Hassouna Mosbahi
Paranoia
by Hassouna Mosbahi, translated from the Arabic by William Maynard HutchinsThey suddenly seized control of all the mediaradio, television, and printtill I felt these men with scowling faces, long black galabias, and dusty, unkempt beards dangling down to their breasts were pursuing me nonstop, allowing me no peace of mind whatsoever. They walked the streets with me, whether these were deserted or crowded. They patrolled the public gardens and roamed through the packed stores I occasionally visit to purchase supplies. They were with me too in the depressing gray office where I work for an insurance agency.