· January, 2011

Stories about Jordan from January, 2011

Arab World: New Media and the Egyptian Demonstrations

The Arab World is looking in awe at the developments unfolding in Egypt. Today, mainstream media is taking a back seat, while citizen media triumphs. Arab bloggers share their reflections on the protests in Egypt, as witnessed from their computer screens.

27 January 2011

Jordan: Message to the Rulers

Jordanian Qwaider shares his thoughts on Tunisia in this post. “I'm puzzled and surprised of how happy “other” Arab citizens. From the Atlantic to the Arabian sea, the simple Arab...

23 January 2011

Arab World: Racism and the Slave's Head Candy Controversy

Are we - Arabs - racist? It's really hard to tell. Some might argue that racism is against our religion, and that people are never discriminated against because of their skin colour. On the other hand, other tiny aspects of our lives might prove that we are. It seems to be normal, for instance, to make fun of black people [Ar] in the cinema, and even call a candy “The Slave's Head” because of its colour.

21 January 2011

Jordan: Social Media Combats Deforestation Project

The Jordanian government scheduled the building of a new military academy within the Ajloun forest, one of Jordan's few remaining forested areas. Immediately, several pre-existing and ad hoc coalitions sprung to halt the project - working mostly through citizen media to make their voices heard and mobilse support on the ground.

19 January 2011

Jordan: Debating the Country's Leadership

Blogging and Twitter conversations in Jordan have continued on from Jordan's Day of Anger on Friday January 14th, 2011, and subsequent protests. These events had demonstrators demanding the resignation of Jordan's Prime Minister Samir Rifai, and demanding more attention paid to high prices, high unemployment, and low wages.

18 January 2011

Libya: Gaddafi Wages War on the Internet as Trouble Brews at Home

Libyan leader Muammar Al Gaddafi managed to offend both Tunisians and netizens from across the world wide web in his address to the Tunisian people, following the fall of the Zine El Abidine Ben Ali regime. With trouble brewing at home and Libyans taking to the Internet to vent off, could Gaddafi be foreseeing his doom as a “victim of Facebook and YouTube”?

17 January 2011

Jordan: Reflections on Tunisia

Naseem Tarawnah reflects on leadership changes in Tunisia and its potential impact on Jordan. “Today, Jordan, and perhaps much of the Arab world is learning one important lesson from Tunisia:...

16 January 2011

Jordan: Day of Anger Protests

Inspired by protests in Tunisia, the Jordanian Twitter community rallied around a "Day of Anger," announced January 12th and held January 14th after Friday prayers. The rallies were held around Jordan, focusing primarily on rising prices, but also addressing political disenfranchisement and concerns with Prime Minister Samir Rifai's government.

14 January 2011

Jordan: Tunisian Protests May Trigger More Agony for Arab Governments

As the violence in Tunisia continues, so have responses and expressions of support in Jordan. Many Jordanian tweeters have focused on criticism of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Others speculate that the unrest in Tunisia will inspire the people of Arab countries to demand economic and political reform as well.

12 January 2011

Lebanon: Bloggers Support Tunisian Protests against “Arab Pinochet”

Lebanese bloggers have joined the chorus of concern over the Tunisian riots that have thus far claimed 24 lives. Sympathy and support is extended to the Tunisian youth protesting the authoritarianism, corruption, and poor economic management of President Zine el Abidine ben Ali, dubbed the "Arab Pinochet" by Lebanese blogger, the Angry Arab.

11 January 2011

Jordan: Solutions to Rising Sectarianism

A series of events in Jordan are raising concern of increased sectarianism between Jordanians of Transjordanian and Palestinian descent, as well as increased violence between tribes of Transjordanian origin. Betsy takes a closer look at the dialogue taking place online.

10 January 2011

Jordan: Clashes Follow University Elections

The University of Jordan held university elections for its student government on Dec 21, 2010. Following reports of violence and election irregularities, the University promptly issued statements denying the clashes. Less than two weeks later, further clashes broke out.

1 January 2011

Jordan: Free Taher Nassar!

Tahir Nassar, a lawyer and former parliamentary candidate, was arrested and detained in a Jordanian prison on charges of “stirring up sectarian strife.” Nassar's offense was his election manifesto that highlighted discrimination against Jordanians of Palestinian origin. Netizens react to the news.

1 January 2011

Jordan: Twitter Reactions to Nine Per Cent Fuel Hike

Jordan's government announced year-end fuel price hikes. The cost of gas, referred to as benzine, was raised 9 per cent, while the price of diesel and kerosene was raised by 6pc. Many Jordanians expressed their ire through sarcasm and humor.

1 January 2011