Stories about Middle East & North Africa from May, 2015
Second Shia Mosque Attacked by ISIS in Saudi Arabia
On Global Voices Checkdesk, a collaboration project between Meedan Checkdesk, an online news verification tool, and Global Voices Online, Joey Ayoub charts the initial reactions on the bombing of a second Shia mosque in Dammam, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, for the second Friday in a row. Three...
Did Saudi Arabia Bomb Yemen's Ancient Marib Dam?
Unconfirmed reports say that Saudi coalition forces, which have been bombing Yemen for more than two months have targeted the Marib Dam, one of the engineering wonders of the ancient world. On Twitter, Hussain Albukhaiti claims: Unconfirmed reports: #Saudi Jets has Just targeted the historic #Marib Dam NW #Yemen http://t.co/rZYWUF2Qe6...
Syrian Antiques on Sale on Facebook
Ancient Syrian antiques, looted from ISIS controlled areas, are being peddled on Facebookand sold on the black market for millions.
Israeli Chef Cooks Pizza in a Car to Demonstrate Child Safety
Sixteen children have died in Israel since 2008 as a result of being accidentally left in closed cars. One chef drives the message home by cooking pizza in a car.
He Spared His ‘Enemy's’ Life in the Iran-Iraq War. Today They Are Close Friends
One soldier prepared to kill a critically wounded enemy three decades ago, but spared him when he saw photos of the man's family. They met by chance decades later.
‘FIFA Is Imploding': Surprise Arrests Hit FIFA Top Officials Ahead of Friday Election
The football organization votes for president on Friday. On Twitter, leading football figures and sports officials weighed in on the FIFA arrest scandal using the hashtag #FIFAArrests.
The Boomerang Effect: Why Would Tajikistan's Special Forces Chief Join ISIS?
"This is the most well-made film of a Tajik IS fighter. Unsurprisingly, they have quickly used [him] for recruitment purposes."
New Messaging App by Iran's Basij Militia Gives State Access to All Conversations
The app will use servers owned and controlled by the Basij, thus allowing easy access to and monitoring of all user conversations by the paramilitary group and intelligence agents.
A Guide to Resources on the Palestinian Nakba, Memory and Identity
Joey Ayoub digs into a list of resources to learn about the 1948 Palestinian exodus, also known as the Nakba, as well as memory and identity.
Washington Post Reporter Jason Rezaian Starts Closed Door Trial in Iran
"If Iran had a case against Jason Rezaian, it would try him in public. It doesn't and won't."
Data Set Demonstrates Attacks on Turkish Opposition Party's Campaign Offices Are Systematic
Is it a coincidence that the party which could derail the ruling party's majority in parliament keeps getting attacked?
On Dubai's Roads, Women Hop on Harleys and Shatter Stereotypes
You might not expect to see women riding motorcycles if you took to the UAE's roads, but a group of women from all over the world are doing just that.
Iranian Reformists Commemorate the Anniversary of Ex-President Khatami's Election on Twitter
The hashtag #second_ofKhordad_Iam is trending to commemorate the 1997 election of the reformist former President Mohammad Khatami.
Global Voices Starts a New Collaboration with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran
Global Voices has relied on the Campaign’s reportage and team of experts when covering major human rights concerns. We enthusiastically welcome this new collaboration.
Covering Turkey's General Elections, One Tool at a Time
'The organisation uses the concept of crowdsourcing for social activism and public accountability, serving as an initial model for what has been coined as 'activist mapping'.'
ISIS Claims Responsibility in Suicide Bombing in Shia Mosque in Qatif Killing 21 Worshippers
Twenty-one people were killed when an ISIS suicide bomber blew himself up in a Shia mosque in Qatif, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, after Friday prayers today.
Why Are Latin Americans Naming Their Children ‘Onur’ and ‘Sherezade'?
One Thousand and One Nights, a Turkish drama series, enjoys incredible success in the Mecca of soap operas: Latin America. But what questions does this success raise?
Verdict Delayed in Detained Iranian Artist Atena Farghadani's Trial
Atena Farghadani was arrested over a cartoon she drew that depicts Iran's members of parliament as animals voting on law that will restrict access to contraception and criminalise voluntary sterilisation.
Arab-American Journalist Detained by Israeli Security for ‘Flying While Muslim’
Palestinian-American journalist Noor Wazwaz shares her experience of "Flying While Muslim" into Tel Aviv, saying the humiliation will not deter her from returning again.
Morsi's Death Sentence: The International Community Is Anything but Silent
The international community speaks up against Morsi's verdict and the mass death sentences passed by an Egyptian court on May 16. Netizens stand in support for the ousted president.
The Media Is the Message: E-Diplomacy in Egypt
Egyptian authorities today must figure out how to communicate effectively in the wake of four years of constant regime change.
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.
