Latest posts by Ayesha Saldanha from December, 2008
Israel: Debunking Israeli arguments about Gaza
Mo-ha-med, who is based in Israel, outlines why he believes all the “pre-packaged pseudo-arguments” for attacking Gaza won't stand up.
Palestine: “In Gaza it's 9/11 every hour, every minute, everywhere”
In this post, a Gazan blogger far from home, seeing the death and destruction taking place there, asks, "Who was born in bloodied Gaza today?" And an Italian human rights activist describes a woman searching for her husband in the morgue, who recognised the wedding ring on his hand - all that was left of him.
Palestine: Bloggers in Gaza describe the fear
Against all odds, there are still blog posts coming out of Gaza, and bloggers are vividly describing the fear they are filled with in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks.
Palestine: On the Ground in Gaza
In spite of the continued attacks on Gaza, and the loss of electricity in many places, there are Gazan bloggers who are managing to write about what is going on. In addition, there are a number of foreign human rights activists in the Gaza Strip who are providing eyewitness accounts.
Bahrain: The bunny must go
Bahraini blogger Ammaro reports on the sudden interest of MPs in ridding Bahrain of anything with the Playboy rabbit on it: “The bunny logo has been spotted everywhere from supermarkets, to perfume and accessories shops, and it renders anyone staring at it for more than 2 seconds to be transformed...
Palestine: No Christmas in Gaza
In Gaza reports on the Christmas celebrations – or lack of them – of Gaza's Christians: “Father Manuel’s Christmas Eve service was lethargic. It was a desperate plea from a priest who has seen too many painful Christmases in Gaza and whose congregation has reached their breaking point.”
Saudi Arabia: Attitudes towards suicide
Saudiwoman discusses suicide in Saudi Arabia: “In general, Saudi society views suicide as deeply sad but not quite shameful. It’s better to have someone in the family who committed suicide than a daughter who elopes or a son addicted to drugs.”
Bahrain: Comparing the Bahraini and Japanese work ethic
Bahraini blogger Yagoob is currently studying in Japan - and has seen firsthand the legendary Japanese work ethic. In this post he compares the attitude of many Bahrainis towards work with that of the Japanese.
UAE: On being white and speaking Urdu
Lucky Fatima is a white American who lives in Dubai – and speaks Urdu. In this post she writes about how white privilege affects the way her language skills are viewed by Urdu speakers.
India: The voices of Bangalore
Bikerdude at Bengalooru Banter shares with us some of the entertaining voices and accents that can be heard in Bangalore.
Egypt: Internet cables cut again
Once again, fibreoptic cables have been cut in the Mediterranean, affecting the internet in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. Elijah Zarwan at The Skeptic asks, “What accident could account for three cuts in three locations over the course of a year?”
Saudi Arabia: The return of public cinemas?
Public cinemas have been banned in Saudi Arabia for the last 30 years, and if residents of the kingdom want to watch films on the big screen, they travel to nearby Bahrain or the UAE. However, last week in Jeddah a film was screened publicly for a mixed-sex audience. In this post we hear what Saudi blogs have to say on the subject.
Saudi Arabia: The problems of women in medicine
Saudi blogger Ruhsa explores the stigma faced by Saudi women working in medicine, including the idea that women in the field are considered “easy”.
Palestine: No falafels in Gaza
In Gaza has found one of the few falafel stands still able to operate despite fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip.
Bahrain: Letter to a stalker
Bahraini blogger Hamad Balucci writes a letter to a ‘stalker’ who has accused him of writing purely for self-promotion: “I write this blog and my other writings as a self promotion. Yes, there is no lying here. … Do I care if I am hated by other people? No. Do...
Palestine: Dealing with Deprivation in Gaza
In a statement earlier this week the World Bank said: “The ongoing closure of Gaza and severe restrictions on the flow of goods and people continues to be a cause of grave concern.” In this post we hear from bloggers in Gaza describing what life is like under the Israeli blockade – and one who says it’s not as bad as the media portrays it.
