Friday, March 21, 2008
Tracing my steps
In the last week I have been to both Vilnius (not for the first time) and Minsk (a definite first!). Pictures of both are to come here in the coming days, there is a lot to say and show from both places. But I am not moving there, just visiting! This titbits are from each place (Vilnius upper, Minsk lower).
Backlog of reading
I have been travelling for the last week and before that my computer and internet access were wobbly for a bit, so these reading links are all from late in February or early in March. I give a summary introduction, but the structure is quite random...
First an opinion piece from Expressen on angry muslims... Svenska dagbladet discusses publications of muslim images visavi the cartoon issue.
Here, Gulf News commented on the World Bank report on the Middle East knowledge economy that I previously shared with you. It is probably the single most important regional challenge.
Also from Gulf News, on Fairouz and the buzz of Syrian-Lebanese politics.
Dagens Nyheter reviews a book by Iranian-Swedish philosopher Mohammad Fazlhashemi on islam in today's world.
BBC on the jailed Saudi blogger Fouad al-Farhan.
Svenska Dagbladet interviewed Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on developments in the Middle East, late in february.
Al-Jazeera writes on the origins of the present Arab-Israeli conflict.
Turkish Today's Zaman has a travel article on Antakya. As you may remember, we spent New Year's 2 years ago there, later crossing to Aleppo. This blogg held pictures from both places at the time.
Svenska Dagbladet on Dubai's spectacular architecture, another topic this blogg has recently touched upon!
Aftonbladet on Swedish children's detective Ture Sventon - very 50's very orientalist and very cool!
Svenska Dagbladet on Turkey's motives in Kurdish northern Iraq. Financial Times here on the same topic.
LA Times on isolating Iran. And a New York review of books op-ed on the same topic.
Vanity Fair writes on Gaza.
First an opinion piece from Expressen on angry muslims... Svenska dagbladet discusses publications of muslim images visavi the cartoon issue.
Here, Gulf News commented on the World Bank report on the Middle East knowledge economy that I previously shared with you. It is probably the single most important regional challenge.
Also from Gulf News, on Fairouz and the buzz of Syrian-Lebanese politics.
Dagens Nyheter reviews a book by Iranian-Swedish philosopher Mohammad Fazlhashemi on islam in today's world.
BBC on the jailed Saudi blogger Fouad al-Farhan.
Svenska Dagbladet interviewed Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on developments in the Middle East, late in february.
Al-Jazeera writes on the origins of the present Arab-Israeli conflict.
Turkish Today's Zaman has a travel article on Antakya. As you may remember, we spent New Year's 2 years ago there, later crossing to Aleppo. This blogg held pictures from both places at the time.
Svenska Dagbladet on Dubai's spectacular architecture, another topic this blogg has recently touched upon!
Aftonbladet on Swedish children's detective Ture Sventon - very 50's very orientalist and very cool!
Svenska Dagbladet on Turkey's motives in Kurdish northern Iraq. Financial Times here on the same topic.
LA Times on isolating Iran. And a New York review of books op-ed on the same topic.
Vanity Fair writes on Gaza.
Spectacular architecture
Back by the creek, Dubai is really paradise for architects drawing eyecatching skyscrapers!
Happy Easter!
Have been offline and off blogging a lot lately and now recently again. But wait a little bit more and I will have pictures from Vilnius and Minsk to show. And a large backlog of links too.
Happy Easter! Happy Newruz!
Happy Easter! Happy Newruz!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Photography and equality
I wanted to give you these already yesterday, for International Women's Day (and my sister's birthday - congratulations!!!), but the net didn't really cooperate.
Anyway, here is a photo exhibition shown by Sida on the occasion of the women's day. Photographer Ulla Lemberg was not only one of Swedish news media's (Aftonbladet) women staff photographers, she is also a relentless campaigner for women's and children's rights.
Svenska Dagbladet also showed this graphic illustration on the situation of women today and some photos of different manifestations of the day.
Anyway, here is a photo exhibition shown by Sida on the occasion of the women's day. Photographer Ulla Lemberg was not only one of Swedish news media's (Aftonbladet) women staff photographers, she is also a relentless campaigner for women's and children's rights.
Svenska Dagbladet also showed this graphic illustration on the situation of women today and some photos of different manifestations of the day.
Middle East knowledge economy
This subject is something I frequently highlight on this blog and also work on IRL to the extent I have the opportunity.
So now I would like to show you this report "The Road Not Traveled : Education Reform in the Middle East and North Africa" from the World Bank. I haven't had time to read it yet, but am looking forward to it.
Other global fora that have highlighted the issue are World Economic Forum and the UNDP's Arab Human Development Report (link to wikipedia).
