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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from September, 2013
Gazans Call to End Rafah Border Suffering
"Human dignity has become a joke. International law is nothing but empty, powerless words printed in books," writes Gazan student Shahd Abu Salama, who is stranded at the Rafah Crossing.
Syrian-Palestinian Refugees of Rap: “The Age of Silence is Over”
After the Assad regime destroyed their UN-funded studio, Sawt Al Shaab (The Voice of the People), in the Yarmouk refugee camp, Refugees of Rap has regrouped. Read more here.
VIDEO: Filmpoem “Prayer of Fear” Stuns Egypt
The Egyptian citizen collective Mosireen has been tirelessly documenting the #Jan25 revolution and the events that followed in images and documentaries. One of their very last creations is “Prayer of...
Saudi Clergyman Delivers Ground-breaking Science on Why Women Shouldn't Drive
Women in Saudi Arabia should not drive because driving will have adverse effects on their pelvis and ovaries, says a religious scholar. No Kidding.
No Handshakes for US and Iran, But Hope Prevails
Presidents Obama and Rouhani delivered speeches at the UN General Assembly in New York that delivered some hope for future relations, but not much more.
Blogging for Freedom on Saudi Arabia's National Day
Saudi Arabia marks its National Day on September 23. Bloggers share their hopes for a nation which respects and embraces its people and their aspirations.
Blogger Claims Russian Foreign Minister to be Sacked
The blogger el-murid claims that this signals a change of policy in the direction of accommodating the US in passing a UN resolution authorizing military action in Syria.
GV Face: Worldwide Media Coverage of Syria
How different is reporting on Syria depending on where you are? And what does that mean for Syrians? We discussed this and more in our second edition of GV Face.
Saudi Arabia – Where You're Shot and Sentenced for it
Jalal Al-Qattan was shot in the stomach during a protest in Qatif last year. He has since been arrested and sentenced to three years. Netizens react.
From Kafranbel: The Syrian Revolution in Three Minutes
The irony of Syria becoming crushed into the past while it struggled to emerge into a future is used by the people of Kafranbel (Idlib), to send a powerful message.
How Russians Read McCain's Pravda Op-Ed on Putin
While Americans were incensed at being lectured by a foreign politician whom many regard as either an idiot or a hypocrite, many Russians, it turns out, reacted no differently.
After 25 Years, Iran Still Haunted by Mass Executions of 1988
Twenty-five years ago thousands of political prisoners were executed by Iran's regime.
For Chinese, Violence in the Middle East Sparks Debate on Democracy, Stability
The crackdown Egypt reminds Chinese people of the Tiananmen Crackdown 24 years ago. Some make use of the violence as a warning to advocators for democracy and social changes in China.
Iran Releases Political Prisoners
Iran releases several political prisoners including Iranian human rights activist, lawyer and Sakharov Prize winner Nasrin Sotoudeh,on Wednesday. Nasrin's husband wrote “Nasrin came,…they told her you are free.”
Iran:Facebook and Twitter Blocked Again
Internet users in Iran lost access Tuesday to Facebook and Twitter. Several bloggers and news sites reported Facebook and Twitter became widely accessible to Iranian users on Monday, Sept 16, for the first...
Why Are Saudi Boys Painting their Nails?
Saudi boys are painting their nails and showing off their hairy legs as part of a Twitter hashtag which translates to Take a Picture of Yourself Like a Girl Does.
Do These Videos Show Iranians Fighting in Syria's War?
Online videos show Persian speakers apparently working with Syrian regime troops.
Egypt – “A Dangerous Place for Journalists”
Egyptian blogger and journalist Abdulmonem Mahmood has left Egypt, saying he fears for his life.
The Fight to Ban Child Marriage in Yemen
Child Marriage is a widespread practice in Yemen, especially in the rural areas. The story of the death of an eight-year-old child bride puts this serious issue under the spotlight.
Iran: Facebook, Twitter become Accessible
Several bloggers and news sites reported Facebook and Twitter became widely accessible to Iranian users on Monday, Sept 16, for the first time since 2009. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and several other...
Man Killed as Saudi Arabia Continues Hunt for 23 “Wanted” Persons in Awwamiya
Ahmad Al-Mislab, 19, was killed when Saudi forces stormed Awwamiya, looking for eight out of 23 people "wanted" by authorities, who remain at large.
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