A remarkably clear-sighted and honest statement. Be sure to read it all. If a European leader spoke this way, he would be excoriated as a racist, bigoted “Islamophobe.”
“Immigration: El Sissi more honest than Macron, Merkel and Trudeau,” translated from “Immigration: El Sissi plus honnête que Macron, Merkel et Trudeau,” Dreuz.info, December 9, 2018 (thanks to David):
In the context of the recent World Youth Forum in Egypt, Egyptian President El Sissi participated in a session where he answered questions from young people. I translated from Arabic his answer to a question about emigration.
El Sissi: The second question is put to me by Mohammed Kassim (a young Afghan): Why world leaders are closing their doors to immigration?
I certainly do not intend to go further on this issue. Every state has the right to protect its people and see to its interests. It must respect human rights, of course, but in a framework that allows it to preserve its national interests.
Let me tell you this: Instead of asking why these countries are closing their doors, ask yourself why Afghans in Afghanistan do not care about the fate of their country. Why are they fighting for forty years to kill each other and self-destruct? This question also arises for other countries like Pakistan and … Egypt too. It is also relevant for Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Somalia. Why do we behave this way?
We are tearing ourselves apart within our countries, and afterwards we are asking the working states that toil day and night, who strive to preserve their achievements, to protect their population, to maintain their standard of living and development … we ask them to share with us the fruit of their labors, simply because we argue with each other! Let’s see! Note that I am neither for them nor against them, I’m just trying to be objective and fair in my view of the problem.
We have an obligation to criticize ourselves: Are we protecting our own states? Do the leaders of the states I am talking about (the Muslim states) have no obligation to be more equitable, more respectful and more considerate of their people? And do not they have the duty to make concessions, to sit down to table and solve their problems, whether in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq or Libya? Why do they not? You want to go the heads of European states, whether in England, Germany, Italy or elsewhere, who close their borders to protect the fruit of long years of hard work and effort to build an evolved society! We ask that they open their doors to us, while we want to impose our culture, even though it is far from their own, especially in the field of work and effort. Our work ethic is different from theirs, they have a rigorous ethic, they do not agree with any privilege or carelessness in the field of work or training. On the other hand, we allow ourselves, sometimes in an exaggerated way, pass-rights and complacency.
Do you intend to impose your culture? To hurt no one I would say this: as an immigrant I bring with me my Egyptian culture, I want everything without tiring myself! Is not this culture really ours?
Senior officials have asked me this question: “Why do you have so much unproductive labor?” I tell them that we have our ways and our habits, they correspond to what we are and we can not change them without causing clashes and disturbances.
Do you want to emigrate with your culture, which for you cannot be questioned? Do you want to impose it on the pretext that it is a human right? No! And by the way, if you go to a country that agrees to welcome you, you must respect, but with absolute respect, its laws, customs, traditions and culture. But you do not have this mindset; in fact, we are not at all in this mindset, so we must not go. Do you want them to open the door for you to enter and after that you create problems for them? No!
I’m not defending them, no, by Allah! I just judge from what I see and what I understand about events happening on this subject. It’s not possible, it’s been more than forty years that you kill each other and you want me to let you in? No! Want to solve your problems? Solve them in your countries. That’s why I say to the Egyptians, “take care of your country!” This is my message. Instead of asking others to open their doors, let us make sure that our land is enough for us, and in fact it is enough for us. In Egypt there is enough room for all Egyptians; we must avoid fighting against each other and thus demolish everything, otherwise the young people will choose to live elsewhere … No, it is unacceptable!
We must resolutely confront our problems, put an end to the bloodshed in our countries, show lucidity and integrity in our interactions, foster dialogue and debate. I am not against emigration, to those who open the door, I said “thank you, your gesture is appreciated.” As for those who close the door to us, I say that in this we have nothing to reproach anyone about but ourselves.
Benedict says
“….. you must respect its laws, traditions and culture” …..
But what should these migrants or tourists do if the laws, traditions and culture of the country they visit or settle in are not respectable? Try to change them for the better or stay at home?
