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4th August 2009
It’s probably reassuring for Iraq’s neighbours that the “democratic” Maliki government is gradually acquiring the characteristics of a bog-standard authoritarian regime.
Its latest move, reported in the New York Times, is to ban websites “deemed harmful to the public, to require internet cafes to… Read more
3rd August 2009
You will be pleased to hear that even if Yemen is on the brink of turning into a failed state, its banking sector is in fine fettle and unaffected by the global financial crisis.
The central bank’s governor, Ahmad al-Samawi, delivered the good news on Saturday and also “reviewed developments… Read more
3rd August 2009
The London-based Women Solidarity for Unified and Independent Iraq has appealed to Arab governments to help save the lives of nine women believed to be facing imminent execution in Iraq.
Amnesty International says Iraq's presidential council has ratified the death sentences and a number the women… Read more
3rd August 2009
With the holy month fast approaching, it’s time for a look at this Google graph. It shows internet searches for “sex” in Egypt during the last 12 months (or, if you want to Arabise it, searches for سكس).
Notice the sudden dip at the beginning of September. That was the start of Ramadan last year.… Read more
2nd August 2009
The authorities in Morocco have seized the latest edition of two of the country's leading independent magazines – TelQuel (circulation 35,000) and Nichane (50,000).
The reason? Both published an opinion poll showing that 91% of Moroccans have a "positive or very positive" opinion of the king's… Read more
2nd August 2009
Several recent reports from Gaza suggest a steady erosion of personal liberties as Palestinian society retreats into supposedly “traditional” values.
Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights says there has been anoticeable increase in “honour” killings – the most recent case being that of a 27-year-old… Read more
1st August 2009
Not to be sidelined amid Yemen’s growing mayhem (the Houthi rebellion alone has cost 338 civilian lives during the last 12 months according to government figures), al-Qaeda elements attacked a military vehicle in the eastern province of Marib on Thursday.
AFP says three soldiers died in the ambush… Read more
1st August 2009
Shortly before dawn on Friday, Saudi security forces raided a “satanist ceremony” (i.e. a rock concert) at a private residential compound in Riyadh.
A number of Saudis, Syrians and others were arrested (it is not known how many) and all the equipment was seized, including cameras and computer… Read more
1st August 2009
Not to be sidelined amid Yemen’s growing mayhem (the Houthi rebellion alone has cost 338 civilian lives during the last 12 months according to government figures), al-Qaeda elements attacked a military vehicle in the eastern province of Marib on Thursday.
AFP says three soldiers died in the ambush… Read more
31st July 2009
Violence seems to be on the increase in Algeria again. Reuters reports that at least 14 soldiers were killed in an ambush on Wednesday. (Other reports give a death toll ranging from 11 to 20).
"The past two months have seen an upsurge in the violence," Reuters says. "Insurgents killed 18… Read more
ARAB ART ONLINE: Susan Hefuna: Al Sabr Gamil (Patience is Beautiful) 2007. Ink stained on wood 140 x 170 cm. More information | Click to enlarge
