Stop being so cruel to Mubarak! In defence of the undefended

Says a respected Arab journalist through the mouth-piece of al-Hayat, this man is a man of honor now paying for holding on to power and its perks and right now he aspires for a rapid death; Can a woman have it all asks a lady in Saudi: husband, marriage, children and career? More women's issues from North Africa, a spot of fictional relief ; and 'sweet' relief from Palestine's desserts.

For more in the case 'for' Mubarak, see this defence panel [1]:

Mubarak in his last months and arguably years of rule was, some say, fairly detached and 'faint' hearted as his medical condition deteriorated and others seized political advantage.

Friday Lunch Club [3]

United Israel: 'Let Mubarak die in peace!'

In defense of Mubarak? A prominent Arab journalist contributes this brave Defence to the Hayat newspaper. Jihad al-Khazen, a prominent, influential and respected columnist in the Arab world, had this to say: "As it turns out, in his last year in power Mubarak worked only two hours a day and fainted often." "Finally, five months after he was removed from power disgracefully, President Mubarak has someone who bravely defends him. Jihad al-Khazen, one of the most prominent, influential and respected columnist in the Arab world, defended Mubarak in an op-ed published by leading newspaper al-Hayat:"

American Bedu [4]

Saudi Arabia: Can A Woman Have it All?

"My age and generation are showing. I would much prefer to have it all – husband, marriage, children and career! But is that also because I was born and raised in the West where it is expected and anticipated that all is attainable? A recent Arab News poll indicated that many Saudi women would simply prefer to work rather than have a husband or marry rich. Again, to me, marrying rich or not should not factor into the equation for marriage but I believe that is another characteristic of culture."

Cinammon Zone [5]

The Man Who Killed the Cricket – 1

Fictional fancy: "It was a few minutes past midnight, a silent breeze caressed the curtains while he sat there, a man who smelled of cigarettes and failure, staring at the ceiling, waiting for it to collapse under the pressure of his unwavering gaze, somehow."

The Moor Next Door [6]

Studies III: PCOT and Women’s Issues (I)

This post is a part of a new series of posts which will consist of translations and excerpts from the communiques, statements, pamphlets and other literature from left-wing political parties in the Arab world, especially Tunisia (others as well, Egypt, Algeria and Mauritania in particular). The selections will focus on foreign policy, women’s issues, relations with other political factions (mainly Islamists and other leftist tendencies), ideology, rhetoric and general worldview. The purpose of this series is to put into English elements of the contemporary Arab political discourse which are generally neglected in western and English-language reportage and analysis while the of Islamist tendency receives extensive, if not excessive coverage.

Kabobfest [6]

Favorite Palestinian Dessert

It's not all bitter in Palestine: The sweet side of the Palestine- conflict.... "If you want pastries, kibbeh, and pies, you get it from the Syrians. If you want hummus, tabbouleh, and kabobs, you get it from the Lebanese. Falafel and mansaf are best made in Jordan. But if your mouth is watering for sweets, everyone knows, you go to the Palestinians."