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International human rights law has often been characterised as a product of colonialism and cultural imperialism. In the words of Makau Mutua, a Kenya-born professor of law: “The west was able to impose its philosophy of human rights on the rest of the world because it dominated the United… Read more
Israeli students in the "Hasbara War Room"
Just over a week ago, when killings in Gaza had not yet reached the 200 mark, an Israeli website published a report about Herzliya university's "Hasbara War Room" where 400 student volunteers are waging an online propaganda battle.… Read more
"The number of UK citizens and westerners travelling to fight in foreign conflicts has reached alarming levels unlike anything seen in recent years. We require an immediate response targeted at dissuading and preventing those who wish to go to fight from going."
These were the words of a… Read more
With a new constitution in place, Tunisia is preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections later this year. In the article below, Karina Piser looks at the state of the country's political parties – and finds them lacking in credible political platforms.
The article was… Read more
The most-viewed item today on the Saudi Gazette's website is
an article about sexual harassment.
"Women of all ages and walks of life in the kingdom are subjected to abuse and sexual harassment," the paper says. "There are seldom any campaigns or workshops that teach women how to protect… Read more
Local tribes on the way to pledge allegiance to Sunni Muslim extremist group, the Islamic State
After the reclusive leader of the Sunni Muslim extremist group that took over Mosul made an appearance at the city’s famous mosque, many of the extremists are boasting that Mosul is to be the… Read more
A gay rights demonstration in Beirut, 2010
There are calls for disciplinary action against a doctor in Lebanon who carried out bogus "homosexuality tests" on five men who had been arrested on suspicion of having "unnatural"… Read more
In an alarming new development Egypt's Sisi regime has announced plans to drastically restrict the activities of civil society organisations, effectively bringing them all under government control.
A draft law proposed by the Ministry of Social Solidarity would allow the government and security… Read more
James Duke Mason: obnoxious article
Shortly after bombing of Gaza got under way earlier this week, America's oldest and largest LGBT magazine published an article on its website urging gay people everywhere to "stand in solidarity" with Israel.
Obnoxious as the article is,… Read more
In the article below, a local journalist explains why streets in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul are so quiet, what’s worrying his family and friends there the most, and how he himself managed to get out of Mosul and into Iraqi Kurdistan. The article is re-posted here from the Niqash… 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
