Stories about Middle East & North Africa from July, 2015
Historic Iran Nuclear Deal Finishes in Vienna
"Today could have been the end of hope on this issue. But now we are starting a new chapter of hope."
Bahrain Releases Human Rights Activist Nabeel Rajab, Only to Send Another Activist Back to Jail
Bahrain released from prison rights activist Nabeel Rajab tonight. It also renewed the detention of political leader Ibrahim Sharif for 15 days. Is the government playing chess with political dissidents?
Journalists Scrape Together What News They Can as Iran Talks Drag on
One journalist has been covering the talks so long, "I give directions to people and tourists; have a regular cafe; a regular gym; have joined the city's public bike system..."
Bahraini Political Leader Ibrahim Sharif Arrested Again
Bahraini political leader and Secretary General of National Democratic Action Society (WAAD) Ibrahim Sharif is arrested three weeks after his release for "inciting hatred against the regime."
R.I.P. Özgür Uçkan: Netizens of Turkey Lose One of Their Best
Dr. Özgür Uçkan, a leading light in the battle for Internet freedom in Turkey, died on July 10, 2015.
Hit TV Show ‘Fauda’ Highlights the Chaos of the Israeli-Palestinian Divide
The show "Fauda" — "chaos" in Arabic — has finished its first season and both Israelis and Palestinians are anxiously awaiting more.
Journalists Arrested for Covering Cairo Car Bomb Explosion outside the Italian Centre
One man was killed and several journalists were arrested after a car bomb explosion outside the Italian Centre in downtown Cairo today.
A Tribute to Yemeni Cuisine: Culinary Traditions in Ramadan
If Yemenis are divided over plenty of issues, they are at least united over Sambosa, an appetizer stuffed with beef and vegetables, during Ramadan.
Former Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal Dies at 75
From being described as a wise statesman to being called a racist and a xenophobe, netizens react to the death of former Saudi foreign minister Saud Al-Faisal, who died today
ISIS Hacks Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Website and Threatens its Director
The ISIS cyber army has allegedly hacked the website of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights watchdog on July 8, 2015, and threatened its Syrian director, Rami Abdelrahman, for his role in documenting human rights abuses committed by all parties in the ongoing war in Syria. The news was confirmed...
For Arab Human Rights Defenders, Hacking Team Files Confirm Suspicions of State Surveillance
"Rights groups knew Egypt using Hacking Team spyware since 2012; Sunday's hack just proved it," says Egyptian activist Ramy Raoof.
Steven Salaita Lands Job at American University of Beirut, Talks Black Politics and Palestine Solidarity
After being denied tenure at the University of Illinois for pro-Palestine tweets, Salaita will be the Edward W. Said Chair of American Studies at the American University of Beirut.
Iran's Version of The Muppets Makes a Comeback
Kolah Germezi (or "Red Hat") is a beloved Iranian TV program featuring a collection of skits and musical numbers. Its producer says the program officially has 35 million viewers.
Which Lebanese and Arab Media Covered #SaudiCables and Which Ones Didn't?
The silence of major newspapers and media outlets towards more than half a million leaked documents from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deafening.
Bahrain's Prison Swap: A Strategy or a Coincidence?
Bahrain releases prominent secular politician three days after sentencing another to four years in prison in a possible public relations prison swap.