Stories about Middle East & North Africa from February, 2014
In the Information Age, the End of Status Quo for Morrocan Media
Hicham Lasri is a film maker from Casablanca, Morocco. In his second movie called “C'est eux les chiens” (They are the dogs”), Lasri talks about the evolution of media in Morocco [fr] with the expansion of information technology: Moi j'ai grandi dans un pays où les informations à la télévision...
An Info-Activism Tool-Kit on Women's Rights Campaigning
The Women's Rights Campaigning: Info-Activism Toolkit by Tactical Technology Collective is a new guide for women's rights activists, advocates, NGOs and community based organizations who want to use technology tools and practices in their campaigning. This has been developed in collaboration with advocacy organizations from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Kenya and...
Iran: Five Soldiers Abducted near Iran-Pakistan Border
Five Iranian soldiers were kidnapped on Friday, near Iran-Pakistan border by Sunni extremists. Iranians launched a tweet campaign to support abducted soldiers.Amin Sabeti tweeted Iranians have started a @Twitter campaign for 5 Iranian soldiers who are abducted by a terrorist group Jaish al-ado #FreeIranianSoldiers — Amin Sabeti (@AminSabeti) February 9,...
Yemenis Demand an End to Corruption and Unfair Sales Deals
Yemenis are back on the streets demanding an end to what they claim are "unfair" liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales agreements, bleeding the country's resources.
“I Am Alive” App Allows Lebanese to Reassure Each Other After Explosions
The Lebanese seem to have gotten so used to bombs that an app dedicated to letting your loved ones know you're alive seems inevitable.
Campaign to Demand Saudi Nationality Gender Equality
A campaign aimed at enabling the children of Saudi women to be granted the Saudi nationality is currently underway, writes Osama Khalid
Five of the Most Celebrated French-Language African Films
Five of the most celebrated French-language African films (award-winning or not) that have left their mark on an entire generation of movie-watchers.
Will the End of the National Dialogue Bring Peace to Yemen?
After 10 months of negotiations, the National Dialogue Conference has ended. Yemenis are wondering if it will bring a real political change and an end to violence on the ground.
Campaigning for Women's Rights Made Easy
Women's rights campaigning is the focus of a new info-activism toolkit by Tactical Technology Collective. The toolkit is particularly useful to women's rights activists, advocates, NGOs and community-based organisations who want to use technology tools and practices in their campaigning. It includes step-by-step guides from basics like how to launch...
Egyptian Satirist Bassem Youssef is Back On Air
Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef's satire show is back on air on MBC Masr, after it was taken off air by CBC last year.
British Mother Yells at Syrian Officials: “Why Did You Kill My Son?”
“Why did you kill my son?” yells Fatima Khan, the grieving mother of British doctor Abbas Khan who was killed in Syria, at regime officials who were in Geneva for peace talks aimed at ending the country's civil war. Dr Khan had traveled to Syria to provide humanitarian aid in...
Youth Orchestra ‘Jafraa’ a Bright Spot in War-Torn Syria
Shakespeare once said, "If music be the food of love, play on." But what if this "food" risks the player's life? Meet the young musicians of Jafraa orchestra in Homs.
“The Square” Director Jehane Noujaim On Filming Egypt's Revolution
Oscar-nominated film "The Square" follows key activists during the Egyptian Revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak and saw the rise and fall of Mohamed Morsi. WITNESS talks to director Jehane Noujaim.
Four Months in Jail and Counting for Algerian Blogger Who Criticized President
24 years old, Abdelghani Aloui, Algerian Cyberactivist is incarcerated since the 25th of September 2013. His charge ? Posting on Facebook , photos and caricatures deemed offensive of Algeriant President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Saudi King Outlaws Religious Groups
The Saudi monarch outlawed Saudis from fighting in other countries and belonging to religious and extremist groups. Netizens react to the new royal decree.
Snow in Iran: 500,000 Without Electricity, Gas and Water
Endless snowfall in some of Iran's northernmost regions this weekend has left thousands of people without gas, electricity or water.
Human Rights Video: 2013 Year in Review
A video by WITNESS on the Human Rights Channel of YouTube wrapped up some of the most significant protests and human rights abuses of 2013. Dozens of clips shot by citizens worldwide are edited together to show efforts to withstand injustice and oppression, from Sudan to Saudi Arabia, Cambodia to...
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