Stories about Middle East & North Africa from November, 2013
Egypt: Police Violence Video Revives Fear of Return to Old Regime
The emergence of a torture video in a police station in Egypt has sparked anger online. Are the police back to their dirty tactics or is police torture systematic?
A Blogger, Tortured to Death One Year Ago
Iranian blogger Sattar Beheshti was remembered at a memorial event attended by human rights activists, family and friends.
Palestinian Pick-Up Lines
Humor, especially dark humor, is a culturally acquired taste – especially in a war zone. The hashtag #PalestinianPickUpLines has recently been trending on Twitter, garnering tens of additions in the past few days.
‘Women Should Be Submissive’, and Other Google Autocomplete Suggestions
Following UN Women's lead, Global Voices conducted its own experiments with Google's Autocomplete feature. The investigation revealed popular attitudes about women’s roles, sexuality, appearance and relationships with men.
Saudis Banned from Travelling .. to Mars
Saudi religious scholar Shaikh Ali Al Hekmi told Al Hayat newspaper that travelling to the red planet is off limits for human beings. Netizens laugh on Twitter.
Abuse of Workers and Our Daughter From Nepal
Indian blogger Kiran Kumar Karlapu tells a real life story of the plights of a Nepali girl, who was pushed back by her employer from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She was left stranded in Mumbai airport with not enough money to buy ticket to go back to home and some fellow...
PHOTOS: Shia Mourners Tear-Gassed in Bahrain
Shia mourners, commemorating the beginning of Muharram, have been tear-gassed in Bahrain today, say activists, who accuse the Bahraini regime of attacking religious freedom in the restive Arab state.
Halloween's Three Black Maids Stir Racism Debate in Lebanon
Lebanese blogger is angry three women dressed up as black housemaids for Halloween. Find out why in this post.
On Abortion and Controlling Sex in Egypt
A blogger shares her experience of supporting her friend going through abortion in Egypt, the hurdles faced, and the larger implications.
Egypt: Satirist Bassem Youssef's Show Censored following Lawsuits
Egyptians held their breath waiting for Bassem Youssef's satirical TV show Al Bernameg; Now, on the eve of it's second episode, the programme was taken off air.
VIDEO: Saudi Man Beats Worker for “Talking to his Wife”
A video of a Saudi man beating an expatriate worker has gone viral, sparking outrage against the abuse of workers in the country.
Egypt: Virginity Soap?
Egyptian activist Nelly Ali exclaims: While #egypt is busy… Shit like this is on the shelves ruining lives "Virginity Soap" (Alpha Market) #women pic.twitter.com/IXplFn2kY7 — Nelly Ali (@nellyali) November 1, 2013 In response, she gets this reply: @nellyali it has been on shelves allover the Arab countries like Saudi Arabia...
“Driving is Dangerous for Saudi Women”
On Blue Abaya, Layal writes a satirical piece on Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving. http://www.blueabaya.com/2013/10/26th-october-the-day-the-world-almost-came-to-an-end.html She notes: A new road sign was designed to spread awareness and remind any forgetful females that driving was not allowed. Clerics tweeted about the adverse affects of women driving cars which no doubt...
UAE Police Reward Drivers for Good Driving
Saudi Amani Al Awami's tweet on a Lebanese female driver getting a reward from UAE police for good driving is making the rounds online. She tweets: أوقفت الشرطة الإماراتية زميلتي اللبنانية اليوم، وأعطتها 1000 درهم مكافأة لها لالتزامها بقواعد المرور! #الإمارات pic.twitter.com/5xjeMIy8F5 — أماني العوّامي (@Al_Awami) October 30, 2013 The UAE...
Saudi Arabia Arrests Writer for Supporting Women Drivers
Six days ago a Saudi writer was arrested for lending his support to the right of women in his country to drive cars. Now, netizens call for his release.
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