The Arab media landscape is witnessing an unprecedented storm following the latest escalation involving veteran Kuwaiti columnist Fouad Al-Hashem. What began as a provocative post on his X (formerly Twitter) account targeting Egypt has spiraled into a major crisis, culminating in a rare public disavowal by his own daughter, Farah Fouad Al-Hashem. As the controversy intensifies, we trace the roots of Al-Hashem’s decades-long career, the details of today’s headlines, and the questions that everyone is asking on March 24, 2026.

Who is Fouad Al-Hashem? The Man Behind the Headlines

Fouad Abdulrahman Al-Hashem (born April 17, 1952) is a prominent Kuwaiti journalist and opinion writer. For over four decades, his daily column “Exclamation Mark!” in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan has been a platform for sharp, often scathing political and social critique. He is the elder brother of former Kuwaiti MP Safa Al-Hashem. Throughout his career, Al-Hashem has been at the center of more than 160 lawsuits, earning a reputation as one of the Gulf’s most polarizing media figures.

His legal troubles include a 2017 absentee verdict sentencing him to seven years in prison for “insulting Qatar,” which forced him into a self-imposed exile in the UAE and later the United States. He returned to Kuwait in 2024 after a royal pardon. However, his comeback was soon overshadowed by a fresh wave of controversies, the most explosive being his recent remarks about Egypt.

Before Egypt: The Articles That Defined a Controversial Career

Long before the current crisis, Fouad Al Hashem had already left a trail of contentious writings. In 1988, his article on Saudi Arabia led to his deportation from the Kingdom. His article on Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab sparked outrage in religious circles. Many of his Fouad Al Hashem books and compilations remain debated for their provocative tone. His Twitter (X) account, with over two million followers, became a megaphone for his opinions, often drawing both fierce loyalty and vehement criticism.

The Fouad Al Hashem Saudi Arabia 1988 episode is still referenced as a turning point in Kuwaiti-Saudi media relations. Additionally, his critical columns about regional powers consistently kept him in the spotlight.

The Egypt Crisis: What Did Fouad Al-Hashem Say?

The current firestorm erupted after Al-Hashem published a post describing Cairo in derogatory terms, using the provocative title “A Dog Except a Quarter for Every Citizen.” He made unsubstantiated claims about stray dogs and implied inappropriate practices in local eateries. More damaging was his characterization of Egypt as a “stepmother” failing its Arab brothers. The Fouad Al Hashem Egypt article drew immediate backlash from Egyptian politicians, media personalities, and the public, with many calling for legal action.

Amid the uproar, the most shocking response came from within his own family: his daughter Farah Fouad Al Hashem publicly distanced herself. In a video statement, she said, “I represent only myself. I apologize to every Egyptian who felt hurt by what was said.” This unprecedented move turned the family drama into a central part of the story, fueling searches for Farah Fouad Al Hashem and her relationship with her father.

Why is Fouad Al-Hashem Making Headlines Today? (March 24, 2026)

As of today, the story has evolved on multiple fronts. Egyptian lawyers are reportedly preparing international lawsuits against the columnist. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti media circles are divided: some defend freedom of expression, while others condemn the tone of the articles. The hashtag #Egypt_Fouad_AlHashem trends across platforms. Adding to the complexity, Al-Hashem has not directly responded to his daughter’s disavowal, leaving the public to speculate on the family rift.

This is not merely a media scandal; it raises questions about the limits of opinion writing in the Gulf, the legal repercussions of cross-border rhetoric, and the personal toll on families caught in political crossfires.

Key Legal and Political Turning Points

To understand the current crisis, one must look at Al-Hashem’s history:

• 1988 – Saudi Arabia deportation: After an article deemed offensive, he was expelled and banned from entering the Kingdom for years.
• 2017 – Qatar verdict: Sentenced in absentia to 7 years for insulting Qatar; he lived abroad until 2024.
• 2026 – Egypt crisis: The most recent firestorm, compounded by his daughter’s public rejection of his statements.

These episodes have cemented his image as a journalist who repeatedly crosses red lines, making the who is Fouad Al Hashem question a recurring subject of debate in Arab media forums.

SEO & Link Integration – Further Reading

For broader cultural and social analysis, visit our Society, Arts & Culture section where we cover regional narratives and media dynamics. You can also explore independent coverage of freedom of speech debates through the Committee to Protect Journalists and Middle East Eye’s analysis.

The Bigger Picture: Journalism, Politics, and Family

The case of Fouad Al Hashem Twitter persona versus his daughter’s stance illustrates a generational and ideological divide. While Al-Hashem built his career on confrontation, Farah represents a younger, more conciliatory voice. Her intervention may reshape public perception, but it also highlights the personal costs of political writing. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti journalist Fouad Al Hashem remains a polarizing figure—admired by some for his fearless style, criticized by others for what they see as reckless provocation.

As the story continues to unfold, the broader questions remain: what limits, if any, should opinion writers observe when discussing other nations? And how will this affect Al-Hashem’s standing in Kuwait and the Arab world?