Anti-Boycott Law: Israel, A Democracy? Really?
MAIRAV ZONSZEIN, CGNEWS: The recently passed Anti-Boycott law effectively erases the distinction between Israel and the Occupied Territories.
Lebanese Politics: More Women Needed
CGNEWS: Not a single woman was appointed to the recently unveiled Lebanese cabinet. 30 men now govern Lebanon. It’s, unfortunately, indicative of larger problems in society.
The Ongoing Battle Against ‘Honour Killings’
RASHA DEWEDAR, CGNEWS: It’s an issue that faces women throughout the Arab world but progress, it appears, is being made in some countries to protect women.
Norway: The Real Danger of Islamophobia
NATANA J.DELONG-BAS, CGNEWS: First ‘Islamic terrorists’ were to blame for the Norway massacre, then they weren’t. The fear engendered by Islamophobes has, however, real consequences
Clash of Civilisations? Two Men Who Lived the Alternative
LEWIS GROPP, CGNEWS: A recently released documentary highlights much that was little known about Muslim Spain. Its two ‘stars’ are a couple of Islamic and Jewish philosophers.
Women in Saudi: The Drive for Rights Continues
NATANA J.DeLONG-BAS, CGNEWS: The campaign to improve women’s rights in the Kingdom has focused on the issue of driving but progress is being quietly made in other areas of Saudi life.
A Shock to the System: How Israel Turns Friends Away
R. TAYLOR, MONDOWEISS: One woman’s story of her treatment at the hands of the Israeli authorities serves as a parable for how the country can turn its friends against it.
Arab UK Festival Celebrates Multiculturalism
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: A festival held recently in London brought Arabs and non-Arabs together to reflect upon and celebrate true mutliculturalism.
Blogging to Communicate with ‘the Other Side’
ZIAD KHALIL ABU ZAYYAD, CGNEWS: I felt the need to do something that could contribute more substantially to end the suffering of my people and reach peace with our neighbours.
Saudi Youth Points The Way for Arab Civil Society
LULUA ASAAD, CGNEWS: The Young Initiative Group, founded in Saudi Arabia in 2010, has already had a significant impact in effecting positive change within the Kingdom.
Western Views of Middle East & The ‘Gay Girl’
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: The ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’ hoax reveals much about Western perceptions of the Middle East.
‘Audacity of Hope’ Unlikely to Protect Gaza Flotilla Boat
IRA GLUNTS, MONDOWEISS: The American boat due to participate in the upcoming flotilla to Gaza is named after one of President Obama’s books. Will hope be enough for those on board?
Dig In or Engage: Israel’s Stark Choice on Palestine
JEROME M. SEGAL, CGNEWS: The ‘internationalising’ of the Palestinian issue has potentially profound consequences for Israel.
Women Must Claim Their Place in ‘Arab Spring’
NATANA J. DELONG-BAS, CGNEWS: They have confronted Western stereotypes and achieved much – but will they actively participate actively in emerging democracies?
Hip Hop: The Music that Inspired the ‘Arab Spring’
ROSE HACKMAN, CGNEWS: Arabic ‘hip-hop’ with a political twist has been the soundtrack of the revolutions over the past eight months
The ’67 Borders: Who’s Happy to Accept Them?
DAHLIA SCHEINDLIN, CGNEWS: There are a group of people who, it would appear, support Barack Obama’s vision (and that of most of the rest of the world) for a Palestinian State.
What Connects Us is Greater Than What Separates Us
SHEIKH IBRAHIM RAMADAN, CGNEWS: Recognising and celebrating the differences of other religions is a mark of strength, not weakness.
New Media Law A Major Step Forward for Iraq
AHMED FAHAD, CGNEWS: While most focus with Iraq has been on the political upheaval, a law protecting the media represents a major step forward.
How a Singing Competition Changes Perceptions
RUTH EGLASH, CGNEWS: It’s become an instant sensation across the Arab world so it was time, in spite of my concerns, to experience ‘New Star’ first hand.
‘Bacha Khan’: An Example for the Arab Spring
ALI GOHAR, LISA SCHIRCH, CGNEWS: Drawing on Islamic and tribal teachings Bacha Khan headed a non-violent ‘army’ in India in the 1920s.
