He came, he met and he left. George Clooney came to Egypt and met with Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit, First Lady Suzanne and son Gamal. He came to seek a solution for the crippling humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
So what do Egyptians think of his visit? The Daily Star Egypt found out.
“I don’t pay too much attention to actors. I’m focused on my work. This matter means nothing to me. Ismail, 15, ironing delivery boy
“I just think Egypt has other problems to worry about than Darfur. If Clooney is worried about Darfur, he should know Egypt also has problems and if he’s coming to Egypt why doesn’t he look at the problems here? As for meeting Gamal and Suzanne Mubarak I don’t see what they have to do with this, they should focus on internal problems. Darfur affects us that is true, but we have bigger worries. Nesreen El Barkouky, 25, market research strategist
“He’s welcome here and his visit is very encouraged. I’m against discrimination in all forms and the loss of human life in Darfur. If Mr Clooney can help in avoiding further conflict I fully support him and am willing to help as well. Name Withheld, 61, doctor
“They failed to resolve the Darfur situation through hard politics so this is what is known as soft politics and it generally seems to work. Celebrities appeal to people because people know them and like them. They can bridge divides. For example, an Egyptian and a Sudanese would both know Angelina Jolie, so already they have found some common ground. I think it’s good that Gamal Mubarak would get involved in this, as a representative of youth. It’s good that he would take a role in this instead of worrying about internal politics. Hesham Abdu, 25, corporate communications specialist
“Through his movies, Clooney has taken note of issues in the Middle East that most people don’t. But with all due respect, I think Clooney should have saved himself a rather tedious journey to be involved in some family dinner. He should focus his efforts elsewhere. Name Withheld, 24, assistant manager at a carpet manufacturing company
