Stories about Middle East & North Africa from December, 2012
Egypt: “Which Article of the Constitution Are You Objecting?”
Recent events in Egypt demonstrate the deepening rift between the ruling Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and an increasing proportion of the population. Rayna St is bringing us up-to-date with the situation on the ground days ahead of a referendum on a controversial constitution.
Iran's Diplomatic Missions Under Attack
Iran's diplomatic missions have been under attack around the world in recent weeks by Iranians and Afghans, for different reasons. The actions sparked a hot debate within the Iranian blogosphere, with ideas ranging from praise to condemnation and denouncements.
Iran: Tehran Launches Own YouTube
Iran has launched, Mehr (meaning affection in Persian),a video-sharing website to compete against YouTube.
‘Public Hunger Strike’ in Saudi Arabia for Imprisoned Activist Al-Bajady
Saudi human rights activist Mohammad al-Bajady has been getting much attention in the Saudi Twittershare in the last few weeks. Al-Bajady is one of the co-founders of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) and he has been detained since March 21, 2011. Yesterday, December 9, @freealbjadi announced a public hunger strike to support al-Bajady on December 10, which marks the international Human Rights Day.
Bahrain: Mahazza Village Still Under Siege
For almost a month in Bahrain, the village of Mahazza in Sitra has been under a security siege by the country's Interior Ministry. With the absence of free media in the country, citizen journalism, once again, was the only means of getting reports on what was happening on the ground. Through Facebook and Twitter, Bahrainis have posted their rallies in support of Mahazza and shared information about raids on houses and many arrests.
Counter of Syrian War Victims Installed in Bulgarian Capital
“Support Syrian bloggers and activists” Facebook page published a photo of the counter of victims and refugees of the war in Syria, which has recently been installed by CommonStep Association in the center of Bulgaria's capital Sofia. The online counter can be found on CommonStep's website.
Egypt's Opposition to Boycott Constitution Referendum Vote
Egypt's opposition coalition the National Salvation Front said tonight (Dec 9, 2012) they would boycott a referendum on a new constitution, scheduled for Saturday (Dec 15, 2012). Their rejection for the new constitution comes amid protests against the country's newly elected president Mohammed Morsi, who is accused of grabbing too...
Lebanese Telecom Minister Launches Controversial #ProtectPrivacy Campaign
Asked to hand over personal information about citizens, Lebanese Telecommunications Ministers urges the online community to help him protect privacy. The campaign spurs a controversial debate in light of local politics.
Algerian Solutions to the Film ‘Innocence of Muslims’
In the wake of the anti-Islam film entitled ‘Innocence of Muslims‘, and which was broadcast on YouTube, the Algerian tabloid Chourouk asked its readers in its online edition on how best to respond to repeated attacks on Islam. Some 800 readers responded. The majority of comments have suggested that the best way to react to such repeated provocations is to follow the example of the Prophet (PBUH) and show his true character by putting his legacy into practice in all Muslim countries.
Saudi Activist: “Public Trial Reveals Their Mentality and Lack of Evidence”
The eighth hearing session of one of Saudi Arabia's first public trials of two prominent human rights activists Mohammad Al-Qahtani and Abdullah Al-Hamid was held today at the Riyadh Criminal Court
World Heritage Site Djemila, Algeria in Jeopardy
Algerian historian Nacéra Benseddik warns that the construction underway on the site of UNESCO World Heritage Site Djamila is endangering the archaeological ruins [fr]. Djamila is famous for for its unique adaptation of Roman architecture highlighted by an impressive arch.
Still Shaking from Kim Kardashian's Bahrain Trip
Reality show celebrity Kim Kardashian's trip to Bahrain is still making the rounds on news - and social media. In a series of tweets, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof makes it clear how unhappy he is to be denied a visa to visit Bahrain, where Kardashian was invited to open a milkshake shop, writes Mohamed Hasan
Iran: Jailed Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Ends Hunger Strike After 49 Days
The Iranian blogosphere is filled with joy as lawyer and prisoner of conscience Nasrin Sotoudeh has reportedly ended her hunger strike after 49 days.
Iran: Sanctions and Shortages, Empty Pockets for Healthcare
Ever since 15 year-old Manouchehr Esmaili-Liousi died of complications from hemophilia due to a shortage of medication, Iranians have been analyzing their health crisis. Sanctions definitely play a role, but so does incompetence and corruption by their own government.
Kim Kardashian, Tear-Gas and Milkshake in Bahrain
Kim Kardashian was in Bahrain yesterday to open her milkshake shop. Hardline Salafists protested her visit - and were dispersed by police.
The Muslim Brotherhood Rule in Egypt
In Inanities, Sarah Carr blogs: I am anxious about the future, but there was an inevitability about Muslim Brotherhood rule at some point in Egypt’s history and unfortunately, I am alive to experience it. The only positive thing about the Muslim Brotherhood in power is that they are spectacularly shit...
Syria: “This Is Damascus!”
With the conflict in Syria showing no signs of abating and communications becoming increasingly difficult, a campaign of solidarity with the Syrian people starts on the internet. It's called "This Is Damascus!"
Saudi Activist: “This is an inquisition, prosecuting us for our opinions”
The seventh hearing session of the ongoing trial of the two prominent human rights activists Mohammad Al-Qahtani and Abdullah Al-Hamid was held today morning at Riyadh Criminal Court. In the last hearing session, the defendants responded to the charges, and today, the public prosecutor provided more ‘clarifications.'
Syria is Back Online
Syria is back online - at least parts of it are, according to Syrian netizens abroad, who have been trying frantically to connect with loved ones during a three day communications and Internet blackout.