Charlie Rose Science Series
Click here to watch previous episodes of the Charlie Rose Science Series
The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals
by Jane Mayer
Buy it
by Jane Mayer
Buy it
07/02/2008
Naguib Sawiris
A conversation with Naguib Sawiris
Keywords:
A conversation with Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO Orascom Telecom Holding.
DVD
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Audio
Audio available through Audible.com.
Audio available through Audible.com.
Transcripts
Transcripts available through Voxant.
Transcripts available through Voxant.
Regarding the Comment by Satomi on Tuesday, Jul 22 at 06:00 AM """most Christians in Egypt are highly educated and are very open minded to all cultures from the west, Asia, Israel. They have a different mind set to Muslims"" I think its not fair to mention that.and I would like to ask you do you know Dr.Ahmed Ziwil and Dr.Mohammed El baradey???????????? if you know them I will inform you about thousands of highly educated and very open minded with the same level and may be higher.
Thanks to Mr. Rose for giving the chance for all Americans and European People to know the right and the real side of the most Arabic people !!Really I'm proud that their a lot of esteemed and Honorable Egyptians and Arabic Business men like Mr.Sawiers
Mr. Sawiris is Egyptian but is a global businessman; he transcends borders. And he is Christian but his success is accounted for by his overall open-minded faith; his religion is irrelevant (and the argument "Christian vs Muslim" brings us back to the Dark Ages). His telecom business is what it is today because of his education, vision and intelligence.(Rachel H. - Geneva, Switzerland)
He is Christian Orthodox, most Christians in Egypt are highly educated and are very open minded to all cultures from the west, Asia, Israel. They have a different mind set to muslims and they contribute a lot to the Egyptian Economy and stock exchange listings in Egypt, there is no petrodollars coming from there such as in Dubai etc.
This inteview shows the breadth of opinions found in the Middle East. People there are not all fundamentalists fighting against the US. Particularly refreshing was his comment that the Iranians are "beautiful people". I concur. Hence, in dealing with the people of this region, we need to be aware that "you're either with us or against us" approach just does not work. There is complexity worth appreciating which must be integrated into any actions we pursue.
I was very disappointed, yet not entirely surprised by the distance that Mr Sawaris has with his own society and the world in general. First there was the approximation about the world population 4 to 6 billions,then came wrong historical facts regarding the British colonization of North Africa(France colonized most of North Africa at the exception of Libya)which only occurred in Mr Sawaris' mind. Condoning the dictatorship of President Moubarak was also pretty astonishing, especially after unleashing on the Chinese regime. Even India doesn't escape his wrath. Not any successful businessman has the stature and the charisma and the vision of Mr Bill Gates. I would love to see Mr Sawaris actually put his words into action. Egypt is waiting.
This was an interesting interview. He spoke his mind about most places apart from his own country. He tiptoed around the issue of Mubarak (calling him a pragmatist etc), making sure he doesnt get lynched when he goes back home! That aside, it was an interesting exchange of thoughts.
Your interview with Mr. Hagib Sawiris was truly engrossing and I hope it won't be your last interview with this interesting gentleman!
I am trying to show Mr. Sawiris a new, patented, desalination technology which I believe he will be interested in. Does anyone know what email to use?
I really enjoyed the conversation with Mr. Sawiris. Very interesting leader. Thank you Charlie
That was by far one of the most interesting conversatoins I've ever heard and agreed and understood everything that he was saying. Bravo to Charlie by far one of the best talk shows. I really can't call it that it's head and shoulders above the rest besides inside the actors studio. To bad theyre not on PBS also I am now able to also donate to PBS'S great programing. Keep up the great work Charlie. Anthony J Seeley 74seeley youtube 4th july in Americas bread basket Saukville Wi. God Bless America
Long, long time viewer Charlie...Besides Tim Russert, you are the only 'newsman' worth watching! And Mr. Sawiris is one of the few leaders in this world worth listening to. Let's get him to move to America while we still have a country of our own! My spirits are bouyed by reading the comments here...there may be hope for us yet! Keep up the good work and take good care of your health! God Bless.
