Social Media Defeating Saudi ‘War on Pornography’
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The authorities in the Kingdom admit that they’re fighting a losing battle to stem a flood of pornography
‘Online Troll’ or ‘Genuine Critic’: The Difference is Clear
ALEXANDER MCNABB: An Australian PR agency has got itself into a pickle with an ill-advised social media campaign. Trying to blame your audience is not a good strategy
Faking News: It’s All Too Easy In The Digital Age
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The practice is as old as news itself but faking news has become a lot easier with new technology
Tweet Your Way Into Trouble: Social Media Dilemma
ALEXANDER MCNABB: We have these incredibly powerful technologies which allow us to broadcast to the world as soon as a thought enters our head.
‘Samsung, Please Release Me from My Touchpad Hell’
ALEXANDER MCNABB: Oh yes, you might think it’s simple – turn off the touchpad button perhaps. My odyssey through user support says otherwise
Elias Khoury’s ‘Beautiful Letter’ to Bab Al Shams
M. LYNX-QUALEY: The novelist Elias Khoury has written a letter to Palestinians who began building a village on land seized by Israel. A haunting, elegiac letter
Offended Saudis: U.S Comedienne ‘Crosses the Line’
AHMED AL OMRAN: The American comedienne Chelsea Handler has stirred up a hornet’s nest of indignation in Saudi Arabia
#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
Women ‘Making Inroads’ Into Saudi Workforce. Slowly.
SUSIE OF ARABIA: The furore over the decision to employ women as waitresses in the fast food restaurant Hardees illustrates that progress comes slowly
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.
Saudi Conservatives ‘Froth’ At Female College Visit
AHMED AL OMRAN: It seems to have become a regular stop for foreign dignitaries visiting the Kingdom. But that hasn’t stopped conservatives offence-ometer going off the scale
Syrian Opposition ‘Finally Gets Its Act Together’
NEWS FROM SYRIA: The discredited SNC has finally been subsumed by an organisation that has genuine potential to shape a new Syria
‘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
58% of Israeli Jews Label Their State ‘Apartheid’
RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: Yet another indication of the racism that infects not just the Israeli poor or uneducated, but the media elite and virtually every (Jewish) strata as well.
The Malala Backlash: Conspiracy Theorists Go To Town
ROB L. WAGNER: It didn’t take long for the moral relativists and conspiracy theorists to get to work on Malala Yousufzai. Inevitable but depressing.
Beirut Bomb: ‘Mainstream Media’ Becomes Social Media
ALEXANDER MCNABB: It’s the first time I’ve witnessed the so-called established media diving head first into the social media whirl. It sets a dangerous precedent.
Hate Ad Spray Can Protest: ‘It’s All About Mona’
ROB L. WAGNER: She seems to specialise in self-aggrandizing stunts that diminish the message and provide fodder for anti-Muslim parodies.
US Elections: 10 Subjects Obama and Romney Won’t Debate
STEVE ROYSTON: Preparation involves coming up with diversionary tactics whenever the question is likely to produce a response unpalatable to the listening millions.
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?
My Saudi Heroes: People Who’ve Made A Difference
EMAN AL NAFJAN: They’re individuals who have inspired others with their courage, their humanity and their personal example.
