‘The Square’: A Compelling View of Egypt’s Revolution
NASEEM TARAWNAH: I have my personal memories of that tumultuous time. But ‘The Square’ is a vision that all Arabs and non-Arabs should view.
‘Too Extreme for Al Qaeda’: Al Zawahiri Disowns ISIL
JUAN COLE: The insistence by many commentators in speaking about a single Al Qaeda entity in Iraq and Syria is plain wrong.
The Arab Women Writers To Read: A Personal Choice
M. LYNX-QUALEY: I’m a less than enthusiastic participant in the ‘Women to Read’ movement but here are some writers worth spending time with.
‘Translating for Bigots’: One Author’s How-To Guide
M. LYNX-QUALEY: If you’re looking to communicate with an audience that is, let’s call it, less sympathetic to your views how should you go about it?
A Matter of Translation: Aswany Endures Fierce Attack
M. LYNX-QUALEY: He’s arguably Egypt’s best-known novelist but Alaa Aswany has come under ferocious criticism from his ex-translator
Tawfiq al-Hakim: Let’s Celebrate The ‘First’ Arab Novelist
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Naguib Mahfouz himself saw him as the originator of the modern Arab novel. His work and his life are deserving of celebration
‘Omar’: The First Wholly Palestinian Movie On Occupation
JONATHAN COOK: It is written by Palestinians, stars Palestinians and is funded entirely by Palestinian money. Welcome to ‘Omar’.
Saudi Film To Win An Oscar? ‘No Thank You!’
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The Saudi made film Wajda has been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category for the Oscars. But the country doesn’t even have a cinema!
UAE: The World’s Smartphone Leader
The United Arab Emirates leads the world in smartphone penetration, with 74% of mobile subscribers carrying one of the natty little devils in their pockets.
ALEXANDER MCNABB: The United Arab Emirates leads the world in smartphone penetration, with 74% of mobile subscribers carrying one of the natty little devils in their pockets.
Is the Divide Between ‘High’ and ‘Low-Brow’ A Myth?
M. LYNX-QUALEY: I confess – I read from both sides of the so-called ‘great divide’ in Egyptian literature. Should we even talk in these terms anymore?
‘Gaga, There’s More to The Burqa Than A Stage Prop’
KEZIA RIDGEWAY, CGNEWS: It’s not suprising that Lady Gaga has lit on the burqa as a garb-of-controversy but she could use the debate more constructively
‘We Fight With Our Imagination’: Feted Director Speaks
JONATHAN COOK: He’s will not let Israelis forget about the impact that their occupation has on everyday Palestinian life.
Arab Writers Are Stuck In A Cultural Cul-De-Sac – Dabbagh
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Unlike, say South American writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Arab writers appear to be defined by their geography and politics
‘Little Green Men vs Arabs’: Simple Choice for U.S Readers
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Selling Arabic literature, in translation, to a U.S audience is particularly challenging
Message to Myriam – ‘You Have Plenty to Be Modest About’
Lebanese singer Myriam Fares' latest television appearance has left viewers less than impressed.
RACHEL MCARTHUR: She’s made plenty of headlines this week but she would do well to reflect on the word ‘modesty’ in all its senses
‘Wadjda’ – A Beautiful, Nuanced Evocation of Saudi Life
STEVE ROYSTON: It’s the story of a young girl’s everyday life in Riyadh. How many Saudis, though, will give up the chance to see the latest CGI blockbuster to view it?
Rare Interview With Rawi Hage: ‘I’m Free To Be Difficult’
M. LYNX-QUALEY: He came to writing late and he writes in his third language but Rawi Hage has developed a compelling, distinctive voice
The Dubai Book Club War: Curbed In the Nick of Time
ALEXANDER MCNABB: A new regulatory authority for social clubs in Dubai has appeared. So is the humble book club included?
Children’s Puppet Show: A Threat to Israeli Public Security
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Children’s puppets represent a new target for the Israeli authorities.
Satire in the Arab World: Getting to the Crux of Issues
TABSIR: Jon Stewart’s recent appearance on Bassem Youssef’s Egyptian show underscores the power that satirists have to unsettle holders of power
