ArabCrunch Blog Chooses its Own "Person of the Year"

Time Magazine isn't the only outlet handing out "Person of the Year" credentials. As it has been a busy year, ArabCrunch has bestowed its choice on three different entities for 2011; The 10 Best Lebanese blogs of 2011; What would do if you were Bashar Al-Assad? ; Blogs are not only for ranting, as one blogger posts a personal work of fiction.

One of the chosen entities is online activist Wael Ghonim, pictured here with Khaled Said's mother. (Image source:

ArabCrunch [2]

ArabCrunch Announces Weal Ghonim, Anonymous Hacker Group and Bradley Manning As Person of the Year 2011

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."

Blog Baladi [3]

Ten Outstanding Lebanese Blogs

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

Gino's Blog [4]

What I Would Do Next If I Were Bashar

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."

Cinnamon Zone [5]

Despicable me

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."