· February, 2011

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from February, 2011

Iran: A Blogger Who Prayed to See Protesters Beaten

  28 February 2011

After widespread protests in Iran on February 14, Iranian cyber-activists flooded the internet with videos, photos and tweets from the demonstrations. Meanwhile, a different interpretation of events exists on the internet too. Iranian pro-government Islamist bloggers are also prolific when it comes to sharing their thoughts online.

Bahrain: Protests Block National Assembly Building

  28 February 2011

Anti government protesters on Monday morning blocked the National Council building where both Parliament and the Shura (Consultative) Councils hold their weekly sessions. The reason for the protest in front of the National Assembly is to topple the bicameral system in addition to the protesters' other demands for a new constitution and the toppling of the regime.

Oman: Protests Continue in Sohar

  28 February 2011

The waves of Arab revolt have reached the shores of Oman as hundreds of Omanis take to the streets in calls for reform and the end of corruption in different areas across the Sultanate. The killing of protesters by riot police sparked more anger - as protesters burned property in retaliation.

Libya: “The only thing we want is our freedom” (Audio)

  28 February 2011

Sunday, February 27 brought another day of bloodshed in Libya, as an uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi's 40-year rule continued into the 11th day. Phone calls with Libyans that have been shared online and translated, show that citizens are still struggling with even basic security.

World: And the Best Actor Award Goes to Gaddafi!

  28 February 2011

Colin Firth may have won the Oscar for Best Actor, but it was Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi who got the most mentions. Depending on where you are, tweeps from around the world woke up early, or stayed up late, to watch the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. Taking a...

Libya: Fear and Chaos at Tripoli Airport

  27 February 2011

Fear, chaos, hysteria and despair - all these words have been used to describe Libyan capital Tripoli's airport over the past few days. Since uprisings began against the country's leader Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi on the night of February 16, 2011 (#Feb17), Libya has been in a state of uncertainty.

Tunisia: Prime Minister Resigns Following a Bloody Saturday

  27 February 2011

Interim government Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannoushi has stepped down following a bloody Saturday in the capital Tunis. The clashes that started on Friday night in Habib Bourguiba Avenue, between security forces and protesters led to the death of three persons.

Egypt, Serbia: Protesters Trained by ‘Otpor!’

  27 February 2011

In an interview [MKD] for Vest daily, Ofelija Gadzevska-Sadek, a Macedonian living in Egypt, said that two leaders of the April 6 movement said on local TV that they'd been trained by Otpor! in Serbia. The main lesson by veteran activists, who helped overthrow Milošević in 2000, to the Egyptian...

Lebanon: March Against Sectarianism #Feb27 #uniteLB

  27 February 2011

Lebanese activists are marching today, Feb27, at noon, to demand the end of the confessional system that rules Lebanon. The activists are using this Facebook group to organize. The Unite Lebanon hashtag #uniteLb is also used for Twitter updates.

Oman: The People Want an End to Corruption

  26 February 2011

"The people want an end to corruption" chanted thousands of Omanis, who have been protesting since Friday in Salalah and Sohar, as well as other parts of Oman. Ministerial changes announced earlier today did little to make protesters return to their homes and demands range from an end to corruption to more social, economic and political reforms.

Latin America: On teleSUR's Coverage of Libya Uprising

  26 February 2011

Latin American news channel teleSUR managed earlier this week to send several journalists into Tripoli to cover the ongoing uprising in Libya. Nonetheless, its coverage, which seems quite different to the one provided by other international news media, has caught the attention of many Latin American netizens.

Armenia: Social Networks for Social Revolution?

  26 February 2011

With uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world, the extra-parliamentary opposition in Armenia is now seeking to replicate events in the former Soviet republic, and not least because 1 March 2011 will mark the 3rd anniversary of post-presidential election clashes which left 10 people dead.

Yemen: “I beg you to help us NOW”

  26 February 2011

While much of Yemen protested peacefully, the country's military used tear gas and fired live weapons on protesters in the sea port of Aden. President Ali Abdullah Saleh said the demonstrations had been hijacked by separatists. But those on the ground claim non-violent protesters were shot and killed.

Bahrain: Minor Ministerial Changes

  26 February 2011

Ministerial changes were announced in Bahrain last night to appease protesters calling for reforms since February 14. Here are reactions to the changes, which are yet to be officially announced.

Tunisia: Peaceful Protests Turn into Violent Confrontations

  26 February 2011

Protests calling for immediate political reforms and the resignation of Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannoushi continue in Tunisia. Apparently, the ousting of the former President Ben Ali is not good enough for a large portion of Tunisians who seek an overthrow of the whole regime and cutting all ties with the past.

Armenia: Apathy or revolution?

  26 February 2011

Footprints compares the situation in Armenia with that in Egypt, but says that despite the problems it is unlikely a similar uprising will occur. In particular, the blog blames apathy among the youth and a fractured opposition.

Iraq: To the entire WORLD, #IRAQIS are coming…

  26 February 2011

Iraqi people were inspired the revolutions around the Arab world and announced their own day of rage on the 25th February. The main demonstration centred on Tahrir square in Baghdad but there were similar protests all over the country.

Egypt: Revolution's Not Over, Army Attacks Protestors

  26 February 2011

One month after a revolution began to demand political reform, Cairo's Tahrir Square was again the scene for bloody violence as the Egyptian army moved to quash continued protests for civilian rule. Two weeks since the ouster of dictator Hosni Mubarak, Egypt remains grappled in a tug of war between protestor demands for immediate democratic reform and a potent military refusing to cede power.

Bahrain: Day of Mourning Observed

  26 February 2011

Friday (Feb 25) was officially announced as a 'Day of Mourning' for all the martyrs who have fallen since Bahrain's Day of Wrath protests, which started on February 14th 2011. Netizens reflect on the day.

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Mariam A.
Mariam A. is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.