So now I would like to show you this report "The Road Not Traveled : Education Reform in the Middle East and North Africa" from the World Bank. I haven't had time to read it yet, but am looking forward to it.
Other global fora that have highlighted the issue are World Economic Forum and the UNDP's Arab Human Development Report (link to wikipedia).
Friday, March 07, 2008
Photo of the year
Photo of the year-awards have been given in Sweden. Both Dagens Nyheter and Svenska Dagbladet had their well-known staff photographers awarded.
Carpet school
Dagens Nyheter has a "carpet school" today, which may interest, including some buying recommendations. In Stockholm, I would never go to a carpet store (they have a far too fancy selection for my taste), the real finds have been made in auctions. My best recommendation is, never buy a carpet that you don't fall in love with, preferable at first sight.
As you know, I like rather folkloristic pieces with a real-life tribal and nomadic feeling and usage. I like when I can see traces of the artisan and her life and everyday usage of the piece. I'm not very fond of very fancy ballroom carpets. My favourite store in Turkey was, as you know, this one, in Göreme.
2007 there was a large carpets dealer's fair in Istanbul.
As you know, I like rather folkloristic pieces with a real-life tribal and nomadic feeling and usage. I like when I can see traces of the artisan and her life and everyday usage of the piece. I'm not very fond of very fancy ballroom carpets. My favourite store in Turkey was, as you know, this one, in Göreme.
2007 there was a large carpets dealer's fair in Istanbul.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Dubai Finance Centre
For many reasons I have been waiting to be able to show you the skyscrapers by the creek that I began with earlier, but my computer and internetconnection have not been really cooperative lately. So now when I have the chance, I skip a bit (will get back later) and show you some later photos, taken from the Dubai Financial Centre, off Sheikh Zayed Road.
Parvin Ardalan
Iranian women's acitivist Parvin Ardalan, winner of the Olof Palme prize, was stopped from leaving Iran 2 days ago to receive the prize. Instead, her sister will receive it for her.
(links both to Svenska Dagbladet)
Evening update: Dagens Nyheter runs an interview with Parvin Ardalan here.
(links both to Svenska Dagbladet)
Evening update: Dagens Nyheter runs an interview with Parvin Ardalan here.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Carpet gallery
Usually when I show you photos (not book jackets and things but photos) I have taken them myself and no other attribution is needed - I point out the exceptions, not the rule. Exceptions tend to be more or less obvious also, if I am in the picture, for instance! Now, the above is an exception, because the photographer this time is my husband. I found the above, quite unusual, Afghan carpet in a photo on the website of our neighbouring Stockholm auction house and placed a bid, obtaining it for a very reasonable price. I still haven't seen it myself and cannot vouch for the quality, but my husband approved it on inspection!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Alan Johnston
During his kidnapping ordeal in Gaza last year, I followed the fate of Alan Johnston here on the blog. I found this book on it, by himself, today - and intend to read it has soon as I can.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Happy Valentine's!!!
Well, the theme of the posting will be much similar to the ordinary, but starting by noting the day at least makes the world seem a bit brighter! ;-) The past 2 weeks have been quite full of events and early on, the period was dominated by Internet problems across the Middle East (as reported by BBC).
Culture
I'd like to start today with a Dagens Nyheter-article on the richness of early art in Afghanistan.
On a completely different note, the Swedish children's detective novels on Ture Sventon (featuring a Stockholm in the 50's) are analysed in Svenska Dagbladet.
Turkey
In Turkey, the headscarf controversy has been imminent again. Here Svenska Dagbladet, before the vote in parliament, on popular protests.
Palestine
Dagens Nyheters Nathan Schachar here discusses how people could not see what was brewing in Gaza. This ties in with my own fascination with the region, but of course it is sad that insights and analyses do not empower policies...
Egypt
A New York Times report on what to do in 36 hours in Cairo.
Iraq
A friend recommended this Dagens Nyheter article, on women police officers in Iraqi Kurdistan.
ICG's latest Iraq report here - on the "Sadrist surge".
Saudiarabia
Reform in Saudi-arabia walks in small steps (here from the BBC). Someone said the driving ban for women may be loosened very quietly, does anyone know more?
Valentine's is too much to stomach though, apaprently, here in a Dagens Nyheter report.
Syria
Sey Hersh here from the New Yorker on Israel's attack last year on an alleged nuclear facility in Syria.
Hizbullah leader Mughniyeh died a day ago in a carbomb in Damascus, here reported by BBC.
Iran
Yesterday I could tell you about Parvin Ardalan's receiving the Palme prize. Here Eurasianet asks whether Iran's government fears educated women? Ironically in that case, since (perhaps surprisingly) women's literacy and education has risen quite steeply in Iran in the year's of the present regime. Longterm subversiveness?
