Stories about Arabic from May, 2011
Jordan: Debating a Possible GCC Union
The announcement that Jordan and Morocco might join the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) caused an immediate shockwave of reactions. Many Jordanians were elated at the news, saying that it would lead to better economic conditions for their country. Betsy Fisher rounds up more reactions from netizens in this post.
Saudi Arabia: A Woman Challenges the Law by Driving in Jeddah
Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to drive. One Saudi woman claimed that right when she drove her children to school in Jeddah. Netizens debate the move, with many applauding Najla Hariri for her heroic feat.
Kuwait: Bloggers React to the PM's Seventh Cabinet
Kuwaiti bloggers continue to discuss how their government is run this week, following the naming of a new cabinet by Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah. The appointment of the country's 27th cabinet in its history drew a lot of criticism from bloggers, who noted that not much has changed.
Arab World: The Club for Arab Monarchies to Get Morocco and Jordan
At first, everyone thought it was a joke or just one more Twitter rumor. Soon, netizens realised it was true and the shock made everyone act hysterical with their funny tweets that Jordan and Morocco requests to join the Gulf Cooperation Council have been welcomed and will be discussed.
Tunisia: Police Brutality is Back
Tunisians are back on the streets calling for the overthrow of the government, after former Interior Minister Farhat Rajhi announced on Facebook that Tunisia continues to be run by a shadow government, headed by a friend of Ben Ali, Kamel Ltaief, among other things. And once again, protesters were faced with police brutality and repression.
Tunisia: Blog Declines Award Sponsored by Bahrain Government
Award-winning Tunisian blog Nawaat, which has been instrumental in reporting the Tunisian Revolution, has declined the Arab eContent award, in protest against the Bahraini government's censorship policy and violations of human rights. The Arab eContent event is both organised and sponsored by the Bahrain government.
Kuwait: In Love with Osama Bin Laden
Kuwaiti columnist Khulood Al-Khamis has declared her undying love to terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden, saying she looks forward to being united with him in heaven to live out her dreams. On Twitter, Kuwaitis express shock at her column and Al-Khamis' sentiments.
Egypt: All Causes Are Equal, But Some Are More Equal Than Others
Egyptian blogger Malek Mostafa wonders if we just choose to defend all good causes, or if we tend to prefer some causes over others. Tarek Amr translates his blog post from Arabic here.
Arab World: Where Some Are Mourning Osama Bin Laden
The end of Al Qaeda's Saudi leader Osama bin Laden was met with tributes and remembrance by many users on Twitter from across the Arab world. Here is a sample of tweets from users in Bahrain and Kuwait, who say that Bin Laden may have died but his ideology will live on.
Morocco: “I Love Kech!”
Marrakech, the main tourist attraction in Morocco, was hit on Thursday by a bomb attack. Bloggers are asking people to send their pictures to show solidarity with the victims of the attack.
