Stories about Middle East & North Africa from April, 2010
Lebanon: Marching for Secularism
Lebanese Laïque Pride will hold a rally for secularism on April 25. They are a group of citizens who are calling for the full implementation of article (c) of the Lebanese Constitution's preamble: “Respect for the freedom of opinion and belief,” “social justice,” and “equality of rights and duties between...
Lebanon: 24/7 Campaign for Migrants’ Rights
The 24/7: Campaign is a new online campaign working to alter the servant stereotype established between an Asian/African person and a Lebanese person. It is raising awareness to the fact that migrant workers are business persons from sophisticated cultures. The campaign aims at improving work conditions which, despite the recently...
Lebanon: Combating Domestic Violence
“In the Middle East, many still believe it is ok for a man to beat his wife. KAFA is one organization that is working hard to erase this mentality of acceptance. Dinosaurs are extinct; it’s time for domestic violence to become extinct, too.” Developing Lebanon posted about an event held by...
Lebanon: Virginity and Hypocrisy
“I attended […] a discussion with [the] creator of Jasad Magazine about the language of the body, sexuality and relationships, and the last part was about how virginity and the lack of it are perceived in the Lebanese society. The hymen restoration was brought up, and yada yada…” writes Liliane...
Lebanon: Hamra's graffiti and posters
“While walking in Hamra, the graffiti and what people post on the walls can’t but grab your attention! I took the photos below in a less than a 15 minutes walk there,” writes Rami alongside the photos he took.
Best of Blog Awards 2010: And the Winners are…
The sixth annual Deutsche Welle Best of Blogs (BOBs) Awards have come to a close, and the Global Voices community is celebrating the winners.
Iran: Has blogging become less popular since the election?
Did the presidential election change the dynamics of Iranian citizen media tools and channels? Eleven Iranian bloggers and media professionals representing different parts of the political spectrum answer a brief questionnaire.
Arab World: Arab Tweeple Launched
ArabTweeple is the first directory indexing more than 15,000 Arab Twitter users.
Egypt: Cairo Protest Turns Violent
From Egypt, Wael Abbas tweets: “Urgent: a protest in down town cairo is now in progress, security is dramatically violent, some protesters fell unconscious due to beating!”
Egypt: Lessons in Oppression from Iran
On Twitter, Daila Ziada comments: “Egyptian security forces are learning from the Iranian experience. They think exaggerated use of violence will stop protesters!”
Saudi Arabia: Poverty and Suicide
Saudi blogger Trad Alasmari (Ar) writes about suicide in Saudi Arabia (Warning: post contains picture of graphic nature). He claims that poverty could be to blame for its higher levels.
Palestine: Ideas for Catchy Titles
Palestinian blogger Laila El-Haddad sends out a tweet saying: “Officially started writing new book; in need of catchy titles; suggestions?”
Morocco: Formerly Jailed Blogger Bashir Hazzam Tells His Story
Blogging can lead to jail in Morocco. Bashir Hazzam learned it the hard way when the authorities arrested him last December for reporting on the violent events that shook his usually peaceful village. In the following interview, the blogger tells his story.
Israel/Palestine: Will There Ever Be A Deal For Shalit?
Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has been held by Hamas for nearly four years, with all attempts having failed to get him released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Blogger "The Other Door", a Palestinian citizen of Israel, gives his perspective on Shalit's ongoing captivity in this post.
Tunisia: Bourguiba 10th Death Anniversary Remembered
Tunisians remembered the 10th anniversary of the death of their country's first president - Habib Bourguiba, who walked their country through independence. Bloggers agree that he may have committed some mistakes, but applaud the changes he has institutionalised in the Tunisian society.
Lebanon: A Bold Move
Lebanese blogger Mireille shares her friend Rita‘s plan of shaving her head to “break the chemo-therapy taboo and the conventional beauty standards” and to “raise awareness and funds for cancer” in her latest post.
Iran: State Reaps Real Dividends of Double-edged Persecution
George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs, along with the Broadcasting Board of Governors, are sponsoring a half-day conference on Monday (April 12) in Washington DC entitled "Iran: Opportunities and Challenges for Citizen Engagement." Hamid Tehrani shares his views ahead of the event.
Morocco: Blogger Released from Prison
Bashir Hazzam reports [Ar] on the release from prison of fellow Moroccan blogger Boubker Al-Yadib, arrested earlier this year for his support of other arrested bloggers.
Egypt: Linux InstallFest a Success!
Free Open Source Software (FOSS) is picking up in Egypt, thanks to awareness programmes being organsied by Egyptian Linux Users Group. Tarek Amr sums up reactions to a recent event in this post.
Egypt: Crackdown on Peaceful Pro-Democracy Protests
On the second anniversary of the first call for civil disobedience in the history of modern Egypt, new protests broke out through out the country. Egyptian police violently beat and randomly detained people to disperse protests calling for constitutional reform. Eman AbdElRahman reports.
Iran: Art and Protest
Zina Saunders, a NYC-based artist has brilliantly created two posters for the March 18 Movement. This movement was created to honor Omid Reza Mir Sayafi, an Iranian blogger and journalist, died in Evin Prison in Tehran.
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Mariam Abuadas is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