Middle East knowledge development
This theme is very poignant here in the Gulf and I have followed it before. BBC here reports on a new World Bank report on Arab education and it's challenges.
Not on education, but on information and freedom of expression is this piece, BBC reporting on Arab broadcasting being curbed...
Other
Light has been shed on how a leading family in Nazi Germany, the Himmlers, dealt with reality through a daughter talking of her experience (here from Svenska Dagbladet).
BBC's Beirut-correspondent thinks about leaving Beirut and what that means for her as a journalist.
Aftonbladet reviews Åsne Seierstads new book (soon to be published in Sweden and Norway, if it hasn't just recently been) on Chechnya, where her journalism-career once started.
Svenska Dagbladet here writes on information warfare.
BBC reports on a Russian film, clandestinely depicting president Putin's love life!
Svenska Dagbladet has some travel tips on Vilnius, where I will make a third visit next month.
This issue is quite a challenging one - a man here writes an op-ed on the need to legislate against enforced marriage. Oh yes, of course! Each one should freely chose one's spouse. But what I have yet to figure out is how such a law be written and enforced so it has a real meaning, outside being either racist or pointless. Advise me, please.
Added on Friday - Dagens Nyheter has photos from the Hariri memorial activities in Beirut yesterday. Svenska Dagbladet reports on the development too, and Hizbullah's reaction to the death of Mughniyeh (featured abve also).
Culture
I'd like to start today with a Dagens Nyheter-article on the richness of early art in Afghanistan.
On a completely different note, the Swedish children's detective novels on Ture Sventon (featuring a Stockholm in the 50's) are analysed in Svenska Dagbladet.
Turkey
In Turkey, the headscarf controversy has been imminent again. Here Svenska Dagbladet, before the vote in parliament, on popular protests.
Palestine
Dagens Nyheters Nathan Schachar here discusses how people could not see what was brewing in Gaza. This ties in with my own fascination with the region, but of course it is sad that insights and analyses do not empower policies...
Egypt
A New York Times report on what to do in 36 hours in Cairo.
Iraq
A friend recommended this Dagens Nyheter article, on women police officers in Iraqi Kurdistan.
ICG's latest Iraq report here - on the "Sadrist surge".
Saudiarabia
Reform in Saudi-arabia walks in small steps (here from the BBC). Someone said the driving ban for women may be loosened very quietly, does anyone know more?
Valentine's is too much to stomach though, apaprently, here in a Dagens Nyheter report.
Syria
Sey Hersh here from the New Yorker on Israel's attack last year on an alleged nuclear facility in Syria.
Hizbullah leader Mughniyeh died a day ago in a carbomb in Damascus, here reported by BBC.
Iran
Yesterday I could tell you about Parvin Ardalan's receiving the Palme prize. Here Eurasianet asks whether Iran's government fears educated women? Ironically in that case, since (perhaps surprisingly) women's literacy and education has risen quite steeply in Iran in the year's of the present regime. Longterm subversiveness?
Middle East knowledge development
This theme is very poignant here in the Gulf and I have followed it before. BBC here reports on a new World Bank report on Arab education and it's challenges.
Not on education, but on information and freedom of expression is this piece, BBC reporting on Arab broadcasting being curbed...
Other
Light has been shed on how a leading family in Nazi Germany, the Himmlers, dealt with reality through a daughter talking of her experience (here from Svenska Dagbladet).
BBC's Beirut-correspondent thinks about leaving Beirut and what that means for her as a journalist.
Aftonbladet reviews Åsne Seierstads new book (soon to be published in Sweden and Norway, if it hasn't just recently been) on Chechnya, where her journalism-career once started.
Svenska Dagbladet here writes on information warfare.
BBC reports on a Russian film, clandestinely depicting president Putin's love life!
Svenska Dagbladet has some travel tips on Vilnius, where I will make a third visit next month.
This issue is quite a challenging one - a man here writes an op-ed on the need to legislate against enforced marriage. Oh yes, of course! Each one should freely chose one's spouse. But what I have yet to figure out is how such a law be written and enforced so it has a real meaning, outside being either racist or pointless. Advise me, please.
Added on Friday - Dagens Nyheter has photos from the Hariri memorial activities in Beirut yesterday. Svenska Dagbladet reports on the development too, and Hizbullah's reaction to the death of Mughniyeh (featured abve also).
Palme award to Parvin Ardalan
This year's Palme prize has been awarded Iranian women's activist Parvin Ardalan.
Dagens Nyheter reports here on it. Svenska Dagbladet wisely notes that the international attention this prize gives Ardalan and her movement hopefully means greater protection for the activists.
