Stories about Jordan from January, 2011
Arab World: New Media and the Egyptian Demonstrations
The Arab World is looking in awe at the developments unfolding in Egypt. Today, mainstream media is taking a back seat, while citizen media triumphs. Arab bloggers share their reflections on the protests in Egypt, as witnessed from their computer screens.
Arab World: Palestinian “Abed Raboo goes for the Qatari Jugular”
The Palestinian Papers, a leak which contains more than 1,600 internal documents on a decade of peace talks with Israel, created a furore online, after being released by Qatar-based Al Jazeera. The controversy continues as Palestinians deny the leak's content and context and wage a full scale attack on Qatar.
Jordan: Message to the Rulers
Jordanian Qwaider shares his thoughts on Tunisia in this post. “I'm puzzled and surprised of how happy “other” Arab citizens. From the Atlantic to the Arabian sea, the simple Arab citizen is rejoicing as if it was his mother who got liberated! I couldn't but wonder…Is this the message that...
Arab World: Racism and the Slave's Head Candy Controversy
Are we - Arabs - racist? It's really hard to tell. Some might argue that racism is against our religion, and that people are never discriminated against because of their skin colour. On the other hand, other tiny aspects of our lives might prove that we are. It seems to be normal, for instance, to make fun of black people [Ar] in the cinema, and even call a candy “The Slave's Head” because of its colour.
Jordan: Social Media Combats Deforestation Project
The Jordanian government scheduled the building of a new military academy within the Ajloun forest, one of Jordan's few remaining forested areas. Immediately, several pre-existing and ad hoc coalitions sprung to halt the project - working mostly through citizen media to make their voices heard and mobilse support on the ground.
Jordan: Debating the Country's Leadership
Blogging and Twitter conversations in Jordan have continued on from Jordan's Day of Anger on Friday January 14th, 2011, and subsequent protests. These events had demonstrators demanding the resignation of Jordan's Prime Minister Samir Rifai, and demanding more attention paid to high prices, high unemployment, and low wages.
Arab World: Congratulations to Arabs Got Talents!
Arabs Got Talents debut on television drew enthusiasm and criticism from the crowd on Twitter, quickly becoming a trending topic. Here are some mixed reactions.
Libya: Gaddafi Wages War on the Internet as Trouble Brews at Home
Libyan leader Muammar Al Gaddafi managed to offend both Tunisians and netizens from across the world wide web in his address to the Tunisian people, following the fall of the Zine El Abidine Ben Ali regime. With trouble brewing at home and Libyans taking to the Internet to vent off, could Gaddafi be foreseeing his doom as a “victim of Facebook and YouTube”?
Jordan: Reflections on Tunisia
Naseem Tarawnah reflects on leadership changes in Tunisia and its potential impact on Jordan. “Today, Jordan, and perhaps much of the Arab world is learning one important lesson from Tunisia: the call for political change from the domestic constituency is unlikely to happen in the region unless the economy gets...
Jordan: Reactions to Ben Ali's Removal from ‘Angry Jordanians’
Jordanians, who held their Day of Anger on the same day Tunisia's President Zainelabidine Ben Ali escaped from his country after month-long protests, reacted in celebration to the news. They too are protesting against increased prices and frustration with political stagnation.
Jordan: Day of Anger Protests
Inspired by protests in Tunisia, the Jordanian Twitter community rallied around a "Day of Anger," announced January 12th and held January 14th after Friday prayers. The rallies were held around Jordan, focusing primarily on rising prices, but also addressing political disenfranchisement and concerns with Prime Minister Samir Rifai's government.
Jordan: Tunisian Protests May Trigger More Agony for Arab Governments
As the violence in Tunisia continues, so have responses and expressions of support in Jordan. Many Jordanian tweeters have focused on criticism of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Others speculate that the unrest in Tunisia will inspire the people of Arab countries to demand economic and political reform as well.
Lebanon: Bloggers Support Tunisian Protests against “Arab Pinochet”
Lebanese bloggers have joined the chorus of concern over the Tunisian riots that have thus far claimed 24 lives. Sympathy and support is extended to the Tunisian youth protesting the authoritarianism, corruption, and poor economic management of President Zine el Abidine ben Ali, dubbed the "Arab Pinochet" by Lebanese blogger, the Angry Arab.
Jordan: Solutions to Rising Sectarianism
A series of events in Jordan are raising concern of increased sectarianism between Jordanians of Transjordanian and Palestinian descent, as well as increased violence between tribes of Transjordanian origin. Betsy takes a closer look at the dialogue taking place online.
Arab World: “Stop Crying Over Sudan”
Today's independence referendum in Sudan has put the country on the radar in the Arabic twitterosphere. From Saudi Arabia to Palestine, Arab tweeps are discussing Sudan's unity, division and resources.
Jordan: Clashes Follow University Elections
The University of Jordan held university elections for its student government on Dec 21, 2010. Following reports of violence and election irregularities, the University promptly issued statements denying the clashes. Less than two weeks later, further clashes broke out.
Jordan: Free Taher Nassar!
Tahir Nassar, a lawyer and former parliamentary candidate, was arrested and detained in a Jordanian prison on charges of “stirring up sectarian strife.” Nassar's offense was his election manifesto that highlighted discrimination against Jordanians of Palestinian origin. Netizens react to the news.
Jordan: Twitter Reactions to Nine Per Cent Fuel Hike
Jordan's government announced year-end fuel price hikes. The cost of gas, referred to as benzine, was raised 9 per cent, while the price of diesel and kerosene was raised by 6pc. Many Jordanians expressed their ire through sarcasm and humor.
