This week’s Jadaliyya "Media on Media" roundup delves into several topics affecting the Middle East and North Africa region. Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ continues to make headlines, prompting a series of interesting debates and discussions. Security researcher Ryan Lackey advises visa-holders affected by Trump’s "Muslim ban" on how to enter the U.S. with their digital privacy intact.
The Washington Post discusses a German news story accusing a refugee "sex mob" of harassing women on New Year’s Eve, noting that allegations turned out to be false following police investigations. The Independent looks at ISIS’ use of propaganda, and the subsequent importance of its media strategy as a means for survival.
In Sudan, religious conservatives attacked newspaper Al-Tayyar and journalist Shamael Al-Nour following a column she published criticizing Islamist groups’ potential for leadership. Writer Lauren Bohn uses her personal experience to discuss the importance of social media platform Whatsapp for Syrian refugees and journalists covering the war.
On the cultural front, Al Jazeera looks at the work of Yemeni street artist Murad Subay who transforms Sanaa’s walls into a gallery commenting on themes of war, injustice, and peace.
Trump`s "Muslim Ban"
How the ACLU harnessed the power of social media to deliver hope
Source: Crave Online
Miss Rosen comments on the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) social media tactics following Trump’s "Muslim ban." She notes that the ACLU presented facts and data, which served to establish them as a credible source in a world of media disinformation.
A guide to getting past customs with your digital privacy intact
Source: Wired
Security researcher Ryan Lackey offers digital privacy tips to visa-holders and Americans entering the U.S. in light of Trump’s "Muslim ban" and executive order that calls for increased social media vetting.
Travel ban complicates VPR’s special coverage of refugee resettlement
Source: Current
The article addresses the difficulties a Vermont Public Radio journalist faced while covering refugee resettlement as a result of Trump’s "Muslim ban."
Resistance in the time of protest selfies
Source: Good
Writer Tasbeeh Herwees highlights the controversial use of protest selfies following Trump’s "Muslim ban" and their dampening of protest potential in achieving institutional change.
Assad backs Trump "Muslim Ban," says Syrian refugees ‘terrorists’
Source: MEMO (Middle East Monitor)
In an interview with TF1 Television, Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad stated that Trump’s "Muslim ban" targeted terrorists and not the Syrian people. However, the article states that Al-Assad did not comment on the correctness of the immigration policy.
Iranian Oscar nominee gets free London screening in snub to US travel ban
Source: The Guardian
London mayor Sadiq Khan is organizing a free screening of Iranian film, "The Salesman," that will coincide with the Oscars. The film’s director Asghar Farhadi, who was affected by Trump’s ban, viewed this an act of solidarity.
Syrian "White Helmets" makers get visas to attend Oscars
Source: MEMO (Middle East Monitor)
Two members from the Syrian NGO "The White Helmets" are set to attend this year’s Oscars following uncertainty caused by Trump’s "Muslim ban."
Media and Politics
The `Forgotten War` in Middle East that mainstream media chooses to overlook
Source: Sputnik International
The article comments on a meeting between Russian deputy Vladimir Lukin and Yemeni political party leader Abu Bakr al Kirbi to discuss the lack of mainstream media coverage on the war in Yemen despite its catastrophic repercussions.
The ongoing U.S. role in the decimation of Yemen
Source: Huffington Post
Writer Jesse Mechanic discusses U.S. involvement in the Yemen war, highlighting the paucity of media coverage on the issue as compared to the Syrian war. He also stresses the need for greater awareness and outrage over the crisis.
Isis claims propaganda `more powerful than atomic bomb` as group forms strategy for survival
Source: The Independent
The article examines ISIS’ media strategies and their use of propaganda to recruit “jihadi media operatives” who can spread its message. The author views this move as part of the group’s survival strategy, as it loses ground in Iraq and Syria.
Netanyahu steps down as communications minister amid abuse of office probe
Source: Middle East Eye
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed a stand-in communications minister following allegations he negotiated favorable coverage with a newspaper.
Media Industries
Saudi`s first Comic-Con fest set to wow
Source: Your Middle East (AFP)
Saudi Arabia will host its first-ever Comic-Con event this year and the article notes that such a move is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the government’s plan to boost its entertainment sector.
Zain to offer streaming TV and movies in Middle East and Africa
Source: Capacity Media
The Dubai-based Iflix Arabia will now deliver streaming TV and movie services to Zain customers in the MENA region. The project is expected to launch during the second quarter of 2017.
Freedom of Journalists/Expression
Beirut TV station attacked with rocks for satirical puppet sketch
Source: Middle East Eye
Lebanese TV station AlJadeed was attacked by members of the AMAL Movement, following a puppet skit deemed insulting to the movement’s founder, Musa Al-Sadr. The Lebanese Press Club and Union of Media Workers condemned the attack.
‘Salama’ app helps to keep journalists safe
Source: International Journalists’ Network
A new app titled "Salama" offers media organizations and individual journalists risk assessment services, customized safety programs, and digital security advice. The app creator noted that "Salama" fills the gap in risk training for journalists.
`Safeena` phishing attack on Qatar human rights activists
Source: Deutsche Welle
Journalists, human rights activists, and union leaders campaigning on issues related to migrant workers in Qatar fell victim to a phishing scheme. Following investigation, Amnesty International stated that it was highly likely state agents were behind the attack.
European watchdog urges Turkey to end free speech restrictions
Source: Middle East Online
The Council of Europe urged the Turkish government to respect the right to free speech, criticizing the stringent measures that were introduced in the country following the coup attempt.
