The Ugly Face of Arab Spring: Veiled Women Man-Handled & Splayed

An image that could change the way the world views Egypt and the Egyptian army- is the Arab Spring getting a bad name? ; Lebanon's new electoral laws are said to promote sectarianism- Surprise Surprise! ; Sweden paves the way to gender-neutral education; Amman's Friday Market is a source of beautiful photography; Tunisia's Gunnushi shouts libel.

The image seen around the world of the Egyptian exposed woman. (Image courtesy of

The Arabist [2]

THE GIRL

The Ugly Face of the Arab Spring International outrage has erupted over footage and images of an Egyptian female protester being violently beaten and having her clothes ripped off. Exposed and violated, the image of this veiled female protester will live on to be associated with the darker side of the Arab Spring. One minute we have "The Protester" chosen Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" and then we see this image. "The picture of this girl has been a major topic of debate on Egyptian talk shows tonight — with some SCAF defenders arguing it was photoshopped — and is on the cover of tomorrow's Tahrir newspaper."

Lebanon Spring [3]

Lebanese electoral reforms: why Christians can’t have their own air too?

Just when you thought there was enough controversy surrounding Lebanon's electoral system, there have been talks of changing it again. The most worrying change involves the fact that each sect must elect its own MPs. One concerned Lebanese blogger comments. "Racism officially stopped in the world, but we still do legislate for it. In the name of the fear from others, expect in future Christians, Shias and others to have their own parking, road and air."

The Rainbow Experience [4]

Breaking Gender Stereotypes

One 16-year-old Lebanese blogger comments on Sweden's forward-thinking steps on breaking and challenging gender stereotypes. One of which is having a gender-neutral preschool. Could the rest of the world follow in its example?

Ehab Othman [5]

Friday Market

Amman-based photographer, Ehab Othman, displays his talents by photographing the different sights from Amman's renowned Friday Market (Souq Al Joum'a). "Best Comment I've heard while exploring : "Please, no photoshop, no Dollars only Dinars ..." with a big innocent smile on the man's face."

The Angry Arab News Service [6]

Ghannushi wants good relations with Saudi Arabia

The Angry Arab News Service is reporting that Rashid Ghannushi, Tunisian party Al-Nahda leader, has had to eat his words after The Washington Institute for Near Eastern Policy published certain statements that could be misconstrued by Tunisia's Arab allies. Gannushi is aiming to take legal action.