Monday, February 28, 2011
Protests in Oman
Several people may be dead following protests in Oman. Protesters blocked an industrial area in Sohar and some stores were looted. Two government buildings were set on fire. The Oman Daily Observer referred to it as "sabotage and vandalism." Protests also took place in Muscat.
Top Stories February 28, 2011
ArabNews (Saudi Arabia): King's order to benefit 180,000 temporary employees - These are temporary government employees who are now permanent government employees. (Should I be cynical and wonder if this is a bribe - don't protest and I'll give you a job!)
Lebanon Daily Star: March 14 shuns Mikati Cabinet, vows to confront 'coup' - Saad Hariri's party is not happy with Hizbollah.
Haaretz (Israel): Documentary on Tel Aviv school, 'Strangers No More,' wins Oscar - Children from 48 countries go to the Bialik-Rogozin School in Tel Aviv.
Turkish Daily News: Death of 'Erbakan Hoca' closes out an era of Turkish politics - The founder of Turkey's Islamic political movement has died. He was also a former prime minister for Turkey.
Gulf Daily News (Bahrain): Reforms on track - Bahrain's Cabinet has changed and supposedly that means reforms are in process. Again, call me cynical, I'll believe it when it happens.
Lebanon Daily Star: March 14 shuns Mikati Cabinet, vows to confront 'coup' - Saad Hariri's party is not happy with Hizbollah.
Haaretz (Israel): Documentary on Tel Aviv school, 'Strangers No More,' wins Oscar - Children from 48 countries go to the Bialik-Rogozin School in Tel Aviv.
Turkish Daily News: Death of 'Erbakan Hoca' closes out an era of Turkish politics - The founder of Turkey's Islamic political movement has died. He was also a former prime minister for Turkey.
Gulf Daily News (Bahrain): Reforms on track - Bahrain's Cabinet has changed and supposedly that means reforms are in process. Again, call me cynical, I'll believe it when it happens.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Kurds Protest Corruption
Yes, the Kurds in Iraq are protesting too. Not in the way of Libya or anything like that, but some people are making comparisons to 1991 (protests against Saddam). They're protesting corruption in Sulaimaniyah. Apparently, as often happens, some government officials or political parties are getting too much control over business matters and making a fortune off of it, and the people are sick of it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Free Ali Abdulemam: Update I
Ali is free! The king of Bahrain freed a number of prisoners and Ali was one of them.
US Honor Killing Convicted
I posted last month about an Iraqi man in the US who killed his daughter who had left home and moved in with her boyfriend. He was convicted this week. So much for all of those right-wing conservatives complaining about Shari'a law taking over America.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Update
My health issues have been popping up some, and I'm distracted by trying to keep track of all the protests. So don't be surprised if I'm not blogging every single day for a bit.
If you're tired of reading about dead protesters, how about some Happy News: read about Abu Dhabi's new art district.
If you're tired of reading about dead protesters, how about some Happy News: read about Abu Dhabi's new art district.
Top Stories February 21, 2011
ArabNews (Saudi Arabia): Troops 'liberate' Libya's 2nd city - It looks like some part of the army is now fighting against Qaddafi. And there have been attacks on the funerals held for protesters.
Lebanon Daily Star: Source: No progress on Mikati Cabinet formation - It's still a mess in Lebanon.
Haaretz (Israel): Libya clashes reach Tripoli; central government building ablaze - Gadhafi is not backing down, and Al-Jazeera has reports of the air force bombing protesters.
Turkish Daily News: Murder a fact of life for women in Turkey - In 2002, 66 women were murdered. In 2009, almost 1,000 were murdered. Gender inequality and increasing conservatism are blamed. Turkey's population is just under 78 million. That's not quite as big as the 3 most populous US states combined (California, Texas, New York). By US standards, that's a low murder rate (as of 2009 there were over 15,000 murders total in the US).
Gulf Daily News (Bahrain): Support for Premier - People thank the prime minister for his "wise leadership." I wonder who owns this paper?
Lebanon Daily Star: Source: No progress on Mikati Cabinet formation - It's still a mess in Lebanon.