Ernie says
Migrants and tourists are two completely differtent entities Benedict . Migrants intent to stay , tourists stay for a short time and go back home . If people intent to visit or stay in another country they should honor its laws , period ! You’re asking what to do if the laws , traditions and culture of the country they visit or settle in are ” not respectable “. Well , why would you go to a country when you think the laws , traditions and culture are not ” respectable ” or to your liking in the first place ? Migrants and tourists are GUESTS , and should understand their position as such . So , in answer to your question I would say : if you are a tourist : you don’t have the right to change anything in the country you’re visiting . You don’t like it ? Then stay at home . If you intent to be a migrant , you’ll have to respect the law , traditions and culture of the land . You don’t like it ? well , then you better stay at home . Benedict , you might not like my answer , but this is my opinion . If I have visitors in my house , they have to respect my house-rules . One set of rules in my house is : no posession/use of alcohol , tobacco and drugs in my house . My rules are clear , and if you don’t like it , well , you better stay at home . Don’t try to fool me or undermine me in my own house , because I’ll kick you out . It’s MY house !
Ernie says
posession must be possession , my apologies .
Benedict says
E: What I mean to say is, that respect is earned and not commanded into being by the words: “you must respect”. And what you respect is conditioned by your own morality, belief and spiritual insight.
Ernie says
o.k., I agree , and understand your point Benedict . Thanks for explaining .
katherine says
What respect is everybody blabbering about ?
We have a ridiculous scenario where the the welcoming bunch of European nincompoops, citizens and politicians alike, bow down to their invaders and declare that Sharia is far more respectable than their own laws which henceforth, should stop being enforced to alleviate discrimination against a superior culture.
Amazed at this ready submission the immigrants screamed, ” Attaboy – we knew we was right all along – Allah is indeed greater. Now we screw tham all. Well they said it’s OK – they absolutely RESPECT us. “
gravenimage says
Benedict wrote:
“….. you must respect its laws, traditions and culture” …..
But what should these migrants or tourists do if the laws, traditions and culture of the country they visit or settle in are not respectable? Try to change them for the better or stay at home?
………………………….
By “try to change them for the better” Benedict means that if Muslims are not allowed to marry multiple wives–including small children–and to use Infidels as sex slaves that they have the right to murder the ‘immoral’ Infidels who are thwarting them.
Benedict has also urged Western women to wear the Burqa and Niqab, and to forcibly veil little girls–lest their hair and faces tempt adult men.
More:
E: What I mean to say is, that respect is earned and not commanded into being by the words: “you must respect”. And what you respect is conditioned by your own morality, belief and spiritual insight.
………………………….
Actually, it is *Muslims* who demand that their foul values be respected–not civilized Westerners. But for Muslims to come here begging asylum and then slaughter Infidels who do not adhere to their vile creed is just sickening.
Ernie says
So “Benedict” , is ( by using a Christian name ) trying to fool us into believing he is no muslim . His question was clear , as was my answer . Apparently he didn’t like my answer and qave it a twist I could not forsee .(” you can’t command respect , you have to earn it “) . I was thinking about it , and yes , in a certain way that is true . In the way you can’t command someone to love . Love is not ” commandable ” And that makes sense to me , so I agreed , Well Benedict , you fooled me , playing word-games . Your answer to my answer was not straightforward .
gravenimage says
Ernie, I am not sure if Benedict is a Muslim or not., He cited a story from Egypt and indicated that this is where he lives.
So–he might have been born Muslim; he may be a dhimmi who has embraced the sick values of his oppressors (I think this unlikely; he seems too bellicose to be a dhimmi, but it is possible); or he may be an ex-pat Westerner who either a) admires the horrors of Islam or b) has outright converted to Islam.
Ernie says
Thank you for the update Gravenimage . I’ve noticed his use of very foul/abusive language when adressing you personally . I have the impression ” Benedict ” is a westerner and a convert to islam . Benedict translated to Arab : Mubarak !
gravenimage says
Quite possible, Ernie. And you are right–while he talks about how immoral the West supposedly is, his replies to me have been abusive and some of them downright pornographic. *Very* disturbing.
Benedict says
“Well Benedict , you fooled me“…
Or could it be that G , fooled you. E?
g: “Benedict has also urged Western women to wear the Burqa and Niqab, and to forcibly veil little girls–lest their hair and faces tempt adult men.”
This claim is so preposterous that it is hardly worth commenting on, but it is very easy to verify, E, you just find and read the comments that verify it – without mixing them with g’s fabrications.
I have expressed support for Muslim women wearing Muslim garb *in the West* in only on respect: as a mockery of our latitude to nakedness in the public space. When public nakedness is less offensive to average people in the West than traditional Muslim garb, we in the West deserve the dressed caricatures of Muslim women among us. And BTW, g’s definition – not mine, although she tries to impose it on me – of a naked female is one that doesn’t wear the Burka or the like, preferably forcibly imposed on her – that’s how desperate she is to have her foolish comments make sense.