Let us not just applaud Mr Sawiris with these comments, but move the discussion to some specific illustrations of where American misinterpretations and ignorance of the motives of other peoples has cost America dearly. This is more of a learn from your mistakes awareness about your own predilections, so that we are not doomed to repeat the same mistakes again. In 1919 Ho Chi Minh attended the Versailles Peace Treaty negotiations in France. Ho along with the Arabs among others, were there to promote recognition and freedom from colonial rule for their peoples. His role model was Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Their efforts were for naught. In 1940 France fell to the Germans and as a result the Japanese occupied French In-do China. After WW2 the US supported French claims to their former colony in return for French support against the Soviets in Europe. The US with regards to Ho Chi Minh saw him as being "red" and failed to see that he was a nationalist first and a "commie rat" second. As such Uncle Ho had no choice but to ally himself with the only other hedge against American power, the Soviets. This misinterpretation eventually led to the US involvement in Vietnam with its unfortunate consequences. In 1898 the US started a "glorious little war" that ran Spain out of Cuba and the Philippines. The US soon instituted a banana republic style government in Cuba which for the next 50 years did the bidding of US corporations and increasingly organized crime. To relieve Cuba of the corruption of US influence, Castro had no choice but to rid Cuba of American influence. To that end the only power that could countervail US power was the Soviets. Again this misinterpretation of nationalism for communism led to the Bay of Pigs and near Armageddon of the Cuban Missile crisis. For centuries the Russians have coveted Persian (Iranian) territory and tensions have existed between the two. In 1954, in fear of a Democratically elected government in Tehran turning "red," the US instituted a coup that installed the Shan of Iran. For the next 20 odd years the Americans influenced Iranian national affairs. The only real political opposition to the Shan was the religious faction of the Ayatollah Khomeini. The only way that the Iranians could take back their country from the meddling of the Americans was by kicking them out of the country and instituting a radical Islamic state. Thus the state of affairs that exists today. The conclusion that can be made about Iran is that Iran is deathly afraid of American economic and military power being able to meddle in her affairs. To maintain an independent state of affairs, Iran has to be opposed to American influence and power in the region. As an act of survival Iran has to destabilize American efforts in the region so that America is not able to consolidate her power, which they fear will then be turned against Tehran. . That in turn makes Tehran appear to Washington as a "rogue state." However the caveat that must be taken into account with regards to Iran, is that the government is an Islamic theocracy that in of itself is diametrically opposed to western liberal democracy.
A terrific interview. I truly respect the lack of cynicism in Mr. Sawiris' interview. I wish there were more leaders in this world with his approach, and his ability to communicate.
Great job Charlie, I enjoyed this show very much. Mr Sawiris is an impressive personality and he is a great role model. He is also one of those speakers that speak their minds regardless of the audience, his candid attitude and very insightful demeanor makes him a fascinating guest. As a Coptic “Egyptian Christian” I could relate to Mr Sawiris in most of what he is saying, he makes us all proud. I really liked the part when he spoke about America and how he thinks that America is the best country in the world; by the way he says the same thing in front of the very tough America hating Arab media. I forwarded the link to all my friends I wish you can have him and people like him more often. Thanks again
I enjoyed listening to the wisdom of Mr. Sawaris. I admire his belief on religion and politics. I also believe about what he said on the American's failure to understand the culture of Iraq in closing the war. In our world today, understand one's culture is key to anything we do, internationally. Good interview. I hope to see Mr. Sawaris should i have the chance to visit Egypt.
Keep up the good work. Sawiris is smart and knows how to get things done. Wish I had his smarts.
This is one of the most intriguing guests from North Africa I have listened to for some time. He seemed a little callous and aloof on the subject of the plight of the Palestinian people and other topics concerning the have-nots of the world. However, his world view and his approach to capitalism seemed genuinely moral and fair-minded, and not the greedy winner take all hedonism that so many of our CEO's seem to favor.