Haaretz (Israel): Libya clashes reach Tripoli; central government building ablaze - Gadhafi is not backing down, and Al-Jazeera has reports of the air force bombing protesters.
Turkish Daily News: Murder a fact of life for women in Turkey - In 2002, 66 women were murdered. In 2009, almost 1,000 were murdered. Gender inequality and increasing conservatism are blamed. Turkey's population is just under 78 million. That's not quite as big as the 3 most populous US states combined (California, Texas, New York). By US standards, that's a low murder rate (as of 2009 there were over 15,000 murders total in the US).
Gulf Daily News (Bahrain): Support for Premier - People thank the prime minister for his "wise leadership." I wonder who owns this paper?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Protests Protests Protests! Update I
Yahoo!'s Mideast protests at a glance.
Bahrain is in a world of hurt. More protesters were attacked and injured, overwhelming the hospital. So far, over 200 people have been injured and President Obama has been speaking to the Bahraini king. The king has appointed the Crown Prince as a kind of mediator with the protesters, and he has issued his own statement. There was also a pro-government rally.
Protests in Libya are getting very bloody with over 40 protesters dead, and there are reports that 2 policemen were hung.
Protests in Yemen are on their 9th straight day, and 4 more people are dead. Journalists are also being attacked. Protesters in Ta'iz were attacked with a grenade.
Jordanians have been protesting for 7 days straight. The 2,000 protesters were followed by some pro-government supporters.
Egyptians held a celebration protest. It's been a week since Mubarak left.
Oman is generally considered the safest country in the Middle East. When I visited, I found the Omanis very polite and nice. So it makes sense that when they held a protest today, it was a polite one. Really. Read the article.
Bahrain is in a world of hurt. More protesters were attacked and injured, overwhelming the hospital. So far, over 200 people have been injured and President Obama has been speaking to the Bahraini king. The king has appointed the Crown Prince as a kind of mediator with the protesters, and he has issued his own statement. There was also a pro-government rally.
Protests in Libya are getting very bloody with over 40 protesters dead, and there are reports that 2 policemen were hung.
Protests in Yemen are on their 9th straight day, and 4 more people are dead. Journalists are also being attacked. Protesters in Ta'iz were attacked with a grenade.
Jordanians have been protesting for 7 days straight. The 2,000 protesters were followed by some pro-government supporters.
Egyptians held a celebration protest. It's been a week since Mubarak left.
Oman is generally considered the safest country in the Middle East. When I visited, I found the Omanis very polite and nice. So it makes sense that when they held a protest today, it was a polite one. Really. Read the article.
Women's News February 18, 2011
A Syrian blogger named Tal Mallohi has been sentenced to 5 years in jail, accused of spying for the US. She has several blogs and is only 19 years old.
Saudi women are worried that harassment of them is increasing. But the protests in Egypt may be helping to decrease harassment of women there.
Helen Clark, who heads up the UN Development Program (and used to be PM of New Zealand), visited Yemen. She discussed a number of issues, including advances that need to be made for women.
During the protests, Tahreer Square in Sana'a, Yemen was supposed to be the site of a traditional crafts fair for women. I don't know how things went, but hopefully the fair was still able to go on.
Saudi women are worried that harassment of them is increasing. But the protests in Egypt may be helping to decrease harassment of women there.
Helen Clark, who heads up the UN Development Program (and used to be PM of New Zealand), visited Yemen. She discussed a number of issues, including advances that need to be made for women.
During the protests, Tahreer Square in Sana'a, Yemen was supposed to be the site of a traditional crafts fair for women. I don't know how things went, but hopefully the fair was still able to go on.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bloggers Update
Kareem Amer, Egyptian blogger, was arrested in Tahrir Square on February 7th, then released a few days later.
Tal Mallohi, teen-aged Syrian blogger, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison. She was convicted of giving information to the United States. Free Tal website.
Bahraini blogger Ali Abdulemam is still in jail. Free Ali website.
Tal Mallohi, teen-aged Syrian blogger, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison. She was convicted of giving information to the United States. Free Tal website.
Bahraini blogger Ali Abdulemam is still in jail. Free Ali website.
