Omar Sharif's Grandson: Half-Jewish, Gay and Seeking Acceptance

Omar Sharif Jr., the grandson of the esteemed Egyptian actor, comes out as gay and admits to being half-Jewish, but would like to visit Egypt someday; Iranian-American reality TV!- More 'Jersey Shore' than 'All-American Muslim'; 10 Ways Israel has shown the Palestinians its utmost appreciation; Beautiful Arabic typography.

Out and Proud? - Omar Sharif Jr. worries if he can ever return to his native Egypt.

Now Lebanon [2]

Omar Sharif's grandson comes out as gay, half-Jewish

Grandson of the acclaimed breakthrough Egyptian actor, Omar Sharif Jr. admits openly to being gay and half-Jewish- a delicate situation to be if you're of Middle Eastern origins. In spite of being in a difficult demographic, Sharif still wants to visit Egypt someday, but worries about how he would be received. "'I write this article in fear. Fear for my country, fear for my family, and fear for myself,' Omar Sharif Jr. writes. 'My parents will be shocked to read it, surely preferring I stay in the shadows and keep silent, at least for the time being. But I can’t.'"

Muftah [3]

Iranian-Americans, Their Assumptions, and Why They Must Stop

Going the opposite route of TLC's "All-American Muslim", a reality TV show called "Shahs of Sunset", which portrays a well off Iranian American family, is more "Keeping Up with Kardashians". This blogger comments that this show presents a wrong portrayal the Iranian American community and its overall discourse and promotes certain agendas. "Iranian-Americans must engage with each other and the greater American public on these subjects in ways that respect differences of opinion and allow real concerns, as opposed to deep-seeded biases, to get a full airing. Instead of hiding our prejudices in facts and figures, we must be intellectually honest about them."

Sixteen Minutes to Palestine [4]

Ten ways Israel loves Palestine

In light of the Israeli campaign 'Israel Loves Iran', this active Palestinian blogger shares the 10 ways Israel has shown the Palestinians some 'love'.

And Far Away [5]

Bil 3arabi: Arabic Design and Typography Inspiration

There is this ongoing fascination in the graphic design community with Arabic text written in English letters. Well, here is some beautiful typography and design using those Arab characters that are becoming ever more precious in the world of linguistic globalization.