So don’t be fooled, E, neither by me nor the distortions of g nor the disciplinary role she delights appearing in here on JW.
– Benedict – which indeed is my Christian name.
Benedict says
“Ernie says
Dec 10, 2018 at 10:47 pm
Thank you for the update Gravenimage . I’ve noticed his use of very foul/abusive language when adressing you personally . I have the impression ” Benedict ” is a westerner and a convert to islam . Benedict translated to Arab : Mubarak !” …..
I suppose someone is manipulating the thread here.
Sam says
That is a wonderful advise to muslim population. However, most muslims can not self examine as muslims are the “best of all peoples”. Right?
Self criticism is a western value and we in the west are using it to our detriment nowadays.
What a strange world we live in where good is bad, bad is good! Go figure.
Elisha says
“What a strange world we live in where good is bad, bad is good! Go figure.”
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. – Isaiah 5:20
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!” – Mark 1:15
FYI says
And the perfect religion for the coming to power of the one in
2 Thessalonians 2 v 4 is of course the religion of antiChrist:islam.
The way has been prepared via a false pro-islam prophet in Rome..
So the Apostasy you see{predicted incidentally in Catholic prophecy}from the “pope” in Rome and the equivalent apostasy in protestantism{see the Church of Sweden,the Church of England..}is in full swing.See how the dhimmi “christians” pander to islam!
Of course there will be a checkmate{for those who understand prophecy..and many so-called Christians choose not to pay attention to prophecy….so they will be the Foolish Bridesmaids{see Matthew 25 …all of it}Prophecy is given for a reason:those who say they are Christians and ignore it must accept the consequences.
2 Thessalonians 1 v 5-10
Revelations 13
Benedict says
Yes, terms and conditions in the West for introspection and expression are definitely better in our culture – still.
Alarmed Pig Farmer says
We have an obligation to criticize ourselves
That’s the key to El Sissi’s confusion right there. “Ourselves” is us, as in we Moslems, the Ummah. The group is within the Sharia, and the Holy Ko-Ran on which Islamic law is based strictly forbids self-criticism and revision. This guy better watch it or he’ll end up like Sadat.
Mark Swan says
Absolutely Alarmed Pig Farmer.
JayT says
Exactly what I was thinking, APF. You probably know this isn’t the first time Sissi has spoken publicly about such things before, and it is a wonder he is even still alive at this point.
It’s highly unlikely the Muslim Brotherhood has forgotten or forgiven him for his hard line against them when they had control of Egypt. The hardcore fundamentalists clearly don’t bother listening to him, and their usual solution would be an Anwar Sadat sequel. Enemies all around.
Michael Copeland says
Well spoken.
“Every state has the right to protect its people…”
Indeed, and every state has the DUTY to protect its people.
Merkel, Macron, May, are you there?
Hello?
FYI says
“Every state has a right to protect its people”
Especially from politicians.
Especially from disloyal,treasonous,globalist,islam-pandering,leftie liberal Quislings like….merkel,macron,may..
Anjuli Pandavar says
Impeccable timing! This should immediately be translated into ten European languages and reposted everywhere. Now the question in my mind is: what will be the OIC’s reaction to El-Sisi?
“we are asking the working states that toil day and night, who strive to preserve their achievements, to protect their population, to maintain their standard of living and development … we ask them to share with us the fruit of their labors, simply because we argue with each other!”
Any comment, Imran? El-Sisi says Muslims are inherently lazy and prone to killing one another.
Any comment, SJWs and Islamic apologists? El-Sisi says Muslim countries a backward thanks to their own actions and omissions, not to colonialism, not to American warfare, not to white racism, not to poverty (I forget all the other excuses).
Any comment, Macron, Merkel, May, Verhofstadt and company? El-Sisi says European countries’ populations have worked hard for the standards they’ve achieved and it’s the responsibility of European leaders to protect the fruits of their people’s labours from those who would flood their countries, not work, and bleed them dry. https://www.jihadwatch.org/2018/11/germany-migrant-jokes-about-meeting-only-other-migrants-on-the-street-where-are-the-germans-working
Any comment European and North American politicians and police forces? El-Sisi says it’s your responsibility to protect your population.
