Stories about Middle East & North Africa from July, 2005
Saudi Arabia: The Huge Princely Gift
Saudi Jeans comments on the huge gift given to the Louvre by Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal.
Lebanon: Bad Apples, Good Oranges
Beiruit Spring on Lebanese attitudes towards their brothers (and sisters) in their armed forces.
Jordan: Can Jordan be the bridge-blog nation?
Jordanian blogger Ahmad Humeid asks can Jordan be the bridge-blog nation?
Iran: not quite the caricature it is presented as
Brooding Persian, distressed by the execution of two young men for being homosexual, tries to explain that Iran isn't as simple and as caricatured as it sometimes seems.
Iraq: It's time to call them (OUTSIDERS)
The Iraq blog A Free Writer suggests that the term ‘extremist’ be retired in favor of “outsiders”.
Iraq: Started to worry ..
A mother of three writes about the difficulties of trying to raise her children in Iraq.
Iraq: Are We Going To Let Them Win?
Iraq the Model asks: “Did Syria and Iran win in their indirect war on Iraq?”
Egypt: Protests against Mubarak nomination
The Arabist Network reports that a large protest against the Mubarak nomination is scheduled for Saturday night.
Egypt: Bad News
Unfortunately, One Arab World has to make the announcement that the candlelight vigil planned for tonight in Cairo has been cancelled. This is because of anticipated protests in reaction to President Mubark's announcement that he will be running for re-election.
Bahrain: Look ma, I'm on a Segway!
Mahmood, who writes the Bahraini blog Mahmood's Den tried out a Segway today. While he was having a blast riding around on it, he also thought that they'd be quite practical for everday use in Bahrain.
Egypt: Vigil this Friday
The Big Pharaoh reminds his readers that a candlelight vigil for the victims of last weekend's bombings is scheduled for Friday in Cairo.
Iran: Martyrs Wanted
Iran Hopes 2005 is reporting that a hard-line magazine in Iran has published an advertisement seeking volunteer suicide bombers.
Report from the Jordan Blogger Gathering
Tonight's Jordan Blogger Gathering You never know who'll show up for a bloggers’ gathering. The Jordan blogger meetup – a joint Jordan Planet/Global Voices effort – turned up not only some of Jordan's best bloggers, but superstars from Bahrain and Egypt as well. Representing Amman were Ammar Ibrahim, Roba Assi...
Tunisia: Tunisian Blogger Meetup 4 on July 29th
It's somewhat short notice, but Subzero Blue has announced that the next Tunisian Blogger Meetup 4 will be on July 29th.
Syria: Bashar to go on holiday with Israelis
The Syrian News Wire explains how President Al-Assad's upcoming vacation turned into a international incident. And the man hasn't even left Syria yet…
Iran: Ganji's Letter From Prison
Webgardian has summarized imprisoned journalist Akbar Ganji's most recent letter from jail.
Egypt: SharmRelief.com Banners
Banners promoting SharmRelief.com are now available, and have started popping up on Egyptian blogs.
Egypt: Blogs and culture
From Cairo, With Love writes about the spectacular growth of the Egyptian blogosphere.
Iran: Supporters of Akbar Ganji arrested including bloggers
From the Committee to Protect Bloggers: Some of the young people who had gone to Milad Hospital (on 25 July) following a call by bloggers to show support for Akbar Ganji have been detained by the Law Enforcement Force and plainclothesmen and taken to an unknown location. Based on a...
Tunisia: Al-Jawhara FM Hits Airwaves
The Tunisian blog Subzero Blue reports that the country's second privately-owned radio station has started broadcasting.
Egypt: Nancy, and others, step up against terror
Abu Aarvark passes on the news that Lebanese pop superstar Nancy Ajram will be holding a charity relief concert at Sharm al-Shaykh in reponse to this weekend's terror attacks there.
About our Middle East & North Africa coverage
Mariam Abuadas is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
