Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!

"The White House announced on Friday that President Obama planned to give a major policy speech on relations with the Muslim world in Egypt on June 4."

Paul and I have been anxiously waiting for Obama to set the date to speak in Cairo...but two days after we leave...C'moooonnn!

Regardless, I think it's great that Obama decided on Cairo as the destination for such a speech. Egypt is one of the more tolerant of all the Muslim countries, populous, an American ally, and most definitely Arab. I was worried when the New York Times made a big fuss about his speech in Turkey. I thought maybe it was going to be his big Muslim "hurrah!", but it wasn't and he's keeping his promise.

The speech sounds like it will be a tricky one. Although Egyptians are incredibly positive about Obama, and even more enthusiastic to have Bush out of office (and who isn't), he's really going to have to tip toe around some pertinent subjects. First and foremost, the Israel-Gaza conflict will be on the agenda, and considering America has always backed Israel without hardly a slap on the wrist, Egypt is going to be looking for sincere change. Iran isn't making things any easier for Egypt either, condemning the country's allegiance to the peace treaty with Israel, and further condemning the country for forsaking it's Muslim brothers. Still, Egypt has dutifully maintained that adhering to the peace treaty is the best way to help the Palestinians and to preserve their own national security. But I get the feeling Egypt is tired of tip-toeing and watching as the U.S. tries to protect a country that's being a kind of a bully. So, it leaves me wondering how Obama plans to attack the situation in such a way that will appease all parties.

Obama will also probably address the issue of democracy and human rights. Mubarak is 82 years old and has been the "president" for more than 30 years. While democratic elections are held, 30 years in office leaves the population wondering about the legitimacy of said democratic elections. But the "presidency" is only the tip of the iceberg. He may be able to side step ridiculing Mubarak directly though by discussing something like making reforms that would encourage an autonomous civil society, allow free media, and gender equality.

Anyway, Paul and I won our disagreement with the school and have been allowed to work until the end of May (it was in our contract!). It wasn't quite the tooth and nail brawl I thought it might be. Apparently, yours truly has just been so amazing that Ussama sought to resolve the situation based on his respect for my being such an amazing intern/teacher. Yay! Thank Allah the teachers in the KG section were so amazing and helped me become the amazing teacher I am. Thank you Ms. Samar and Ms. Dana for being awesome, you will never know how much your help and understanding saved this experience.

Now that we know we've got at least another paycheck on the way, Paul and I have considered paying the fee to move our flights back so we can attend Obama's speech...that is, if security would allow us to go. But if tickets were to become available, it might just be worth it.

Friends, you have no idea how much I have been missing you. I can't wait to see all of you. 3 weeks!