So Why All The Fuss Over A Tiny Piece of Cloth?

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Considering the tiny number of women who actually wear a veil in the U.K it’s amazing all of the discussion about it.
A Natural Evolution: Don’t Meddle With Culture, Government.

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s a discussion without end – what should governments do or not do to promote authentic Arabic culture? And what does this actually mean?
‘Wadjda’ – A Beautiful, Nuanced Evocation of Saudi Life

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s the story of a young girl’s everyday life in Riyadh. How many Saudis, though, will give up the chance to see the latest CGI blockbuster to view it?
‘The Devil’s Fire’: Syria’s Unique Blend of Pure Horror

STEVE ROYSTON: The situation in Syria is so desperate, so serious and so wide-ranging that it has the potential to affect every individual living in the region
British Muslims Express Horror Over Lee Rigby’s Murder

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Virtually every mainstream Muslim organisation has been unequivocal in its condemnation of the appalling murder of the young soldier
Zarooni’s Hard Lesson: Don’t Mess With ‘Brand Dubai’

ALEXANDER MCNABB: The success of Dubai’s Godolphin Stables has been one of the pillars that has built Dubai’s reputation. The doping scandal comes as a huge shock.
“We Win or Die”: Syrian Conflict Is a Matter of Existence

SYRIA NEWS WIRE: A new documentary examines both sides of the conflict through the eyes of its combatants. It’s a grim story.
Margaret Thatcher, 1925 – 2013: A Life in Quotes
Margaret Thatcher’s memorable words — from her 1979 victory, to her remarks at the end of the Falkland war, to her fight against European integration.
Reassessing Margaret Thatcher, 1925 – 2013

I breathed a sigh of relief when Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister in 1991. She was a divisive politician, and I found myself on the anti-Thatcher side of the divide.
STEVE ROYSTON: Margaret Thatcher was a divisive politician, and I found myself on the anti-Thatcher side of the divide.
Halal Food: It’s a Simple Matter of Community Trust

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: The ongoing horsemeat scandal demonstrates the importance of establishing means to gain and maintain trust among consumers
A Lesson for Iraq: The Perseverance of Sinbad

RAMZY BAROUD: Ten years on from the onset of the Iraq invasion with all the horror and despair that has accumulated there is hope in the shape of a character from a children’s story
Hitler, Friend of the Arabs? Twisted History in the Region

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s not just the Second World War that has been warped by teachers, politicians and others for their own purposes.
Sharjah vs Dubai?: Sorry, There’s No Contest

ALEXANDER MCNABB: You can keep your super-malls and your skyscrapers. The back street souks of Sharjah do me fine, thanks all the same.
An ‘Israeli Spring’ for Palestine? The Call Is Out

MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: It’s a bold move and one that is sure to cause much aggression and derision to be directed his way. What’s the story behind the brutality?
Saudi Death Row: 45 Foreign Maids To Be Executed

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The Saudi authorities have faced a firestorm of international criticism following the execution of a Sri Lankan maid. It might only be the beginning.
Hip Hop Hijabis: The Rhythm and Rhyme of Debate
METTE REITZEL, CGNEWS: Their appearance, their message and their undoubted skill blend to create powerful voices confronting stereotypes
Taha Hussein: Arab World’s (Nearly) Nobel Choice

M. LYNX-QUALEY: He was nominated twice but never matched the Arab World’s only Nobel literature prize recipient, Naguib Mahfouz.
Your Time: The Commitment That Grows Communities

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: It’s important – and if your Muslim it’s obligatory – to give money to the less fortunate. But there’s a more precious resource that you should give too.
An Iraqi Icon: Fadhil Al-Azzawi Reviews His Career

AMIRA ABD EL-KHALEK, CGNEWS: He is one of the Arab World’s most revered authors and recently looked back on his life of writing.