Stories about Middle East & North Africa from October, 2008
Caucasus: U.S. Presidential Election Preferences
Social Science in the Caucasus examines the findings of a poll for The Economist which indicates that support for Republican presidential candidate John McCain is stronger than for his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, in the Republic of Georgia. With the poll also showing that support for Obama is stronger in...
Egypt: Laila Echoes Reverberate in the Land of the Nile
In its third year, the Kolena Laila (We Are All Laila) campaign took a different turn, reaching out to women with no access to the Internet and giving them a chance to speak to the world. Nermeen Edrees reviews some of the voices which had a chance to be heard.
Blogging Rural Morocco: Peace Corps Volunteers
Morocco has an active and healthy blogosphere. Bloggers write in Arabic, French, English, Spanish, and Amazigh, covering a wide range of topics and issues. The one negative about the Moroccan "blogoma," however, is that the majority of its adherents are clustered within major cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Fez) and abroad; little is blogged about the rural areas. That's where the Peace Corps and Fulbright bloggers come in; as many are stationed in remote areas of Morocco, they are able to paint a picture of the other side of life in the country.
Egypt: To Gold or Not To Gold
It seems that the financial crisis rocking the US markets is hurting people everywhere - even the daily decisions of laymen and people who do not own businesses. One Egyptian blogger describes what people in her country are doing with their hard earned savings.
Syria: Farewell Om Abed
Syrian Mariyah mourns the death of Om Abed – a neighbour and family friend – in this touching post.
Egypt: Dying Fish at Marsa Matrouh
Egyptian Zeinobia reports on an environmental catastrophe is Marsa Matrouh and the North Coast
Jordan: The Fall and Rise of Rainbow Street
Jordanian Roba Al Assi overheard this conversation at her office – about the rise and fall of Rainbow Street.
Jordan: Black is the Colour
From Jordan, Mai Al Shareef [Ar] argues that black is the best colour for the Islamic veil worn by women.
Jordan: Time and Facebook
On the power of Facebook, Loza, from Amman, Jordan, shares this video.
Palestine: Why are Palestinians Destined to be Occupied?
Palestinian Iman remarks: “Reading Zait o Za3tar’s comment kinda makes me wonder why some (i.e., Palestinians) were destined to be occupied, oppressed, humiliated …”
Kuwait: Guys and Rejection
From Kuwait, Ginaview writes about how different guys react when they are rejected by women.
Kuwait: The Plight of a Foreign Teacher
Teach the Masses School Days draws our attention to the plight of a foreign teacher in Kuwait.
Egypt: Mice and Clerics
Not Green Data, from Egypt, shares his views on mice and clerics in this post.
Jordan: Don't Share on YouTube
Jordanian Qwaider writes: “If you have a problem, don't freakin share it on YouTube!” Find out why by clicking on the link.
Kuwait: Sanskrit Manuscript
From Kuwait, Fernas shares with his readers a rare Sanskrit manuscript on palm leaves from the first half of 19th century India – which is part of his personal collection.
Palestine: e-Magazine call for articles
Rebellious Arab Girl, from Palestine, is putting together an e-magazine. Find out how you can contribute here.
Egypt: Humiliating Sexist Joke
From Egypt, Zeinobia shares this joke about women – expressing her shock at how some women found it funny and laughed -despite its “insulting humiliating nature.”
Lebanon: Arabic Names
Reflecting on the meanings of Arabic names, A Diamond's Eye View of the World shares this list of the names of mostly Lebanese personalities – and how their names translate into English.
Algeria: Student Kills Teacher
“Staff and students at a university in northwest Algeria suspended classes on Sunday to protest the murder of a lecturer who was stabbed to death by one of his pupils,” reports Daily Maghreb.
Jordan: Who is Abdullah Al Barghouthi?
Jordanian Ola Eliwat asks: “Do you know who is Abdullah Al Barghouthi?” To find out click on the link.
Morocco: Reassessing Online Activities
Myrtus, from Morocco, is reassessing her online presence. Click on the link to find out why.
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