YemenWatch: Thursday February 17, 2011
More protests!
Two protesters died in Aden and more laid siege to the police headquarters. The government is deploying thousands of soldiers, all over Yemen. Protests continued at Sana'a University. And President Saleh is going for an open door policy now.
Journalists covering the protests are being attacked.
Are more regimes ready to fall?
The journalist with alleged AQAP connections, Abdul Elah Haidar Shay, is still in jail. Saleh was going to release him, until President Obama stepped in . Saleh is meeting with a tribal mediator to discuss the situation.
Two protesters died in Aden and more laid siege to the police headquarters. The government is deploying thousands of soldiers, all over Yemen. Protests continued at Sana'a University. And President Saleh is going for an open door policy now.
Journalists covering the protests are being attacked.
Are more regimes ready to fall?
The journalist with alleged AQAP connections, Abdul Elah Haidar Shay, is still in jail. Saleh was going to release him, until President Obama stepped in . Saleh is meeting with a tribal mediator to discuss the situation.
Gitmo Book Banned?
An Australian man who was kept at Guantanamo Bay for years has written a book about his experiences. But don't plan on reading it if you live in America. Truthout has an interview with the author, and FireDogLake has some commentary about it. I'll admit to not keeping on top of the Gitmo events here at The Ali Gator blog, so I don't remember much about the situation with this prisoner. But, whether you believe him or not, I find it disturbing that his freaking book is NOT sold in America. If you search on Amazon.com there is a Kindle edition, which is not available for download if you live in the United States. I can't even get the book to pop up on my little Amazon widget that lets me add books to my blog posts. So much for Free Speech in the United States.
The book is called Guantanamo: My Journey by David Hicks. It is available from Random House Australia.
The book is called Guantanamo: My Journey by David Hicks. It is available from Random House Australia.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Protests Protests Protests!
Things are heating up across the Middle East, and the latest is in Bahrain. Protesters are trying to take over the main square, just like the Egyptians did. Two people have already died in these protests. Funerals were held Tuesday and sparked even more protests. Several policemen have been arrested for the deaths. These protests are continuing today.
Protests in Jordan have included Bedouin, who want their land back. And the government recently decided to allow protests or rallies without government permission.
In Saudi Arabia some activists are trying to form a political party.
Protests have started in Libya as well, and several activists have been arrested. Protesters are calling for their own Day of Anger and numerous people have been injured. More on the protests.
Activists have called for protests in Syria. One of them was arrested and just released. And a female teen-aged blogger in Syria, held for over a year, has been convicted of spying for the US.
What's also interesting is what isn't mentioned online. For instance, the Gulf Times in Qatar has articles on Egypt, Tunisia, and even Yemen, but nothing about Bahrain. Whereas the Gulf Daily News in Bahrain does cover some of the protests. So does the Kuwait Times.
Protests in Jordan have included Bedouin, who want their land back. And the government recently decided to allow protests or rallies without government permission.
In Saudi Arabia some activists are trying to form a political party.
Protests have started in Libya as well, and several activists have been arrested. Protesters are calling for their own Day of Anger and numerous people have been injured. More on the protests.
Activists have called for protests in Syria. One of them was arrested and just released. And a female teen-aged blogger in Syria, held for over a year, has been convicted of spying for the US.
What's also interesting is what isn't mentioned online. For instance, the Gulf Times in Qatar has articles on Egypt, Tunisia, and even Yemen, but nothing about Bahrain. Whereas the Gulf Daily News in Bahrain does cover some of the protests. So does the Kuwait Times.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
YemenWatch: Tuesday February 15, 2011
Yemen has its own Tahrir Square, in Sana'a and in Ta'iz province. Protests took place in both cities. Protesters have been attacked (more) and arrested in Ta'iz, Sana'a, Aden and Hudaidah. In Ta'iz, protests are in their 5th day. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are both concerned with the attacks on protesters.
The JMP is officially back in dialogue with the government and has condemned the government's actions against the protesters. And an MP from the ruling GPC party resigned, partly citing attacks on protesters.
