· April, 2010

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from April, 2010

Lebanon: Marching for Secularism

  18 April 2010

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

  18 April 2010

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

  18 April 2010

“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

  18 April 2010

“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

  17 April 2010

“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.

Egypt: Cairo Protest Turns Violent

  13 April 2010

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

  13 April 2010

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

  13 April 2010

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.

Israel/Palestine: Will There Ever Be A Deal For Shalit?

  12 April 2010

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

  12 April 2010

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

  12 April 2010

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

  11 April 2010

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

  8 April 2010

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!

  6 April 2010

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

  6 April 2010

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

  6 April 2010

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.

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.


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