way out of the current calamity.

The economic meltdown is a serious problem that until now no profound solution has been found to. Economists are currently stating that this crisis will not be solved anytime soon. The economic recession will go on for around two years. On the good side, however, inflation will decrease. To solve this predicament, key actions must take place. Liquidity must remain so that can promote investment. Also, there must be better regulation of the banking world and its activities. The government has to take charge with the economical and financial actions of the country at least until the crisis is under control. The election of Barak Obama as president got many entrepreneurs to become hopeful. They trust that he will take the right steps and measures in trying to fix the economic meltdown

The Final Countdown

American Presidential Campaign Nears its End

By Aya Kordy

The heated up American presidential election campaign is very soon coming to an end. John McCain and Barack Obama have been racing for so long, and the race is almost done. The world is torn between the two candidates, and America is now ready to choose the 44th president of the United States.

The Republican nominee John McCain was born on August 29th 1936. If he were to win, McCain would be the first US president to ever win the elections at the age of 72. McCain's supporters see his old age as an advantage, being a sign of experience. Unlike Obama, McCain believes that withdrawing from Iraq is a huge mistake before he defeats “Al-Qaeda”. McCain focuses on many issues, including energy, the economic plan, national service, homeland security, and fighting crime.

The Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama was born on August 4th 1961. If he were to win, Obama would be the first African American President in the history of the United States. Obama’s religious and educational backgrounds are quite fascinating. While his mother was atheist, Obama prayed every Friday in the mosque as his step-father was a Muslim. Meanwhile, Obama attended a Catholic school. Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School. Obama's supporters say, “Obama will bring light to the world”, as they also believe that his strength and motivation are the reasons behind his success. If Obama gets elected, he will work to end the war in Iraq as he believes it is the right thing to do for the national security and for America’s safety. His plan involves civil rights, defense, taxes, education, homeland security, Immigration, healthcare, poverty, and even faith and family issues. Obama’s official website tells all about his plan, life and family in addition to his captivating speeches about the future he beholds and sees. McCain’s official website, on the other hand, relies on showing Obama’s weaknesses. Therefore, an immense amount of people think that McCain is running out of ideas, and the only card he has got left is to tear down Obama’s reputation.

Worldwide polls show that for the last eight years, terrorism has rapidly increased in the world, and danger has also spread in America. Believing that the Bush administration was what triggered and what still triggers terrorism may be a good reason to vote for Obama. Polls also prove that a lot of people are voting for Obama since they believe he will have great foreign relations, unlike John McCain who everyone believes is the same as Bush.

The latest election polls show that 45.4% vote for Obama, while 43.5% vote for McCain. The competition is getting closer and tighter each day. However, the latest polls at Schutz show that 95% of the High School students and the High School teachers support Obama, whereas only 5% support McCain. Asking the Obama supporters for reasons behind their choice, 50% said they believed that the McCain administration would very much be like the Bush administration, 23% support Obama as they want change, 27% want to end the war in Iraq; therefore, Obama was their choice.

As Barack Obama is the media’s favorite, he is now clearly Schutz’s favorite. Debates around the world are increasing more and more each day. Both the candidates are now using everything within their power to become the 44th US Commander-in Chief. It is now America’s turn to decide who the next leader will be.