Ambition, Inspiration a Heady Scent at ArabNet
ALEXANDER MCNABB: I went to the event with high expectations and they were, in the main, met, matched and knocked out of the field. This is now a crucial regional event.
Laughter: Is it Really the Best Medicine?
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMMED: Dictators are particularly sensitive to the corrosive effects of humour. They’ve always taken it very seriously indeed…
The Day My World Was Turned Upside Down
NASEEM TARAWNAH: I joined the March 24th group’s sit-in with little expectation. What I witnessed has changed my view of my homeland.
Algeria: A Quiet Revolution In Civil Society Takes Hold
N. HAFID, CGNEWS: The Algerian revolution appeared to be stopped in its tracks but forces for change have been released and are making an impact on Algerian society.
Heavy Handed Action Fans Flames in Syria
SYRIA NEWS WIRE: There is a great danger that in failing to recognise local grievances, Syrian authorities will set in motion a movement that takes its inspiration from Tunisia and Egypt.
Reform Not Regime Change is What Syria Needs
SYRIA NEWS WIRE: Much heat and little light has been generated by the protests in Syria but authorities shouldn’t be panicked by the reasonable demands.
Syrians Protest in Front of the Ministry of Interior
ZEINOBIA: Writer Belal Fadl was right when he said yesterday that no one can appreciate how brave those who participated in the protests are, save those who know Syria.
Social Media’s Rise: A PR Blessing, And A Curse
HAYDEN SUTHERLAND, ANDREW MACKAY: Social and digital media are changing traditional comms, giving rise to new communicators.
The Real Damage of Vanity Fair’s Attack on Dubai
MATT J. DUFFY: Gill’s article does not make the case for stricter press laws, rather it shows the need for journalists to take their profession seriously…
#iheartsyria: A New Hashtag That Has Hit A Nerve
SYRIA NEWS WIRE: Tweeting positive stuff about Syria is a depressing business – I seem to hit a reflexive ‘kick me’. That’s why the success of this new hashtag came as a bit of a surprise…
Less Roar, more Whimper: Saudi’s Day of Mild Annoyance
EMAN AL NAFJAN: Division, governmental communications, heavy security – there are many reasons why protest failed to ignite in Saudi last Friday.
New Urgency For Anti Cyber Censorship Day
NASEEM TARAWNAH: We have seen just what happens at the hands of the Internet. We have witnessed the possibilities and seen them realized in countries like Tunisia and Egypt…
The Rise of the Arabs, the Fall of Colonialism
RAMZY BAROUD: Arabs are ripping up the humiliating caricatures of the region imposed by the West, as they tear down authoritarian regimes, and begin to build truly civilized, and free societies.
What Troubles? It’s Hard to Get Too Angry in Qatar
SHABINA S. KHATRI: Qatar is a welfare state that financially-speaking takes care of its people. The 350,000 nationals enjoy an average per capita income of $75,000 annually.
The Investment Industry: Don’t Forget the Humans
STEVE ROYSTON: Too often, financiers ignore the blindingly obvious questions. Who is this person or team in whom I am going to invest?
Title Irony: Why Journalists like to do PR on PRs
ALEXANDER MCNABB: It infuriates me because I know how very dishonest the practice is – from a media that insists on telling us that it is the only trustworthy source.
An Inflection Point for Arab Entrepreneurialism
ALEXANDER MCNABB: Seeing this level of digital entrepreneurialism in the region is a delight and, rightly or wrongly, I see ArabNet as an inflection point.
#Egypt Wakes up Global Media Outlets to Arabic
NATASHA TYNES: Events in Egypt have woken up global media to the importance of Arabic, especially in social media and communications with their audiences.
Watching Egypt – The View From The Other Side of the Arab World
STEVE ROYSTON: I have had a few conversations whether Egypt will impact Saudi. My answer would be no – at least not in the current conditions.
It’s ‘Ruined’: ‘Tell the world he’s killing us’
MONA SEIF, MONDOWEISS: Today was the day everything changed. It was the saddest day, a peaceful revolution and has now been attacked with unspeakable violence.
