What is the most tea you have had to drink in a day during back to back interviews?

Clearly you've covered Egypt at some point.

What flavor of hookah has elicited the most fruitful interviews?

I don't fox with hookahs

What news/topic is largely being ignored by the media in general that you thinks deserves more attention?

The treatment of prisoners in Egypt's opaque jail system. This is something I hope to probe more in the coming weeks and months. Many of my colleagues have valiantly tried to access this story with varying degrees of success, but the regime is very keen on keeping this out of the news.

Some of your colleagues are in there; journalists - foreign and local - are not exempt.

Yes. This is troubling.

What are your thoughts on Bassem Yousef's decision to cancel his show?

It's a sad reflection of the contracting space for freedom of speech and a stark reminder that people who don't toe the government line are subjecting themselves to danger both from the public and the regime.

First of all من امتا والمصريين بيستاعملوا ريدت؟؟

Second, i really admire your very objective answers, so thank you for giving Reddit a more civilized look at egyptians! You are smart, witty, funny and very wise in your answers and I applaud you for that

حبيب قلبي

HAHA. This is my first time on Reddit! Thank you for the kind words.

You fit right in! Please come back often.

That's very kind. I intend to!

If you could send one message to the population of Egypt in hopes of restoring normality, what would that message be?

Stop honking your car horns so much.

"Honk if you're from Egypt, Don't honk if you're in Eygpt"

We need a kick starter for these bumper stickers.

I'm in for a couple of bucks.

Once I was in the car with my dad driving from Dokki to Ahram, we ended up driving along the same path as a microbus for a good 15 minutes. He would honk at 10 second intervals, regardless of whether there were any cars near him or not. It was very frustrating.

I've been on empty roads with cab drivers who honk out of pure instinct in similar intervals.

What sort of role do you envision for yourself in the soon to be established Handsome Man's Club in Cairo?

Member at large.

CEO.

a/s/l?

This is almost certainly a futile question, but when do you predict that Egypt will develop a major tourism industry that is considered "safe" by westerners?

It's not a matter of when. Egypt's tourism is closely linked to the perception of stability and security for obvious reasons. I can tell you, however, that now is a great time to visit: the beaches are mostly empty and hotel prices are a steal. Live like a king on a pauper's budget.

As someone who has possessed a perennial urge to visit Egypt for as long as I can remember, and who has always been cautioned against doing so, your assurances are more heartening than I can describe.

Thank you so much for your work, and best of luck.

Thanks so much. Just come on over and hope for the best. Like any other country in the world, Egyptians appreciate respect and curiosity.

If you had to sum up what's happening in Egypt right now with one sentence, what would it be?

counter-revolution

What's the most dangerous situation you've ever been in?

It wasn't in Egypt. It was in the south of Lebanon during the Israeli air bombardment in 2006.

What's the most interesting aspect of your job?

Wow. This is a difficult question to answer briefly but I would have to say that being a witness to a critical moment in Egypt's modern history is both daunting and exciting. Also, trying to explain what the Wall Street Journal is to regular Egyptians during street interviews is always amusing and challenging.

Are there more restrictions on the press now than under Mubarak? What's the state of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities? What sort of political system do you think Egypt will have in the future?

Mubarak's durable regime survived by allowing a modicum of opposition, eventually succumbing to an opening up of limited press freedom. This current system appears to be less tolerant, as evidenced by the jailing of both local and foreign journalists. As for the museum: sorry, no idea.

I seem to remember reading that the Muslim Brotherhood provided some level of basic services before the election. Are they still doing this, and do they still have significant grassroots support?

After the Muslim Brotherhood was designated a terrorist organization by the military back regime, their activities were criminalized so it is hard to gauge how open they and others are being about the large network of services they once provided. As for grassroots support: I believe they still enjoy sizable support.

Hi Tamer - how do you think Sisi will handle Egypt's coming economic crises?

Unclear, but the few statements he's made on the topic suggest austerity and a heavy reliance on Gulf aid.

Thanks everyone for the hilarious, sincere and probing questions but it seems I must get going. I really enjoyed this.