Mr. Abdel-Hamid: Here in America we have a fellow named Paul Harvey, who has a radio program that ends with "And here is the rest of the story.” Your reply is........... the rest of the story. I am a great fan of the Charlie Rose Show. I was fascinated with this particular guest, but much more so with the overwhelming response to the Sawiris interview. Your view is also prevalent in Egypt and the Middle East. As an American, I was quite careful stating that Sawiris’ views were prevalent with "established and successful business people" around the world. Sawiris was a breath of fresh air because we rarely hear from successful and well establish business people from the Middle East. We only hear from political pundits, academics and socialists. The Middle East history includes the Cold War and all countries ended up in either the Soviet camp or the Western (American) camp. The two visions were Communism and the controlled and planned economy versus democracy, capitalism and free markets. That battle continues. The Middle East and other parts of the world can still go back to the Soviet Model or join the Western Model. That history is not settled. Mr. Abdel-Hamid talks about the John Edward’s version of “Two Egypt’s.” Sawiris lives in one Egypt. Millions of others live in another Egypt. Mr. Sawairis seemed quite happy during his dialog with Charlie. He was also laughing at Charlie and America at times. Probably 80-90% of Charlie’s audience has a particular view on this November election. Sawairis has a completely different view. Sawairis would consider those voters as naïve. That is why he laughed when Charlie probed the election issue. He is a cool and calculating capitalist who can go into places like North Korea and cut deals that European and American corporations could not. Mr. Sawiris’ thinking and views are quite prevalent with established and successful business people all over the world. They love America. It’s the disenfranchised who hate America because America keepings propping up those repressive governments. George Bush removed the most repressive government in the region and most of the fan's of Sawiris despise Bush. Nothing good could happen in the Middle East without the removal of Hussein. And Sawiris laughs all the way to the bank. Fascinating.
Let us review a bit of modern Egyptian history from an admitedly western perspective...... It was as a young officer in the Egyptian army that Gamal Nassar plotted with the Germans (Hitler)in WW2 to overthrow British rule of Egypt. It was Nassar who emerged as ruler of Egypt after deposing King Farouk in 1952. It was Nassar who after increasing tensions with the British, nationalized the Suez canal in 1956, which led to the invasion by the British, French and Israelies. Only to be stopped and a deal brokered by the Americans under President Eisenhower. It was Nassar's Arab League that lost 2 wars to Israel each ending more diasterousily than the previous, and it was that league that always proved fractious. It was Nassar who embraced the USSR for economic (Ashwan Dam) and military aid (including Soviet Military bases on Egyptian soil).It was soon after the end of the 6 Day War in 1967 that Nassar passed away of a heart attack. His protege Sadat assumed power and in an interview stated that it was his being denied access to a Soviet military base on Egyptian soil that cause him to throw the USSR out of Egypt. That no one was going to deny the President of Egypt access to a military base on Egyptian soil and get away with it.
Mr. Sawairis talks here on behave America and his bussiness, he does not talk on behave on Millions of egyptians who suffer under the brutal rule of Mobarak and before him Sadat. He of course attack the rule of Nasser who was and still after 30 years of his death is the most beloved ruler not in Egypt but the Arab world. He have gained a lot from the policy of Sadat and Mobarak and he made a lot of money, a lot of money. he is very clever bussiness man, but that is all. He loves American and Israel and hated Hamss and Iran, and he does not like the Egyptians moslem brotherhood. Of course that is why all the comments from your Ameicans viewers are very encouraging and positive. If The American believe what he has said, then I can sell Ice to the Canadians !!!! and sand to to the Arabs. He does not even express the views of millions of the coptics in Egypt who are more Egyptian than him. You may take his views on the middle east and believe itthat will be your problem.
An interesting view of the world from someone outside the US. Very intelligent, insightful. I agree with most of the comments made by others here.
After watching the interview and read all the comments on this board, I came to the conclusions that Americans easily could be easily mislead; especially if you tell them what they like to hear plus sugar coating it. Let me just prove you how he was a hypocrite and how you got high on your own supply: 1) he said USA is a country of rule of law, fine, then who is responsible for war on Iraq and the kill over hundreds of thousands? Who is responsible for turning thousands of Iraqis to sexual toys? Why our checks and balances (Media, Suprem Court, Congress failed) failed us during the war on Iraq whom this guy supported? 2) He is for democracy but not when it is not secular, but praised Israel as if it has nothing to do with the bible. 3) He praised the American installed and backed Egyptian dictator and called him a reasonable man? My god even Mubarak does not believe that. 4) For Palestinians to break the internationally imposed siege, the broke the borders to feed themselves. For that he had harsh words for these people who went to buy from Egypt with their own money; not steeling; however he said nothing about that Israeli occupation of his country for many years while Israel stole his country's oil and gas. This is just to name few. This dude is a farce; but it is OK; this kind of talk sells in America. I do not believe we Americas learned our lessons. May be electing McCain and invading Iran; the lessons of Iraq, Lebanon, and Vietnam have not sunk in yet. If it is not broken do not fix it, and it can be fixed until it is broken, right?
