Archive for August 5, 2011
Violence in the Arab uprisings
My weekly article in al-Akhbar: ”Violence in the Arab Uprisings”.
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
The NATO rebel council
“”Libyans love America,” Keish explained as he cut through a boisterous crowd that numbered in the tens of thousands. “They love the flag because it stands for freedom and democracy — exactly what they want for Libya.” In a region where America…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
More on Bahrain
“Front Line is deeply concerned for the safety and well being of Mrs Jalila Al Salman, vice president of the Bahrain Teachers’s Society and Mrs. Rula Al Saffar Assistant Professor at the College of Health Sciences and the Head of Bahrain Nursing Societ…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
the new Egypt
“An Egyptian trade union federation that was used by the government to repress labour activism has been dissolved, dismantling another powerful component of Hosni Mubarak’s dictatorship.” (thanks Farrah)
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Silly Saudi prince
“Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal launched Tuesday a project to build the world’s tallest tower at more than 1,000 metres (3,281 feet) in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.” (thanks Basim)
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Hariri cheap exploitation
I reported on what happened in Hamra street the other day. How thugs belonging to the Ba`th Party and some from the SSNP beat up a group of independent leftists. One of those leftists who suffered serious injuries, issues a statement critic…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Another reason to love the people of Palestine
If an Israel terrorist sent a bag of potato chips to the starving people of Somalia, the New York Times would have put that on the front page and US TV news networks would have scrambled to interview the guy. Yet, the people of Gaza (who are stil…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
"although he was a dictator"….
“The trial also drew a large audience in Israel, where many viewed the images of Mr. Mubarak with a sense of unease. Although he was a dictator, several Israeli commentators said, Mr. Mubarak had also been a reliable ally who upheld Egypt’s peace tre…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Syria and Saudi Arabia
The reactions of Western government of Saudi propaganda outlets towards repression in Syria is driven by the bad relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia. I mean, imagine if the relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia were excellent, and imagine…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
arresting boys and girls in Tehran
Look at this example of the absurdity of repression in Iran: ”In the 40C heat of an Iranian summer, what better way to have fun and stay cool than a water fight with friends? In the Islamic republic, however, things are a bit more complicated. &n…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
attacking official buildings in Syria
White House condemned the attacks in Syria on government buildings and offices of the ruling party. I don’t condemn such attacks: at a time when people are being shot in the streets, the least that protesters can do is to attack the offices of th…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Zionist and (royal) Saudi tears for Mubarak
You have to read this editorial by the editor-in-chief of the mouthpiece of Prince Salman and his sons, Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat. It is so angry and calls the appearance of Mubarak in court an act of revenge and gloating. He attacks Egyptian revo…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
"Symbol" of the Syrian revolution?
I knew that this was destined to happen. Saudi Arabia, through the website of King Fahd’s brother-in-law’s new station, Al-Arabiyya, is now officially promoting Shaykh `Adnan Al-`Ar`ur as one of the “symbols of the Syrian Revolution.” This …
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Robert Fisk should retire, NOW: Please get him a gold watch
Really, the man should retire. After the humiliating apology that his paper had to offer to Prince Nayif, the man should retire. Look at him here: ”"Are you Mohamed Hosni Sayed Mubarak?” asked Judge Ahmed Refaat. Or Bachar al-Assad? O…
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
Mubarak show trial
Despite the excitement and jubilation in the Arab world over the footage of Husni Mubarak in the cage, I remain skeptical. Mubarak could have been forced to stand up in court. The man appeared in vigorous health only a few months ago.  …
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad
FLASH: they found religion in jail
Jamal Mubarak and `Ala’ Mubarak both stood in court holding a copy of the Qur’an. They found religion, like all criminals.
Posted on August 5, 2011 by As'ad