Now that nothing is left of good times but the name; and save for wine itself, not a single old drinking buddy is around any more; don’t decline the joy of the vintage you’re offered, since today your hand is empty save for the glass. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 149
Uncertainty Grips an Egypt on the Brink
The on-again, off-again saga of the reports on deposed dictator Hosni Mubarak’s coma exemplified the uncertainty through which Egyptians are living on Tuesday. In the American game of baseball, a player can ‘steal bases.’ That is, you get on base by hitting the ball hard and far enough to confound the opposing team long enough […]
Omar Khayyam (145) “my bewilderment”
I was disturbed that he brought me into being, and nothing has grown through my life like my bewilderment at it. We’re forced to depart, and don’t even know what the point is of all this coming and going and being. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 145
Tahrir Square Now
Egypt after soft military coup: I don’t think they’re haaapy. By the way, American news channels: this is news.
Revolutionaries Vow return to Tahrir Square in face of Military Power Grab
Several parties, unions and organizations called for big demonstrations on Tusday in Tahrir Square in Cairo. They will be protesting the issuance on Monday by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of a constitutional ‘addendum’ that appeared to grant the military council wide powers and to whittle down those of the elected president. Former […]
Omar Khayyam (143) “Religious zealots are all jackasses”
Those religious zealots are all jackasses, who’re carrying a burden of deceit. And most amazing of all, under cover of their self-denial they sell their religion! They are worse than unbelievers any day. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 143
Syria Spirals down into Sectarian War (Cole at Truthdig)
My column is out at Truthdig, “Sectarian Violence Undermines Syrian Regime” Excerpt: “The Syrian government’s resort to Alawite death squads in recent weeks, however, has threatened the big-city alliance that has allowed the Baath to survive. The sight of Sunni women and children massacred by the Shabiha in Houla and Mazraat al-Qubair drove Sunni shopkeepers […]
Egypt: Fundamentalist President + Junta = ?
Since December, Egypt has had as its president a military council, and as its legislature the Muslim Brotherhood. It is possible this morning that Egypt now has as its president the Muslim Brotherhood and as its legislature a military council. Thus, not everything has changed. Although it is true that the judiciary, backed by the […]
Omar Khayyam (138) “Don’t throw your precious lives to the wind…”
Don’t fall for this world’s enticements, you amateurs! You know all about its tricks. Don’t throw your precious lives to the wind. Get yourself a lover and open a bottle of wine. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 138
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