Syrian regime fears iPhone-People-Power and imposes Apple Ban

Syrians add a newly imposed iPhone ban to their list of grievances by the Syrian Regime; and the UAE celebrates its young age of 40 with a show of national unity; Another 40th for a world-helping hand, MSF; Lebanon's gets added corrupt credentials; And Palestinians from Jaffa live in cramped degraded way; Jordan says its sorry.

Apple's iPhone banned from Syrian touch-screening hands. The Syrian regime wants to prevent another Egyptian or Libyan new-media propelled revolution.

A Separate State of Mind [2]

The iPhone is Banned in Syria

A good time to be an Android owner in Syria: The regime shows no regard for the makers of Apple's Syrian roots. "Perhaps the iPhone has some hidden: Topple Regime app." "It looks like one of the new threats to burden the “lovely” Syrian regime is Apple’s iPhone. As if killing 4000 people, torturing countless more and terrorizing their whole country (and a neighboring country too) wasn’t enough."

Jordan Events [3]

Jordan apology to Hamas baffles many

"A surprise government apology to Hamas has stirred suspicion in this kingdom, which is both a leading benefactor of Palestinians and a close ally of Washington."

Plus 961 [4]

Yep, we’re a corrupt country

There's no denying it: Lebanon usually enjoys bragging and relishing in recognitions for being the best this, the most that, but the slowest internet and 'most corrupt' tags may be the lesser boasted achievements of this proud nation. "According to the 2011 Corruption Perception Index, Lebanon scored 2.5/10 and ranked 134 among 182 countries with New Zealand number 1 being the least corrupt, and Somalia at 182 being the most corrupt."

Palden in the Middle East [5]

Jaffa and a Jam Session

Caked and jammed into Jaffa, the Arab indigenous peoples lack both space and respect. "The Palestinians of Jaffa are surrounded by Tel Aviv and feel like half-welcome guests in their own land. Some Israelis regard them as a security risk."

Occupied Palestine [6]

40th anniversary of Médecins Sans Frontières

@MSF_USA ~ Cartoon by @CarlosLatuff

Circles in the Sand [7]

Happy 40th birthday UAE!

More prominent 40th Birthdays..."Today was National Day, the 2 December anniversary of the creation of the UAE – and a big birthday, too, as this year the UAE turned 40. I can sympathise as mine is just round the corner, although compared to a soon-to-be 40 mum wondering whether I should be having a mid-life crisis, a 40-year-old nation sounds like a spring chicken."