In The News

Not Coming to a Theatre Near You…

Phil Reeves February 18, 2003
The tradition Bengalese drama form jatra has gained widespread popularity in India. Traveling acting companies, many of them from West Bengal, perform jatras (which include nonstop music, overwrought love songs, and elaborate pyrotechnics) to sold-out crowds. The art form is both entertainment and, for many in rural areas where illiteracy runs high and access to foreign news is limited, a way of...

From New York to Melbourne, Protest Against War on Iraq

Robert D. McFadden February 16, 2003
In what may be the largest, most diverse worldwide peace protest since the Vietnam War, millions of people protested against a war on Iraq. The demonstrations were largely peaceful worldwide, with very few problems reported. Under the umbrella organization United for Peace and Justice, protests were coordinated worldwide in many major cities, showing the extent to which the world has become...

From New York to Melbourne, Protest Against War on Iraq

Robert D. McFadden February 16, 2003
In what may be the largest, most diverse worldwide peace protest since the Vietnam War, millions of people protested against a war on Iraq. Under the umbrella organization United for Peace and Justice, protests were coordinated worldwide in many major cities, including one which saw thousands turn out in below freezing temperatures in New York. – YaleGlobal

U.S. Hackers Told to Leave Iraq Alone

February 14, 2003
The FBI is telling Americans not to hack into and sabotage Iraqi websites. There is a possibility that such patriotic hacking could backfire, doing more harm to U.S. computer systems than to Iraqi systems. Nationalistic ‘cyber wars’ launched by patriotic citizens of one country against websites of other countries are increasing, and the U.S. is now drawing up guidelines to deal with them. In...

Less Sheep for Sharing

Injy El-Kashef February 13, 2003
The sacrifice of sheep traditionally marks the Islamic celebration of Eid Al-Adha. For Muslims, the sacrifice is a non-obligatory act of charity, with those of all classes donating a share of their sheep to the less fortunate. In Egypt, however, recent economic troubles have interfered with the celebration. The floatation of the Egyptian pound and its subsequent decline in value in relation to...

Arab Press Welcomes NATO Split

February 12, 2003
Newspapers around the Arab world are joyful at the split that has occurred between the US and its NATO allies Germany, Belgium, and France. The three countries have stated their opposition to protecting Turkey, a fellow NATO member, arguing that to promise it even defensive support would mean encouraging a US-led war on Iraq. Interpreting the three countries' move as support of Arab...

Reform Begins At Home

Rasha Saad February 11, 2003
In the past few weeks, Saudi Arabia’s leaders have allowed officials from Human Rights Watch to visit their country, encouraged popular participation and tolerance, and signaled a willingness to pursue a more moderate state. But, as this article explains, both domestically and internationally Saudi Arabia is attempting a delicate balancing act and faces an uncertain political future. – YaleGlobal