Feb 26

Good news. A new Egyptian Minister of Education has been appointed and things are beginning to approach normal. With any luck I should be able to depart in the next couple of weeks. Still remaining cautious. But things are begining to stabilize.
regards
witte

Delays continue

Well, here we are. The beginning of another week and still no movement. The University remains closed. The Americian University Cairo (AUC) and some of the Private Schools have opened but the major public universities remain closed. The reasons for delayed opening are complex. One version is that they are not sure what to do about campus security. It seems that the previous "security" forces fed information to the central government (Mubarak) and therefore were not really trusted. So, should they retun to campus and suffer student retaliation or should the various universities go with out any campus security at all? By the way, the question of the role of the campus security is merely speculation, but suspicion is often based on fact. For what ever reason, there is really no reason to return to Egypt to teach until the university is open. Perhaps next month - perhaps.
regards
witte

Feb 14

Things are looking up. Egypt is now in the hands of its people and the Universities are open. If all goes well I will be in Egypt next week. Last minute preparation including, travel medication, proper clothing (have been checking weather daily) and finalizing class presentations. There are also a surprisingly high number of pre departure things to finish here: routine meetings, suspense responses, preparing students for my absence, etc. Office hours do not count while in Egypt. Actually, the whole thing has been amazingly smooth. Should get one more chat before leaving. For now - all is well
regards
witte

Feb 4

Well, here we sit in Alabama. Internet is up and flights are canceled. I have rebooked on Delta for Feb 22. Hoping things will have quieted down. The Suez Canal University is closed due to the unrest so there is no point in being there as there are no classes. It remains frustrating. 3,000 people took to the streets in Suez Canal City yesterday. Smaller gathering than in Cairo but Suez City is a smaller city. The percentage must be about the same. My friends there (Suez City) are very optomistic and as of yesterday felt quite secure. Am keeping up with the State Department as well as folks on the ground in Egypt. It is a painful time for all. Will keep you posted as the intended departure date gets closer.
regards
witte