Stories about Arabic from October, 2011
Tunisia: Let's Invade Social Networks!
A crazy wave of posts hit the world of social networks when Tunisian netizens decided to invade Facebook and Twitter with their comments. First came the official Facebook page of US President Barack Obama. Soon other world leaders got a taste of this spam-attack.
Tunisia: Elections Usher in a New Dawn
Tunisians have freely elected representatives who will form a national constituent assembly, which will draft the country's constitution for the first time in their history. While Sidi Bouzid rose in objection to the results in their town, many were happy with the outcome saying it ushered a new dawn for their country.
Saudi Arabia: Poverty Video Vloggers Released
Around two weeks ago, Saudi Arabian authorities arrested three young video bloggers Firas Buqna, Hussam Al-Darwish and Khaled Al-Rasheed for producing an episode of their show Malub Alena about poverty in one of Riyadh's areas. They have just been released.
Egypt: Blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah Detained for 15 Days
Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah has been detained for 15 days, after refusing to be interrogated. He appeared at the Military Prosecutor, along with fellow activist Bahaa Saber, today as supporters gathered outside, denouncing military trials.
Yemen: VP Hadi Leaves to the US for Treatment!
Today's main headline in Yemen was the sudden departure of Vice President Abdu Rabbu Mansoor Hadi to the US for medical treatment. Hadi's absence adds a new snag to the signing of the unpopular GCC deal, which Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh has been putting off for months. Noon Arabia has more.
Bahrain: Muharraq United Against Sectarianism
Muharraq, Bahrain, witnessed some tension two nights ago when Sunnis faced off with Shia residents, who were commemorating a religious ritual. Here is some of the coverage on Twitter following the incident.
Egypt: Yet Another Case of Post-Revolution Torture
Anger is mounting in Egypt after Essam Atta, a 23-year-old man imprisoned for two years after a military trial, was killed - allegedly at the hands of his police captors. Lilian Wagdy sums up citizen media reactions to the news.
Saudi Arabia: Prince Naif is Coming
Saudi Arabia has appointed its Interior Minister Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud as the Kingdom's new crown prince. The news has been received with fear and caution by netizens, who say human rights and freedom will reach a new low as a result.
Egypt: Revolution Call Renewed After Khaled Said Murder Trial Verdict
Two police officers have been sentenced to seven years in prison for the assault that led to the death of Khaled Said, the young man whose murder in Alexandria has fueled the Egyptian revolution. Netizens are angry at what they describe as a lenient sentence.
Syria: Blogger Hussein Gharir “Missing”
Prominent Syrian blogger and activist Hussein Gharir, has been missing since yesterday and is presumed to have been arrested by Syrian authorities. A #FreeHussein campaign has been launched on Twitter...
Egypt: Catch the Former Regime Remnants
Last April, an Egyptian court ordered the dissolution of the political organization that ruled the nation for decades. Its members are however reinventing themselves, joining the lists of candidates vying for November's parliamentary elections. See how netizens have joined hands to expose them.
Tunisia: Provisional Results Suggest Islamists Advance
Provisional results of the October 23 election in Tunisia suggest that the Islamist party Ennahdha took the biggest share of the votes. Counting of the votes is still underway, and the final results are expected to be announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Tunisia: Long Queues and Mixed Feelings on Election Day
Today will be engraved in the memories of Tunisian voters, who poured into polling stations, from the early hours of the morning. Tunisians are electing a national constituent assembly to re-write the country's constitution. Long queues and hours of waiting did not dampen the spirits of voters who were determined to have a say in the way their country will be run.
Arab World: Cheering on Tunisia's Elections
Tunisians are receiving positive vibes from netizens across the Arab world as they go to the polls today to elect a 218 member constituent assembly which will rewrite the country's constitution, appoint an interim president and a caretaker government. The elections are historic in that they are described as the Arab world's first free elections following revolutions which toppled the dictators of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. All eyes are on Tunisia today, as Tunisians reap a fruit from their revolution.
Egypt: Watching the Tunisian Elections
The Tunisian revolution preceded the Egyptian one and since then the Tunisians pursuit of democracy has been inspiring to the Egyptians. And now it's time for Egyptians to watch the Tunisians electing for the first time. Here is a snap shot of their reactions on Twitter.
Tunisia: A Crowdmap to Monitor the Elections
The Independent Tunisian electoral commission has set up a crowdmap to monitor the voting process in Tunisia, in French and Arabic. Citizens are encouraged to report irregularities they may witness...
Tunisia: It is Election Day!
Tunisians embark on an historic day today. It is election day where they will head to the polls to elect a national constituent assembly, which will be responsible for writing a new constitution, and forming a new government. Here are some thoughts from election eve.
Oman: Statute of State Amended Following Shura Council Elections
A Royal Decree by the Sultan of Oman has announced amendments giving the Shura (Consultative) and State councils a say in the way the country is run. The laws give both houses new legislative and monitoring powers. Bloggers react to the results and what they see as tribal influences.
Libya: Unconfirmed News of Gaddafi's Capture
Happy news has been coming out of Libya in the last few minutes, leaving Libyan and Arab tweeps rejoicing, albeit with caution, at the new developments. Rumour has it that Libyan dictator Muammar Al Gaddafi has been captured. Here are the first reactions.
Saudi Arabia: Men Arrested Over Poverty Video
Two Saudi men were arrested last Sunday October 16th in what seems to be a reaction to a video posted on their YouTube channel showing poverty in Riyadh. Through microblogging...
Arab World: Celebrations Break Out as 477 Palestinians Released
Tweeps have been busy today following the details of the Israel-Palestine prisoner swap, which saw the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners. Here is a summary of reactions of netizens from across the Arab world and beyond.
