If you want a glimpse of the disaster that nearly befell UNESCO, consider these words:
“Israel’s position prompted me to challenge it on a series of issues in order to dwarf Israel vis-à-vis Egypt and its culture. [I am declaring] a culture war against [Israeli] tyranny, rather than against the culture itself.”
Yep, that’s Egypt’s Culture Minister for the past 22 years, Farouk Hosni – a man in charge as much over the censorship of culture as over its development in that autocratic state.
According to Hosni, America, Eastern European states, Japan, and “the Jews” undermined his candidacy. But a special place in his heart is reserved for Israel, it seems:
On Friday, United Arab Emirates newspaper al-Khalig published another interview with Hosni, where he stated that he is reverting to his traditional stance against normalization with Israel. The Egyptian minister softened his rhetoric ahead of the UN vote, ostensibly in a bid to boost his chances.
Poor UNESCO. How will it survive without him?
UPDATE: The New York Times quotes others who wonder what UNESCO was thinking even considering this guy:
“How can a 22-year minister of a country where culture, education, health and science have regressed to the Dark Ages become the head of Unesco?”
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