Men like Naguib Sawiris are paving the way for a new "silk route" across the globe, using edge of the wedge business practices to enrich customers and create new markets in Africa and Indonesia. He is very inspiring man who is alarmingly astute. He is a realist who is welcomed in places the US would never get into, including Cuba and North Korea, which McCain still wants to invade. Meanwhile, America still can't get New Orleans rebuilt and has to print money to stay in business.
I have watched this interview three times now as I work. Absolutely incredible perspective.
Naquib is very successful businessman in Mideast and it reflects clearly in the interview. Straightforward and very insightful and expresses his opinions clearly. I would like to see him again in your future interviews. Very interesting person and I would like to know more about how he built his business empire. Good choice!!!! Charlie
a deep and insightful man who cares deeply about the world and its people. Truly moving. His perspective on the US - taken from the outside - is a mirror to help us see ourselves in a broader historical context as opposed to the pain of the moment. Fascinating but most importantly reassuring, inspiring, and motivating.
Naguib Sawiris is a Coptic Christian in a land of Muslims. That is why he is so "different." This religion is Orthodox and therefore different than European or American Christians. What was striking is when Sawiris said that America is the greatest country in the world. This probably surprised many viewers, but his view is the prevalent view of the established and successful business people around the world. Sawiris used the term “we” when talking about himself and America. He didn’t say so, but he laughed when it was brought out that American companies have some difficulty competing in some global economic situations. America is the major country which has laws against paying bribes to do business. In many countries of the world, one can not do business without paying bribes to the government people. These countries control the international community….....and the UN. What made this guest a breath of fresh air is that his views are quite common in his part of the world and in the rest of the world. But politics and the media always brings out the nonsense of blaming America, or recently, blaming Bush, for every conceivable problem in this world. He acknowledges that he was for the removable of Saddam Hussein. Nothing good could ever happen in that part of the world without having regime change in Iraq. He is a breath of fresh air because he sees the world as it is and not as he wants it to be. He would not be considered politically correct in American circles. He would be an outcast and disdained by many in the America media. This was one of Charlie’s most valued guests in a long time. He is a capitalist in a world of socialists. He learned the difference under Nasser. That is how one learns the difference.
What an insightful, smart, articulate gentleman Mr. Sawairis is. I wish this could be seen and heard in our high school and college political science classes. Hi comments and opinions are interesting and thought provoking. I hope to see Mr. Sawairis on your program in the future.
An excellent interview! I watched the original broadcast and the two subsequent airings the next day to enjoy again and again the forthrightness of this man. Mr. Sawiris shows common sense, solid character, and leadership qualities that we Americans are starved for in our presidential candidates. His maturity, fearlessness, and principles clearly elevate him as a model for all individuals who wish to live respectfully of one another in the world community. Thank you.
Charlie, as a long time viewer I must confess this was one of your best guests ever. Mr Swiris was clear, concise, and direct. If only our "leaders" would watch this interview, perhaps it would open their minds to new directions. They seem to stil think that the Middle East is a "Muslim block" rather than made up of individuals. Mr. Swiris shows us insight is not restricted to the US. Please have him back on for an hour.
Wow! ..100% sales figures!!! (see below) No wonder this gentleman has such a successful business!! These comments go all the way to asking Mr. Sawiris to accept our presidency!! Is our presidency really that easy?? Oh, yes, I guess this year shows that to be true. No, wait, ..this gentleman is saying that America actually IS great! ..and our candidates here, ..well, I guess they just haven't actually seen that much of the world. Best of futures to Mr. Sawiris, ..and I'm sure he has more pressing things to attend to than our presidential talent show.
I only wish guys like this were the face of the Middle east. He is Quality
Thoughtful guy - please have him come back.
