Stories about Middle East & North Africa from September, 2008
Saudi Arabia: Supercomputer to be developed
Crossroads Arabia reports that Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology plans to build an IBM supercomputer.
Jordan: When do you say Enough?
The more you have, the more you want. When do you say you have had enough and become content with the blessings bestowed upon you, asks Ola Eliwat from Jordan.
Iran: Google Earth and former jailed blogger
Mojtaba Saminejad, an Iranian blogger, who had been in jail for more than 20 months for his writings, uses Google Earth to show us his prison in Iran.
Kuwait: YouTube Ban Lifted
News about YouTube being blocked in Kuwait hit the headlines yesterday, with bloggers frustrated over what they described as yet another intrusion on freedom of speech in their country. The ban has since been lifted. Here's a cross-section of reactions from Kuwait.
Jordan: Honour Crimes Condoned
From Jordan, Naseem Tarawanah gives us a shocking preview of honour crimes in his country, where judges seem to condone such actions.
Saudi Arabia: Happy National Day
“The country is changing, but at a glacial pace that is leaving me and many others dejected and frustrated. It is just disheartening to move in slow baby steps when we can — and should — take leaps ahead to the future,” writes Saudi Jeans on his country's national day.
Jordan: Exciting Games
“Games don't impress me much. They're all the same to me. If you've played it once, it doesn't matter how much the graphics change they all appear the same from that point onward….Unless you do something profoundly different… like Lucas Arts in this AMAZING Game…,” writes an excited Qwaider, from...
Qatar: Introducing Browser Shots
Dr Net, from Qatar, introduces his readers to Browser Shots, a open source which enables users to make screenshots of their web design in different browsers.
Qatar: Ramadhan Post Sparks Debate
A Global Voices Online post on Ramadhan in the Arab world sparked a debate at Qatar Living.
Iran: Remembering Rasoulov, a Passionate Artist
Mohsen Rasoulov, a passionate Iranian photographer, artist, cartoonist and photo-blogger was one of 68 passengers who lost their lives when an Iran-bound Boeing 737 crashed at the end of August this year.
Kuwait: I never wear things made in China
Twenty Three and Enjoying Life, from Kuwait, is surprised at the number of groups popping up on Facebook. The latest she encounters says: I never wear things made in China.
Kuwait: Animals are not Toys
From Kuwait, Madred's Weblog sheds light on animal rights. “A number of people these days view animals as nothing but toys, an object for entertainment so that their children can play and kill time with,” writes the blogger.
Iraq: Look at the World – Where is peace?
Today a mixed bag of posts. A meeting of old friends, a little politics, a coin of excellence, a dose of female geekery and, if you read to the end, find out what fasting really does to you.
Egypt: Kidnapped Tourists
A group of 15 foreign tourists, including five Italians, were kidnapped on Monday in southern Egypt. Egyptian bloggers react.
Palestine: Prejudice in the USA
Palestinian blogger Laila El-Haddad has had an unpleasant encounter with a man in Virginia: “Free Palestine? Palestine's already free!!” he raged, gesturing to a bumper sticker on the back of my windshield as he began to walk away. … He then turned around and bellowed out “Why don't you go...
Iran:Anti discrimination petition
Visa for Ordinary Iranians blog invites Iranians to sign an anti discrimination petition against Canada's embassy in Tehran. This blog says “only a minority of several hundred Iranian artists and intellectuals invited to other Toronto events this summer were granted visas.”
Jordan: A Popular Cafe Shut Down in Ramadan Crackdown
A popular cafe in in the Jordanian capital Amman was shut down by police for serving alcohol and food during Ramadan, among reasons. The action sparked a debate on the country's active blogosphere on Islam, coexistence, and democracy, reports Mohammad Azraq.
Egypt: Egyptian Railways – 125 Years Old
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia celebrates here the 125th anniversary of the Egyptian Railways.
Ukraine, EU: A Closer Relationship?
The EU's plan to finalize an Association Agreement with Ukraine in 2009 was made public at the EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris on Sept. 9. The media and bloggers greeted it with mixed reactions. “EU offers reassurance to Ukraine,” read a BBC headline. “EU offers no promises to hopeful Ukraine,” wrote...
Lebanon: Homosexuality in Lebanon
Although Lebanon stands out as a more tolerant space for homosexuality in the Middle East, the real life for this section of the community is not paved with roses. A quick round up of blogs and spaces promoting this issue in Lebanon gives the reader a brief peek into how this community lives.
Saudi Arabia: Outcry Over Fatwa to Kill Satellite TV Owners
A prominent Saudi scholar issued a religious decree - fatwa - calling for the killing of the owners of satellite television channels which broadcast immoral material. Bloggers from Saudi Arabia react.
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