From: XXXX XXXX@XXXX.com
Date: May 19, 2011 10:09:33 AM EDT
To: XXXX@XXXX.com
Subject: Interview Request For XXXX From Business Insider
Below is an email interview request for XXXX from Business Insider. Thank you so much for your help.
Best regards, XXXX

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Dear XXXX,

I am a politics reporter for Business Insider, a news website based in New York. We recently launched a new interview feature spotlighting compelling/expert perspectives on the stories of the day.

In light of your illuminating coverage of Egypt’s revolution and political transition, we would love to hear your insight on the political/social landscape in Egypt in the aftermath of Mubarek’s ouster.

Would you be willing to do a short interview over email (or by phone if that’s easier)? The questions are below.

1: What is the feeling in Egypt in the wake of the Tahrir Square revolution? Has the general perception of Egypt’s Arab Spring shifted in the 100 days since President Hosni Mubarek stepped down?

2: The egalitarian character of Egypt’s uprising was widely noted in media reports and eyewitness accounts. Has that changed as the political transition moves forward? Do perceptions of the revolution and its accomplishments vary across different socioeconomic/gender/age/sectarian groups?

3: In your recent New York Review of Books blog post “Egypt: Why Are The Churches Burning?” you examine Egypt’s growing violence and sectarian strife. What factors do you think account for Egypt’s deteriorating security situation? What role, if any, has the Egyptian military and the ruling military council played in exacerbating and/or mitigating instability?

4: Can you describe Egypt’s political landscape as the country transitions to democracy? What are the political forces in play in Cairo? Have new or altered political elements taken shape in the lead up to this fall’s parliamentary elections?

5: How have Egyptians responded to the political shift? Are ordinary citizens taking an active role in the transition to democracy? If so, how has this manifested? If not, why do you think that’s the case?

Here is an example of a past “Five Questions” interview:

http://www.businessinsider.com/osamas-deadnow-what-terrorism-expert-bruce-hoffman-tells-us-whats-next-for-al-qaeda-2011-5

And here is a link to an item we did on your recent New York Review of Books blog post “Egypt: Why Are The Churches Burning?”:

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-egypt-is-descending-into-sectarian-violence-and-lawlessness-2011-5

Please let me know if you are willing to do the interview, or just send along your responses when you have a chance! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
XXXX