How long do you think Sisi will remain the president? What are the chances of a third major upheaval? Where might it come from?

Hard to say. It took Mubarak nearly 30 years to be taken down and Morsi just one year. Predicting the aspirations of Egyptians and the machinations of Egypt's political stake holders is nearly impossible. As for where a possible third upheaval might come from: it's safe to say nothing will happen will happen without, at least, the appearance of a popular will.

Hi Tamer. Where do you stand on Sisi's coupe/revolution? Do you think Egypt would've been better off with Morsi?

وشكرا

By definition, what happened on July 3rd was a coup. As for the second part of the question: we will never know.

Have you ever walked like an Egyptian?

Everyday

If I hang around with the Egyptian upper middle class (lawyers, doctors, et cetera), what's their general impression of the country's government?

I think you'll find vastly different opinions among any class of Egyptians.

Are you and your colleague Matt more of a Starsky and Hutch-type duo? Or is it more like a Laurel and Hardy relationship?

Miami Vice meets Cairo.

Hi Tamer, Do you think there will be any significant public response to the absence of Bassem Youssef or is this just a small ripple? Do you think he had any material impact on the freedom of speech? Do you project that media freedoms will improve or worsen over the next couple of years?

Bassem Youssef, while innovative and brave, was a polarizing figure here in Egypt even before Morsi's ouster. Many people will mourn the cancellation of his show while others [both statist and Islamist] will celebrate it. I think freedom of speech in Egypt is still a moving target regardless of his cancellation that will better be gauged by how many journalists/citizens will continue to be jailed or intimidated by the state.

A lot of people seemed genuinely happy with Sisi's election. What percentage of the Egyptians do they form, you think?

It's hard to say. What is true is that "the state" can't manufacture joy. But if the election results are to be believed, only about 47% of Egypt's eligible voters came out to support him. That suggests there's a great deal of antipathy or outright hostility towards him. The supporters I've spoken to are either firmly in his corner or see him as yet another vehicle toward desperately needed and wanted economic stability and security.

What's your opinion on gargoyles?

I wish to know more about them. They seem extraordinarily patient.

How do reimbursements work? Do they give you a budget plus a card, or must you finance everything, then submit claim to the editor?

I have a corporate card that fronts my expenses but I have to submit receipts and reasons to justify the charges. I am very conservative with that. I don't #ballsohard.

#ballincontrollably

ballsomoderately

Long time listener, first time caller.

If you had a million dollars and no risk of being called a spy or a foreign hand, how would you donate or invest the money to make Egypt a better country?

Ha! Let's talk privately.

What did you think of the documentary "The Square"? Is watching it a legitimate way to gain an understanding of contemporary issues in Egypt?

Haven't seen it, but my understanding is that it is less documentary and more love letter to the "revolutionaries" of Tahrir Square. It has been praised as being beautiful while criticized as unfair to the Muslim Brotherhood.

How often do you declare yourself as a US journalist in trying to get scopes and stories? How often does it help and how often does it hinder?

It helps while trying to get access to high profile government officials or the business elite. It can sometimes hinder in a situation where you are trying to do reporting in local communities.

What is your opinion on citizen journalism, especially in countries where the media is controlled by the government?

The more eyes on a story, the better. But it's up to us as news consumers , in general, to vet what's being published and share it responsibly

What is the Egyptian government's relationship with Israel ? It seems as if there are a lot of mixed signals, collaboration in the Sinai against terrorists, denunciations, the Gaza issue, many Egyptians angry at Israel.... I'm just kind of lost.

Me too. But it appears that Sisi's election is seen as a positive sign for Egyptian/Israeli relations.

Hello Tamer and thanks for the AMA!

1. What would you say is the percentage of people who desire to have a regular daily routine where politics does not effect them versus the people who want only to forward their political agendas?

2. Who would you say are the most likely groups to bring stability and prosperity back to Egypt?

1. Stability seems to be winning goal here. It's becoming more apparent everyday that large swaths of the population never wanted the 2011 to happen and that the desire to go about their daily lives uninterrupted by political and economic turmoil trumps all. Then there are those who wanted democratic reform but have been fatigued by the process. It's a long process and people are adjusting and changing their minds.