I do not need to be reminded of the many problems of Egypt. But those problems are neither compounded nor diminished by highlighting the importance of this statement from El-Sisi right on the eve of the biggest global coup the OIC will have pulled off to date: the signing of the UN Global Compact for Migration in Morocco tomorrow and the next day — Morocco, I’ll remind everyone, whose biggest export is terrorists. Can there be any bigger affront than this? The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation is HUMILIATING Western governments by making them sign their own death warrant right in the very country whose young men are bringing that death about. My God, how did it come to this?! Visegrad, Help us. Please.
Anjuli Pandavar says
I just looked at the original and the speech was made on or just before 4 November. It might’ve been published earlier, but kudos to Hélios d’Alexandrie for publishing it today, 9 December.
SB says
Merkel and Macron are out. Hello, Theresa May, you still in?
SB says
Uh, I forgot about Trudeau.
Tom says
El Sisi tells it as it is. Most we leave to migrate are lazy and without a good work ethic, have expectations that are unrealistic and want to change the host country to the shi* hole they left, only with all the benefits of milking the western taxpayer left intact.
This guy outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood when he became leader in Egypt. In the opinion of many in the west he is the kind of leader the middle east needs in order to control Islamic radicalism and maybe have Islam go through reform and modernization that will make it less of a geopolitical expansionist ideology and more of a pious religious practice.
He is right when talking about countries like Afghanistan and other muslim countries in saying that they are fighting the tribal battles of hundreds of years ago, why, because Islam is stagnant in 700 AD mentality. It fuels feudal mentality and tribalism and unless it is modernized and changed there will never be any other way for Afghanistan and its like in the world.
The Tribalism of Islam brings with it nepotism and laziness and a lack of ambition, except that of Islam which is pouned into its followers from birth.
These are the things which accompany most who migrate to the west from Muslim majority countries. Its no wonder there is such a clash of cultures.
Norger says
I don’t much about El Sisi but he appears to be one of the few leaders in the Muslim world who challenges the victimhood narrative. I recall a couple of years ago he also made a sharply-worded critique of Islamic theology and called for reform. It went over like a lead balloon, but he at least appears to have a basic grasp of reality.
Anjuli Pandavar says
Tom,
“have Islam go through reform and modernization that will make it less of a geopolitical expansionist ideology and more of a pious religious practice.”
—
Reforming Islam will get nowhere. The Qur’an has seen to that. The only reform of Islam that’s ever had lasting success is reform *back to its original state* (such as the reform ISIS attempted). It is possible to ban Islam, but the idea of Islam, and of course the Qur’an cannot be banned.
In my opinion, our only hope is to drive the Qur’an from Muslims’ hearts. Only modern values and humanist ethics can do that. This means disrupting the cycle of Islam’s generational reproduction, by stopping the inculcation of Islam into the next generation, at the same time as *massively* exposing what Islam is. We’re actually in a paradoxical time during which Islam has both never had it so good and never had it so bad. What counts in our favour is that Islam is ill-equipped to deal with the encroachment of civilised values into its own territories, hence the “tsunami” of apostasies in Muslim lands, as well as its prospective dhimmis that it cannot be instantly subjugated *and* who not only talk back, but openly criticise and reject Islam, and even talk of destroying it. This is uncharted territory for Islam. It has never had to do jihad in this way. If Islam succeeds in making “all religion for Allah alone,” it will not be because Islam has prevailed, but because we have let it prevail.
Tom says
Anjuli
Unfortunately you may be right. It would be an almost impossible task to remove Islam from the world, but to bring enlightenment through modernisation of living and educational standards may increase the number of apostates in Islam.
The problems arise with the way in which Islam is imposed upon Muslims through its all encompassing Sharia.
Anjuli Pandavar says
Tom,
“enlightenment through modernisation of living and educational standards”
—
I’d go along with this. I’d also suggest, though, that the process might be more complex. The ruling elites of Third World countries, including, in case in point, elites ruling Muslim countries, have access to the best educational standards the world has to offer, but that education serves only to equip them to better cement their positions and oppress their societies. We are talking thousands of Third World spoilt brats, sons and daughters of tyrants and their lackeys, attending Western universities. Saif Gaddafi (as in Gaddafi) who studied at the London School of Economics, was all over the world’s media gleefully orchestrating his father’s regime’s fight-back.
Similarly, the Arab elites have the most incredible living standards imaginable, but the king of Saudi Arabia shat in his swimming pool. Sure, its his pool, you might say, but it was in full view of his company. Who can forget the barbaric antics of Saddam Hussein’s brutal sons Uday and Qusay in their many palaces.