حملةدينيةشرسةضدصحافيةسودانيةشابة
المصدر : رصيف22
تواجه الصحافية السودانية شمائل النور حملة شرسة من قبل متشددين إسلاميين إثر مقال نشرته في صحيفة "التيار". عبّر المتشدّدون عن استعدادهم لاتّخاذ إجراءات قانونية لمعرفة إذا كانت النور قد ارتدّت عن الإسلام.
«جريمةفيرامالله»: حينتحرمناالرقابةمنالنقد
المصدر: حبر
يتحدّث المقال عن رواية «جريمة في رام الله» للكاتب عبّاد يحيى التي حُظرت من قبل الرقابة الفلسطينية. و يقول الكاتب أنّ الرقابة التي تُفرض على الأعمال الأدبيّة تجرّدهنّ و قارئيها من الموضوعيّة.
Social Media
Syrian history is unfolding on WhatsApp
Source: Backchannel
Lauren Bohn examines the importance of WhatsApp for Syrian refugees and reporters on the Syrian war, stating that the social platform provides a lifeline for separated families and the illusion of proximity.
Social media campaign shows life after IS
Source: The National
A social media campaign run by Sawab Center aims to show how people in Iraqi and Syrian regions freed from IS rule are regaining normalcy, using the hashtag #AfterDaesh.
Saudi Islamic leader warns over `false news`
Source: Your Middle East (AFP)
A senior Saudi religious leader warned of the dangers of online “false” news during Friday prayers, noting that social media contributes to the spread of rumors and deceit.
Has social media influenced our reading habits and attention span?
Source: Alarabiya
"صراحة": منبرالفضوليين.. والمتحرشين!
المصدر :المدن
تنتقد الكاتبة بتول خليل موقع التواصل الاجتماعي "صراحة" الذي سجّل مشاركة أكثر من 92 مليون شخصاً من كافّة البلدان العربيّة، موضحة خطورة الموقع لأشخاص ذوي الحساسية العالية.
Media Practices
German police say major newspaper’s story about a rampaging Arab ‘sex mob’ was wrong
Source: Washington Post
After investigation, German police concluded that allegations of mass sexual assault by an Arab "sex mob" published in Bild newspaper were false. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief later apologized for running the story.
BBC impartiality questioned over map of Israel which erased Gaza
Source: Russia Today
The BBC has come under attack for showing a map of Israel that depicts the West Bank annexed to Jordan and erases Gaza on an episode of a cooking show.
The World’s Best Photo?
Source: New York Times LENS
The image of the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was named Photo of the Year by the World Press Photo and the article discusses the controversies surrounding its nomination.
Lara Setrakian: 3 ways to fix a broken news industry
Source: TED Talks
In this video, founder of website "Syria Deeply," Lara Setrakian, discusses the shortcomings and blindspots in media coverage on the Middle East, sharing the various ways she feels the industry can be fixed to create better-informed audiences.
Palestinians discuss need for media reform
Source: The Media Line
A policy paper prepared by several organizations in Palestine was presented to journalists, calling for new press freedoms laws, improved journalistic practice on digital platforms, and the importance of finding ways to attract investment in media.
U.S. media has long wallowed in "alternative facts"
Source: The Japan Times
Writer Ted Rall uses examples of media coverage during U.S. wars in the Middle East and North Africa to support his view on the history of media malpractice and alternative facts in the U.S.
Culture
Video documenting the life and death of Egypt’s first transsexual actress goes viral
Source: Cairoscene
Egyptian LGBTQ advocacy group "No Hate Egypt" honored the region’s first transsexual actress, the late Hanan Al-Tawil, with a video of her most iconic moments.
Why America needs Marvel superhero Kamala Khan now more than ever
Source: The Conversation
The article comments on Muslim-American Marvel superhero Kamala Khan, noting the importance of such characters in changing public opinion and combatting the increased pressure Muslim and immigrant communities in the U.S. face.
Yemen: art, love, bombs and bans
Source: Al Jazeera
Murad Subay, nicknamed the "Banksy of Yemen," is using collaborative street art as a means to protest the injustices of war.
The ghosts that lurk
Source: Qantara
Palestinian filmmaker Raed Andoni addresses the political dimension of imprisonment under occupation with his new film, “The ghosts that lurk.”
Contemporary art brings life to Cairo’s ‘City of the Dead’
Source: The National
A project initiated by Polish architect Agnieszka Dobrowolska aims to bring life to Cairo’s "City of the Dead" through contemporary art that engages with the community.
Other
Marg bar ___
Source: UPenn Language Log
Riza Mirsajadi discusses the problem of mistranslation in the famous Iranian protest chant “Death to America”, noting that it more accurately translates to “Down with America” and does not signify violent intent in Farsi.
From Jadaliyya Media Roundups
Cinéma/Bientôt un film sur Matoub Loune
Source: Jadaliyya Maghreb Media Roundup
Algerian filmmaker Bachir Derrais will be directing a film on famous and controversial Amazigh singer Mahtoub Lounes.
Palestine activists in Spain could face prison over Matisyahu boycott call
Source: Jadaliyya Palestine Media Roundup
Spanish media reported that one activist may face up to four years in prison following his tweets criticizing a festival that invited American singer Matsiyahu to perform. Matsiyahu is a staunch supporter of the Israeli army, opposing the Palestinian cause.
The "Media On Media Roundup" is an initiative to survey published material in the news and broadcast media that deals with journalism, coverage, or mass communication practices about the region. These roundups are produced and curated in collaboration with the American University of Beirut`s Media Studies Program. The items collected here do not reflect the views of Jadaliyya or the editors of the Media Page.