In the Egyptian economy, influence (called wasta) is what
often gets things done. Wasta can simply mean having the right
connections, like having personal or business ties that make it
easy to win a contract, for example. It can mean paying the kick-
backs or bribes that can grease the wheels if a businessman lacks
personal connections. And wasta is part of Egypt’s bakshiish
economy. Bakshiish means “tip,” but it is often expected even if
no service is provided, or to supplement the income of a person
providing a service. For example, a visitor would pay admission
to visit an ancient Egyptian monument and then would pay