2. Right now, as painful as it is to admit, the military seems most poised to restore a semblance of stability. But even that is not clear

It's becoming more apparent everyday that large swaths of the population never wanted the 2011 to happen

I don't think this is true. Maybe now they don't wish it happened, but I think most Egyptians were optimistic after the Revolution

Many were. But it is my assessment that a majority didn't want a complete overhaul of the status quo, as much as a modification of the status quo.

What's the one piece of advice you would give to a recent Journalism graduate looking to break into the industry?

Ooof. Probably the hardest question of the night. But in all honesty I would say: avoid graduate school and just practice journalism at every outlet that will give you a shot. And read a ton.

In light of the controversy over the role of The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt's recent politics, what are your views of that organization and their actions? What popular conceptions might you affirm or deny?

There seems to be a consistent argument here that "given time, the Muslim Brotherhood would have done xyz." I think this is severely flawed. We did not see what a Muslim Brotherhood back government would have done.

Your coverage of Egypt's elections has been stellar. What are some of the main challenges you face as a reporter in such a polarized environment?

Thank you! The main challenge is cutting through the noise and trying to access the story in a way that reflects the reality - regardless of who it pleases or upsets. The goal is to present the reader with an accurate portrait of the situation without being swayed by any agenda. The polarized environment can easily pull you towards a specific narrative.

also, a/s/l?

Hi Tamer

Where would you recommend for the best kebabs in Cairo?

My grandmother's place.

Do most Egyptians know that their country continues to produce absolutely astonishing squash players like Ramy Ashour and Mohamed El Shorbagy? Or has the sport's profile in Egypt faded?

It's embedded in every Egyptian kid's imagination from day 1. There's lots of walls here, which make for excellent make-shift squash courts.

[deleted]

Constantly asking for what I wanted while trying my best to prove I can handle the load. And being patient when I was told "no" or "maybe."

Do you think Egypt will ever be able to become a modern democracy without a reform of the military?

Tough to think about democracy in Egypt without a military subordinate to civilian leadership.

Hi Tamer! What is your take on the travel warning certain European countries currently have in place for parts of Egypt?

It comes down to people's individual appetites to take a risk. I generally think that the danger is blown out of proportion.

Do you like your job?

Love it. Very much.

Hi Tamer, if you had to give ONE argument to western media to shift more of their attention towards the developments in Egypt, what would that argument be?

Egypt is the most populous nation in the Arab world and a large exporter of culture, ideas and man power to every corner of the globe.

How good of a dancer would you say you are on a scale of 1-10?

Depends on who you ask but I rate myself a sold 8

What are your thoughts on the election results and its impact Egyptian women? Will things take a turn for the better? I'm curious as to what you think about the misogyny associated with Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood and how it is contrasted with the El-Sisi agenda. Many prominent women activists blamed the Morsi regime for its inaction regarding sexual assault against women. Do you think this is a valid point, or does this problem deeper roots than the government at hand, and more to do with underlying cultural and societal issues?

I generally think that government and legislation have little influence on social issues.

Sisi or Morsey? Greetings from Saudi :D.

No comment! :-)

What is the single most annoying question I could ask you right now, and what is the answer?

Also, what do you think of the economic crisis and inflation of the US dollar and how it is affecting the world economy? How do you see the effect if any in Egypt?

HAHA. Your follow up question makes my head hurt. :-)

1) If there is a Tamer El-Ghobashy do you have a brother called Vicious El-Ghobashy?

2) To what extent is the whole over throw of the Muslim Brotherhood regime an actual legitimate grass roots dissatisfaction or is it western media reporting on what they believe local consumption would find more palatable. The reason why I ask is that the Muslim Brotherhood along with al Nor have a majority in the Lower and Upper house so even if the presidential vote for the Muslim Brotherhood candidate was a protest vote then how does one explain the outcomes of the other elections other than it re-affirming an undercurrent of religious conservatism within the country.

1. Depends on the time of day, but I usually am both.

2. Great question that will probably require years of academic study to answer. I'm not trying to punt here, but it remains to be seen.

