This is a translation of an article about the work of the Center for Arab-West Understanding from the Dutch daily newspaper Trouw.

Editor AWR: This article is very sharp. Senior editor Eildert Mulder has used formulations that Hulsman would never have used, but this is related to Mulder’s own experiences in Egypt and the Arab world; he studied Arabic, lived in Egypt, has travelled around the region for the past 30 years. On several occasions, Mulder also travelled with Hulsman throughout Egypt, investigating stories of alleged persecution Coptic activists. As a result, Mulder has personally witnessed much of what he describes in this article.

The article shows that the general public in Egypt easily believes the veracity of rumors, and as such, many Egyptian Christians believe stories of persecution. The Arab-West Report’s response is to investigate these stories, seeking facts to counter rumors. Obviously, though, those with a vested interest in spreading these rumors do not like the truth to be exposed. Therefore, they have attempted to discredit Hulsman by spreading vicious and false allegations. Hulsman added some notes of the editor, partly to add detail and partly at points where he did not agree with  a statement in Mulder's text.