THE LOST FAITH Feared, hated and torn asunder, the Yezidi peoples of northern Iraq, who claim to be the guardians of the first monotheistic religion, a faith that predates Judaism, Christianity and Islam, have been used as political pawns for centuries. Today, despite the odds, some are standing their ground in Iraq’s embattled north. A WEB OF TRUTHS, half-truths, myths and outright lies surrounds the Yezidi of northern Iraq. It hardly seems necessary though, for the truth about this tiny ethnic and religious minority is strange enough not to need embellishment: They won’t wear the color blue. They don’t eat lettuce. They kidnap their wives. Many of them believe the American invaders are fulfilling an ancient prophecy that a blue-eyed man will come from the West to free them from oppression.
Affluent consumers are reaching for their wallets as international retail giants from Beymen to Benetton, Levis to Esprit open their doors in Egypt, flooding the market with everything from their own labels to Prada and Fendi. Welcome to the retail revolution in the Arab world’s largest consumer market.
AFTER YEARS OF BATTLING with a retail sector that was handcuffed by one protectionist policy after another, Egypt is officially open for business — an
Invasion of the Weevils The Red Palm weevil has been unstoppable during its 13-year killing spree, but a new project teaming agricultural scientists with government officials could stall its march using new, environmentally friendly biocontrol pesticide methods ByKristina Roic Read more
Ghosts of the Sinai A quiet memorial recently re-opened in Sinai commemorates Egypt’s forgotten refugees: The 825 Croatians who died at El-Shattdisplaced persons’ camp in the final months of the Second World War. ByCache Seel Read more
Heavy Action Just 25 years after the sport arrived in Egypt, the national team racks up an unexpected success at the Junior Sumo World Wrestling Championships ByAnne Fouéré Read more
Volume
# 26
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