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 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Suffer Little Children: Time for Saudi Protection Laws

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

 Ramzy Baroud

The, ah, ‘Peace Process’ Is On A Road To Nowhere

The, ah, ‘Peace Process’ Is On A Road To Nowhere

RAMZY BAROUD: There are whispers about whispers and rumours of various parties prepared to do business but don’t expect much to change in the near future

 Common Ground News Service

The Textbook Narrative That Demonises ‘The Other’

The Textbook Narrative That Demonises ‘The Other’

MICHAEL FELSEN, CGNEWS: A major study of Palestinian and Israeli textbooks provides some startling findings.

 Common Ground News Service

Marriage Debate ‘Touches Raw Nerve’ in Lebanon

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

 Shaahima Fahim

The Durex Arabia Debacle: Not So Sensitive Then

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.

 Richard Silverstein

Israel Falls to 112th in Press Freedom Index

Israel Falls to 112th in Press Freedom Index

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: Israel has fallen 20 places in the Press Freedom Index. It now ranks below both Qatar and Kuwait. But is its ranking low enough?

 Steve Royston

Hitler, Friend of the Arabs? Twisted History in the Region

Hitler, Friend of the Arabs? Twisted History in the Region

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s not just the Second World War that has been warped by teachers, politicians and others for their own purposes.

 Juan Cole

Of Life and Creation: The Artists of Palestine Speak

Of Life and Creation: The Artists of Palestine Speak

LAYLA QURAN, INFORMED COMMENT: Last Summer I travelled with my father to Palestine to interview leading artists, poets and musicians.

 Richard Silverstein

Scarfe’s Cartoon Is Grotesque. So Is the Occupation

Scarfe’s Cartoon Is Grotesque. So Is the Occupation

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: The work of Gerald Scarfe has always evoked strong views but he has surpassed himself with his Netanyahu cartoon.

 James M. Dorsey

In Israel and Egypt The Stench of Racism Grows Stronger

In Israel and Egypt The Stench of Racism Grows Stronger

JAMES DORSEY: Whether it’s Israeli football teams or Egyptian presidents accusations of racism are running rife throughout the region.

 mai abdul rahman

‘Child Soldiers’ or ‘Cadets’. No Label, Respect Children.

‘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.

 Steve Royston

Culture: What Really Drives Middle East Companies?

Culture: What Really Drives Middle East Companies?

STEVE ROYSTON: An enormous amount of time, money and energy is wasted trying to ‘change corporate culture’. But what are the characteristics of a Middle East organisation?

 James M. Dorsey

Port Said Verdict: Who Was Really Responsible?

Port Said Verdict: Who Was Really Responsible?

JAMES DORSEY: The belief among many people in Port Said is that its fans, team and city have been ‘thrown to the wolves’.

 Common Ground News Service

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The appointment of 30 extremely well-qualified women to the Shura Council is just the latest in a string of recent achievements for Saudi women.

 Mondoweiss

Israeli Election Upset: Good News for Peace? Ah, No.

Israeli Election Upset: Good News for Peace? Ah, No.

MONDOWEISS: The surprising blow to Netanyahu suggests good news for Israeli-Palestinian relations. Let’s look at Yair Lapid’s statements on the issue.

 Juan Cole

Obama’s Speech: Is Era of ‘Perpetual War’ Closing?

Obama’s Speech: Is Era of ‘Perpetual War’ Closing?

JUAN COLE: President Obama’s inauguration speech is sure to trigger panic among the ‘we must have war’ crowd. But does he really mean it?

 Jonathan Cook

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

JONATHAN COOK: The overwhelming reaction of most Palestinian-Israelis to the upcoming Israeli election can be summed up in one word – apathy.

 David Roberts

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a while since I’ve left Qatar but the differences between the tiny peninsula state and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are striking

 Common Ground News Service

‘Be Optimistic for Egypt’: The Glass Is Half-Full

‘Be Optimistic for Egypt’: The Glass Is Half-Full

MOUSTAFA MENSHAWY, CGNEWS: You can find dozens of reasons to despair at the state of Egypt but if you look hard enough there are reasons to be cheerful

 James M. Dorsey

Equality on the Pitch: Women’s Football ‘on the Rise’

Equality on the Pitch: Women’s Football ‘on the Rise’

JAMES M. DORSEY: A newly launched campaign reflects the societal changes that are being felt throughout the Middle East today