Dagens Nyheter reports here on it. Svenska Dagbladet wisely notes that the international attention this prize gives Ardalan and her movement hopefully means greater protection for the activists.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bastard of Istanbul - recommending Elif Shafak
I have read Elif Shafak's earlier novels and bought "The Bastard of Istanbul" as soon as I could get hold of a copy, but then it's been lying around waiting for a good occasion to read. That occasion came this weekend, and I really enjoyed it! It is by far the best of Shafak's novels (even if "The Saint of the Incipient Insanities" was also terrific), warmly portraying Istanbul Turkish history (even in difficult times) and a Turkish family.
Elif Shafak became very controversial in Turkey with it's publication but the book is really worth it just for the read, without the attention directed to it by the controversy. Daring to brave the subject also deserves an applause, of course!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Exhibition Afghanistan
An exhibition of precious historical objects from Afghanistan is being shown in the Netherlands right now, and apparently later on in the States. Time shows some objects from it in a photo gallery here.
Tuesday update: Aftonbladet started a new special feature on Afghanistan here - with interviews, chats and meetings with ordinary Afghans.
Tuesday update: Aftonbladet started a new special feature on Afghanistan here - with interviews, chats and meetings with ordinary Afghans.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Human Rights Watch - new annual report
The new annual report came out late last week and can be found here.
There as supposed to be special sections on several Middle East countries also (Iraq here), including in Arabic, and special features like podcasts and additional material.
Monday update: Also the Committee to Protect Journalists has a new annual report with a reportedly extensive Middle East-section.
There as supposed to be special sections on several Middle East countries also (Iraq here), including in Arabic, and special features like podcasts and additional material.
Monday update: Also the Committee to Protect Journalists has a new annual report with a reportedly extensive Middle East-section.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Egypt photography
Hardly surprising to my readers, I am fascinated by early photography. The Museum of Near Eastern Art in Stockholm just now has a photo exhibition with photos from Egypt and Palestine (I believe) by a current young photographer following in the footsteps of his photographer great-grandfather...
The photo above is from the museum webpage on the exhibition. I am so sorry I won't be able to see it, but encourage anyone who has the chance to do so.
Svenska Dagbladet reviewed the book gathering the pictures also, and I suspect I will finger it longingly if I ever encounter a copy! ;-)
Friday, February 01, 2008
Islamic arts exhibition
At Emirates Palace, the luxurious Abu Dhabi hotel, now has an exhibition all spring (until april I believe) on Islamic arts - it looks superinteresting!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Reading in January
More on George Bush's Middle East trip, this time from the Economist.
Anna Dahlberg in Expressen writes on the discreet life of Swedish foreign policy thinktanks, especially notable as their input would contribute both to policymaking and to public debate. Dagens Nyheter's Ingrid Hedström ponders the importance of the Eurovision Song Contest in European integration politics, here with a not so happy example from Serbia.
An analysis of Al Qaida by Faisal Devji, published in Svenska Dagbladet. What can you tell me about him?
An article on an English man's love for Delhi, sparked by reading his Times obituary.
Expressen tells of a brave girl and her family in Egypt - a very young mother whose life would have deserved a different turn.
The daily possibilities of women in Saudiarabia may be progressing, if in small steps. Svenska Dagbladet writes on being able to check in to hotels. We're still waiting for driving. In Iran, women candidates for parliament are discussed here by the BBC. The lifting of the headscarf ban at Turkish universities is a related issue, here in an article from International Herald Tribune.
Al Jazeera gives attention to the socio-economic situation in Kurdish-majority south-eastern Turkey. Also on Turkey, Today's Zaman reports on the visit to Ankara by Greek PM Karamanlis.
Patrick Seale writes in Gulf News on Lebanon's ongoing political ordeal. BBC here on the same topic, also.
Much media attention has been given to the breakout from Gaza into Egypt. I believe personally it only serves to illustrate the futility of ignoring actual political forces such as Hamas. For the regional equation to add up politically, they must be calculated into the solution. Here is Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Swedish radio (especially on consequences for Egypt), BBC and Svenska Dagbladet again.
Anna Dahlberg in Expressen writes on the discreet life of Swedish foreign policy thinktanks, especially notable as their input would contribute both to policymaking and to public debate. Dagens Nyheter's Ingrid Hedström ponders the importance of the Eurovision Song Contest in European integration politics, here with a not so happy example from Serbia.
An analysis of Al Qaida by Faisal Devji, published in Svenska Dagbladet. What can you tell me about him?
An article on an English man's love for Delhi, sparked by reading his Times obituary.
Expressen tells of a brave girl and her family in Egypt - a very young mother whose life would have deserved a different turn.
