Set in contemporary Gaza, Susan Youssef’s debut feature, “Habibi,” puts romance to work in the service of sociopolitical commentary. The film’s age-old conceit of young lovers confronted with the objections of family and society illustrates resurgent religious strictures that clamp down on personal freedoms. But despite moments of dour power and a likable female lead, [...]
A Visit to the Pyramids of The Sudan
October 6, 2012 | Posted by
“How much for your fastest camel?” I asked the tall man with the large turban and the drooping mustache. Abdrahman smiled at me. “Come,” he said, and hurried off behind a mud-and-stick shed. There, regally posed, with a golden coat, stood Abrusa. Abdrahman lowered the camel to his knees and pointed to me. “You ride,” [...]
Russia Backs Kofi Annan Idea of Syria Unity Govt
June 28, 2012 | Posted by
Russia and other big powers have told mediator Kofi Annan that they support his idea of a Syrian national unity cabinet that could include government and opposition members but would exclude those whose participation would undermine it, envoys said on Wednesday. Annan’s proposal for a political transition aimed at ending the 16-month conflict in Syria [...]
Islamists Attack Ancient African City of Timbuktu in Mali, West Africa
May 7, 2012 | Posted by
In the northern Malian city, Timbuktu, Ansar Dine Islamist fighters burned the shrine of a local saint on Friday. The mausoleum is classified as part of a World Heritage site by the United Nation’s cultural body, Unesco. Islamists tore off the wooden doors, gates and window frames of the mausoleum and burned them. The tomb [...]
