Hosni Mubarak... his constitution is not democratic, but he is democratic. We can voice our opinions now. The press is free.

The writer interweaves a story with his own doubts, questions, and values. That is art.

I consider Khomeini's position dangerous. He does not have the right to pass judgment-that is not the Islamic way.

It is simply not part of my culture to preserve notes. I have never heard of a writer preserving his early drafts.

According to Islamic principles, when a man is accused of heresy, he is given the choice between repentance and punishment.

We used the Western style to express our own themes and stories. But don't forget that our heritage includes The Thousand and One Nights.