In Egypt, Serious Political Debates Take Place Only Online

With journalists facing unprecedented threats, serious political and cultural debates are disappearing from traditional media in Egypt. In the vacuum, social media has stepped in.

by Nael Shama

At a time when Egypt is facing many challenges, the country’s mainstream media has been either coyly silent about these problems or has rolled out the drums of celebration. Routinely ignoring human rights abuses, political and economic miscalculations, and presidential blunders, the media celebrate whatever the president says and does.

In sh…