Common Ground News Service

‘Seed of Self-Confidence’ Grows Within Arab Women

‘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?

 Tabsir

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

KHALED FATTAH, TABSIR: There is a lazy shorthand in much Western reporting on the Middle East, particularly when it comes to describing the influence of tribes

 Alexander McNabb

Into The Dark: Jordanians protest Media Law

Into The Dark: Jordanians protest Media Law

ALEXANDER MCNABB: Jordan’s smart and technically capable young people deserve better than muckle-headed legislation hewn from granite by politicians.

 The View From Fez

Furore Over New Moroccan Media Rules

Furore Over New Moroccan Media Rules

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: An attempt by Islamists to mould the Moroccan media in its own image?

 Common Ground News Service

Being a Muslim Feminist: Yes, It Is Possible

Being a Muslim Feminist: Yes, It Is Possible

FATEMEH FAKHRAIE, CGNEWS: I see no contradiction in being both a Muslim and a feminist. Unfortunately, many other people do…

 Alexander McNabb

UAE Gears Up for Elections – But Will the Voters Show Up?

UAE Gears Up for Elections – But Will the Voters Show Up?

ALEXANDER MCNABB: Gulf News’ editor Abdul Hamid Ahmad points out not all Dubai candidates have been active. “They do not have the motivation..”

 Common Ground News Service

Education is key to creating ‘culture of peace’ in Egypt

Education is key to creating ‘culture of peace’ in Egypt

JOSEPH MAYTON, CGNEWS: Sectarian interpretation of the country’s history is a big problem in Egyptian education. An approach that recognises and celebrates the contribution of ‘the Other’ is long overdue.

 Michael J. Totten

Ex Brotherhood Members Speak Out

Ex Brotherhood Members Speak Out

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: What exactly is the Muslim Brotherhood’s ‘game-plan’ for Egypt? One way of finding out is to talk to former loyalists…

 Common Ground News Service

Norway: The Real Danger of Islamophobia

Norway: The Real Danger of Islamophobia

NATANA J.DELONG-BAS, CGNEWS: First ‘Islamic terrorists’ were to blame for the Norway massacre, then they weren’t. The fear engendered by Islamophobes has, however, real consequences

 Common Ground News Service

Women in Saudi: The Drive for Rights Continues

Women in Saudi: The Drive for Rights Continues

NATANA J.DeLONG-BAS, CGNEWS: The campaign to improve women’s rights in the Kingdom has focused on the issue of driving but progress is being quietly made in other areas of Saudi life.

 Common Ground News Service

Women Must Claim Their Place in ‘Arab Spring’

Women Must Claim Their Place in ‘Arab Spring’

NATANA J. DELONG-BAS, CGNEWS: They have confronted Western stereotypes and achieved much – but will they actively participate actively in emerging democracies?

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

The Top 100 – and Five – Arabic Novels

The Top 100 – and Five – Arabic Novels

M. LYNX-QUALEY: The Arab Writers Union has listed the Top 100 Arabic novels. Puzzling, annoying, lists such as this are nevertheless fun.

 Rob L. Wagner

Riyadh Book Fair Debacle is Nothing More Than Theater

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.

 Common Ground News Service

Tawakkul Karman: The Woman Leading Yemen’s Protests

Tawakkul Karman: The Woman Leading Yemen’s Protests

ALICE HACKMAN: She has been profiled by leading international publications but long before the world discovered Tawakkul Karman she was battling fearlessly in support of human rights.

 Crossroads Arabia

Paper View: Arab Media at a Turning Point

Paper View: Arab Media at a Turning Point

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The passion for journalism remains, but today’s younger generation of aspiring journalists would be more picky as to where they would work…

 Rob L. Wagner

Saudi Electronic Media Law Sparks Blogger Fears

Saudi Electronic Media Law Sparks Blogger Fears

ROB L. WAGNER: The Kingdom doesn’t yet require blogging licenses, but vague language in a new licensing law may hold surprises for Saudi bloggers.

 Crossroads Arabia

Time to Say, ‘Goodbye’: Mubarak is the Problem

Time to Say, ‘Goodbye’: Mubarak is the Problem

CROSSROADS ARABIA: After 30 years in power, Mubarak appears no longer capable of providing a solution to Egypt. Rather, he is now the problem.

 Ahmed-Al-Omran

The Wait is Over: New Saudi Online Law Unveiled

The Wait is Over: New Saudi Online Law Unveiled

AHMED AL OMRAN: The wording may be clunky but the intent is clear. The Ministry of Culture and Information is looking to extend its control.

 Crossroads Arabia

How Saudi Arabia’s Media is tacking Wikileaks

How Saudi Arabia’s Media is tacking Wikileaks

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Saudi media is taking note of the WikiLeaks phenomenon. This piece from Arab News reflects the best and smartest policy that the Saudi government could follow: refuse comment.