Common Ground News Service

Children’s Books ‘A Powerful Way’ to Explain Islam

Children’s Books ‘A Powerful Way’ to Explain Islam

HENA KHAN, CGNEWS: As an author of children’s books that seek to explain some of the key precepts of Islam I’ve found they make a profound impact

 Common Ground News Service

‘Forgotten Impact of Islam’ Highlighted in Exhibitions

‘Forgotten Impact of Islam’ Highlighted in Exhibitions

LUCY CHUMBLEY, CGNEWS: Two exhibitions currently in Washington DC have had a transformative effect on millions of Muslims views of their heritage

 Common Ground News Service

Day-To-Day Lives of Arabs Revealed at Film Festival

Day-To-Day Lives of Arabs Revealed at Film Festival

DINA MAGDY, CGNEWS: The London MENA Film Festival provided a welcome release from easy stereotype and news headlines which too easily define Arabs in Western eyes.

 Common Ground News Service

Identity, Politics, Secularism: A Heady Mix in Egypt

Identity, Politics, Secularism: A Heady Mix in Egypt

H. A. HELLYER, CGNEWS: The opportunity to gain the views of a noted intellectual, academic and political figure on the future of Egypt was not to be missed.

 Common Ground News Service

U.S Election: Muslims Help Get the Vote Out

U.S Election: Muslims Help Get the Vote Out

REMZIYA SULEYMAN, CGNEWS: There has been a notable uptick in civic participation by Muslims within Tennessee. A sign of growing confidence

 Common Ground News Service

A Question of Identity: Leaders Consider ‘Belonging’

A Question of Identity: Leaders Consider ‘Belonging’

CGNEWS: A new initiative seeks to allow public figures and young leaders the opportunity to define their own views of their individual identities

 Common Ground News Service

‘Energy’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Creativity’: Women of Palestine

‘Energy’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Creativity’: Women of Palestine

MORGAN MCDANIEL, CGNEWS: Palestinian women are finding creative ways to engage both socially and economically in the face of many restrictions.

 Common Ground News Service

‘Civil Initiatives’ vs ‘Politics’: Lebanese Youth Decide

‘Civil Initiatives’ vs ‘Politics’: Lebanese Youth Decide

NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Many young Lebanese people from all sides are disillusioned with sectarianism and violence. The recent bomb proved a catalyst for change

 Common Ground News Service

‘Learned, Feisty and Principled’: Women In Islam

‘Learned, Feisty and Principled’: Women In Islam

ASMA AFSARUDDIN, CGNEWS: Malala Yousufzai follows in a proud tradition of women who have played a central role in the development of Islam.

 Common Ground News Service

“I’m With The Uprising of Women in the Arab World…’

“I’m With The Uprising of Women in the Arab World…’

NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Women have played a key role in the Arab Spring but they have to continue to fight to have their views heard.

 Common Ground News Service

Free Speech v Religious Respect: Squaring the Circle

Free Speech v Religious Respect: Squaring the Circle

REBECCA CATALDI, CGNEWS: It doesn’t have to an ‘either or’ situation. People can speak freely and also ensure that they don’t insult religion.

 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

 Common Ground News Service

Iranians and Israelis – Really so Different?

Iranians and Israelis – Really so Different?

CG NEWS: For an Iranian to express such thoughts to an Israeli implies a level of trust that would seem impossible if you believe what the newspapers say.

 Common Ground News Service

What Is the Point of the Palestinian Authority?

What Is the Point of the Palestinian Authority?

DAWOUD ABU LEBDEH, CGNEWS: Its role is minimal compared to that envisaged in the Oslo Accords. Faced with a threat to its existence what should PA do?

 Common Ground News Service

Humour: A Creative, Intelligent Way to Debate Difference

Humour: A Creative, Intelligent Way to Debate Difference

ALICE HACKMAN: In all of the uproar and furore of the past few months in the ongoing West vs Islam narrative a few voices have risen above the heat of rage.

 Common Ground News Service

Men Step Up To Combat Egyptian Female Harassment

Men Step Up To Combat Egyptian Female Harassment

NIHAL MAGDY, CGNEWS: The issue of sexual harassment is huge in modern Egypt. Men are joining women’s groups to combat the problem.

 Common Ground News Service

Cairo’s Latte Drinking Salafis: Stereotype Busters

Cairo’s Latte Drinking Salafis: Stereotype Busters

NADA ZOHDY, CGNEWS: You’ll find them at Costa or Starbucks. They’re happy to discuss rather than denounce and they’re seeking ways to build Egypt’s civil society.

 Common Ground News Service

Since The Revolution: Victories and Losses

Since The Revolution: Victories and Losses

AKREM KAABI, CGNEWS: There are significant threats to democracy and to hard won freedoms but huge progress has been made.

 Common Ground News Service

Activist Success: Civic Groups ‘Thrive’ in New Tunisia

Activist Success: Civic Groups ‘Thrive’ in New Tunisia

INES ZGUIDANE, CGNEWS: A new sense of civic engagement has taken root in Tunisia with individuals working together to deal with major societal issues

 Common Ground News Service

Israelis and Pakistanis: Unlikely Connections?

Israelis and Pakistanis: Unlikely Connections?

DAHLIA SCHIENDLIN, CGNEWS: It was the people rather than the politics that first attracted me to Pakistan. We have a lot in common.