As you know, I spent 10 days in Egypt this summer.  It’s really overwhelming to watch everything that’s developing there, and the middle east in general. People are revolting. The mentality of enough is enough has finally swept through and the world watches, waiting. After returning home from the trip, I spent the summer doing personal research/reading on middle east relations, specifically with Israel. I have both personal and academic interest in the events that have occurred, and had just met with a Fullbright Scholarship advisor last week to discuss potentially returning to Cairo for a nine-month program — which is basically off the list at this point. As Westerners, we’re sheltered to the happenings of the world. The Gaza flotilla raid happened the day we landed in Egypt and thenceforth, every news station — both local and international — covered the events extensively. When we drove into Dahab, we saw Israel from afar. The developments in Gaza and the protests that have spread over the Arab world are incredibly significant, and it seems as though we are just learning to take notice.

It’s distressing and scary: Egypt shut down its Al Jazeera bureau. I haven’t been able to get in touch with a friend in Cairo all week despite numerous attempts.

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