Cowboys & Anthrax

Nokia’s idea would involve semi-permanent mark­ings on the user’s body.

“For the last three years, Mr. Obama has expanded government instead of empowering the American people… He’s put us deeper in debt, he’s slowed the recovery…” -Mitt Romney

The new SimCity will let you take control of a city’s environmental destiny:

“You start your city without any money, and you could exploit the coal seams underneath the city and start digging coal out of the ground and make a city that’s pretty filthy, one that’s built on burning coal for power, might have a lot of coal-sustained industries around it and would make me a ton of money as a player. In the long term that would sort of blight the prospects of the city.” In that coal-dependent city, there would be little natural beauty and excessive air and ground pollution, not to mention citizens suffering from coal-related health problems.

Ever since a member of the Qatari royal family took charge of the network, coverage was getting a bit weird. Don’t get me wrong, Al Jazeera can do some fantastic coverage on various matters in the region, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They also did an amazing job in the initial coverage on the Egyptian revolution. It’s all good. The Stream is also a great show, but only gets 30 minutes a day, which sucks.

Anyways, it’s been getting shady. Especially when they canceled the showing of a documentary on Morocco’s pro-democracy movement for no apparent reason. That was the last straw for me. 

So! Here’s a list of English sources on the Middle East and North Africa. Most of them are just publications.

Jadaliyya: Amazing analysis from the top scholars and academics in every field pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa. Politics, culture, religion, gender studies—you name it. You can’t really be studying MENA politics without having read something from here.

Al Akhbar: The English version of one of the most prominent newspapers in Lebanon. They cover all things in the region though. Mostly newsy, but there are quality op-ed pieces and weekly blogposts from prominent voices. 

Tunisia Live: They launched after the Tunisian Revolution and cover all things Tunisia. They also occasionally post pieces pertaining to other parts of the region, namely North Africa. 

Arabist: Yes, this is a blog, but an amazing blog. Even if all you’re checking out is the weekly link roundup, that’s enough news to keep you updated. Most of the posts are on Egypt, but there is a sprinkle of other countries. 

Magharebia: Okay, they’re funded by AFRICOM, yes. But they are one of the few sites that consistently publishes content on the Greater Maghreb (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Western Sahara). It’s basic coverage, but if you come across a story that intrigues you, just do some more research. 

Ahram Online: The English version of the “first newspaper in the Middle East.” It’s based in Egypt and provides coverage throughout the region. 

This week is International Anti-Street Harassment Week, because spring is here for many of us and so are the catcallers. Read Holly Kearl’s Feministing guest post on what the week is all about and how you can be involved. And be sure to check out the official website for Meet Us on the Street, especially the page that gives you downloadable logos, posters and flyers in a number of languages for your posting pleasure. 

Street harassment and catcalling are not an acceptable part of life, nor should they be considered complimentary. They are disrespectful, shaming and controlling and there should be no permissive public forum being made for the sexist rhetoric embedded in the gendered public harassment received by women and members of the trans community with disheartening regularity.