by Natasha Tynes | May 27, 2006 | The Mideast
For people routinely harassed and sometimes arrested by the Lebanese authorities, it was refreshing to be able to attend a public event without fear of being detained. But the gun-toting policemen standing outside the hotel were not there to carry out a raid against the dozens of people who had gathered inside for the press conference by the gay rights organization, Helem. Instead, the police were there to ensure the safety of the event.
The press conference part of a three-day event organized by Helem to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, which marks the day in May 1990 on which the World Health Organization took homosexuality off its list of mental disorders. Source: [BBC]
Frankly, I never thought I would live to see the day when Arab homosexuals could organize a public event and talk about the fact that they do exist. But then again Lebanon is different. Perhaps this was bound to happen. My opinion: Good for them!
Meanwhile, Al Arabiya covered the event [Arabic] but alleged that the organizers of the parade were showing "porn movies." The head of the organization, Helem (‘Dream’ in Arabic), that put together the event denied the accusation, saying that what was shown were social movies about the status of homosexuals in Lebanon and the Arab world.
by Natasha Tynes | May 11, 2006 | Jordan, my nation, The Mideast
Both Amarji from the Heretic blog and Abu Kais from Beirut to the Beltway blog are reporting that Syrian opposition figures will soon start operating from Amman and Lebanon. Their news source is Kuwaiti newspaper Al Siyasa. You can see the full article here [Arabic]. Here are some excerpts as translated by the two bloggers. Amarji says:
OK. So, a "well-known opposition figure in Brussels" reports that many former Syrian regime members, with military and security expertise, are currently converging on Lebanon and Jordan to establish bases for future anti-regime operations, promising "two explosions for every explosion and two assassinations for every assassination," all to be carried out with Saudi funding and approval.
Abu Kais adds:
Many houses in Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar, Sidon and Amman have reportedly been put at the disposal of the Syrian opposition. Funding and logistics are being provided by prominent Gulf officials and Western countries, the opposition figure claimed…
… Has the long-awaited march against the Damascus thugs begun? The military tone used by the opposition figure is frightening. But the stakes are high, and the Syrian regime left few other options. Let’s see how this report plays out in the media.
I wonder if the Jordanian media will ever report on this unusual development or will it be kept hush- hush, as is usually the norm. We do live in interesting times, indeed.
by Natasha Tynes | May 9, 2006 | The Mideast
Ala’ is another victim of the fight for freedom. He is an Egyptian blogger and activist who is currently being detained by the Egyptian police for taking part in a demonstration. I urge the Egyptian government to release him now and put an end to their continual violations of basic human rights. Make sure to check Sandmonkey’s blog for all the details. He, along with other Arab and Egyptian bloggers, should be commended for their relentless efforts to secure his release.
by Natasha Tynes | May 6, 2006 | The Mideast
My German-Jordanian friend and fellow blogger Euroarabe has a facinating post about the existence of the "Arab credit score." It is so worth a read I’ll highlight all of it:
When I came to the US, I found out (too late) about the credit report. If you are late paying any bills, it goes on a national record and affects your ability to take any loans out in the future, as well as sign up for credit cards, cell phones, rent an apartment, buy a house … even if you move across the country. We don’t have that in Jordan and other Arab countries as far as I knew. Then I realised we do. It’s called "your reputation" … and it something that comes along with being a girl. it’s just as important as your credit report in the US. One slip and everybody in the country finds out about it. Your reputation report is reviewed anytime you need to make important social and even career transactions just like in the US when you make financial contracts. The girls in my dorm were all intent on having hymen operations before marriage. Because losing that is equivilant of bankruptcy. Anyone living in the US knows what that will do to your credit report. It is obviously all a social construction and make-believe. The cult of virginity. The problem is, everyone is playing the game. I want to set up a online service where Arab girls can get their reputation report, instantly and for a small fee. Delivered online with personal analysis.