The daily possibilities of women in Saudiarabia may be progressing, if in small steps. Svenska Dagbladet writes on being able to check in to hotels. We're still waiting for driving. In Iran, women candidates for parliament are discussed here by the BBC. The lifting of the headscarf ban at Turkish universities is a related issue, here in an article from International Herald Tribune.
Al Jazeera gives attention to the socio-economic situation in Kurdish-majority south-eastern Turkey. Also on Turkey, Today's Zaman reports on the visit to Ankara by Greek PM Karamanlis.
Patrick Seale writes in Gulf News on Lebanon's ongoing political ordeal. BBC here on the same topic, also.
Much media attention has been given to the breakout from Gaza into Egypt. I believe personally it only serves to illustrate the futility of ignoring actual political forces such as Hamas. For the regional equation to add up politically, they must be calculated into the solution. Here is Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Swedish radio (especially on consequences for Egypt), BBC and Svenska Dagbladet again.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Modern souq
This souq in Dubai is quite modern, but very nicely done in an old style - so thumbs up, definitely!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Making traces
A glimpse of us, trailing around the Dubai souk. And some little kittens sunbathing too...
Developments in Arab media
Developments in Arab media have been highlighted this week, not least through media coverage on and from this Swedish-hosted journalists and blogger conference in Alexandria, Egypt.
Here you can listen (radio sound file, about 30 minutes) to a discussion between participants in the conference.
No discussion on Arab journalism is complete without a debate on the role and importance Al-Jazeera! ;-) Now the issue is whether their reporting is politically sensitive to changed Arab Gulf attitudes toward Iran and Saudi-arabia?
A new British magazine on Arab issues is being launched - The Arab. I believe it's not for free on the internet but still want to share the link with you.
Here you can listen (radio sound file, about 30 minutes) to a discussion between participants in the conference.
No discussion on Arab journalism is complete without a debate on the role and importance Al-Jazeera! ;-) Now the issue is whether their reporting is politically sensitive to changed Arab Gulf attitudes toward Iran and Saudi-arabia?
A new British magazine on Arab issues is being launched - The Arab. I believe it's not for free on the internet but still want to share the link with you.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Gulf future energy vision
This week's World Future Energy Summit here in Abu Dhabi highlights issues of future clean energy and business opportunities.
Even Swedish media gives attention to Abu Dhabi's Masdar company and their plans for a city on a net-zero carbon emission goal. BBC writes here about it.
Visions are important. Implementation is the next step.
UPDATE from the inauguration - it was adressed by a zero-carbo-emitting, holographic Prince Charles! Welcome to the Gulf!
Even Swedish media gives attention to Abu Dhabi's Masdar company and their plans for a city on a net-zero carbon emission goal. BBC writes here about it.
Visions are important. Implementation is the next step.
UPDATE from the inauguration - it was adressed by a zero-carbo-emitting, holographic Prince Charles! Welcome to the Gulf!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Hrant Dink - 1 year in memoriam
One year ago yesterday, Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink was murdered in Istanbul. BBC here writes on how the sad occasion still divides Turkish society. Swedish radio reports here from a memorial rally in Istanbul.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
India
India is never far from the Gulf and has special place in my life since a long time. Getting good Indian food is one of my everyday joys of being here!
I recently read this book on India and would like to recommend it for reading on the development of politics and the economy in India today. Luce is well placed to give such and understanding, not least due to his thorough knowledge of development relevant economic indicators. Very impressive work and well written!
I recently read this book on India and would like to recommend it for reading on the development of politics and the economy in India today. Luce is well placed to give such and understanding, not least due to his thorough knowledge of development relevant economic indicators. Very impressive work and well written!
Dubai - the creek
The first impression of Dubai for many - and definitely for me - was of highrises along Shaikh Zayed Road. But coming down to the Creek, I finally got a feeling for Dubai as something more than a freeway system... Here you have photos of traditional boats on the creek, and more will come.
This week's reading links
We start this week's reading recommendations with a think-tank report on Iraqi refugees and their situation in neighbouring Syria and Jordan.
For those of you with a Foreign Policy log-in, you can here read Graham Fuller's thoughts on how Islam shapes the world and whether Islam as such shapes the world of today - or would the same problems not take another shape in A World without Islam?
This week in the Middle East has been dominated by the journey of president George Bush. Svenska Dagbladets here writes on the visit from a Gaza perspective. Expressen here describes it as "the last chance for Bush". Dagens Nyheter calls in "monkey politics"...
Freedom House has just released their latest index and report - see their webpage.
The imprisoned Iranian-Kurdish journalist Adnan Hassanpour has been reportedly been awarded Reporters without Borders press freedom prize for 2007. I can't find more information on it though - so I may come back on it.
