by Natasha Tynes | Oct 24, 2005 | Media watch
It seems that the new Mamnu channel (taboo channel ) that I blogged about the other day is already causing an uproar. Reader Chaya alerted me to the fact that the controversial show “Al Shatat” is currently being aired on the budding network. Chaya is not impressed with Mamnu’s decision to air the show, saying:
I don’t understand how this can happen, seeing that Israel and Jordan have diplomatic relations. It is sickening to think that these lies are alive and well in the Arab world. Do you know how I can contact the tv station itself?
The Israeli media has already picked up the story as well, calling the show “a brutal ant-Semitic series." I personally have not seen the series so I can’t really comment. I would appreciate comments from those who have actually seen the show. Is it really worth all the fuss?
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 23, 2005 | Jordan, my nation
It seems Jordan is doing better with regards to its freedom of the press. According to Reporters Sans Frontiers press freedom index, Jordan ranks 96 this year. Last year the Kingdom ranked 121.
That’s’s not bad! What happened between last year and this year I wonder?
Hat Tip: [Mahmood TV]
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 22, 2005 | Political mayhem
In a strongly worded editorial the Washington Post is suggesting sanctions be imposed upon Syria.
The Security Council has a good precedent to follow here. When Western investigators linked the Libyan government to the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am airliner over Scotland, the United Nations applied sanctions to the regime of Moammar Gaddafi and kept them in place until his government accepted responsibility for the crime and surrendered two of its authors for trial. The United Nations should demand no less in this case. The Syrian sponsors of Mr. Hariri’s murder must be identified and brought to justice; if that includes Mr. Assad and his relatives, so be it.
It is extremely frustrating and quite ironic that in the Arab world it is mostly the helpless citizens who pay the price for the actions of dictators and their cronies. The Iraqis paid the price for Saddam’s arrogance, enduring years of sanctions. Now it seems the Syrians will be next.
It is the weekend here and I can’t seem to relax. The repercussions of the Mehlis report could engulf the whole Middle East. If unrest starts in Syria, it might start a domino effect through neighboring countries. I’m worried. Anyway, I leave you with some more reactions from Syrian bloggers:
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 21, 2005 | Newswire highlights
I haven’t highlighted items in the newswire for some time, so I think it is about time to do that so especially since there are so many exciting things happening nowadays.
Here are few highlights:
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 21, 2005 | La Revolutione, Political mayhem
So the truth regarding the assassination of Rafiq Al-Harriri is finally out. The Melhis report boldly points a finger at top Syrian intelligence officials. Surprise, surprise!
I wonder how believers in conspiracy theories in the Arab world (and there are loads of them) will spin this one? How will they find a way to pin the blame on the favorite Middle East culprits, the US or Israel? It will be interesting to watch. Never underestimate the creativity of analysts in the Middle East.
The admirable Lebanese people never fell for his trap, immediately pin-pointing the culprits. Who can forget the demonstrator’s famous chant "Bashar itla3 Barra" or "Bashar get out of here!"
One thing I have been thinking about for the past week or so: How do Syrians feel about the findings of the Melhis report?
UPDATE: Here is a quick wrap up of comments from Syrian bloggers:
- Sarroujah doesn’t believe that the report identified Syrian officials.
- Amarji is hopeful.
- The Damascene blog describes the anxiety among Syrians ahead of the release of the report.