Why didn't the NDP help with Sisi's campaign?

Not clear yet that, as a whole, they didn't. Evidence appears to be anecdotal at the moment and worth probing further.

why should I care what happens in Egypt? Why should or should not my country help militarily?

Thank you for helping me to understand.

What country are you talking about?

How much of an improvement is the current regime over the old one, in your opinion?

I hesitate to give my opinion but from the perspective of an observer, I'd say that the current regime is showing signs of autocratic behaviour that is more strident than the Mubarak regime.

Are you related to Mona?

Yes. She's my older, smarter and wiser sister.

How come the Wall Street Journal doesn't carry Garfield?

I know right?

Have you been to Sham El Sheik?

Yes.

[deleted]

It's a great question whose answer seems obvious but isn't. A lot of people would argue that Sisi is Mubarak 2.0 while others would say he's worse. Many others would say he needs to be given a chance. All signs point to a period of democratic set backs.

Do you think egypt will elect someone they trust?

Lot's of Egyptians seem to trust Abdel Fattah al Sisi. Lot's of Egyptians also don't trust Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. History dictates that democracy is a long and arduous process.

Why?

why what?

Hi Tamer! What's a good place to get Thai food in Cairo?

Sabai Sabai in Zamalek.

So, how's Egypt?

Hot! The breeze today felt like what I imagine the exhaust of a Boeing 747 would feel like.

I had that under Mubarak the military was beloved by the general population and see as a national source of pride. Was this true, is it now and does that influence at all how they act politically

The military here enjoys an outsized popularity through successive regimes, dating back to Gamal Abdel Nasser. For many reasons, not least of which is that every family has a father, son, brother or uncle in the armed forces due to conscription. Politically speaking, I believe the military's image has suffered since the 2011 revolt among large segments of the public because of their unprecedented public role in governance and the effects of that remain to be seen.

Do you think the people of Egypt have any means to overthrow el-Sisi if they desire, or will they be crushed by the army and be forced to become refugees?

I think this insightful blogger makes a fantastic point: that Sisi's biggest challenge lies in trying to de-politicize the Egyptian public. http://baheyya.blogspot.ch/2014/05/sisis-challenge.html?spref=tw

What do you think Egypt's greatest strength is right now? And what's the craziest thing you've seen as a reporter in Egypt?

Egypt's greatest strength is that it is unpredictable. As for the craziest thing I've seen: the transformation of Tahrir Square from the telegenic epicenter of popular revolt in 2011 to the gathering point of state worship in 2014.

Do you think Egypt will make any progress towards a more democratic system or is this what it is for the next 5 years?

Impossible to say but it seems the events of the last three years suggest no "system" is safe from overhaul.

Hello Mr. Tamer. What do you think about current status of journalism in the Middle East? I live in Turkey and critizing the government makes you a traitor, atheist, leftist, terrorist... automatically (This sentence also makes me one of them right now). What is the status in Egypt?

Egypt's private and state media have taken a sharp turn towards the state. It's too early to say if it will stay this way.

Where is the best place in Cairo to purchase designer jeans?

I own only one pair of jeans. I'm lost.

1. Is the journal just another extension of Fox News?
   
2. Do you or other reporters receive direction from management as to story choice and content?
3. Why should I trust a publication that includes denial of objective facts, the existence of climate change, as a regular part of it's editorial section?

1. NO!

2. NO! Quite the opposite. We work with professionals who trust out judgement and often ask us for direction. As it should be.

3. Up to you.

What impact does "the Egyptian Jon Stewart" have on the government? The protesters? Etc?

Please see my previous replies.

There is a perception, perhaps rightly so that articles on Egypt have a negative slant, as if nothing good ever happens. The foreign media in particular have embraced the evil junta philosophy, which doesn't reflect reality on the street. How much influence do you feel publications such as the Journal influence American foreign policy?

I like to think President Obama doesn't start his day without reading me and my colleague, Matt Bradley's, latest article.

When you're out spying for Obama do you prefer your karkadé martinis shaken or stirred?

Shaken. What's a martini?