I was very impressed with his candor and appropriate comments that should be held in high regards by our people in office. I think he has a lot he can offer and should be on a red pipe line. His knowledge and scope of religious tolerance is further enlightening and his comment ,We need "God" and his own personal guidelines he lives by is a great testimony of higher values. Dr Leonor Nielsen-Brito
A truly protean man. Unpretentious, pragmatic, and unusually knowledgeable about the world. A fascinating person. His understandings about how important it is for there to be the separation of church and state -- quite urgent -- in his region as well as in our country, as well. Please have him back for the full hour.
I have always the highest admiration for your interviews. This one, with Naguib Sawiris, was one of the best. I am from Ethiopia and that is exactly what we are thinking about US, the world politics, the many African Mugabe's, the need for democracy and transparency, etc. But I am a lay man and poor to be that blunt and fair as I risk nothing by being like that. But when you see a billionare thinking and being emotional about the inequalities, democracy and transparency, then there is something wrong, in a good sense. I love my life. Keep the good work alive. I wonder how such a TV is possible in the first place.
For many of your viewers Mr Sawiris comes as an epiphany of enlightenment. For a thoughtful observer of the world Mr Sawiris is merely an affirmation of the facts. The first and foremost thing that should be taken to heart is the fact that Americans are woefully ignorant of other peoples cultures in the world. Americans tend to view the world through the prism of Western culture and try and apply those views and solutions to the problems they face in dealing with these peoples. This ignorance is largely brought about by the geographical isolation of America, in that there is virtually no interface with these cultures on a daily basis......Secondly Mr Roses arrogance is reflective of America assumption that money and the derivative power it brings was the source of Mr Sawiris's confidence. Mr Rose has traveled too long with the Park Avenue set that thinks that the sun rises and sets on acquisition of the material. It certainly wasn't the acquisition of the material that sent 19 men into the WTC on 911, or the lure of a $25M reward for Bin Ladens head that has failed to motivate anybody from collecting......Let Americans also head Mr Sawiris's warning that fundamental Islamists believe that "Gods law does not need the consent of men." Therefore Democracy is anthetical to their belief system, and once elected will abolish the system entirely as an edict from God....Finally let us take Mr Sawiris observation about China and its exclusion of foreign investment as an unfair trade practice that is slanting the table in their favor. To expand on Mr Sawiris's experience let us say that the Chinese experience with the Colonial powers in the 19th and early 20th centuries has left a bad taste in their mouths which they are loath to repeat as a rational for their current practices.
DITTO ALL OF THE ABOVE. How refreshing to hear a voice of reason ANYwhere in the world. A really nice guy -- with several billion to fix stuff. No book, no campaign, no screeching fans. Thank you both, so much.
Your interview with Naguib Sawiris was excellent. The discussion on Palestinian and Israeli issues triggered a thought. Perhaps the negotiations needs to be lead by someone from outside of the Jewish-Christian-Muslim background. There is too much history involved too reach a good conclusion. perhaps the Dalai Lama, supported by the UN, could act as a mediator between the parties. It intelligent, compassionate and one of the few religious leaders in the World that others look up to. Bill Beecher
This makes up for Kissinger. Bravo Charlie,
Dear Charlie Rose: Mr. Sawiris. What a guy! I am excited and hopeful about his refreshing, honest, practical and ethical assessments. Would that many more business and world leaders held such high standards for themselves in order to maintain a clear conscience and thereby have so little to fear. His appearance gives me hope that others will come forward to speak in an effort to assist in working to resolve international issues which affect us all. m.a.
Always a surprise every night -- no canned soup from your team. It's great to see CEO's from all over the globe. Mr Sawiris presented an insightful perspective. FYI - production glitch? You'all broke the 180-rule with this interview. Mr. Rose was on the left in the split screen and I kept thinking it looks like he's the one being interviewed.
