Israeli Attack Marks Blood-Stained Gaza War Anniversary

Palestinian activist website Gaza Solidarity reported on the IDF attack on Gaza, stating their lack of remorse in the issue and their eluding to a full-out second war. Even Israelis who are crying out against the attacks have been stopped with claims that what is being said is "incitement".

"Israel embarked on the month-long foray in an effort to put an end to incessant rocket fire by Hamas and other militants at cities and towns within a 50-km arc of the coastal enclave, which has frequently forced close to a million southern residents into bomb shelters."

One Palestinian blogger is having mixed feelings about celebrating the New Year in Beir Zeit. Overlooking her guilt, she believe that she won't let anybody take away the joy of being in her homeland.

"The occupation may build a wall that separates me from my family and friends on its other side behind concrete, electric fences and check points. The occupation may imprison my cousins and uncles, torture and beat them. But the occupation will not quell my spirit. It will not so disenfranchise me that I have no joy or life."

2012 looks to be a VERY exciting year for American movies, ranging from Titanic in 3D to the the new Spider Man film. Elie from Lebanon lists his top 13- with trailers!

In a week full of remarkable bans, Kuwait could possibly be banning something else: public Shisha smoking. Several Kuwaiti ministries are working on banning the popular Middle Eastern Pass time. Kuwaiti local Mona shares her dismay.

"I can think of a lot of other negative phenomenons doing the rounds in society for that matter, shisha smoking is more like a part of the Arab culture and tradition."

Indeed, society does take its personal toll on the on the individual. In this case, the subject is sexuality. One anonymous lesbian blogger wants to create a space where lesbian, bisexual and transgender women can find support and share their experiences.

"Let’s know that we don’t live in isolation from the culture and people around us, their struggles are ours as well. Let’s be open that many of our heterosexual friends can support us as we support them and be able to grow on that support to help each other."