They Were Unexpected Heroes. We Should Remember Them
As the Muslim world celebrates Eid Al Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan, some Muslims in Jalalabad in Afghanistan will find it very hard to celebrate anything. These will include the wives and children of the Afghan policemen who died while successfully stopping three cars of suicide bombers trying to attack the Indian consulate. These will include the families of the eight children who were killed by the bombers while at a Quran class in a nearby mosque.
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Muslims in Jalalabad in Afghanistan will find it very hard to celebrate anything this Eid, especially the wives and children of the policemen who died stopping the cars of suicide bombers.
‘Roar Like A Mouse’: International Voices on Palestine
More bad news emerged from Israel in recent weeks. Indeed, good news is seldom associated with Israel and its military occupation and institutionalized discrimination and mistreatment of Palestinians.
RAMZY BAROUD: ‘The facts on the ground’ quicken day by day as the voices raised in opposition grow more feeble
Uncertainty Undermining Joy of New Freedom
The positive side of continual political change has got lost in the Arab world. Fear of uncertainty has killed the joy of new political life emerging in so many Arab states. The grim weekly numbers of people killed in political and sectarian violence dominate the new burgeoning of political life at national and local levels.
FRANCIS MATTHEW: The positive side of continual political change has got lost in the Arab world. Fear of uncertainty has killed the joy of new political life.
iPads and Infidels: Inaccurate, Superficial Saudi View
EMAN AL-NAFJAN: Here we go again – another foreigner rattles out yet another ‘analysis’ of Saudi Arabia that seems to have been pre-cooked.
Corruption ‘On the Increase’ Across Arab World
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Corruption is so deeply ingrained in societies across the Arab world that promoting transparency seems an almost hopeless task
Climate Change: The Arab World Has ‘Finally Got It’
WAEL HMAIDAN, CGNEWS: The striking sight of people demonstrating in the street in Doha in favour of climate regulation is a sign of significant change
‘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
There’ll Never Be a ‘Right’ President for Palestine
NADIA HIJAB, TABSIR: Palestinians have finally realised that they themselves will determine their own fate not some idealised notion of a U.S President.
Two Syrian Female Activists Receive Global Recognition
MICH CAFE: One is a lawyer and human rights activist the other is a leading author but the bravery of both women has been acknowledged by a wider audience
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.
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.
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
The Muted Voice: Where Are Tunisia’s Young People?
NOUR AWAISS, CGNEWS: So prominent in the protests that swept over the country last year Tunisia’s young people seem to be absent from public discourse now
Egyptian Artists vs Government: Is Conflict Inevitable?
ASMAA NAGUIB, ARABLIT: Many prominent Egyptian artists met recently to discuss how best to regulate the relationship between the Culture Ministry and themselves.
Restoring the Glory of Fez: A ‘Capital Idea?’
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It has enjoyed a glorious past but faces a very uncertain future. There’s a case to be made for restoring Fez as Morocco’s capital city.
Islamic Finance: A New Model for Global System?
MARIA PAZ-LOPEZ, CGNEWS: Following the crisis of confidence in the global financial system there has been much discussion of alternative models
Moroccan Youth Take Initiative To Reform Society
NADIA RABBAA, CGNEWS: End corruption, reform the judicial system, better access to education and better healthcare. Key demands of Moroccan youth organisations
Egyptian Women ‘Fighting Hard’ For Rights
RANDA EL TAHAWY, CGNEWS: Women across the political spectrum in Egypt are refusing to be sidelined or misrepresented.
‘Gender Parity’: Major Strides Being Made in Algeria
N. HAFID, CGNEWS: Women now make up almost a third of deputies to the Algerian parliament, up from 8 percent five years ago.
‘Slaves to Occupation? No!’: ‘Non-Violence? Yes.’
MUSTAFA BARGHOUTHI, MONDOWEISS: The recent hunger strike should be a wake up call for Palestinians.
