Stories about Middle East & North Africa from August, 2010
Egypt: My First Fast
Food Jihadist, is an American expat living in Egypt. She shared her experience of fasting for the first time in Cairo this year. Muslims are marking Ramadan, a month of fasting where food and water are prohibited from dawn to dusk.
Egypt: Egyptian Woman Vs a Woman….
Aliaa Elzeiny, an Egyptian studying political science at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, is reflecting on whether there is a different between “Egyptian Women” and “Women” or not.
Syria: A Muslim should be like a jar of honey
Syrian blogger Maysaloon reflects on a conversation that took place following the Tarawih prayers, after meeting Sheikh Abu Salem in a mosque in London.
Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan risky countries to surf the Net
Writing on the AVG blog, the anti-virus company's chief research officer says that Armenia and Azerbaijan are the third and fourth most risky places to surf the web. Although the full list of 144 countries hasn't been released, The two most risky, Turkey and Russia, also border the Caucasus region...
Iran: International Protest against Stoning
Those condemned to be stoned in Iran now have a face in international media, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashitiani, a 43-year-old mother of two, who was sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
MENA: The Bigger Picture Behind Eden Abergil's Facebook Photos
When ex-Israeli soldier Eden Abergil's Facebook photo album "IDF-the best days of my life" was revealed to contain pictures of her posing mockingly alongside blindfolded Palestinian detainees, the blogosphere was outraged. In this post, Katharine Ganly takes a look at some of the different reactions from the MENA region.
Morocco: When Sarkozy “Proposes” a French Version of Ramadan
When Ahmed wrote his satirical blog post about a completely fictional announcement by president Nicolas Sarkozy intending to impose a French version of Islam on French Muslims, he never imagined his "story" would make the headlines of newspapers and mainstream media websites, not as the innocent prank he initially intended but as factual news.
Tech and Transparency in MENA: A Long Way to Go
Technology for transparency activists are making headway in the Middle East and North Africa, but greater access to both technology tools and skills and legal assistance is needed in order to maximize their potential.
Morocco: Fasting Versus Individual Liberties
For most Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of peace, of reflection, of family and faith. But for those who have given up on religion, Ramadan can be a difficult time, especially when you live in Morocco, where fasting is obligatory.
Bahrain: The Sorry State of Affairs of a Hidd Mosque
On Facebook, a Bahraini posts an eye-opening letter to a minister asking him to visit a mosque in Hidd, describing its sorry state of affairs. Read to the end of the letter to find out what could await those who raise their voices.
Morocco: The Ramadan Diaries
As the month of Ramadan begins, Moroccans share thoughts, reflections...even recipes. Jillian York has the story.
Jordan: Reema, We Refuse to Let You Die in Vain
A 35-year old mother of three was shot by her husband during her sleep in Jordan. The reason for this murder? Her husband believes that his wife was a "victim of sorcery" and that she would kill him first. A heartfelt obituary has been written online by her nephew, a blogger, and appeals are being sent so that her death may not be in vain.
Saudi Arabia: In Memory of Dr Ghazi Al Gosaibi
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are mourning the loss of an intellectual who has contributed greatly to the cultural and development scene of both neighbouring countries. Ghazi Al Gosaibi, a poet, author, Ambassador and minister, died yesterday at the age of 70. Bloggers and tweeps remember him in this round up of reactions from across the Arab world.
Lebanon: Making Money out of Blogs
Dreaming of making money from your blog? Lebanese bloggers discuss online digital marketing here.
UAE: Censorship is a Myth
UAE's Vice-President and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE does not “impose any restrictions on information or news about economic and financial issues.” The Gulf Blog reacts here.
Lebanon: Why do Food Prices go up in Ramadan?
Lebanese blogger Mustapha explains his theory on why food prices go up in Ramadan, blaming the “mothers” in his post.
Morocco: English as the Second Language
Said Bellari, a writer for Moroccoboard.com, advocates the gradual eradication of the dependence on the French language, and the introduction of English as the official second language of Morocco. In his essay, he introduces a newfangled concept known as “disliteracy.” reports Nabila Taj.
Jordan: Big Brother is Watching You!
Jordanian netizens had a rude awakening when news surfaced about the sentencing of Imad Al-Ash to two years in prison - for insulting the Jordanian monarch in an instant message (IM) he had sent to a friend. Bloggers and their readers have their say here.
Iran: One of Mayor's sites was filtered
According to Kalmeh news site, and several bloggers, Iranian authorities filtered “Khbargozarieh Shar” (means city's news agency). This site belongs to Tehran's Mayor. No information about the reasons for this filtering was released.
Iran: Arresting girls for unfit hijab
Here is a film in You Tube showing the Iranian securtiy forces arrested and humilated a few girls for unfit hijab (veil). You can read the conversation in English.
Jordan: Royal Conversations
What would a confidential meeting between King Abdullah of Jordan and his extended family be like? Mab3oos gives us a fly-on-the-wall view in this humourous post, the first of a series of tongue-in-cheek glimpses into what goes on behind closed doors.
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