Stories about Middle East & North Africa from December, 2007
Bahrain: The debt owed to the Indians of the Gulf
This is the second post from Bahrain this week; the first covered various celebrations, and demonstrations. In this post we'll be examining the official population statistics, hearing about a frustrating experience in Saudi Arabia, seeing what role graffiti can play in political mobilisation, and acknowledging the debt owed to South Asians in the Gulf.
Morocco: Seeing stars in Marrakesh
It's been a star-struck week in the French-speaking Moroccan bloggosphere, famous international figures being a primary focus of discussion. Several bloggers wrote about the happenings at the seventh edition of the International Marrakesh Film Festival, most notably on the reception there of American director Martin Scorcese and some famous Egyptian film stars.
Saudi Blogger Fouad Al Farhan Arrested in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia added yet another accolade to its freedom of speech record by arresting its first blogger. Fuad Al Farhan, considered by many as being the dean of Saudi bloggers for being among the first to blog in his country using his real name, has been arrested in Jeddah. No further news is available for the reasons for his detention. This is how some of his fellow bloggers reacted to his arrest.
Syria: Palestinian ‘Cycle of Violence’
Syrian blogger Yaman discusses the ‘cycle of violence’ in Palestine.
Saudi: World Excited About Saudi ‘YouTubers’
Saudi Jeans comments on the world's fascination with the relationship of Saudis with video sharing site YouTube. “Now this fascination is not limited to Saudis as YouTube has become an international phenomenon in short time, but as with almost everything else, outsiders seem to think that our country is a...
Saudi Fatwa Against the US Dollar
Window into Palestine comments on a new Saudi fatwa (religious edict) on the US dollar. Click here to read about it.
Palestine: Donkeys for Transportation
“Gazans seem to be traveling back in time as major shortages in fuel and car parts restore the donkey to the most prevalent form of transportation…..” is a comment by Bea on Tony‘s blog.
Jordan: Views on Wearing the Hijab
“I'm not Anti-Hijab or Anti-Hijabi or anything. But I really find it weird that some ladies are so keen on wearing it, while they live up to nothing that it represents,” writes Qwaider, from Jordan.
Oman: Who is Reading Your Blog?
Blue Chi from Oman asks: Do you know who is reading your blog?
Palestinian American Journalist Aziz Shihab RIP
Leila Abu Saba pays tribute to Arab American journalist Aziz Shihab, originally from Palestine, who died in Texas.
Saudi Arabia: Leading Blogger Arrested
The Arab Blogger's Observatory (Ar) announced the arrest of pioneer Saudi blogger Fuad Al Farhan. The site did not cite any reasons for his arrest.
Bahrain: Riot Police Burn House
Bahraini blogger Hayathoo (Ar) was at the heart of riots in Bahrain. This video shows youth being attacked by riot police, who also burned a house in the area.
Bahrain: Celebrations, commemorations, and demonstrations
Bahrain is approaching the end of a ten-day holiday to celebrate both its National Day and Eid Al Adha, which has seen tragedy as well as joy. December 16 is Bahrain’s National Day, and the following day celebrates the King’s accession to the throne (عيد الجلوس), but it is also a day on which the opposition mark ‘Martyrs’ Day’, commemorating the people who died during the 1990s while fighting for political reform. During demonstrations this year one man died, creating another 'martyr', and increasing tension on the streets of the kingdom.
Iran:A poor musician in photos
Mohammad Tajik,blogger and photographer, has pusblished several photos of a poor musician in Tehran.It seems the musician is suffering from leprosy.
Dubai: New Smoking Regulations
Farrukh Ahmed writes about new smoking regulations in Dubai.
Kuwait: Operation Cat Rescue
Kuwaiti firemen were out in full force – to rescue a cat. Read Mark‘s report with photographs here.
Iraq: Celebrating Eid
Najma from Iraq shares with us how she celebrated Eid Al Adha in this post.
Jordan: Views on Lebanon Conference
Jordanian blogger Mohammad Azraq is back from a conference in Lebanon. Read his observations here.
Egypt: High Alert Security in Zamalek
The Arabist from Egypt posts a security circular for the rich Zamalek district in this post.
Egypt: Sunni-Shia Dream
The sectarian rift between the Islamic Sunni and Shia sects is haunting Egyptian blogger D B Shobrawy‘s dreams. Read about that here.
Israel: Hypocritical Arabs
“(A)ny state that defines itself as “Arab” would be equally guilty of the racism that Israel is being accused of,” writes The Elder of Zion, in this post, which lists excerpts from the constitutions of a number of Arab countries and Iran.
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