M.-Lynx-Qualey

An Iraqi Icon: Fadhil Al-Azzawi Reviews His Career

An Iraqi Icon: Fadhil Al-Azzawi Reviews His Career

AMIRA ABD EL-KHALEK, CGNEWS: He is one of the Arab World’s most revered authors and recently looked back on his life of writing.

 Common Ground News Service

The Fear Business: Listening & Speaking Break Cycle

ARIEL KATZ, CGNEWS: It’s much easier to attack ‘the other’ when you don’t hear their stories and don’t see their pain.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

‘Beauty of Arabic? No, the Violence of Events Is Vital’

‘Beauty of Arabic? No, the Violence of Events Is Vital’

SARAH IRVING, ARABLIT: An Iraqi refugee now based in Finland Hassan Blasim has firm views on language, violence and modern Iraq.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

New Venue Highlights ‘Literary Potential of Dubai’

New Venue Highlights ‘Literary Potential of Dubai’

M. LYNX-QUALEY: The opening today of a new venue in Dubai which encourages artists and authors to meet is further evidence of the growing cultural scene in the city

 Common Ground News Service

3Fs Forum: ‘All of the Big Questions Up for Discussion’

3Fs Forum: ‘All of the Big Questions Up for Discussion’

JESSICA ABRAHAMS, CGNEWS: Frank and open dialogue was the name of the game at a recent inter-faith event in the UK.

 Common Ground News Service

El Kef: The Thriving Centre of Tunisian Theatre

El Kef: The Thriving Centre of Tunisian Theatre

AMINA BENKHLIFA, CGNEWS: Often associated with harsh weather and difficult economic conditions El Kef, my hometown, has a deep theatrical heritage

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Egyptian Artists vs Government: Is Conflict Inevitable?

Egyptian Artists vs Government: Is Conflict Inevitable?

ASMAA NAGUIB, ARABLIT: Many prominent Egyptian artists met recently to discuss how best to regulate the relationship between the Culture Ministry and themselves.

 Mich Cafe

Hollywood Stars Join Call to Free Syrian Filmmaker

Hollywood Stars Join Call to Free Syrian Filmmaker

MICH CAFE: Orwa Nyrabia has been missing for almost three weeks. Pressure is mounting to find out where he is though it’s being led from outside the Arab world.

 Susie of Arabia

Jeddah: The Sculptural Capital of the Arab World

Jeddah: The Sculptural Capital of the Arab World

SUSIE OF ARABIA: It’s a little known fact but the original work of some of the world’s most famous sculptors is scattered throughout the Saudi port city.

 Richard Silverstein

Rachel Corrie – Not the First, Probably Not the Last

Rachel Corrie – Not the First, Probably Not the Last

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: The IDF (and Border Police) are murderers. They kill civilians. Unarmed civilians. Who protest for justice and human rights. This is no defensive army.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

‘This Is Not A Time for Fiction’: Arab Novelists’ Crisis

‘This Is Not A Time for Fiction’: Arab Novelists’ Crisis

M. LYNX-QUALEY: Ahdaf Soueif said it first but many of her peers agree that the tumultuous events wracking the Arab world leave fiction irrelevant.

 Editor, MEP

Art ‘Spiritual Answer for Oppression’

VIDEO, AL JAZEERA: Al Jazeera talks to Libyan artist Mohammad bin Lamin who used art to survive his time in prison before the country’s revolution.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Trials and Tribulations of a Dhofari Bride

The Trials and Tribulations of a Dhofari Bride

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I removed myself some time ago from the Dhofari wedding scene. Here’s why.

 Rachel McArthur

Fadel: Genuine or ‘Bandwagon Jumper’?

Fadel: Genuine or ‘Bandwagon Jumper’?

RACHEL MC ARTHUR: He’s been getting a lot of attention but what’s really behind his criticism of Basher al Assad?

 Rachel McArthur

Ragheb Alama: Learning from Arab Idol

Ragheb Alama: Learning from Arab Idol

RACHEL MCARTHUR: Ragheb has been praised by critics for his fairness, but it has not been clear if he was going to return for the next season – until now.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Hajj Exhibition: ‘Standing in Another’s Shoes’

Hajj Exhibition: ‘Standing in Another’s Shoes’

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: A major exhibition in the British Museum is attempting to recreate the experience of Hajj.

 Common Ground News Service

What Happens If Syrian’s Christians Leave?

What Happens If Syrian’s Christians Leave?

STEPHANIE SALDANA, CGNEWS: There is a very real possibility that the Christians in Syria will leave as conflict escalates. What will be the consequences?

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Leading Syrian Writers and Artists Under Attack

Leading Syrian Writers and Artists Under Attack

M. LYNX QUALEY: Whether it’s novelists, songwriters or cartoonists artists of all shades and description are subject to vicious and sustained attack

 Steve Royston

Where is the ‘Arab Lobby’ in the United States?

Where is the ‘Arab Lobby’ in the United States?

STEVE ROYSTON: There are many reasons why the ‘Arab Voice’ is so weak in the United States. But that doesn’t give leaders and opinion formers an excuse.

 Rachel McArthur

Lebanon’s Hottest New Act… Mashrou Leila

Lebanon’s Hottest New Act… Mashrou Leila

RACHEL MCARTHUR: Remember the name Mashrou Leila (Leila’s Project), because we guarantee this band will become a household name very soon.