Will Syria Turn its Spring into a Leap?

On this leap day, we are all hoping that this leap year will change things. Yet, with this new referendum, the outcome is always debatable.

"Despite the rumours that there are anti-regime protests in the country for the past 11 months, and rumours that they are being fired at, and persecuted, and that parts of the country are not the under the government rule anymore, and that some of these parts are under siege and heavy bombardment, Syrians are heavily turning up today to the ballot boxes to say YES to the new draft of the constitution."

Stand up comedy fans, hold on to your pants- and wits, if possible! Beloved Canadian cult comedian Russel Peters will makes his debut Middle East appearance in Lebanon. Considering foreign stand up comedians are a rarity in these parts, it's quite a special treat. If you have never seen his work before, get familiar.

Everyone seems to have this crazy love affair with Lebanon, especially the Lebanese. This Jordanian blogger gives a refreshing view that goes against the tide. Although there is no denying its beauty, Lebanon is not necessarily the heaven on earth it is made out to be sometimes.

"When I told people I was going to Beirut they started telling me how much they love it which made me imagine that I’d actually leave a piece of my heart there. Well, it is a beautiful city, very beautiful indeed, and I did have a great time and enjoyed my stay there, but surprisingly enough I didn’t fall in love with it, I had rather conflicting feelings..."

It is the ultimate knafa showdown! Who did it better? Nablus or Gaza? What do you reckon?

"Knafa, which I take to be the Palestinian national dessert, is known around the world in the form that was first perfected in Nablus: one layer of fine orange noodle shreds or packed semolina on top of a layer of Nabulsi cheese. Admittedly, it makes for an excellent treat that draws attention and praise from Arab communities anywhere in the world."