Juan Cole

Democracy: More Valued by Arabs than Americans?

Democracy: More Valued by Arabs than Americans?

JUAN COLE: Al Qaeda’s vision for the Arab World has been comprehensively rejected. It appears that Arabs – in particular, young Arabs – are prepared to put their lives on the line, not for a Caliphate, but for parliamentary democracy.

 Rob L. Wagner

The Saudi Arabian Electoral ‘Experiment’ Continues

The Saudi Arabian Electoral ‘Experiment’ Continues

ROB L. WAGNER: There has been a lot of criticism of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming municipal elections. Some groups, however, know how best to work the system.

 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…

 James M. Dorsey

Assad Criticism Isolates Iran, Fails to Tackle Key Issues

Assad Criticism Isolates Iran, Fails to Tackle Key Issues

JAMES M. DORSEY: Irrespective of his motives, King Abdullah has made a major contribution to the ending of the bloodletting in Syria.

 Michael J. Totten

The Struggle for Egypt’s Soul Has Only Begun

The Struggle for Egypt’s Soul Has Only Begun

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: I’ve spent a lot of time with the key players in Egypt’s developing democracy. It’s very clear that the real battle for the country’s – and the region’s – future has just begun.

 Common Ground News Service

Anti-Boycott Law: Israel, A Democracy? Really?

Anti-Boycott Law: Israel, A Democracy? Really?

MAIRAV ZONSZEIN, CGNEWS: The recently passed Anti-Boycott law effectively erases the distinction between Israel and the Occupied Territories.

 Common Ground News Service

The Ongoing Battle Against ‘Honour Killings’

The Ongoing Battle Against ‘Honour Killings’

RASHA DEWEDAR, CGNEWS: It’s an issue that faces women throughout the Arab world but progress, it appears, is being made in some countries to protect women.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Aswany, IPAF, Translators: Daoud Takes Aim

Aswany, IPAF, Translators: Daoud Takes Aim

M. LYNX-QUALEY: In a wide-ranging discussion at the Shubbak festival Hassan Daoud, the Lebanese novelist and journalist, had much to say…

 The View From Fez

Nancy Ajram: Unlikely Icon of Democracy in Morocco

Nancy Ajram: Unlikely Icon of Democracy in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: What do Elton John, Haifa Wahbi and Nancy Ajram have in common?

 Rob L. Wagner

Smear Campaign Targets Women Journalists

Smear Campaign Targets Women Journalists

ROB L. WAGNER: Conservatives anonymously attack outspoken women by questioning their morals and beliefs in Islam.

 Common Ground News Service

How a Singing Competition Changes Perceptions

How a Singing Competition Changes Perceptions

RUTH EGLASH, CGNEWS: It’s become an instant sensation across the Arab world so it was time, in spite of my concerns, to experience ‘New Star’ first hand.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

The Silence of the Poets – And That Includes You, Adonis

The Silence of the Poets – And That Includes You, Adonis

M.LYNX-QUALEY: Poets have traditionally held a central role in reflecting the life of Arabs. Is that role, however, being usurped by other, more modern means of communication?

 Rob L. Wagner

Saudis in ‘Tug of War’ Over Women’s Vote

Saudis in ‘Tug of War’ Over Women’s Vote

ROB L. WAGNER: Guaranteeing rights for women has taken a backseat to what the government sees as the more pressing issue of economic stability…

 Common Ground News Service

Time for Muslims to Re-Discover their Voices

Time for Muslims to Re-Discover their Voices

SYDNEY SMITH: Most Muslims, it appears, are relieved that bin Laden is gone but how do they deal with the prejudice and suspicion engendered by his deeds?

 Steve Royston

Middle East Blogs – Ten Sites CNN Missed

Middle East Blogs – Ten Sites CNN Missed

STEVE ROYSTON: My only quibble about CNN’s list is that it picks up exclusively on Arab writers and – with the honourable exception of Mahmood the Bahraini Blogfather – most of the writers seem relatively young.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi: Imam Reprimanded for Media Attack

Saudi: Imam Reprimanded for Media Attack

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Here’s a rarity: a Saudi imam is being disciplined for attacking journalists. The opposite is generally the rule in the Kingdom.

 Ramzy Baroud

Vik Arrigoni’s Simple, Powerful Message

Vik Arrigoni’s Simple, Powerful Message

RAMZY BAROUD: Grief and despair have been the overwhelming emotions felt by those who knew Vik Arrigoni. He has, however, left us an enduring message.

 Common Ground News Service

Saudi Arabia and Its Women: The Need for Change

Saudi Arabia and Its Women: The Need for Change

MAHA AKEEL: Until Saudi Arabia implements this grassroots renaissance, it will continue to live a dichotomy of modern facilities but mental stagnation.

 Mondoweiss

The Ultimate Target of Palestinian Demonstrators

The Ultimate Target of Palestinian Demonstrators

ALEX KANE, MONDOWEISS: The Israelis have pursued the classic colonial strategy in the Palestinian territories. It’s this strategy that the March 15 protesters have in their sights.

 Mark

Comment on Peninsula Journalism Attack Resonates Regionally by Mark

The issues raised in The Peninsula piece apply equally to the UAE with its much deeper media sector. It remains all to easy to enmesh a journalist for criminal libel with potentially devastating consequences Sadly no comments from ‘UAE commentators’ on that!