A dialogue about communication – not political change – in Iran
Widespread usage of Facebook as well as local parody videos of international hit “Happy” by Pharrel Williams show that Iranians identify themselves as a part of “global media culture,” despite the often suppressive and restrictive internet access policy in Iran. Last week, officials and spokespeople gathered to discuss the importance of freer internet to economic development and political climate of Iran.
Source: Global Voices
Central Council votes to end security cooperation agreement with Israel
Palestine’s recent bid for membership in the International Criminal Court spurred Israel to respond with economic sanctions, suspending almost $120 million in tax transfers it owes to the Palestinian Authority. In a sign of how Israeli-Palestinian relations have soured in the last couple decades, the PLO’s central council voted to end the security cooperation agreement with Israel that has been in place since the 1993 Oslo Accords. Will this symbolic move be enough pressure on Israel to move forward the peace process?
Source: Muftah
A tale of two students: on conditions of how students are treated in Egyptian schools
Egypt’s public education is rampant with overly strict teachers who won’t hesitate to use cruel and embarrassing punishments on unruly students. Rather than obeying out of respect, students obey the teacher out of fear for corporal punishment. The micro-politics of the Egyptian classroom tends to reflect the broader political atmosphere in Egypt – one where authority speaks louder through instilling fear rather than respect into the people.
Source: Egyptian Streets
