· October, 2011

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from October, 2011

Tunisia: Let's Invade Social Networks!

  31 October 2011

A crazy wave of posts hit the world of social networks when Tunisian netizens decided to invade Facebook and Twitter with their comments. First came the official Facebook page of US President Barack Obama. Soon other world leaders got a taste of this spam-attack.

Tunisia: Elections Usher in a New Dawn

  31 October 2011

Tunisians have freely elected representatives who will form a national constituent assembly, which will draft the country's constitution for the first time in their history. While Sidi Bouzid rose in objection to the results in their town, many were happy with the outcome saying it ushered a new dawn for their country.

Saudi Arabia: Poverty Video Vloggers Released

  31 October 2011

Around two weeks ago, Saudi Arabian authorities arrested three young video bloggers Firas Buqna, Hussam Al-Darwish and Khaled Al-Rasheed for producing an episode of their show Malub Alena about poverty in one of Riyadh's areas. They have just been released.

Iran: Virtual U.S Embassy

  30 October 2011

America decided to establish a virtual U.S embassy for Iran. In Khodnevis a cartoon says “Imam [Khomeyni]how can we climb up this embassy's wall”. The cartoon refers to Iran hostage crisis where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981.

Egypt: Blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah Detained for 15 Days

  30 October 2011

Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah has been detained for 15 days, after refusing to be interrogated. He appeared at the Military Prosecutor, along with fellow activist Bahaa Saber, today as supporters gathered outside, denouncing military trials.

Yemen: VP Hadi Leaves to the US for Treatment!

  29 October 2011

Today's main headline in Yemen was the sudden departure of Vice President Abdu Rabbu Mansoor Hadi to the US for medical treatment. Hadi's absence adds a new snag to the signing of the unpopular GCC deal, which Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh has been putting off for months. Noon Arabia has more.

Bahrain: Muharraq United Against Sectarianism

  29 October 2011

Muharraq, Bahrain, witnessed some tension two nights ago when Sunnis faced off with Shia residents, who were commemorating a religious ritual. Here is some of the coverage on Twitter following the incident.

Egypt: Yet Another Case of Post-Revolution Torture

  28 October 2011

Anger is mounting in Egypt after Essam Atta, a 23-year-old man imprisoned for two years after a military trial, was killed - allegedly at the hands of his police captors. Lilian Wagdy sums up citizen media reactions to the news.

Saudi Arabia: Prince Naif is Coming

  28 October 2011

Saudi Arabia has appointed its Interior Minister Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud as the Kingdom's new crown prince. The news has been received with fear and caution by netizens, who say human rights and freedom will reach a new low as a result.

Yemen: Yemeni Women Burn their Veils

  26 October 2011

Yemeni women burnt their veils and head scarves today as a sign of protest to condemn the regime's brutality and violence, which has killed around 25 people overnight in Sanaa and Taiz and has been targeting women lately.

Iran: “Jailed blogger lost a kidney”

  26 October 2011

According to several web sites and blogs, Iranian blogger Hossein Ronaghi Malki, lost a kidney due to deliberate medical neglect in prison. The blogger is serving a 15 year prison sentence.

Syria: Blogger Hussein Gharir “Missing”

  26 October 2011

Prominent Syrian blogger and activist Hussein Gharir, has been missing since yesterday and is presumed to have been arrested by Syrian authorities. A #FreeHussein campaign has been launched on Twitter and Facebook, and a statement [AR] has been issued in the name of Syrian bloggers calling for his release.

About our Middle East & North Africa coverage

Mariam A.
Mariam A. is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.