Four Yemenis are on trial for supporting the Houthis and spying for Iran.
The US is pretty concerned over Yemen, especially in regards to AQAP, so it will spend $75 million to help Yemen in counter terror efforts including increasing the size of the counter terror unit.
See the Yemen Times expose on AQAP.
The government is denying reports on the death of an AQAP leader, Al-Shihri, in Abyan last week,
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate is upset with President Obama because he wants journalist Abdul Elah Haidar kept in jail.
Al-Awlaki released another audio message, condemning the Yemeni government for working with the US.
It looks like the Houthis may have officially declared a rebellion now.
In 2010, 119 people were kidnapped in Yemen. The government is still hunting down some of the kidnappers.
The JMP is officially back in dialogue with the government and has condemned the government's actions against the protesters. And an MP from the ruling GPC party resigned, partly citing attacks on protesters.
Four Yemenis are on trial for supporting the Houthis and spying for Iran.
The US is pretty concerned over Yemen, especially in regards to AQAP, so it will spend $75 million to help Yemen in counter terror efforts including increasing the size of the counter terror unit.
See the Yemen Times expose on AQAP.
The government is denying reports on the death of an AQAP leader, Al-Shihri, in Abyan last week,
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate is upset with President Obama because he wants journalist Abdul Elah Haidar kept in jail.
Al-Awlaki released another audio message, condemning the Yemeni government for working with the US.
It looks like the Houthis may have officially declared a rebellion now.
In 2010, 119 people were kidnapped in Yemen. The government is still hunting down some of the kidnappers.
Monday, February 14, 2011
US Hypocrisy
If Egypt, our buddy, wants democracy, we're not so sure about it, until it happens. But if Iran wants democracy, then we are all for it. Democracy now! Kick out Ahmedinejad. I really get fed up with politics sometimes.
Update YemenWatch
I'm running a little behind on YemenWatch, which is bad, because there's a lot going on. I'm a bit busy at the moment but should have the update posted tomorrow.
Top Stories February 14, 2011
ArabNews (Saudi Arabia): Egypt's Parliament dissolved - The military is currently in charge, but it's not exactly clear what will happen next.
Lebanon Daily Star: March 14 prepares to unleash 'fierce opposition' - Today is the 6th anniversary of the Hariri assassination. Saad Hariri and the March 14 party will use it launch their opposition to Hizbollah.
Haaretz (Israel): Benny Gantz takes over as IDF chief: I am ready to face the challenges - Gantz was the 2nd choice, after Yoav Galant was disqualified.
Turkish Daily News: Sweep of arrests erases any doubt over who's the boss in Turkey - In 2003 an alleged military coup came to light, and almost 200 officers are suspects and under arrest.
Egyptian Gazette: Egypt's military council set to ban strikes - The military is trying to restore order to the country, which is good, but I'm still a bit concerned about what will happen when all the protesters go home.
Lebanon Daily Star: March 14 prepares to unleash 'fierce opposition' - Today is the 6th anniversary of the Hariri assassination. Saad Hariri and the March 14 party will use it launch their opposition to Hizbollah.
Haaretz (Israel): Benny Gantz takes over as IDF chief: I am ready to face the challenges - Gantz was the 2nd choice, after Yoav Galant was disqualified.
Turkish Daily News: Sweep of arrests erases any doubt over who's the boss in Turkey - In 2003 an alleged military coup came to light, and almost 200 officers are suspects and under arrest.
Egyptian Gazette: Egypt's military council set to ban strikes - The military is trying to restore order to the country, which is good, but I'm still a bit concerned about what will happen when all the protesters go home.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Quick News Roundup February 12, 2011
ArabNews (Saudi Arabia) reports that the subcontractors to the US Embassy are abusing their employees. They cite a report by the US Office of Inspector General, and provide a link to it. Abuse of South Asian employees is fairly common in the Gulf. I don't mean that as an excuse, just as a piece of information.