It’s the ones with the best education and the highest living standards who keep everything exactly as it is. This does not mean that you are wrong, though.
I think it’s 24/7 access to the wider world, first through satellite TV and later through the Internet, that’s done most to plant the seeds of the Enlightenment in the Muslim world. Whereas during the colonial period, this effect was confined to the local elites (the Ataturks of this world) who were ready to ditch Islam, seeing how primitive their societies were compared to those of the supposed “vilest of created beings”. Literacy in European languages was then a prerequisite for access to such exposure.
But you don’t have to be literate to watch satellite TV, and if you are literate, you can access the Internet privately at any time of day or night. In my view, this set the stage for the emergence of a new kind of person in the Muslim world, one who is fundamentally incompatible with Islam, one who thinks for himself. That, and a few other reasons, are why I have hope.
mortimer says
Translation of Cici’s remark: MIGRATION WITHOUT ASSIMILATION EQUALS INVASION.
Tom says
Succinct and in a nutshell. If only we could get political leaders to understand that simple truth.
James Pierce says
Unless said country is the United States. Apparently it’s expected here that people should be allowed to barge in at will, refuse to assimilate and demand the moon and the stars. Anyone who dares not agree is portrayed as the worst racist who ever lived.
boakai ngombu says
in regard to that expectation … has anyone heard that “Love knows No Borders: A Moral Call for Migrant Justice” mobilization, organized by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), will be joined by CAIR representatives and others 10December, 10a.m. in San Diego and points close to the border … to end the border militarization … among other desires?
James Pierce says
Love may know no borders, but the United States of America certainly does. Thank God for President Donald Trump and the fact that he has the spine to protect those borders
allahscum says
I don’t believe a word coming out of his mouth. What has he done to protect the Coptic Christians in his country? Anything?
gravenimage says
Yes–this is a *huge* issue. While al Sisi is not as actively persecuting Christians as the Muslim Brotherhood would have been, he has done *very* little to protect them.
gravenimage says
Egypt’s el-Sisi: “If you go to a country that welcomes you, you must respect its laws, traditions and culture”
……………………..
I’ve often been a bit cynical about al Sisi, but this is very welcome.
eduardo odraude says
el-Sisi seems to see reality — and probably knows there’s only so much of it he can say aloud without getting himself killed.
Islam forbids criticism of Muhammad and Islam, and kills or silences those who persist in it. That is a chief reason why Islamic societies are generally backward either economically, or politically, or culturally, or all three. Without free speech and freedom of thought, human dialogue grinds to a halt and so does the progress of knowledge, wisdom, and science. These things simply cannot progress without open debate and freedom. As for government, in the authoritarian setting called for by the core Islamic texts and the life of Muhammad, people cannot learn the art of compromise. But without the art of compromise, societies fall into cycles of coups, wars, rebellions, poverty, and underdevelopment. If the people in large enough numbers will abandon Islam and adopt the other religions or no religion, then freedom, democracy, development, and prosperity will arrive. Islam is not the only problem in the world. Just one of the largest. Another huge problem is China’s dictatorship. Yet another huge problem is environmental destruction and breakdown. And there are a number of other huge problems. But Islam is up there in the top five, and perhaps it even edges out the others for the #1 spot.
Charles Graf says
Finally! A Muslim leader with his head screwed on straight. If the rest of the worlds Muslim leaders thought and acted this was, the world would be a much safer and prosperous place to live.
gravenimage says
Alas, he still allows widespread violence against Christians, and does little to deter it. The only good thing for the Copts is that he does not appear to be actually sponsoring violence against them directly himself.
Joe Z. Wells says
El-Sisi, for being truthful has signed his own death warrant. Neither truth nor living in peace with your fellow man is an acceptable goal of Islam. Only domination thru mindless violence.
infidel says
+ 1
Charles says
If I were Egyptian I would be an El Sisi loyalist. There are many educated people in Egypt who understand his prerogatives and the dangers of somebody like Morsi. Obama and Clinton did the world a dis-service when they betrayed Mubarak.
Mary C. says
I wonder if El-Sisi would also be willing to help track down Yaser Said, since many people believe that SOB fled to Egypt after honor killing his daughters Amina and Sarah. >:(
gravenimage says
I wouldn’t count on it, Mary…
Ade Fegan says
“If you go to a country that welcomes you, you must respect its laws, traditions and culture”
at least until such time that you have your foot far enough in the door to force your hand