Could Amr Moussa’s memoirs in Al Shorouk be his swan song? Former Egyptian foreign minister and Arab League secretary general Amr Moussa’s announcement yesterday that he would not be running in the 2018 presidential race coincided with the publication of the first piece in a memoir series, which will be appearing in the pages of Al Shorouk. From his public stances against Israel in the 90s and early 2000s and his attempts to snag the presidency in 2012, Moussa’s illustrious career has earned him global recognition as (arguably) Egypt’s most celebrated foreign minister. But as he turns 81 this October, the renowned politician may just be ready to sing his swan song.

In the first episode of the series, he tells the story of his upbringing and early exposure to politics through the Wafd Party and his grandfather; his love for music and cigars from a young age; his university life; the switch from law to foreign affairs; and the quest to find his French half-brother after years of separation.