I am a writer, activist, researcher, and blogger. I serve as Director of International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and write for several platforms, including Al Jazeera English and The Guardian.
Latest posts by Jillian C. York from October, 2008
Morocco: Halloween Not Just for Expats Anymore
The Halloween tradition is a muddled one; with traditions in an ancient Celtic celebration, Halloween started in Europe and made its way to the United States, where it has been embraced as a holiday for children. In recent years, however, the American version of Halloween has spread to the rest of the world, with Morocco being no exception.
Morocco: Habib Belkacem, Producer Extraordinaire
Cinema and Movies talks about female Moroccan film producer Habiba Belkacem.
Western Sahara: Educational Success
Western Sahara Echo remarks upon the success of the educational system in Western Sahara,
Morocco: Barça Fan Jailed for Superlative Statement
Many bloggers were shocked last week to learn that a young Moroccan man had been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for what seemed like such a minor "crime." The young man, a Barça (FC Barcelona, a soccer team) fan, allegedly wrote “God, Nation, Barça” on the blackboard at his school. Morocco's motto is "God, Nation, King."
Morocco: Tangier Experiences Massive Flooding
For the past few years, Morocco has been experiencing a significant drought. Unfortunately, recent rain storms have brought little relief, as Northern Morocco experiences massive flooding, claiming the lives of at least 13 people. The View From Fez recently reported on the floods: Thirteen people have been killed in northern...
Blogging Rural Morocco: Peace Corps Volunteers
Morocco has an active and healthy blogosphere. Bloggers write in Arabic, French, English, Spanish, and Amazigh, covering a wide range of topics and issues. The one negative about the Moroccan "blogoma," however, is that the majority of its adherents are clustered within major cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Fez) and abroad; little is blogged about the rural areas. That's where the Peace Corps and Fulbright bloggers come in; as many are stationed in remote areas of Morocco, they are able to paint a picture of the other side of life in the country.
USA: “Obsession” Anti-Islam Film Angers Bloggers
Last week, many newspaper subscribers across the United States were surprised to discover a DVD inserted into their Sunday paper. The video, which can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube, is entitled "Obsession: Radical Islam's War With the West" and portends to compare the threat of radical Islamism with that of Nazi Germany prior to World War II.
Morocco: Film Festival in Tribute to Youssef Chahine
Daily Maghreb reports that this year's Marrakesh film festival will pay tribute to British cinema and honor recently deceased director Youssef Chahine.
Morocco: Fez to Host Ronaldinho and Zidane
The View from Fez reports that the city of Fez will host UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors and celebrity footballers Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane for a Match Against Poverty.
Morocco: New Spike Lee Film
Moroccan blogger Allal El Alaoui of cinema and movies writes a critique of Spike Lee's upcoming film.