A senior rabbi in Israel is under arrest for supporting a book (Torat Hamelech) that says when it is okay to kill Gentiles. He refused to be questioned by police, because it is a religious issue. This whole thing originally came to a head in January of last year (see this article). I'm not sure what to think of it. It sounds as though some people want it to be thought of as a scholarly work, while others see it as inciting violence. The article I linked to makes some good points about the authors of the study (also rabbis) and that they may be inciting violence. I will say one thing though: if a Catholic priest wrote a book saying that the Bible says sometimes it's okay to kill Jews, there would be a huge uproar and calls of anti-Semitism. But almost no one would say it's a religious issue and the police should stay out of it.
There's more about that senior rabbi in this article, which compares the Muslim Brotherhood to the ultra-Orthodox religious right in Israel. They believe that Judaism trumps democracy, and want to take Israel even further down that road.
This was written before Mubarak left, but it's a quick look at how events in Egypt are affecting the Gulf. And this more recent article covers the current situation. Even Palestine is affected and should have elections in September.
A senior rabbi in Israel is under arrest for supporting a book (Torat Hamelech) that says when it is okay to kill Gentiles. He refused to be questioned by police, because it is a religious issue. This whole thing originally came to a head in January of last year (see this article). I'm not sure what to think of it. It sounds as though some people want it to be thought of as a scholarly work, while others see it as inciting violence. The article I linked to makes some good points about the authors of the study (also rabbis) and that they may be inciting violence. I will say one thing though: if a Catholic priest wrote a book saying that the Bible says sometimes it's okay to kill Jews, there would be a huge uproar and calls of anti-Semitism. But almost no one would say it's a religious issue and the police should stay out of it.
There's more about that senior rabbi in this article, which compares the Muslim Brotherhood to the ultra-Orthodox religious right in Israel. They believe that Judaism trumps democracy, and want to take Israel even further down that road.
This was written before Mubarak left, but it's a quick look at how events in Egypt are affecting the Gulf. And this more recent article covers the current situation. Even Palestine is affected and should have elections in September.
Egypt Rocks!
Congratulations to the people of Egypt! It's so inspiring to see the peoples of Tunisia and Egypt make a change for themselves. Let's hope that both countries will be able to create a new democratic government of the people.
I have been a little concerned with some of the media coverage of Egypt in the US. They keep talking about "what does this mean for us?" And harping on how good a friend Mubarak was in the fight against terrorism. Of course, they don't mention that one reason he was such a good friend is because the US could send suspected terrorists to Egypt to be tortured.
I am also really sick of hearing how "stable" the Mubarak regime was and how we need stability in the Middle East. I am all for stability, but not under a dictatorship. Some of the media outlets have been pointing to other Middle Eastern countries that are stable and what might happen if they have protests. This reminds me of US foreign policy during the Cold War, when we were propping up these brutal right-wing dictators in Central and South America. But hey - it was stable! It drives me crazy that so many Americans had no idea what was going on then, and have no idea what is going on now. How can a country that wields this much power have people who are so clueless?
I have been a little concerned with some of the media coverage of Egypt in the US. They keep talking about "what does this mean for us?" And harping on how good a friend Mubarak was in the fight against terrorism. Of course, they don't mention that one reason he was such a good friend is because the US could send suspected terrorists to Egypt to be tortured.
I am also really sick of hearing how "stable" the Mubarak regime was and how we need stability in the Middle East. I am all for stability, but not under a dictatorship. Some of the media outlets have been pointing to other Middle Eastern countries that are stable and what might happen if they have protests. This reminds me of US foreign policy during the Cold War, when we were propping up these brutal right-wing dictators in Central and South America. But hey - it was stable! It drives me crazy that so many Americans had no idea what was going on then, and have no idea what is going on now. How can a country that wields this much power have people who are so clueless?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Women's News February 10, 2011
A Dutch-Iranian woman was hanged at the end of January. She was arrested in 2009 for protesting, but was hanged on drug charges.
Over 600 girls were given vocational training in Yemen in 2010.
Saudi women met yesterday to discuss the role of women in the Kingdom and successful businesswomen spoke of their experiences.
Over 600 girls were given vocational training in Yemen in 2010.
Saudi women met yesterday to discuss the role of women in the Kingdom and successful businesswomen spoke of their experiences.
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