· December, 2012

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from December, 2012

Egypt: “Which Article of the Constitution Are You Objecting?”

  11 December 2012

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

  10 December 2012

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.

‘Public Hunger Strike’ in Saudi Arabia for Imprisoned Activist Al-Bajady

  10 December 2012

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

  10 December 2012

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.

Egypt's Opposition to Boycott Constitution Referendum Vote

  9 December 2012

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...

Algerian Solutions to the Film ‘Innocence of Muslims’

  9 December 2012

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.

World Heritage Site Djemila, Algeria in Jeopardy

  7 December 2012

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

  6 December 2012

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: Sanctions and Shortages, Empty Pockets for Healthcare

  4 December 2012

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.

The Muslim Brotherhood Rule in Egypt

  2 December 2012

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!”

  2 December 2012

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!"

Syria is Back Online

  1 December 2012

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.

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Mariam A.
Mariam A. is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.