Latest posts by Antoun Issa
USA: American student loses eye in West Bank protest
One of the many protests that erupted after Israel's deadly raid on the Turkish aid convoy ended in tragedy for a 21-year-old American student, Emily Henochowicz, who was protesting in the occupied West Bank, at the Qalandiya checkpoint on May 31.
Lebanon: Blogosphere buzzing after Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla
Israel's attack on a Gaza aid convoy that killed at least 10 peace activists has sparked an international outcry, no less in Lebanon. The Lebanese blogosphere reacted sharply to news that its southern neighbour had violently stormed the Turkish aid convoy, the Mavi Marmara.
Lebanon: Bloggers push for Daily Star revamp
Lebanese bloggers are waging an online campaign to push the country's only English online newspaper to revamp its website. One blogger even takes the effort to redesign a mock - which his colleagues hope will prompt a change at The Daily Star, turning the "1920's Russian steam boat" into a 21st century cruise liner.
Australia: An Australia Day of Celebration and Protest
Celebrated on January 26, this year's Australia Day was characterized by an increase of flag-waving patriotism. However, the day was also commemorated with the Great Australian Internet Blackout, where Australians protested the government's plan for an internet filter.
Palestine: Twitter accused of silencing Gaza tribute
Twitter has been accused of attempting to silence tributes to Gaza one-year after an Israeli onslaught devastated the Palestinian enclave. Pro-Palestinian and human rights activists used the influential Twitter to express support for the besieged territory. Tweets using the hashtag #Gaza flooded in on December 27th, peaking at number 3 on Twitter's top ten Trending Topics list.
Australia pushes internet censorship; Twitter erupts
Australia's Communications Minister Stephen Conroy declared his determination last week to push through mandatory internet censorship of a government-defined blacklist of websites, sparking an online frenzy in blogs and on Twitter. News of the proposed internet censorship propelled the issue to a “trending topic” on Twitter for several hours, under...
Lebanon finally has a government
It's official. Five months after Lebanon's parliamentary elections, the country's squabbling factions have finally formed a government. Citizen journalists react in this post.
Lebanon Ups the Ante in the Hummus War
As many as 300 Lebanese chefs gathered yesterday in Beirut to make the largest ever plate of hummus in an attempt to claim the reigns in ownership of the popular chick pea dip. The new world record is part of an ongoing campaign in Lebanon to reaffirm the country's claim to a number of dishes being produced in Israel - with the ownership of hummus being one of the main quarrels.
Lebanon: Anger Rebuilding of Palestinian Camp Suspended
Anger and protests erupted in response to the Lebanese Government's decision to suspend the reconstruction of the Nahr el Bared Palestinian refugee camp. Bloggers voice their outrage in this post by Antoun Issa.
Lebanon: Lebanese Bloggers React to Israeli film “Lebanon”
Lebanese bloggers have offered a mixed reception to another Israeli film about the Jewish state's 1982 invasion of its northern neighbour. Conspicuously titled "Lebanon", the autobiographical film is set entirely in a tank as it recounts the Israeli military's involvement in the conflict.
Lebanon: Bloggers React to Iran Crisis
Only a week after its own tight elections, Lebanese bloggers have been intently watching the fallout from Iran's disputed polls. The turmoil in Iran - a key power broker in Lebanon and main supporter of the powerful Lebanese Shia group Hezballah - has received mixed reactions. Whilst many of the bloggers are resisting to choose a side in Iran's dispute, they have plenty to say on other fronts.
Lebanon: From the Election Campaign Trail
Campaigning for the Lebanese parliamentary elections in June is in full swing, and the Lebanese blogosphere is not skipping a beat. As expected, the Lebanese blogosphere is keeping a close eye on election developments and offering plenty of insight, writes Antoun Issa.
Lebanon: Academics and Bloggers Call for Israel Boycott
Lebanese academics and bloggers are lending their voice and support to the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. Antoun Issa sums up reactions from Lebanese and Palestinian blogs in this post.
Australian film on Lebanese gangs talk of the town
An Australian film depicting Lebanese gang life in Sydney's western suburbs has sparked more than a series of reviews. “The Combination“ was pulled from several cinemas in Sydney after brawls broke out, following the screenings and the controversial film has been the talk of the town, receiving wide media attention, writes Antoun Issa.
Lebanon: Christopher Hitchens’ Beirut Scuffle Sparks Debate
Former leftist turned conservative writer Christopher Hitchens ran into trouble in Beirut last week when he attempted to deface a poster/memorial of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), a Hezbollah ally. Versions of the event claim a heavily intoxicated Hitchens shouted obscenities at the party, ultimately resulting in an altercation with several SSNP members nearby. These allegations have sparked a debate across continents, writes Antoun Issa.
Lebanon: A Civil Marriage Valentine
Renewed calls for Lebanon to allow civil marriages were made in a Valentine ceremony at a Beirut bar over the weekend. Several inter-religious couples staged mock weddings at a bar in Beirut's trendy Gemmayze district to protest the country's stiff marriage laws. Antoun Issa has more in this post.
Lebanon: Cell Phone Prices to Drop
The Lebanese blogosphere has had a lukewarm response to a Government announcement that cell prices are due to fall. Antoun Issa brings us the story.