We want to meet you. We need you to tell us what inspired you to stand up, what led you to fight, and what sustained you until victory. This revolution, more than any other, is in the hands of ordinary citizens who are willing to do extraordinary things.

We hope that as you read what others have to say you will be inspired to share your own thoughts with us. Whether it is a passing observation that means something to you about how your life has changed in these months, or an extended essay on your revolutionary ideals, we want to hear from you. Return to Arab Awakening

Lebanon tempts fate

While a protracted civil conflict in Lebanon is unlikely, a clash between Hezbollah and Israel is only too feasible.

 

Tunisian university dean acquitted

Each university has a right to set their own guidelines for the wearing of the niqab and religious activity in general on campus. But the issue has become too divisive.

Islamists are not above criticism

We promised people to be truthful and to recognize the truth to the best of our ability, even if it was against ourselves. And Muslims – as the Hadith states – are obliged to stick to what they promise.

“Chicken nuggets”: Bahrain’s lost generation goes mainstream

The battle for culture, the conquest of space, the re-interpretation of heritage and the competition for writing Bahrain’s collective memory are well under way in an island roughly half the size of New York City.

Libya's political isolation law: confusion and charade

How will this Political Isolation Law benefit Libya? The manner in which it was passed has set a precedent for rule by intimidation and has undermined Libya's transition towards democracy, justice and rule of law.

Qatar’s dark side

The influx of journalists, writers, thinkers and generally socially engaged expatriates, alongside a growing class of civically minded Qataris ensures that these dark sides no longer remain hidden from view.

Labour Day in Turkey: ‘proportional force’ and irresponsible leadership

Perhaps Turkey has never used tear gas in its 90-year history as much as it has done in the last ten years.

This week's window on the Middle East - April 29, 2013

Arab Awakening's columnists offer their weekly perspective on what is happening on the ground in the Middle East. Leading the week, Attack on the French Embassy in Tripoli: what now for Libya?

Attack on the French Embassy in Tripoli: what now for Libya?

Foreign companies and investors already unsure about returning to Libya will be further dissuaded by this targeting of a foreign embassy in the heart of Tripoli.

Final draft of Tunisia’s new constitution released

After long heated debates, a final draft of Tunisia’s new constitution was released last week by the National Constituent Assembly.


Middle East football scores own goal

The intermingling of sports, politics and identity in the region makes it too important to be overlooked.

 

No-go areas and arms deals

With a worsening human rights record that includes the alleged torture of both British and Emirati citizens, shouldn’t this visit also be a chance to raise issues of concern with the president of the UAE?

Qatar and the US have a working relationship

The differences concerning Israel, the occasionally troublesome Al Jazeera network, and Qatar’s hosting and funding of hard-line Islamists have been papered over in favour of larger strategic visions which ensure the interests of both parties.

Syrians deserting the FSA: Faust wants his soul back

The reality is that opposition militias and the official army have reached a military stalemate – one step forward and one step back as progress on one front is checked by loss and retreat on another.

This week's window on the Middle East - April 22, 2013

Arab Awakening's columnists offer their weekly perspective on what is happening on the ground in the Middle East. Leading the week, Beyond Arab vs Berber: the rich complexities of Algerian identity should be celebrated, not feared

oD author detained in Dubai

"Mr. Ulrichsen believes that an article he wrote last summer "The U.A.E.: Holding Back the Tide," may have played a part in his blacklisting."
- Chronicle of Higher Education


Rita from Syria

Rap and the Arab Spring

Interview with Arab rappers Ibn Thabit and Deeb

Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

Full Event, Rap and the Arab Spring

Democracy and Islam

Sami Zubaida writes that the political fields and social spaces of many countries in the region have been opened, however chaotically.

Tariq Ramadan argues that we must look at the Arab Awakening in economic as well as political terms.

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Our Editors

Bassam Gergi

Bassam Gergi

Associate Editor of Arab Awakening is pursuing an M.Phil in Comparative Government at Oxford University

Mazen Zoabi

Mazen Zoabi

Translation Editor of Arab Awakening is a psychology graduate with an interest in film

Support Arab Awakening

If you would like to support the work of the Arab Awakening editors, please get in touch with the Editor: Rosemary Bechler

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We would like to thank the Network for Social Change for their generous support of our work

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