Stories about Arabic from September, 2013
Syrian-Palestinian Refugees of Rap: “The Age of Silence is Over”
After the Assad regime destroyed their UN-funded studio, Sawt Al Shaab (The Voice of the People), in the Yarmouk refugee camp, Refugees of Rap has regrouped. Read more here.
VIDEO: Filmpoem “Prayer of Fear” Stuns Egypt
The Egyptian citizen collective Mosireen has been tirelessly documenting the #Jan25 revolution and the events that followed in images and documentaries. One of their very last creations is “Prayer of Fear”, a filmpoem by Mahmoud Ezzat narrated by Mosireen member Salma Said. Between roving and painful memories, the filmpoem stuns...
Saudi Clergyman Delivers Ground-breaking Science on Why Women Shouldn't Drive
Women in Saudi Arabia should not drive because driving will have adverse effects on their pelvis and ovaries, says a religious scholar. No Kidding.
Protests in Sudan: Dozens Feared Dead
Sudan's answer against protests was cutting off the Internet and killing dozens of protestors. Activists say Sudan pulled the Internet plug to stop activists from sharing its crackdown on protestors.
Blogging for Freedom on Saudi Arabia's National Day
Saudi Arabia marks its National Day on September 23. Bloggers share their hopes for a nation which respects and embraces its people and their aspirations.
Saudi Arabia – Where You're Shot and Sentenced for it
Jalal Al-Qattan was shot in the stomach during a protest in Qatif last year. He has since been arrested and sentenced to three years. Netizens react.
From Kafranbel: The Syrian Revolution in Three Minutes
The irony of Syria becoming crushed into the past while it struggled to emerge into a future is used by the people of Kafranbel (Idlib), to send a powerful message.
Why Are Saudi Boys Painting their Nails?
Saudi boys are painting their nails and showing off their hairy legs as part of a Twitter hashtag which translates to Take a Picture of Yourself Like a Girl Does.
Egypt – “A Dangerous Place for Journalists”
Egyptian blogger and journalist Abdulmonem Mahmood has left Egypt, saying he fears for his life.
The Fight to Ban Child Marriage in Yemen
Child Marriage is a widespread practice in Yemen, especially in the rural areas. The story of the death of an eight-year-old child bride puts this serious issue under the spotlight.
Man Killed as Saudi Arabia Continues Hunt for 23 “Wanted” Persons in Awwamiya
Ahmad Al-Mislab, 19, was killed when Saudi forces stormed Awwamiya, looking for eight out of 23 people "wanted" by authorities, who remain at large.
Kissing on Egyptian Streets
A photograph circulating on Facebook of two young Egyptians kissing in the street stirred both outrage and admiration. Shared by Ahmed ElGohary, a commentator objected to ‘the lack of manhood’ entailed by sharing such photo. Others praised the beauty of it and its revolutionary sense. Public display of affection is...
Jordanian MP Fires Kalashnikov in Parliament
A Jordanian Member of Parliament opened fire on another MP while Parliament was in session today. No one was injured in the fiasco.
“World is Happy for Assad to Continue Killing Syrians”
Syria has agreed to put its chemical weapons under international control. Activists say the tactic will buy Assad time to continue killing people with the other weapons at his disposal.
Saudi Arabia Monitors its Lawyers Tweets
Saudi Arabia is monitoring tweets by lawyers. Many see this as another blow to freedom of expression and advocating for people's rights in the absolute monarchy.
Drums of War on Syria Getting Louder
The drums of war are getting louder as US lawmakers prepare to vote on a "punitive" bombing campaign on Syria. Online, everyone has become an overnight expert on Syria.
The Influence of Francophone Africa on the French Language
The news site Afrik.com features an article on the way in which African slang has influenced the French language [fr], and informs us that Verlan is no longer a preferred language of rappers : For a long time, there have been certain words, such as [Arabic greetings] “Salam alaykum” or “hamdu’llah”,...
Saudi Activist Tried, Separated from His Lawyers
The fourth session of the ongoing trial of Umar al-Saeed took place earlier today. Separated from his lawyers, al-Saeed had to speak loudly to consult with them during the trial.
