tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post115499560865066484..comments2023-10-17T14:24:53.173+03:00Comments on Theo's Year in the Middle East: Talking Politics... ReluctantlyTheo Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259360927157227553noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155476188371881522006-08-13T16:36:00.000+03:002006-08-13T16:36:00.000+03:00Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but I think ...Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but I think better late than never, especially now that I understand the identity of anonymous....<BR/>Like I said in the post, I really try to avoid street conversations. You're right in pointing out that the issue is far too complex to be thoughtfully considered in a two minute exchange with someone on the street. But these conversations are important for two reasons. First, they provide a small snapshot into the mind of the ordinary Egyptian. String together enough of these brief encounters, and you begin to get a sense of where the Egyptian heart lies. Secondly, these conversations are important for the simple fact that they give continued testimony to the enormous emotional impact that these conflicts have on Egyptians. That these outbursts are so regular and so passionate speaks strongly to me about the pan-Arab sentiment in the region. As a student of the Middle East, it's fascinating for me to study the shifting strengths of unifying forces in the region. It's a constant struggle for Middle Easterners because various factions make strong cases for allegiance to Islam, unity through a common Arab bond, and national loyalty. Time and circumstance have shown that Middle Easterners' support of these various allegiances are continuously shifting. And I think these conversations I have with people on the street speaks to how strongly the pan-Arab belief is in this country.<BR/>I hope that begins to get at what you were asking. Thanks for all the comments.<BR/>TheoTheo Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03259360927157227553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155249278558068682006-08-11T01:34:00.000+03:002006-08-11T01:34:00.000+03:00Hey!Now, I was given a lesson by my son last nigh...Hey!<BR/>Now, I was given a lesson by my son last night as to blog etiquette. I learned that capitals were are real no-no ? Emphasis was not intended- I just wanted to read my message more clearly without leaning forward!? Are there any other rules to blogging?<BR/><BR/>Now, that you know who I am are you going to rrespond to my original comment?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155239780617475862006-08-10T22:56:00.000+03:002006-08-10T22:56:00.000+03:00Ok Ok Im beginning to get the picture here. As lon...Ok Ok Im beginning to get the picture here. As long as the disses stay all in the family Im ok with that. Capital letters though, doesn't seem like your usual subtle self, anonymous.<BR/>theoTheo Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03259360927157227553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155144008622133832006-08-09T20:20:00.000+03:002006-08-09T20:20:00.000+03:00i think i am the only one who gets what you were t...i think i am the only one who gets what you were trying to say. of course you have many other, more in-depth conversations with the egyptians you meet. the conversation you described was a way to introduce the subject in your blog and show us the tone of things in the region. <BR/>kktmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155134275080727112006-08-09T17:37:00.000+03:002006-08-09T17:37:00.000+03:00i guess i'm in the same train of thought as "anony...i guess i'm in the same train of thought as "anonymus" who can't spell. if your picking up political conversations on the street,don't expect much ,more than your getting. as far as i'm concerned, street talk has only two values: improves your listening skills and your accent as you say goodbye.<BR/>mamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155077607225084912006-08-09T01:53:00.000+03:002006-08-09T01:53:00.000+03:00I am my Bro's sister- the favorite one, too! I am ...I am my Bro's sister- the favorite one, too! I am not crazy about having my name out in cyberspace. Did not mean to shake you up.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155063993579959072006-08-08T22:06:00.000+03:002006-08-08T22:06:00.000+03:00Sorry, can whoever wrote that last comment please ...Sorry, can whoever wrote that last comment please identify themselves? I'd love to respond but would like to know who I am responding to.<BR/>Thanks<BR/>theoTheo Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03259360927157227553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583316.post-1155056525292325332006-08-08T20:02:00.000+03:002006-08-08T20:02:00.000+03:00HOW CAN ONE POSSIBLY BEGIN TO HAVE AN IN DEPTH INT...HOW CAN ONE POSSIBLY BEGIN TO HAVE AN IN DEPTH INTELLEGENT AND THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSION WITH A STARNGER WHO HAPPENS TO INTERUPT YOUR WALK HOME? ALL THE ISSUES YOU DISCUSSED ARE EXTREMELY COMPLEX AND NEED TIME TO EXPRESS AND UNDERSTAND. <BR/><BR/>MY ADVISE IS NOT TO LET YOUR CHAIN BE PULLED AND CONTINUE TO THINK WITH YOUR HEAD FIRST?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com