Zeinab and Iyad: Love Across the Syrian Divide
MICH CAFE: They met, fell in love and got married. A simple story but not so simple when you’re on two sides of a sectarian divide in the midst of a civil war
Opportunity U.S.A: Has ‘The Melting Pot’ Boiled Dry?
ABU MOHAMMED: It’s supposed to be society where everyone can ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’. Not now, according to research
‘Renounce Violence’: The Way for Egypt’s Parties
MOHAMED EL SAYED, CGNEWS: The temptation to resort to violence to conduct political discourse needs to stop in Egypt
Ferris Wheel Furore: Problem With Dubai’s ‘New Shiny’
ALEXANDER MCNABB: It’s always fun ‘gazumping’ a world record announcement by New York. But there’s a little problem with Dubai’s new landmark
Suffer Little Children: Time for Saudi Protection Laws
EMAN AL NAFJAN: There have been so many horrific crimes reported against children with frighteningly lenient sentences. Enough is enough
Snow Joke: Saudi Students ‘Enjoy’ U.S Storm
ROB L. WAGNER: While most US residents were wrapping up warm and hugging their radiators Saudi students were making ‘snow angels’.
Marriage Debate ‘Touches Raw Nerve’ in Lebanon
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: The attempt by a Sunni woman and a Shi’a man to effect a civil marriage in Lebanon has brought the issue of national identity to the fore
The Durex Arabia Debacle: Not So Sensitive Then
SHAAHIMA FAHIM: Discreet delivery via drivers impersonating policemen? What ever entered the minds of the Durex Arabia marketing team.
Muslim Patrol: Proof of the Power of Social Media
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: The way to notoriety these days is clear – do something hateful, film it and stick it on YouTube
Arabic Chat: An Encounter With Hatred On a Train
MORIEL ROTHMAN, CGNEWS: Two obviously Jewish people speaking Arabic in a public place was sure to cause a reaction.
#MyJihad: The Struggle To Reclaim a Word
MONIQUE PARSONS, CGNEWS: It is one of the most over-used yet least understood terms in relation to Islam. A concerted campaign has begun to claim it back.
‘Child Soldiers’ or ‘Cadets’. No Label, Respect Children.
MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: On occasion depending on the nature of the particular conflict a discussion fires up related to child soldiers. With Mali it’s here again.
Sharjah vs Dubai?: Sorry, There’s No Contest
ALEXANDER MCNABB: You can keep your super-malls and your skyscrapers. The back street souks of Sharjah do me fine, thanks all the same.
The Many Different Shades of ‘Muslim Feminism’
ERIKA SANCHEZ, CGNEWS: Putting the two words side by side ‘Muslim’ and ‘Feminism’ is sure to evoke powerful reactions in many of the faithful
Saudi-Arabia: Roads Not Paved in Gold For All
LAYLA: The impression that foreigners in particular have of Saudi Arabia is that it is a land bathed in unbelievable wealth. For many citizens that is not so.
Budaiya: The Simple Pleasures of a Bahraini Market
STEVE ROYSTON: A wealthy part of the island which is close to several troubled Shia villages Budaiya hosts a market that points to the past
A Snow Story: Our Shared, Common Humanity
RUTH EGLASH, CGNEWS: As snow fell heavily throughout the Levant last week I was reminded of how the weather levels our daily issues
‘Seed of Self-Confidence’ Grows Within Arab Women
NATALA DE-LONG BAS, CGNEWS: Two years into the Arab Spring and what advances have really been made by women in their battle for equality?
An ‘Israeli Spring’ for Palestine? The Call Is Out
MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: It’s a bold move and one that is sure to cause much aggression and derision to be directed his way. What’s the story behind the brutality?
The Menace of Mopeds in the Medina: Need for Speed
DEREK WORKMAN, VIEW FROM FEZ: Some traders and residents in the Medina have had enough of the speedy, ill-disciplined moped riders.