Iran’s government has been increasing pressure on writers and artists over the past few years, but its heavy hand does not strike evenly.
Being a gay poet in Iran: ‘Writing on the edge of crisis’
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CATEGORY: Middle East and North Africa
Egyptian media reflects xenophobic sentiment of military
Xenophobia in general and anti-US sentiment, in particular, have peaked in Egypt since the June 30 rebellion that toppled Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and the Egyptian media has in recent weeks, been fuelling both. Shahira Amin reports
UAE targets Arab-American news site
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are making transnational attempts to shut down the United States’ largest Arab-American newspaper, al-Watan. Rori Donaghy writes
The Military and democracy – Turkey and Egypt both getting it wrong
While Turkey this week jailed its former Chief of Staff, General Ilker Basbug, in Egypt, General Sisi’s popularity is still riding high following the army’s ousting of President Morsi. Kirsty Hughes writes
Hassan Rouhani raises Iranian hopes for free expression
During his inauguration address, Iran’s new president Hassan Rouhani promised peace and a push towards a more open dialogue with the West. Although it is far too soon to gauge whether his promises will transform into policies as he pushes against Iran’s convoluted theocracy. Small Media reports
Third Square movement hopes to unite Egyptians
Amidst Egypt’s conflict and division, a third group has emerged between the military and the Morsi supporters — one whose members hope to re-unite Egyptians behind the common cause of “a free, democratic and civil Egypt.” Shahira Amin reports
Saudi liberal blogger sentenced to 600 lashes and seven years in jail
A Saudi activist is being punished after calling for a “day of liberalism”, Padraig Reidy reports
Hamas shut down media bureaus over Egypt coverage
Gaza’s de-facto Hamas government closed the office of Al Arabiya, Palestinian network Ma’an news and the local production company Lens on Thursday. Ma’an reported the incident as having received a closure order from the Attorney General delivered...
Yemeni journalist released from prison
Abdul-Elah Haider Shaye was freed last night in Yemen after being kept in prison for three years at the request of Barack Obama. Iona Craig reports
Egypt, the military and the media: Worse yet to come?
After the fall of Egypt’s Islamist president this month, security officials shut down media linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. With a history of biased media and an increasingly divided nation, the future in Egypt looks grim. Shahira Amin reports