Faceblock: Iran developing censors for social media

Iran is developing ”intelligent software” to restrict content on popular social networks and the web is abuzz with reactions; Bassem Yousef is on the edge; a look at Assad's speech; and are newspapers still powerful?

Iran will let you be social, but they are still going to limit free speech.

The Next Web [4]

Iran developing ‘intelligent software’ to censor social networks instead of blocking them completely

The Web is buzzing today over reports that Iran is developing ”intelligent software” to restrict content on popular social networks — an alternative to the country’s current solution of blocking popular networks completely.

The Arabist [5]

BASSEM YOUSSEF GETS THE NMA TREATMENT

If there's one place to get the pulse of the liberal view in Egypt, Bassem Youssef's show is it.

Syria Comment [6]

Assad Speech – December 6, 2012

Opposition denounces president’s peace plan as ‘empty rhetoric’ as Assad pledges to stay and continue fighting ‘terrorist’ violence.

Jazarah [7]

The Power of Newspapers?

I’m not sure if they were being sarcastic or if it’s a desperate shot by a dying medium, but it’s very comforting to see that the Middle East is not the only place where traditional media is trying to keep a grip in the world of advertising.