ArabCrunch Blog Chooses its Own "Person of the Year"

While the mainstream media has its own version of events, alternative outlets see a different story. ArabCrunch opts for a slightly different choice than Time Magazine's distantly ambiguous "Protester" by naming actual individuals and groups that made the revolutions a reality this year.

"Starting 2010, each December, ArabCrunch selects Person of the Year featuring and profiling a person, group, idea, place, or machine that has done the most to influence the events of the year in technology, internet, entrepreneurship or in using technology."

Based on media-commentary publication Communicate Magazine's own selection, the people behind Blog Baladi post the top ten Lebanese blogs at the moment.

Like many Middle Eastern bloggers, Gino from Lebanon has Syria on his mind. This time in particular, he has Bashar Al-Assad on his analytical radar. Using the aid of his academic friends, he analyzes potential steps that Al-Assad might take up next. All in all, the outcome is not looking optimistic.

"These are uncertain and unhappy times for the region. Promises of a brighter tomorrow are clouded with an uncertain today. A regime as dangerous as Syria’s, when cornered, might do the unthinkable."

As opposed to ranting, one blogger shares a work of fiction instead! Can a complete stranger inspire you? A man trapped in self-despair and a tough-minded woman are stuck in an elevator. Small talk turns into a matter of life or death.

"He had no idea why he chose this building in particular; he didn’t give it much thought. He was following some vague impulse, something he often does, more than he is willing to admit."