Here in the UAE, apart from the visits of Bush and Sarkozy, this week's more noteable events include "heavy" rain. See BBC's pictures of street floods!
BBC pictures also notes the celebration of Ashura. And BBC publishes a story on a returning Iraqi refugee woman and what she finds in her Baghdad home - returning so to the topic of today's first link above.
For this week's diversion from current politics and the Middle East, read here about the Prague ball season!
For those of you with a Foreign Policy log-in, you can here read Graham Fuller's thoughts on how Islam shapes the world and whether Islam as such shapes the world of today - or would the same problems not take another shape in A World without Islam?
This week in the Middle East has been dominated by the journey of president George Bush. Svenska Dagbladets here writes on the visit from a Gaza perspective. Expressen here describes it as "the last chance for Bush". Dagens Nyheter calls in "monkey politics"...
Freedom House has just released their latest index and report - see their webpage.
The imprisoned Iranian-Kurdish journalist Adnan Hassanpour has been reportedly been awarded Reporters without Borders press freedom prize for 2007. I can't find more information on it though - so I may come back on it.
Here in the UAE, apart from the visits of Bush and Sarkozy, this week's more noteable events include "heavy" rain. See BBC's pictures of street floods!
BBC pictures also notes the celebration of Ashura. And BBC publishes a story on a returning Iraqi refugee woman and what she finds in her Baghdad home - returning so to the topic of today's first link above.
For this week's diversion from current politics and the Middle East, read here about the Prague ball season!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Among the Arabs
Living in the Gulf, the topic of how Arabs live and how they view each other is a very current topic always. Listening to Cecilia Udden speak on the Swedish radio on intra-Arab prejudice was very interesting, and sometimes played out live in my close environment.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Celebrating Christmas
Just to assure you all now afterwards we didn't just eat - we also decorated for Christmas. As usual there was also a remarkable pile of gifts, especially considering that we were 3 adults celebrating together - no kids in sight... ;-) an embarrassing amount of them were for me...
Christmas for real... also here!
Well, I showed you the Christmas food preparations - now here is what the result looked like!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ski Dubai!
The indoor ski-slope in gigantic shoppingcentre Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has quickly become legendary. Here it is - I was there and saw it! It's minus 4 degrees and separated from the shopping mall (biggest in the Middle East) by a glass wall. It looked quite busy, too... ;-)
Recent ICG-reports
I often quote Crisis Group and recently they were named among the top ten most influential think tanks! Here are also links to some of their recent reports:
from December on clan-ism in Gaza, from early January on Pakistan after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and from today on Cyprus and counteracting partition.
from December on clan-ism in Gaza, from early January on Pakistan after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and from today on Cyprus and counteracting partition.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
More Christmas preparations
Well, the evening of the 23rd turned our home and our kitchen into the Christmas mode very rapidly, as you can see here!
Sad news on literacy in the Arab world
The Arab equivalent of UNESCO, called ALECSO (unfortunately I cannot access the English webpage at the moment, does anyone know if it is active at all?), has, according to reports in Swedish radio
released illiteracy firgures for the Arab countries that are stunningly high, not least for women. one out of three cannot read or write, and among women one out of two, it is said.
This is a real challenge that countries of the region need to take on seriously, even if efforts are also being made (I wrote before I think on the foundation started by the ruler of Dubai).
I discussed this just yesterday with someone, guessing that the combined effect of the difficulties of the formal written Arabic (and it's difference from the spoken dialects) and the poor education systems would be at the core of this issue.
released illiteracy firgures for the Arab countries that are stunningly high, not least for women. one out of three cannot read or write, and among women one out of two, it is said.
This is a real challenge that countries of the region need to take on seriously, even if efforts are also being made (I wrote before I think on the foundation started by the ruler of Dubai).
I discussed this just yesterday with someone, guessing that the combined effect of the difficulties of the formal written Arabic (and it's difference from the spoken dialects) and the poor education systems would be at the core of this issue.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Happy orthodox Christmas!
Holidays still abound - now is the orthodox Christmas, BBC pictures from celebrations here.
And on Thursday is the Islamic New Year.
Update: more photos, from Al-Jazeera this time
And on Thursday is the Islamic New Year.
Update: more photos, from Al-Jazeera this time
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Reading on culture events
I have collected some links especially on cultural events that I'd like to share now.
First some books - this one is a book review from Svenska Dagbladet on Sweden's involvement in Finland's Second World War.
I have written earlier on Khaled Hosseini's novels from a wartorn Afghanistan - here is an interview with the author, from Dagens Nyheter.
And some music events I would like to have experienced!
This Hugh Masekela-concert I would really like to have gone to! The greatest jazz trumpet-player, ever. Thank you Daniel for the link to the review.
