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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from March, 2014
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Nuclear Security Summit Protests
Free Tibet protesters were foiled by Chinese security officials, and a protest urging the US to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions was given prime real estate near the summit.
Obama's Visit to Saudi Arabia Shows Off King's Desert Retreat
Although they did not discuss human rights, President Obama met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today. And Saudis saw the King's desert retreat thanks to a tweeting American journalist
Lebanese Launch Campaign in Support of Syrians Facing Racism
People in Lebanon joined hands to call for an end of racism towards Syrian refugees in their country, writes Joey Ayoub. "Our home is yours," they said.
MENA: Hijab and Western Discrimination
Egyptian blogger Nadia El Awady wrote a blog post in which she questions if women wearing Hijab face discrimination in western countries or not. Nadia, as an Egyptian who grew...
Saudi Arabia: 2014 A Promising Year for Women
Saudi Arabian blogger Hala Al-Dosari shares on her blog an interesting piece from an annual publication by the Wislon’s Center on women in the MENA Region. The publication suggests that...
After One Death, Pleas to Free Remaining Abducted Iranian Soldiers
Insurgents near the Iran-Pakistan border abducted five soldiers in February and have reportedly killed one of their prisoners, Jamshid Danaeifard. #FreeIranianSoldiers say Iranians on Twitter.
“Click Rights” Campaign for Digital Rights in Middle East and North Africa
The IGMENA campaign “Click Rights” aims to bring more awareness of digital rights to citizens, so they in turn can pressure governments and the private sector to uphold them.
In A Syrian Neighbourhood, Rocket Fire Becomes The New Normal
When her Aleppo neighbourhood is the target of rocket fire, Syrian activist Marcell Shehwaro's is both surprised, and not surprised, at how quickly life returns to "normal".
Libya Vs Iraq: Who Wins in the Explosives Finale?
This bumper sticker (more of a windshield sticker) from Libya says it all. Egyptian Bassem Sabry explains: Humour as coping mechanism RT @ILPADRINO0 "Two more explosions & Libya will qualify...
Egypt Sentences 529 Muslim Brotherhood Supporters to Death
Egypt today [March 24] sentenced 529 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death for their roles in violent riots in Minya, in Upper Egypt, last August.
Tor Users on the Rise in Turkey
Human rights and ethics advocate Frederic Jacobs notes that the number of people using Tor is on the rise in Turkey: Tor usage is peaking in Turkey. > 35 000 connecting....
Video: Egyptian Blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah Released on Bail
Celebrations continue as prominent Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah is released from jail. In his first tweet after his release, the activist vows to "continue" the struggle.
Erdogan Vows to ‘Wipe Out’ Twitter in Turkey
Turkey has blocked Twitter – as well as Google's public DNS service, used to circumvent the block. It seems, however, that the Turkish government's plan to censor dissent has backfired.
Six Women Held as Slaves in Southern Lebanon
Ivory Coast-based news site Koaci.com has uncovered the story of six women in southern Lebanon who were kept slavery-like conditions. Lebanese blogger Joey Ayoub draws attention to their plight.
As Elections Approach, Denial Runs Deep for Turkey's Erdogan
Turkey's Prime Minister is calling for democratic elections in a democratic state. Meanwhile, media outlets are under attack, Twitter is blocked, and protester oppression is at an all-time high.
The ‘Happy’ Videos of Middle East and North Africa
From Lebanon to Morocco, passing by Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunis, and Algeria, it seems like the MENA region is filled with people willing to just be happy and dance.
Algerian Opposition TV Network Shuttered Ahead of Presidential Elections
Independent television network Al-Atlas TV, known for broadcasting Algerian opposition viewpoints without any restriction or censorship, was shut down by Algerian authorities on March 11.
Three Years of the Syrian Revolution: “Our Dream Remains Alive”
Activist and blogger Marcell Shehwaro on preparations in her home city of Aleppo, and other parts of the country, to commemorate the third anniversary of the Syrian revolution.
The Syrian Uprising through the Eyes of Syrian Women
As Syria marks the third anniversary of its revolution, Syria Untold talks to three women activists about the untold battle they face on the ground.
Iran: Deceased Blogger's Mother Erased Out of News Photo
The European Union foreign policy chief caused furore in Iran when she met with human rights activists and a deceased blogger's mother at the Austrian Embassy in Tehran.
Saudi Arabia Controls Babies Names
You are not allowed to name your newborn daughter Eman, or Sandy, or Yara. And if it is a boy, names like Abdelnasser, Amir or Abdulmoeen are a no go....
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