Many Egyptians have been wondering why Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Hani Helal decided not to award the State Merit Prizes for Basic Sciences this year to Hani el-Nazer, the Chairman of the State-run National Research Centre (NRC), although he was meant to be awarded it.The press and the electronic media have spoken of the Minister putting pressure on the Higher Committee for Prizes

Egypt is stepping up its efforts to drastically reduce poverty - if not to stamp it out altogether. The fresh round in this hard battle was announced yesterday at the Second Conference for Integrated Social Policies, chaired by Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and organised by Minister of Social Solidarity Ali Mesilhi, dubbed the Minister of the Poor. There should be cause for optimism, especially as the organisers, key speakers and family welfare activists at the conference stressed that scientific and consistent policies should constitute the decisive weapon in this battle

Do you expect an Israeli and US attack on Iran before the American presidential elections in November?

Yes

No

I don't know

       Previous poll results

Do you think bio-fuels are to blame for the soaring food prices?

Yes               85          per cent

No                10          per cent

I don't know   5        per cent