'Secular' and 'Liberal' are not black and white terms in Lebanon

Why it is wrong to reserve the words “secular” and “liberal” for people who are outside the Lebanese political system; “Argo” as Orientalism and why it upsets Iranians; President Mohammed Morsi losing fans; and a cool map of Arabic dialects.

Recognizing and/or labeling people as 'Liberal' in Lebanon is not so black and white. (image courtesy of crispme)

Beirut Spring [2]

Lebanon’s Liberals

Why it is wrong to reserve the words “secular” and “liberal” for people who are outside the Lebanese political system.

Informed Comment [3]

“Argo” as Orientalism and why it Upsets Iranians

“Argo” could have been a moment when Americans come to terms with their Cold War role as villains in places like Iran. Instead it plays into a ‘war on terror’ narrative of innocent Americans victimized by essentially deranged foreign mobs.

The Arabist [4]

MORSI'S POPULARITY DIPS (JUST) BELOW 50%

President Mohammed Morsi, whose approval rating reached 78% in September at its peak, is now less than 50% for the first time.

The Gulf Blog [5]

Map of Arabic dialects

Here’s a fascinating map of the various Arabic dialects found throughout the Middle East.