Inside Report (3)

Times are tough on Cairo's streets, and not just for critics of Sadat's government. Egyptian officials also are concerned about the social changes that have accompanied the liberalization of the past five years. "Our streets are no longer pleasant to walk in for any woman, Egyptian or foreign," the Egyptian Gazatte commented recently. Several young Egyptian women agree, saying that prostitution is increasing and that an unaccompanied female is often harassed.

Under GAmel Abdul Nasser in the 1960s, Public Conduct Police used to patrol the streets. But Egyptians say today police are as likely to annoy women as bystanders are.m