A recent favourite artist, French-Algerian Souad Massi, released an acoustic live recording. This review isn't wildly enthusiastic, but I'm still looking forward to the record.
And, not least, Iranian icon Googoosh played in Stockholm - I missed that too.... :-(
First some books - this one is a book review from Svenska Dagbladet on Sweden's involvement in Finland's Second World War.
I have written earlier on Khaled Hosseini's novels from a wartorn Afghanistan - here is an interview with the author, from Dagens Nyheter.
And some music events I would like to have experienced!
This Hugh Masekela-concert I would really like to have gone to! The greatest jazz trumpet-player, ever. Thank you Daniel for the link to the review.
A recent favourite artist, French-Algerian Souad Massi, released an acoustic live recording. This review isn't wildly enthusiastic, but I'm still looking forward to the record.
And, not least, Iranian icon Googoosh played in Stockholm - I missed that too.... :-(
Pakistan
See some of Dagens Nyheter's photographer Paul Hansen's photos from Pakistan after the death of opposition leader and previous prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Also a picture special of Bhutto's life.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Reading from the holidays
I have been quite absent from blogging during the holiday period - first many hours of hard work and later lazy days with the family has kept me away from the computer lately. But I have been collecting links to share and have some photos to show you later also.
So these come from December mainly.
Sadly, research in shows that violent conflict is on the rise... a grim reminder of our responsibility for the future.
But most of my links are as usual on the Middle East.
First some BBC reporting on the US military in Iraq. Early in December, Swedish radio also reported on how the Iraqi middle class to some extent are returning to Baghdad - probably mostly because they have trouble supporting life in exile.
Here is Swedish Expressens page on Iraq, with blogs and special features. One particularly haunting story from Expressen on women in Iraq. Anna Dahlberg here writes on the responsibility of Iraqis for their country's future.
Also from the BBC, this time on Arab media. Aftonbladet interviews Egyptian feminist Nawal el-Saadawi here.
Svenska Dagbladet reports on the treatment of bloggers in Egypt and their contribution to breaking taboos on freedom of expression. BBC reports on the situation for bloggers in Saudiarabia.
BBC has a resume of 2007 in Iran. LA Times also writes on Iran here, trying to investigate the circles of power ruling the country.
Here, the Israeli ambassador in stockholm gives his view of the region post-Annapolis.
Away from direct news developments in the region I suggest this for reading:
Swedish author Anita Goldman writes here in Aftonbladet on coexistence and conciliation.
Svenska Dagbladet has a series of articles on religious beliefs - so here is one on being Jewish in Sweden and one on being a modern muslim in Sweden. I really recommend both for reading - real food for thought!
Outside the direct Middle East-region:
Aftonbladet here writes an editorial comment on the Bhutto family tragedy... Svenska Dagbladet also had a useful comment on developments in Pakistan.
And finally a BBC forecast for Turkey in 2008.
So these come from December mainly.
Sadly, research in shows that violent conflict is on the rise... a grim reminder of our responsibility for the future.
But most of my links are as usual on the Middle East.
First some BBC reporting on the US military in Iraq. Early in December, Swedish radio also reported on how the Iraqi middle class to some extent are returning to Baghdad - probably mostly because they have trouble supporting life in exile.
Here is Swedish Expressens page on Iraq, with blogs and special features. One particularly haunting story from Expressen on women in Iraq. Anna Dahlberg here writes on the responsibility of Iraqis for their country's future.
Also from the BBC, this time on Arab media. Aftonbladet interviews Egyptian feminist Nawal el-Saadawi here.
Svenska Dagbladet reports on the treatment of bloggers in Egypt and their contribution to breaking taboos on freedom of expression. BBC reports on the situation for bloggers in Saudiarabia.
BBC has a resume of 2007 in Iran. LA Times also writes on Iran here, trying to investigate the circles of power ruling the country.
Here, the Israeli ambassador in stockholm gives his view of the region post-Annapolis.
Away from direct news developments in the region I suggest this for reading:
Swedish author Anita Goldman writes here in Aftonbladet on coexistence and conciliation.
Svenska Dagbladet has a series of articles on religious beliefs - so here is one on being Jewish in Sweden and one on being a modern muslim in Sweden. I really recommend both for reading - real food for thought!
Outside the direct Middle East-region:
Aftonbladet here writes an editorial comment on the Bhutto family tragedy... Svenska Dagbladet also had a useful comment on developments in Pakistan.
And finally a BBC forecast for Turkey in 2008.
Memories of summer...
Some photos from a lovely summer excursion with my grandmother - going to sandhamn on the far edge of the Stockholm archipelago in the last summer weekend.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy 2008 to you all!
