Hope in 2011: People and Civil Society Stand Tall
When the Iraqi army fell before invading US and British troops in 2003, the latter’s mission seemed to be accomplished. But nearly eight years after the start of a war intended to shock and awe a whole population into submission, the Iraqi people continue to stand tall. They have confronted and rejected foreign occupations, held […]
The Very Hidden Talents of Saudi Arabian Men
AMERICAN BEDU: A Saudi man may want every woman to think that when he comes in the door all that’s expected of him is to take off his shoes, put his feet up and turn on the TV, but…
God-TV helps Israel oust Bedouins
JONATHAN COOK: The involvement of extremist Christian groups like God-TV will turn this into a religious confrontation – much harder to resolve…
Christmas Cartoon Urges Iraqis to do it for ThemSelves
BASSAM SEBTI: The message in the video is powerful, urging Iraqis to stand up and start rebuilding their country themselves, instead of waiting for others…
Familiar Enemies: Entwined Lives of Israelis & Palestinians
JOHARAH BAKER: We know what buttons to press to evoke an immediate reaction from each other. Proximity and hostility does strange things.
New Lawrence of Arabia Bio – “Fabulously Weird”
TABSIR: Fanatically brave, chillingly ruthless, he was fastidious, repressed, allergic to physical contact, addicted to roasting baths. He was fabulously weird.
Suicide Sparks Unrest, Spreads throughout Tunisia
THE MOOR NEXT DOOR: Following the suicide of a young, unemployed man in Sidi Bouzid, demonstrations have broken out all over Tunisia.
Muslim Guidebook: How to Deal with Christmas
YAHYA EDERER: Every December the Christmas clamour seems to increase around the world. I have some thoughts on how Muslims should manage the festive ‘bombardment’.
Democracy Performance Review : Could do Better
STEVE ROYSTON: The concept of government for the people and by the people – is as far from a reality at the end of 2010 as it ever was.
Christmas: Making Bonds through Celebrations
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMMED: And in the carol O Come all Ye Faithful, I changed the words “Christ the Lord” to “Allah the Lord”. No harm done, eh? I didn’t mean any disrespect, I simply loved the togetherness of it.
An Iraqi Christmas In Amman
NASEEM TARAWNAH: The photo is a reminder of the difficulties of this region. Of conflict. Of safe havens. Of wars. Of truce. Stripped of politics, it is free…
Is it Time to give Saudi Arabian Youth its Voice?
STEVE ROYSTON: Respect for the elderly is deeply ingrained in Arab society. Saudi Arabia, however, faces a major demographic challenge – a hugely youthful population.
A Desecration of Jewish Values: Racism in Israel
RABBI DAVID ROSEN: Eliahu claims to have “evidence” that Islamist forces are providing money for Arabs to buy up property to promote an Arab demographic takeover of the country.
A Woman’s Reflection on Leading Prayer
YASMIN MOGAHED: As soon as we accept that everything a man has and does is better, all that follows is a knee-jerk reaction: if men have it, we want it too.
It’s Not “Lady-Like!” – Women’s Sport in Saudi
SUSIE OF ARABIA: You won’t believe some of the ludicrous reasons given for why girls shouldn’t be allowed to participate in sports or exercise in school.
2010: a Year of Failings and Frustrations
OSAMA AL SHARIF: 2010 has established that the region has failed to learn from its past. Failing to resolve conflicts does not mean that they simply go away.
Incubation City: Missing Piece of the UAE puzzle
DAVID WESTLEY: Over the years Dubai has started a host of cities acting as hubs. What it has failed to do is start something as simple as “Incubation City”.
Wikileaks: History Lessons for the Stupid
MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: Surely somewhere there’d be references to a war for oil in Iraq if the war was, in fact, about oil.
Jordan Swings Open its Doors on a 5-Star Jail
NASEEM TARAWNAH: A new ‘five star jail’ has just opened in Jordan for the rich and those formerly of public office… Could it be the beginning of a regional franchise?
Snowman Theft and the Loss of Innocence
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMMED: When we lose hope innocence can prevail, and we no longer value the worth of our contributions, that is a cause for communal emergency.
