By Jill Carroll and Ahmed Maher for The Christian Science Monitor on 20 Sep 2007
Millions of Egyptians – usually college students – are entering into secret marraige pacts, with many couples hoping it's a step toward a traditional marriage. The growing frequency of such informal "marriages" – unheard of 20 years ago – has alarmed both government and religious officials, spawning campaigns to warn of its dangers particularly to women, who will carry the brunt of any social fallout.
