Stories about Middle East & North Africa from July, 2013
Egyptian Protesters United in Anti-US Chants
On Twitter, Egyptian Hani Shukrallah observes: Interesting, the one common chant in Tahrir & #MB's Rabaa is anti-US – a triumph of American policy! — Hani Shukrallah (@HaniShukrallah) July 19, 2013 Tahrir Square, in downtown Cairo, is the epi-centre of the Egyptian revolution. On June 30, Egyptians gathered there again...
Online Gambling No Longer Accessible from Lebanon?
Gambling sites have been blocked in Lebanon, a dangerous slippery slope.
Iran: Campaign Against a Mobile Phone Network Operator
Several bloggers and news sites say Irancell, second largest mobile network operator in Iran, in a sms competition insulted Caliph Umar (Omar).Netizens launched a campaign against this mobile network operator and urged Irancell to apologize to Sunnis for this insult.
Saudi Women Banned From Attending Public Trials
Even the wife and mother of Umar Al-Saeed, a member of Saudi Arabia's leading human rights organisation, were forbidden from attending his trial.
Saudi Activist Slapped With Sudden Travel Ban at Airport
Saudi activist and journalist Iman Al-Qahtani was denied the right to leave Saudi Arabia as punishment for her activism and support for reformers in the absolute monarchy.
PHOTO: Muslim Brotherhood Surrounds National Security in Cairo
Netizens and journalists are reporting that thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters are heading towards the National Security building in Nasr City now. Amr Salama El-qazaz shares this photograph. آلاف المتظاهرين يحاصرون مقر مباحث أمن الدولة الآن بمدينة نصر #رابعة_العدوية pic.twitter.com/oxBFRmzYrN @amrsalama: Thousands of protesters are surrounding the National...
Artists Capture a Bloody Ramadan in Syria
Mubarak (Blessed), Kareem (Generous), Peaceful, Happy … are the usual adjectives accompanying any greeting during the Muslim month of fasting – Ramadan. Not so for Syrians.
Revolution or Coup: The Ousting of Morsi
Many are continuing to debate whether the ousting of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi was the result of revolution or a military coup. Mohamed El Gohary shares his two cents in this post.
Bassem Yousif vs Sandmonkey on Egypt
On Twitter, satirist Bassem Youssef and activist and blogger Mahmood Salem (Sandmonkey) had a discussion on the Egyptian political scene today. Noon Arabia collects their exchange in this post [ar] on Storify.
VIDEO: Historic Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque Bombed in Syria
Protect Syrian Archaeology posted photographs on its Facebook page [en, ar] and videos on YouTube, recording the moment the historic Khalid ibn al-Walid mosque (7th century) was bombed in Homs, Syria. Homs – Results of the bombing of Khalid ibn al-Walid mosque#حمص – أثار القصف الذي تعرض له مسجد الصحابي خالد بن الوليد” This 5-minute video takes you inside...
Female Blogger Jailed in Iran
Jonbeshe Sabz reports that Fariba Pajooh,a reformist journalist and blogger, was jailed last week. Her father hopes “she gets released soon”.
Will the New President's Key Unlock Any of Iran's Problems?
The campaign symbol of president-elect Hassan Rouhani was a key. Now, Iranian netizens are discussing whether Rouhani will actually be able to open any locks.
France Sees Shades of its Revolutionary Past in Turkey's Revolt
The recent protests in Turkey seem to have generated questions about identity in France, with the French asking themselves variations of, "Do we share the same values?"
Saudi Families of Detainees Mark ‘Third Detainees Day’
Families of Saudi detainees marked the Third Detainees Day to protest the arbitrary detention of their loved ones. Saudi Arabia is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world and has a devastating human rights record which includes arbitrarily detaining over 30,000 people.
Egypt's “People's Revolution” in the Eyes of Russians
As with past protests in the region, Russians have been actively following the events in Egypt.
Al Jazeera Accused of “Biased” Egypt Coverage
Al Jazeera has come under fire in Egypt for what many describe as its “biased” reporting during and following the ousting of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi on July 4. The Qatar-based channel is being accused of siding with the Muslim Brotherhood and being its mouthpiece.
Egypt says: “It is NOT a Coup”
The US meddling in Egyptian affairs – and the coverage of news networks, particularly CNN, of the political developments in Egypt – came under fire last night. The ousting of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi after a year in office ushered celebrations across the country, as well as a bout of violence between pro- and anti-Morsi supporters.
Morsi Supporters Face-off with Anti-Morsi Protestors across Egypt
The much anticipated face-off between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and protesters who called for the ousting of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi took place today [June 6, 2013]. The drama unfolded live on television, and was broadcast by local and international channels. At least 17 people were killed and more than 400 protesters injured in clashes across Egypt today, which many on social media described as “expected” and “surreal.”
Brazil Stockpiles Arsenal of Non-Lethal Weapons Ahead of World Cup
The Brazilian government has purchased thousands upon thousands of non-lethal weaponry, including tear gas and Taser guns, from arms firm Condor to use as part of its security strategy during the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
Brazilian Weapons Firm Exports Arms to Turkey and Arab Countries
Brazilian weapons firm Condor has a strong business interest in the Middle East, where its tear gas canisters have recently been used against protesters. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
The Story Behind Morsi's [Fake] Arrest Video
A video showing what is being described as the arrest of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi is making the rounds online. The same video was posted on YouTube on May 21, 2013 under the title “The moment President Mohamed Morsi and his son were arrested.”