“The Image Decides the Battle”: Master’s Thesis Reveals How Global Media Shaped the Suez Canal
Cairo – Alaa Selim
The Institute of Afro-Asian Studies for Graduate Studies at Suez Canal University in Cairo will host a distinguished academic discussion tomorrow morning, Monday, of a master’s thesis submitted by researcher Hala Abdel Fattah Hafez El-Sirfy, entitled:
“Visual Framing of Suez Canal Events in Egyptian and International News Websites: A Comparative Analytical Study.”
This study comes at a crucial time, as it sheds light on how international media shaped the public perception of the Suez Canal project, considered one of the most prominent strategic and developmental projects globally, through an analysis of visual content in several leading international news platforms, including Al-Ahram, Al-Ittihad, People’s Daily, and The Guardian.
A distinguished academic panel will examine the thesis.
The discussion will be held under the auspices of Professor Dr. Sahar Hassani, Dean of the Institute, and with the participation of a scientific committee comprising a distinguished group of professors of media and political science, as part of the Institute’s support for scientific research and the promotion of specialized media studies. Results Reveal a Global “Image Conflict”
Sisi: An Icon of Achievement
The study highlighted a striking consensus among the analyzed newspapers regarding President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s leading role in the project’s completion. He was presented as a symbol of success and rapid execution, having completed the new canal in just one year with public funding.
Al-Ahram’s Visual Excellence
The results revealed Al-Ahram’s significant lead in photographic coverage, with a clear reliance on realistic images to document the implementation phases, thus reinforcing the national narrative before international public opinion.
Egyptian-Chinese Convergence
The study observed a notable harmony between Al-Ahram and the Chinese newspaper, People’s Daily, as their coverage focused on the movement of giant ships and economic projects, indicating a convergence of strategic visions between the two countries.
Divergent Angles of Approach
The results showed a disparity in visual treatment;
Arab and Asian newspapers relied on close-up shots to highlight the details of the achievement, while The Guardian resorted to wide shots with a geopolitical analytical approach. The Industrial Zone: An Investment Hub
All newspapers agreed on highlighting the industrial zone as a key center for attracting investments, though their objectives varied between promotion and attracting investors or showcasing existing projects.
Global Recognition of the Achievement
The study confirmed that the visual coverage in international media reflects a recognition of the project’s reality and success, even from some platforms that initially adopted reserved stances.
Recommendations to Enhance Media Power
The researcher concluded her study with several important recommendations, most notably:
Developing the official visual content of the Suez Canal Authority
Countering rumors through digital media
Supporting participatory media
Unifying media messages to support Egypt’s development vision
Conclusion
The study confirms that the battle is no longer solely on the ground…
but has also become a battle of image and narrative,
and that true success is not measured by achievement alone… but by how it is presented to the world.
