tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post7338258693968051691..comments2024-02-10T07:26:14.917-05:00Comments on Baha'i Faith in Egypt: US Congress: Briefing on Religious Freedom in EgyptUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-73700838487075302922010-05-06T04:20:05.022-04:002010-05-06T04:20:05.022-04:00Many institutions limit access to their online inf...Many institutions limit access to their online information. Making this information available will be an asset to all.research paperhttp://www.researchpaperspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-21396050639938546282007-08-12T13:53:00.000-04:002007-08-12T13:53:00.000-04:00Pillipe,I hope one day that many others can be als...Pillipe,<BR/>I hope one day that many others can be also proud to be Egyptians!Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-72405510740759465982007-08-07T12:05:00.000-04:002007-08-07T12:05:00.000-04:00It's moments like these that make me especially pr...It's moments like these that make me especially proud to be an American. Thanks for sharing this Bilo.Phillipe Copelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18342490962831946701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-6474129715314998582007-08-03T12:34:00.000-04:002007-08-03T12:34:00.000-04:00R.A.,You are quite correct about the two condition...R.A.,<BR/>You are quite correct about the two conditions: ID cards and the repeal of the 1960 presidential decree.<BR/><BR/>As to the financial aid question, I do not think that as individuals we are in a position to make judgments regarding its implications. As you well know, this is a very complex matter that is privy to the governments involved. What is important here is accountability and adherence to the rules of international law concerning individual human and civil rights.<BR/><BR/>The question of the Baha’is of Egypt is quite straightforward: they are law-abiding Egyptian citizens entitled to all the rights and privileges, as well as all constitutional guarantees, due to them as equal citizens—nothing less!Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-71334355511767887732007-08-03T06:45:00.000-04:002007-08-03T06:45:00.000-04:00Among the key recommendations mentioned in the rep...Among the key recommendations mentioned in the report are the twin conditions that would see a complete reinstatement of human rights for the Baha'i community; repeal of the 1960 presidential decree that banned religious practice, as well as the issuance of the national identity card. Both are mentioned hand in hand, and it could not be otherwise since the implementation of human rights cannot be achieved by going half way. It is significant that these are mentioned collectively and present a definitive and transparent motive on behalf of the Commission.<BR/><BR/>While the restriction of financial aid has some effect in constraining human rights violations, there may need to be further considerations. It is justified that an individual country withhold financial aid, but this also needs to be complimented with the support and performance of supplementary conditions from countries and institutions of the same cause. If it is a unilateral implementation, the response from the Egyptian government, no matter how unjustified, may be played as that of reverse oppression and coercion. This has been seen before. Efforts need to be aligned and applied as a single package. It would be even more effective if the voice of Islamic communities be included; those who have witnessed the benefits of free and progressive societies.<BR/><BR/>There is also some hesitance as to how significant - and valued - are the funds received through the various financial aid programs to the Egyptian government. There are numerous financial sources that Egypt draws from - including its inherent wealth of natural resources, in addition to considerable foreign investments - which would indicate the limited and insignificant consequences of a singular financial restriction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-70772821015292631592007-08-01T23:02:00.000-04:002007-08-01T23:02:00.000-04:00Overall, I think it is a very strong statement, cl...Overall, I think it is a very strong statement, clearly naming the expected possible consequences.Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-51023383592776602962007-08-01T03:38:00.000-04:002007-08-01T03:38:00.000-04:00I am glad to see the US Commission on Internationa...I am glad to see the US Commission on International Religious Freedom making such a clear statement about the hindrances to religious freedom in Egypt and concluding with a range of excellent recommendations, including the removal of Presidential Decree 263 of 1960 (the decree that effectively bans all Baha'i activity in Egypt). I hope the US Congress and the US Government pay heed to what the Commission says.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com