Mohamed Salem: ‘Time to Support Arab Comedians’
Look out for Mohamed Salem, because chances are you’re going to hear a lot more about him in the coming year. One of the first stand-up comedians to emerge from Egypt, the 30-year-old Alexandria native has caught the attention of social network users thanks to his show Moga Stand-up, not to mention a few celebrity fans (word has it Egyptian actresses Basma and Donia Sameer Ghanem are just two of the big names who have attended his gigs in the past).
RACHEL MCARTHUR: Look out for Mohamed Salem, because chances are you’re going to hear a lot more about him in the coming year.
Syrian Football Victory ‘a Unifier’? Afraid Not
JAMES M. DORSEY: This weekend’s Syrian victory over Iraq in a soccer match is being seized by the regime as ‘a great national achievement’.
The Fear Business: Listening & Speaking Break Cycle
ARIEL KATZ, CGNEWS: It’s much easier to attack ‘the other’ when you don’t hear their stories and don’t see their pain.
How To Be A Real Middle East Entrepreneur
NASEEM TARAWNAH: It’s not about spinning logos, Facebook likes or fancy events – real entrepreneurship is about engagement.
#MuslimVote: The Hashtag That Changed U.S Politics
MEHRUNISA QAYYUM, CGNEWS: Analysis has revealed that Muslims played a key role in swing states in the recent U.S presidential elections
Your Prejudices About Saudi Arabia: Time for Overhaul
STEVE ROYSTON: Say the words ‘Saudi Arabia’ to someone who has never been there and the results are as predictable as could be.
‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack
MONDOWEISS: The coverage of the Gaza attack by mainstream media has invoked the outrage of leading academics and commentators on Middle East affairs
‘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
“I’m With The Uprising of Women in the Arab World…’
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Women have played a key role in the Arab Spring but they have to continue to fight to have their views heard.
The ‘Insha’allah Attitude’ is Killing Oman’s Kids
SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I’m amazed at the attitude of the Salalah’s adults to their children’s safety. Once they’re out of diapers the kids are expected to look after themselves
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.
‘Let’s Paint Dubai’s Ugly, Grey Wheelie Bins’: Why Not?
MICH CAFE: I’d like to see a wonderful idea which has brightened up the streets of Amman implemented in Dubai.
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
Duo Out: Major Victory for Egypt’s Football Militants
JAMES M. DORSEY: Two leading football executives have withdrawn from election to the Egyptian Football Association. The Ultras have prevailed
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.
Militant Fans Once Again Battle for Egypt’s Future
JAMES M. DORSEY: The opposing fans of Cairo soccer clubs Al Zamalek and Al Ahly are engaged in a separate but parallel struggle with the authorities
Facebook’s Terrorist “Honey Traps”: Beware Attractive Women
TBIJ: As the fight against terrorism moves from the real battlefield to the cyber battlefield a whole new array of issues are going to have to be managed.
Hollywood Stars Join Call to Free Syrian Filmmaker
MICH CAFE: Orwa Nyrabia has been missing for almost three weeks. Pressure is mounting to find out where he is though it’s being led from outside the Arab world.
So What Is the Future of Political Blogging in Egypt?
NADINE EL SAYED: The names of once marginalised voices have entered the mainstream in Egyptian political discourse. But do they have a long term future?
‘This Is Not A Time for Fiction’: Arab Novelists’ Crisis
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Ahdaf Soueif said it first but many of her peers agree that the tumultuous events wracking the Arab world leave fiction irrelevant.
