Culture: It’s A Declining Currency in East and West
ABU MOHAMMED: ‘Salvador Dali. Who’s he?’ You would have thought a basic knowledge of 20th century art was required of college grads.
Israel: Extinguishing the Last Light in Palestine
JUAN COLE: The Israeli government deliberately does not give Palestinians building permits [for solar energy], because it wants them to emigrate.
No ‘3-for-2’: Shop for ‘Spiritual Truths’ in the Medina
CHRISTINA AMMON, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: A visit to the Medina in Fez is about as far away from a trip to Gap or Victoria’s Secret as it’s possible to get.
‘Writing the Revolution’: Two Authors Reflect
JENNIFER SEARS, ARABLIT: Two leading novelists attending an event in New York reflect on the role of intellectuals on this year’s events.
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.
Not to Publish bin Laden Photo Wise and Decent
JUAN COLE: The United States has clearly learned from the propaganda disaster that resulted from the release of Saddam Hussein’s filmed execution.
Protecting Arabic In Digital Communications
CROSSROADS ARABIA: No language—not even ‘dead’ languages like Latin—are immune to change. Latin is constantly developing to deal with new technology and social developments.
Riyadh Book Fair Debacle is Nothing More Than Theater
ROB L. WAGNER: Religious conservatives’ disruptive behavior at the Riyadh Book Fair illustrates the Saudi government’s acceptance of intolerance as long as it doesn’t interfere with its push to modernize the country.
“Après Moi, le Déluge.” What lies post Mubarak?
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The big question, of course, is ‘After Mubarak, what?’ I’m sure Mubarak feels, as did Louis XV, Après moi, le déluge.