This will be my last posting for this year (even if I have both photos and links lying around to share - a christmas computer crash has delayed postings) and I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! As usual our world is undeservedly troubled and we can only hope for a better future.
See you again in 2008!
See you again in 2008!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A holiday greeting from us!
This is in the intermission of a concert with the Swedish radio symphony orchestra, earlier this month, here in Abu Dhabi.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Gearing up for Christmas
Christmas preparations are underway also here in the Gulf, even if this week is more for the Eid. The weekend will contain a lot of baking and cooking for the holidays!
Eid Mubarak!
Slightly late, but still - I would like to wish all believers a happy peaceful Eid al-Adha.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Middle East reading
This is a Dagens Nyheter-review of Joseph Massad's book Desiring Arabs, posing the question of why the West has a repeated problem with Arab sexuality! The question pinpoints the sexualized view of the Arab world, regardless of where on the scale this "otherness" is perceived to be.
Not only on the Middle East, but very useful reading also on this can be found on this Swedish foreign policy-blogg "Utrikesbloggen". It is more of a magazine, actually, than a blog, and very newsworthy. It both has it's own columnists and republishes and links internationally pulished other articles.
Here is former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer on the Middle East, circuling around the Annapolis meeting. Swedish Foreign Minister Bildt comments here and writes himself here on the same topic (both before the meeting).
A controversial Iranian visitor has been to Sweden, here in an article from Dagens Nyheter.
Barry Rubin has published a new book on democracy issues in the Arab world - the publisher's description can be read here.
BBC here interviews Tom Segev, on a number of issues controversial to his native Israel. Here prime minister Olmert comments on related issues in the context of Annapolis on BBC.
A Svenska Dagbladet-editorial on potential developments in Saudi-Arabia, set in the context of European developments on the views of the rights of women.
Iranian women are in dire straits, and no more so than those extra vulnerable for social and economic reasons. Here is Layla, a child prostitute, highlighted by the BBC.
Women in Iraq are also facing difficult times, now highlighted especially in Basra.
Bitte Hammargren here writes on Internet-censorship in Syria, now directed against Facebook. The same topic is discussed here by English Al-Jazeera.
The emigration of Iraqis and their impact on the region and neighbours is discussed in this report.
Not only on the Middle East, but very useful reading also on this can be found on this Swedish foreign policy-blogg "Utrikesbloggen". It is more of a magazine, actually, than a blog, and very newsworthy. It both has it's own columnists and republishes and links internationally pulished other articles.
Here is former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer on the Middle East, circuling around the Annapolis meeting. Swedish Foreign Minister Bildt comments here and writes himself here on the same topic (both before the meeting).
A controversial Iranian visitor has been to Sweden, here in an article from Dagens Nyheter.
Barry Rubin has published a new book on democracy issues in the Arab world - the publisher's description can be read here.
BBC here interviews Tom Segev, on a number of issues controversial to his native Israel. Here prime minister Olmert comments on related issues in the context of Annapolis on BBC.
A Svenska Dagbladet-editorial on potential developments in Saudi-Arabia, set in the context of European developments on the views of the rights of women.
Iranian women are in dire straits, and no more so than those extra vulnerable for social and economic reasons. Here is Layla, a child prostitute, highlighted by the BBC.
Women in Iraq are also facing difficult times, now highlighted especially in Basra.
Bitte Hammargren here writes on Internet-censorship in Syria, now directed against Facebook. The same topic is discussed here by English Al-Jazeera.
The emigration of Iraqis and their impact on the region and neighbours is discussed in this report.
Market streets
These are from the markets streets leading from Eminönü and the Yeni Camii up towards tha Grand Bazaar. Most of the streets are clothes, like in the photos.
And again we see how Klas has a store of his own in Turkey!!! ;-)
And again we see how Klas has a store of his own in Turkey!!! ;-)
Arabic literature
I read about a UK foundation dedicated to presenting Arabic literature in English - a praise-worthy initiative, I must say! A number of Arab writers have met Western audiences successfully in recent years, but some encouragement to bring forth more is well-needer. There are few better ways than a good novel to get under the skin of characters one could not expect to meet in real life and gain a better understanding for their ways.
Initiatives are underway to promote translation also into Arabic, which is even less frequent today.
Initiatives are underway to promote translation also into Arabic, which is even less frequent today.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
2 years of travel
Last week, this blog's second anniversary passed quietly. Right now, my photography is unfortunately not top priority, but I'll come back on that! Life is a bit busy with other things.... and very few trips are planned. But I will go on, and give you regular reading tips too!
Istanbul view
Some Istanbul panoramas. Taken from Beyoglu, with the Golden Horn on the left, and Kasimpasha below...
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