investment banker
Investment banker in Cairo, Egypt
PROFILE
Omar Rezda
Guest
FROM Omar Rezda
To the Point
The New Egypt? Same as the Old? Three years after the Arab Spring uprising in Egypt's Tahrir Square, it seems a long cold winter has returned. Former strongman Hosni Mubarak and his closest security officials have been cleared of all charges stemming from the killing of protesters during the 2011 mass demonstrations. A new army general, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has consolidated power as Egypt's president, and thousands of religious and secular opposition activists are in jail. But the spigot of US aid is wide open and business is booming. Is it game over for democracy in Egypt?
To the Point
Egypt at a Crossroads…Once Again NOTE: This discussion was recorded while events in Egypt were developing — and just before President Morsi's ouster from office. Egypt is bracing for increased violence between massive crowds for and against Mohamed Morsi, elected just one year ago. The President has refused to step down, tanks are in the streets of Cairo, and Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood claims there has been a military coup. Was it "invited" by the millions who are protesting his rule? Has the US given its tacit approval? What are the potential consequences for democracy in Egypt and, more broadly, in the rest of the Middle East?
Recommended
Left, Right & Center
Proud to shut down President Trump says he’ll gladly take dire action if Congress won’t fund his border wall.
The Mixer
Enter Gavin Newsom A look at how California's new governor may interact with the legislature.
The Mixer
Heading for the fire exit Thousands of Californians are spending the holidays deciding what to do next after devastating wildfires. The Camp Fire – in northern California – took out nearly an entire town, killing at least 86 people. And the Woolsey Fire, closer to home, left 3 people dead, chewing through nearly 100,000 acres in L.A. and Ventura Counties. Ken Pimlott knows those names all too well. He heads up the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and today is his last day on the job.
The 805
Lessons learned a year after the Thomas Fire and debris flow A year ago, the Thomas Fire swallowed large swaths of Ventura County and lept into Santa Barbara’s front country, setting the stage for the late-night debris flow that took 23 lives. As we observe those anniversaries, we’re checking back with those we spoke with in the immediate aftermath.