Stories about Middle East & North Africa from February, 2015
Palestine Remembers ISIS Captive Kayla Mueller Killed in Raqqa
Mueller was in Palestine from August to September 2010, where she “worked with Palestinians nonviolently resisting the confiscation and demolitions of their homes and lands.”
Turkey Cites National Security as it Cranks Up Internet Controls
Courts offer citizens occasional protection from Ankara's vicious war on freedom of expression and privacy, so government is looking for laws that bypass them.
Bahrain Shuts Down Al Arab TV, Saying it Does Not Have “Necessary Permits” to Operate
Bahrain today officially announced the suspension of Al Arab satellite channel, which went off air hours it was launched, nine days ago. Netizens lament free speech in the country.
GV Face: Protests are Banned in Houthi-run Yemen
Yemen is in political limbo, without a president and government, since the Houthi militias took over government institutions and the presidential palace in capital city Sanaa.
Girl Draws Map of Palestine Using Israeli Bullets Collected from Around her Home
This photograph of a Palestinian girl is making the rounds on social media. Reports say the girl collected the bullets, she used to draw Palestine's map, from around her home.
‘Hate Is Not What Humans Should Do': Slain Journalist Kenji Goto's Words Live On Online
The Japanese journalist, who was executed by ISIS in January, logged his heart-wrenching and thought-provoking observations about conflict in the Middle East and Africa on his website and Twitter account.
Yemen's Political Limbo Continues with Al Houthi's ‘Unconstitutional’ Declaration
While there were celebratory fireworks after the declaration there were opposing demonstrations elsewhere. Yemen braces itself for yet another period of uncertainty.
Activists Demand Release of Palestinian Activist Abdallah Abu Rahme
He was arrested in 2012 while at a protest in support of Palestinian detainees and prisoners for standing in front of bulldozers bringing concrete to be used as road blocks.
World Leaders Mourn Saudi Oil Monarch as ‘Strong Advocate for Women’
World leaders expressed their condolences following the death of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Some even went as far as calling him a "strong advocate for women."
Who Do We Lose With Internet Censorship and Control?
"Through Internet censorship and control we lose an ability to be our own secret human – the one we are when nobody is around."
Sinai Residents Pushed Out of Their Homes, as Egyptian Forces Fight “Terrorism”
The State of Sinai, a militant group previously called Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis (ABM) before announcing its allegiance to ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks, which left over 25 dead.
Horrified by ISIS Execution Video, Jordanians Remember Fallen Pilot With Pride
The brutal nature of the highly-produced execution video was shocking to many, but some refused to let ISIS propaganda cast a shadow on the fallen hero's memory.
The World Mourns Brave Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto, Beheaded by ISIS
The world refuses to remember Kenji Goto for what ISIS had done to him. Instead, many celebrate him for his bravery and compassion for those in conflict zones.
Questions About Australian Media Freedom After Egypt Releases Peter Greste
Max Chalmers, from Australian independent online media site New Matilda, welcomes the release of Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste after 400 days in Egyptian prison. He also calls for “the speedy release of Greste’s colleagues who remain behind Egyptian bars”. However, he questions Prime Minister Tony Abbott's support for media...
Global Voices’ Joey Ayoub: ‘Providing the Context Is Key in Trying to Convey Empathy’ With Gaza
"It takes so much more effort to understand the injustice when context is not easily accessible. And it takes even more effort to try to fight this system from within"
Iranian Newspaper Shut Down Over ‘I Am Charlie’ Cover Featuring George Clooney
The Iranian press has ping ponged between condemning the violence in Paris to attacking officials and each other for their response to the attacks.
Local Iranian Humane Society Wants to End Animal Dissection Tournaments
The society's request to put a stop to the tournament went ignored, however. Animal rights efforts are only just beginning to be noticed by mainstream Iranian news.
Argentine Investigator’s Mysterious Death Revives Questions About 1994 Bombing
According to police, Nisman committed suicide just a few hours before he was supposed to present his case against President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, whom Nisman accused conspiring with Iran.