Dear Mr. Rose: Your interview last night with Mr. Sawiris was terrific: I hope MANY, MANY, MANY people were watching. Mr. Sawiris is so right in saying that the United States do a lot of good but we never hear of it (all the good goes unnoticed) only when they fumble. My mom (bless her soul!) was so right: When you're too good, people step all over you and take you for granted, regardless of how good you are/were! I also liked what the gentleman said about China: for once someone is saying it as it is. Your show was so good, Sir! Keep up the good work and take good care of yourself, Sir! Sincerely, Paul
Mr. Rose, Hello from Dallas Texas. Your conversation with Naguib Sawiris was absolutely the best interview I have ever seen on television in my entire life. I was glued to the edge of my seat and hanging on every word. You must have anticipated my exact thoughts by the questions you asked and when you asked them. Mr. Sawiris is the most interesting man and a true world patriot. I will be sending this video link to everyone I know as soon as it is working. You absolutely must get him back on your show for a full hour or more. I only wish our politicians could spend time with him and learn something about foreign trade. It brought tears to my ears to hear him speak so freely about the world we live in. He is a very positive man and his view on Chinas one-sided trade policies are spot on correct. Was very, very refreshing to hear someone say the things had to say. Naguib Sawiris is now at the very top of my list of dream dinner guests, More interviews like that and you will be on it too.
He was positive about the world. He has good intentions and I think I love him.
Mr. Rose, Thank you for the interesting interview with Mr. Sawiris. Please interview more leaders with these kinds of positive world views...Mr. Sawiris is an example of a common sense spokesman and world leader who presented us with international views and information that many of us as viewers are hungry to learn about but our news media is so very lacking in providing.
It is about time the middle east is tired of the constant warfare between Isreal and its neighbors. Maybe if governments, companies and individuals would quit finacially supporting those terrorist groups involved the conflict would dry up. It takes money to buy weapons and to train another generation of bombers and murderers. Maybe Mr Sawiris could use his influence in the business community and government to help this to happen? Sitting around talking generalities does not stop the bombs and rockets.
Absolutely one of the most fascinating and stimulating conversatons you have had in....years. His candor, insight, and analysis were stunning and, sometimes very disturbing. How right he was about our ingnorance and stereotyping of other cultures ie do we realize the psychological implications of N.Korea's public destruction of the nuclear tower. Just as you do the science series, Charlie, you should now consider doing a religion series. Include Buddhists, too.
Yes, I agree with all the good and excellent comments about this interview. Mr. Sawiris kept me interested in his comments and for once I was able to stay awake. It felt wonderful to hear this gentleman say the United Statesd is the greatest country in the world. Let us keep it the greatest country.
I was not lucky enough to see this highly acclaimed interview. I came to this website to see it but it says, "Video Not Available Yet". I hope you make it available soon. Thanks, Steve Matthews
Aloha, Mr. Sawiris was a most amazing guest that I've listened to in a long time on your show. He is wise, humble, and should be consulted with by more world leaders on many issues. I love the fact he is a Christian and has no fear. What can we do in these countries that we have NO clue about. He kept saying that "we needed to understand the culture" and I totally get that. It's like the people of the Pacific who have been gracious in sharing these islands of Hawaii with the rest of the worl. But the new "white man" tries to constantly take from the Hawaiians who are the host race. The Native people struggle the most economically, socially, in their own land. Go figure! The White man as one would say has invaded Hawaii and is trying so hard to make it their own idea "South Pacific" but yet they have NO Respect for the Native Hawaiian people. So he is correct we Americans need to understand the other cultures so we can successfully share our gifts and help them without taking from them. Thank you, Thank you for this wonderful man whom I had never heard in such a great interview! MAHALO!
Mr. Sawiris brought hope to my heart through his inspiring, informed and unfettered vision of the world. Would that leaders of all countries -- and their followers -- take a page out of his book . My admiration and gratitude for such a gift go to both Mr. Sawiris and Mr. Rose.
Mr.Rose, Saw your interview with Mr.Naguib Sawiris,what a forthright intelligent man.Knowledgeable from Saudia arabia to North Korea seems a shame more American political gurus can't hold a candle to him.Please have him back when you are able to sit with him & please devote the hour to him,best Ive seen in a long time! I also watched your interview with Curt Anderson,Mr.Rose wash pants I could care less,but Charlie,no socks,give me a break.
I agree wholeheartedly with Russel Becker. "This man has more common sense in his little pinkie than the entire Democratic and Republican parties combined."
A dose of reality spoken from the heart.
