Egypt’s semi-official newspaper “Al Ahram” published an article this morning - the first in a series - defining as “dangerous” Natan Sharansky’s new book, “The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror.” The paper noted that all copies of the book, which was published in September 2004, had been sold out.
“I’m happy that Egyptian citizens will become familiar with the thesis presented in the book, according to which freedom and democracy are suitable for all peoples,” said Sharansky in response to the report. "I am sure that our region is ready for the era of democratization, and that the interest in the book will encourage discussion of the issue."
Sharansky is a former Prisoner of Zion who now serve as Minister of Diaspora Affairs in the Israeli government.
Al Ahram claims that the danger posed by the book increased after U.S. President George W. Bush read it and invited Mr. Sharansky to the White House to talk about it.
“When the President of the only world power says that the book reflects his philosophy and policy, there is no doubt that the book should be read with special interest," the paper writes. But, it states, the book will have a dangerous impact because it is “full of lies.” The paper also claimed that Sharansky harbors hostility towards Egypt.
The Al-Ahram article notes ominously that the danger of another Israel-Egypt war breaking out cannot be negated. Israel withdrew from the entire Sinai Desert in 1982 in exchange for a promise of peace from Egypt.
“I’m happy that Egyptian citizens will become familiar with the thesis presented in the book, according to which freedom and democracy are suitable for all peoples,” said Sharansky in response to the report. "I am sure that our region is ready for the era of democratization, and that the interest in the book will encourage discussion of the issue."
Sharansky is a former Prisoner of Zion who now serve as Minister of Diaspora Affairs in the Israeli government.
Al Ahram claims that the danger posed by the book increased after U.S. President George W. Bush read it and invited Mr. Sharansky to the White House to talk about it.
“When the President of the only world power says that the book reflects his philosophy and policy, there is no doubt that the book should be read with special interest," the paper writes. But, it states, the book will have a dangerous impact because it is “full of lies.” The paper also claimed that Sharansky harbors hostility towards Egypt.
The Al-Ahram article notes ominously that the danger of another Israel-Egypt war breaking out cannot be negated. Israel withdrew from the entire Sinai Desert in 1982 in exchange for a promise of peace from Egypt.