Common Ground News Service

What Has Peres Done to Merit Medal of Freedom?

What Has Peres Done to Merit Medal of Freedom?

MIKO PELED, MONDOWEISS: When it comes to Shimon Peres there’s a great struggle to see how he has advanced freedom in the Middle East in any way.

 Ramzy Baroud

Syrian Sectarianism Threat to Wider Region

Syrian Sectarianism Threat to Wider Region

RAMZY BAROUD: The recent massacre of civilians in Syria marks the beginning of a spiral of horror which could engulf the whole region

 Juan Cole

Ten Good Reasons NOT To Arm Syrian Rebels

Ten Good Reasons NOT To Arm Syrian Rebels

JUAN COLE: Mitt Romney is flip-flopping on whether ‘Muslims Are Bad’ or that the U.S should supply them with sophisticated weapons.

 Ramzy Baroud

‘Freedom for Freedom’s Sake’: What Binds Arabs

‘Freedom for Freedom’s Sake’: What Binds Arabs

RAMZY BAROUD: Euphoria has given way to hard truth throughout the Arab world. It’s difficult to generalise but there are certain commonalities

 Common Ground News Service

Tales from Prison: A New Twist on ‘1001 Nights’

Tales from Prison: A New Twist on ‘1001 Nights’

NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Rather than the endless squabbles of politicians which dominate Lebanese debate we can now hear other voices.

 Juan Cole

Romney’s Middle East: So, Who is the Enemy, Mitt?

Romney’s Middle East: So, Who is the Enemy, Mitt?

JUAN COLE: Romney clearly doesn’t have the slightest idea what he is talking about, and seems intent on alienating 1.5 billion Muslims

 Common Ground News Service

‘The Team’: Taking On Lebanon’s Sectarianism

‘The Team’: Taking On Lebanon’s Sectarianism

FIRAS AL-DABBAGH, CGNEWS: Tired of sectarianism in Lebanon a group of us have tried to do something to address the issue

 The View From Fez

‘Picture an Arab Man’: Project’s Author Speaks

‘Picture an Arab Man’: Project’s Author Speaks

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Her photography has captured the imagination of people around the Arab world and beyond. She discusses her project.

 James M. Dorsey

The Rise and Rise of Turkey: Problems Ahead?

The Rise and Rise of Turkey: Problems Ahead?

JAMES M. DORSEY: Held up as a model of a modern Islamic state Turkey faces some formidable difficulties

 Syria News Wire

Sectarianism: Syria’s ‘Elephant in the Room’

Sectarianism: Syria’s ‘Elephant in the Room’

NEWS FROM SYRIA: It’s time that Syrians properly addressed the issue of sectarianism instead of pushing it to one side.

 Susie of Arabia

Princess Basma: An Insider Speaks Out

Princess Basma: An Insider Speaks Out

SUSIE OF ARABIA: She is the niece of the current ruler of Saudi Arabia but is unafraid to point out the shortcomings she sees in the Kingdom.

 Brit in Beirut

Why Do Lebanese Police Hate Traffic Lights?

Why Do Lebanese Police Hate Traffic Lights?

BRIT IN BEIRUT: It’s not only traffic lights it’s roundabouts as well. What’s the problem?

 Common Ground News Service

Repeal of Soccer Hijab Ban: ‘A Triumph’

Repeal of Soccer Hijab Ban: ‘A Triumph’

JENS JUUL PETERSEN, CGNEWS: It took a high profile campaign but the recently announced repeal of the hijab ban is wonderful news.

 Alexander McNabb

The Internet in Lebanon: The Box Don’t Fit!

The Internet in Lebanon: The Box Don’t Fit!

ALEXANDER MCNABB: The Lebanese LIRA is yet another example of a government trying to define the role of online.

 Rachel McArthur

Fadel: Genuine or ‘Bandwagon Jumper’?

Fadel: Genuine or ‘Bandwagon Jumper’?

RACHEL MC ARTHUR: He’s been getting a lot of attention but what’s really behind his criticism of Basher al Assad?

 Syria News Wire

365 Days That Changed Syria Forever

365 Days That Changed Syria Forever

SYRIA NEWS WIRE: It began with a small demonstration by young people in Deraa. The flames have spread and now engulf the nation.

 The View From Fez

Making Mischief: The Great Moroccan Sex-Shop Mystery

Making Mischief: The Great Moroccan Sex-Shop Mystery

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The mixture of sex, politics and conspiracy is a heady one. It’s sent Casablanca a-buzz.

 Rachel McArthur

Ragheb Alama: Learning from Arab Idol

Ragheb Alama: Learning from Arab Idol

RACHEL MCARTHUR: Ragheb has been praised by critics for his fairness, but it has not been clear if he was going to return for the next season – until now.

 Mich Cafe

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

MICH CAFE: Human Rights Watch have just published a report that highlights the deep discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.

 Ramzy Baroud

Hamas: Between Politics and Principles

Hamas: Between Politics and Principles

RAMZY BAROUD: Hamas might be reinventing itself, or it may simply be trying to weather the storm. Either way, it is quickly leaving its traditional home.