· February, 2011

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from February, 2011

Egypt: Is Feb25 the Restart Button for the Egyptian Revolution?

  26 February 2011

Yesterday marked the first month since the start of the Egyptian revolution. Former president Hosni Mubarak has been toppled yet the revolution is still far from over. Protesters at Tahrir Square, calling for the demands of the revolution to materialise, were last night cordoned and attacked by the military police. Is this the beginning of another wave of rage?

Mauritania: Pro-Democracy Protests Break Out in Nouakchott

  26 February 2011

Protests broke out in Mauritania's capital, Nouakchott, today, after young people assembled themselves online to call for rallies, which demand social, political and economic reforms, and an end to Mauritania's military rule. On Twitter, protesters give us an account of what they witnessed during the day.

Palestine: Demands for a Unified Nation set for March 15

  26 February 2011

As the Arab world witnesses one uprising after uprising, seeing dictators fall and others exposed one after another, the Palestinian case looks like the ultimate goal. Palestinian youth intend to take their own fate in their hands and call for a unified Palestine with rallies set to start on March 15.

Libya: “They Were Shooting Us Randomly” (Videos)

  25 February 2011

As each day passes, it seems demonstrators and rebel military factions are coming closer to ousting the 40-year regime of Colonel Muammer Al Gaddafi. Like other days, however, Friday bore more news of violence against civilians, and worries that Gaddafi will soon do something extreme.

Yemen: “Our blood is not cheap” (Videos)

  25 February 2011

Tens of thousands of protesters across Yemen rallied for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh after Friday prayers. Two protesters were shot dead in Yemen's second-largest city Aden on Friday, February 25, in what appears to be confrontations between anti-Saleh groups and police. At least 34 others have been wounded, mostly by live gunfire.

Libya: Defiant Gaddafi: “People who don't love me don't deserve to live”

  25 February 2011

Libyan dictator Muammar Al Gaddafi allegedly addressed supporters in Tripoli's Green Square, promising more gloom and doom to people protesting against his rule. In his latest speech, broadcast today on Libyan TV, Gaddafi called on Libyans to defend their country, adding that he would burn it if people don't defend him.

Jordan: Reactions to Amman's Friday Protests (Photos)

  25 February 2011

After demonstrations in Amman, Jordan on Friday 18 February, 2011, thousands of Jordanians representing diverse groups and voices took to the streets this Friday 25 February, in a more organized and responsible protest.

South Korea: Libyan Protest in Seoul

  25 February 2011

South Korean, Arabian and Libyan activists held a protest near the Libyan Embassy in Seoul today demanding the removal of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, South Korean photographer @photo0301 posted photos of today's protest.

Bahrain: The TAKBEER Guy Meme

  25 February 2011

In an unexpected result of Bahrain's ongoing Day of Wrath protests, the social media community came together and created Bahrain's first bonafide internet meme: TAKBEEER Guy.

Libya: Refugees Leave as Humanitarian Aid and Journalists Trickle in

  25 February 2011

As Libyan dictator Muammer Al Gaddafi continues to cling to power, killing protesters who are standing up against him in the process in the most brutal and horrendous crackdown to date, the influx of refugees trying to escape from Libya continues to grow. And as the death tolls rise, aid convoys and journalists continue to trickle into the country.

Will Algeria Follow Tunisia and Egypt?

  25 February 2011

The two attempts by the National Coordination for Change and Democracy to organize a march in Algiers on February 12 and 19, 2011, failed, mostly because of the security measures set up to prevent Algerians from protesting, but also due to the weakness of the organizations calling for the demonstrations. Will Algeria match Egypt and Tunisia's protest successes?

Iraq: A Day of Rage Begins

  25 February 2011

Today marks a Day of Rage in Iraq as thousands of Iraqis took to the streets to call for social and economic reforms and an end to corruption. Pro-change or pro-reform or anti-government protesters assembled in different points across Iraq this morning, to be faced with police brutality, media blackout and a government crackdown we have all become so familiar with by now.

Libya: “The Point of No Return”

  24 February 2011

The last gasps of Muammar Al Gaddafi could be counted in hours. But after the Libyan leader recently threatened to kill protesters and members of the military defying his regime, the hours will be spent nervously. In areas of the country no longer under Gaddafi control, people are beginning to document human rights abuses.

Yemen: At the Boiling Point? (Video)

  24 February 2011

President Saleh of Yemen has begun offering concessions to opposition protesters, ordering security forces to protect demonstrators. But most people don't appear ready to take the ruler at his word. Meanwhile, large anti-government protests continue to take place. The government's goodwill could be tested in a planned pro-government march on the nation's capital on Friday.

Tanzania/Tunisia: Common thread between Tanzania and Tunisia

  24 February 2011

Kate discusses similarities between Tanzania and Tunisia: “These two countries, relatively unknown for large scale unrest, are plagued by a hideous manifestation of totalitarianism, the use of state security organs, notably the police and the so called anti-riot units, to suppress what would be considered perfectly understandable responses to unemployment...

Bahrain: Official Day of Mourning Declared

  24 February 2011

Today marks the 10th day of the ongoing Day of Wrath protests in Bahrain. Tomorrow, marks a day of mourning for those who have lost their lives when police and army forces attacked protesters.

China: Chinese TV praised Gaddafi as thinker, revolutionist

  24 February 2011

KDnet's netizen have dug out the TV interview of Gaddafi broadcast on Phoenix TV on July 18, 2010 in which the TV anchor praised Gaddafi as thinker and revolutionist. The Ministry of Tofu has translated the post and netizens’ comment on the interview.

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Mariam A.
Mariam A. is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.