Amira Al Hussaini · May, 2009

Latest posts by Amira Al Hussaini from May, 2009

Bahrain: Thoughts on Activism

“Activism isn't just about justice. It's an effort to provide the freedom necessary to build a sustainable civilization,” writes Esra'a at Mideast Youth. Read more of the young Bahraini activist's...

13 May 2009

Egypt: Obama to Address Muslim World from Egypt

The date is all set. US President Barack Hussain Obama will deliver his much anticipated speech on relations with the Muslim world in Egypt on June 4 and the Egyptian blogosphere is as divided as ever, with some questioning whether Obama will turn a blind eye to the country's human rights record. And although the speech and its content and impact on relations with the region are taking a backseat for the moment, the pressing question on many bloggers' minds is: "Why Egypt?"

12 May 2009

Bahrain: LGBT Blogs Blocked

From Bahrain, LGBT blogger Shams Alma7aba [Ar] lists a number of LGBT blogs which have been blocked in that country following a recent crackdown on the Internet.

11 May 2009

Yemen: Touring Seiyoun

Yemeni Omar Barsawad takes us on this photo tour of Seiyoun, the largest urban centre and capital of Wadi Hadhramout. “It's famous for its splendid, intricately built mud bricked houses;...

11 May 2009

Iraq: Meeting Sarah Palin

Iraqi Raed Jarrar has concluded a speaking tour in Alaska, where he was welcomed by the “one and only” Sarah Palin. “And yes, her voice is as annoying in person,”...

11 May 2009

Syria: Just Say Sorry

Syrian blogger Omar, who is based in Canada, wonders what would have happened had Osama bin Laden apologised after the September 11 attacks: “[O]ver 100 Afghani civilians died in an...

8 May 2009

Saudi Arabia: Women not allowed

Saudi blogger Aysha Alkusayer describes how her hopes were dashed after being turned away from an audition, which was supposedly open to both sexes, in Riyadh. “Today I hoped and...

7 May 2009

Algeria: Berber, Arabic or French?

Algerian linguist Lameen Souag asks: “The key issue in Algerian linguistic politics – substantially overshadowing the question of the role of Berber – is what should be the language of...

7 May 2009