Excellent interview indeed! I generally catch Charlie at 1am and at times it is tough to maintain focus after a long day. This interview was invigorating and it has caused me to look into more of what Sawiris and his family are all about. His statements about getting the Muslims, Christians and Jews together to discuss life issues would be brilliant. That would be the best of all summit meetings. I don't watch regular tv often as it bores me and is generally a waste of time. Very rarely am I intrigued by or put much credence into any persona on television, not because they are bad people, it just isn't something I put a lot of time in. Now I can say that I admire three people that I recently saw on tv. David Letterman, Charlie Rose and now Naguib Sawiris. Thanks Charlie for making it worth my while to turn on my tv. Perhaps we should pay more attention to people like Sawiris as he really does seem to have a finger on the pulse of the Middle East and beyond! Wise man indeed!
Charlie, I have watched your show for years. Your interview with Naquib Sawiris was the most interesting and enjoyable interviews I have ever seen. Naquib made me feel so Happy and Proud to be am American. He is an Outstanding individual of the Highest Calibar. I could sit and talk with him and listen to him for hours. What a Wonderful individual! God Bless Naquib Sawiris. We are Proud to have such an Honest, Outspoken individual visit with us and share his thoughts. We Look forward to your next interview and visit with Naquib Sawiris.
Definitely a Ten+! I was totally absorbed in this interview with Mr. Sawiris. When one feels one is learning something profound from such a brilliant, frank, wise, intriguing personality, one's time is well-spent in front of the tv (rare these days!). I would like to spend a month at the feet of this man! When you go to Egypt, Charlie, take me with you! Thanks Charlie and Co. for inviting him to be on your show.
Palestine-Israeli fatigue, he brought up, among the arabs (and us) brings to mind the demonstrated hell-bent for leather self-imposed apocalyptic Armegeddon 'test-run' flights to Iran by Israel. They are willing to risk it all - and us - for their megalomania. Tiresome, tedious, fatuous and specious - but predictable. Like they're trying to make it happen.
Seems 'soo strange' to hear what our own president should be saying, delivered complete with 'a thick Russian accent', no-less!...In describing America and 'why the USA is the 'Greatest Country in the World', a consummate contrast to president bush...and yet how I grew up seeing 'My Country'...This Man's every word (many of which he searched for) felt as fresh and re-freshing as any American Iconic-image I can think of...Again, the contrast in perspective from what America (the world?) has had forced on us (by this administration), is nothing short of 'sensational'...This type of straightforward view and respect has been absent, yet simply 'hearing what most Americans really feel about Their Country & toward Our Friends & Neighbors, is simply inspiring...I certainly hope 'our next President' will have an opportunity to hear the same dialogue that I heard tonight (in the same dialect...America 'is' the Greatest Country in the World...And although WE (as a nation & individually) have literally been misled 'to the point of rape' over the last 7+ years (or more importantly: 'ONLY' two-hundred & one day, 15 minutes longer!)...Good Show!...Bravo...& Thank You!...
Dear Charlie Rose, Ditto to Mr. Ivas. What a refreshing interview that was with Mr.Sawiris. It's too bad that the Democratic party in this country does not love their own country as much as this Egyptian does. This man has more common sense in his little pinkie than the entire Democratic and Republican parties combined. It's too bad he's not a naruralized citizen. He would make a great president.
This is a very excellent interview. Sawiris is very blunt and very knowledgeable on world business. For example on China he speaks from personal experience when he says the WTO agreement is useless as regards China because China goes outside China and buys companies, while it blocks foreign investment within China. He said the WTO needs to wake up as "we are all being taken for ride by China". We need to issue rules that if you don't open your market for me, we close our market for you. Concerning North Korea, he said he's trying to convince them to become a capitalist economy, and he insists it's true. He said in India foreign investment is very biased toward locals, you need a partner and then the partner becomes the problem. Also he said everyone in the Middle East is fed up with Israel-Palestine conflict.
A most interesting discussion - Mr. Sawiris understands more about the U.S. than most Americans - and his understanding of the rest of the world, coupled with his sense of irony brings much respect. Did he mention that he was schooled in the U.S.? One hopes that Mr. Sawiris is successful in converting North Korea to a capitalist economy - it would be good for the world. I found his analysis of and response to questions posed to be quite direct and well-thought. Mr. Sawiris has just risen to #1 on my dinner guest invitation list! Thanks greatly to Mr. Rose for introducing him to the public!