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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from January, 2016
Egyptians Call for the Release of Political Prisoners on the Fifth Anniversary of the Jan25 Revolution
Some 41,000 political prisoners remain in jail in Egypt on the fifth anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. Mira G looks at how they are being remembered.
Netizen Report: Change is on the Horizon for Iran. But Let’s Not Forget Human Rights.
Protesters in Poland say no to unchecked surveillance, Kuwait tightens laws on critical speech, and an exiled Bangladeshi blogger tells his story.
Did a Text Message Lead to the Arrest of This Recently Released Iranian-American Prisoner?
Another prisoner released in the swaps, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, appears to have been arrested to due to mass surveillance by Iranian authorities. His SMS messages were surveilled.
[TIMELINE] Morocco: Political Repression in the Era of Social Media
Since the mid-2000s, investigative journalists and citizens engaged in political activism online have become regular targets of the Moroccan government. Learn more with this timeline.
Camels Enjoying the Snow in Saudi Arabia
Parts of the desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing snowfall -- and netizens are rushing online to document it.
Local Media Coverage of Tunisia's Job Protests Under Criticism
Despite the protesters distancing themselves from vandalism and looting, the media has been focusing on them alone, instead of providing enough coverage of the protesters' demands.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Activist-Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Returns To Jail
While much hope and happiness came with the lifting of nuclear sanctions and the release of Iranian-American prisoners in Iran, a blogger and activist returned to jail.
The Lebanese ‘Christian Marriage’ Between Aoun and Geagea Leaves Many Skeptical
When one former warlord endorsed another former warlord, ordinary Lebanese started sharing stories of their suffering during the civil war. Abir Ghattas and Joey Ayoub share some of those stories.
#Justice4Morocco: 7 Defenders of Free Expression Face Trial
Since the mid-2000s, the regime of King Mohammed VI has systematically targeted and persecuted Moroccan citizens working to hold their government accountable to its people.
Is ISIS Trying To Manipulate the Crypto Debate? Tech Experts Debunk Encrypted Email Video
ISIS releases a new video that aims to play into fears over encrypted communication.
Checkmate: Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Declares War on Chess
Checkmate. After Saudi Arabia's grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh declared playing chess is forbidden in Islam, netizens turn to Twitter to vent off
Five Years On: Time to Remember Those Who Gave All for the Egyptian Revolution
It was the beginning of the end to a 30-year rule of a tyrant regime. Five years later, here's a rundown of what's happening in Egypt today.
Three Foreign Lawyers Have Returned Home Safely, But What’s Life Like for Local Attorneys in Tajikistan?
What's the difference between a Tajik and a non-Tajik lawyer? In Tajikistan, detained foreign attorneys have a better chance of remaining unharmed and securing a quick release.
What You Need to Know About the Recent Job Protests in Tunisia
Five years later, Tunisians are back on the streets protesting for "jobs, freedom and dignity." Tunisian blogger Afef Abrougui tells us what happened.
Once a Refugee in Syria, This Palestinian Woman Is a Refugee Once Again
Nadera Aboud is a refugee in Europe. But this isn't the first time she's had to flee her home. The first time was almost 70 years ago.
Climate Change Continued to Rear Its Ugly Head in 2015
People around the world were affected by extreme weather events in 2015, the hottest year on record ever.
Netizen Report: Egyptian Activists and Authorities Brace for January 25 Protests
Egyptian activists confront rising tensions approaching the 5th anniversary of the 2011 revolution, Morocco is blocking VoIP apps and China unveils a new assault on circumvention tools.
Don’t Laugh, But Dubai’s Deputy Police Chief Would Like to Tell You About Obama’s ‘Shia Roots’
Dubai's deputy chief of police reasons the Iran Deal happened because Obama is Shia. Arab and Iranian social media users can‘t contain their laughter.
Warlords to the Lebanese People: Let’s Forgive and Forget!
25 years after the end of the civil war Lebanon remains a deeply divided country, and attempts by former warlords to paper over the past can only worsen the situation.
ISIS Destroys Dair Mar Elia, Iraq's Oldest Christian Monastery
Iraq's oldest Christian monastery, Dair Mar Elia, has been destroyed by the ISIS. The monastery, built in 595, is located in Ninawa, just south of Mosul.
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