In recent months, North Africa has seen a crescendo of accusations, moves and measures that leave no doubt: Morocco and Algeria are on a collision course. The big question is whether the cold war in the Maghreb will end in an armed conflict. Both neighboring countries have engaged in an arms race and are armed to the teeth. … Continue reading Algeria and Morocco on collision course
Arab world
2015: mes op de keel van onafhankelijke journalistiek
De jaarwisseling is traditioneel aanleiding voor lijstjes. De donkerste dagen van het jaar zijn kennelijk geschikt om de balans op te maken. Van de beste oliebollenbakkers van het AD, de Top 2000 van Radio 2, tot de landen die in de ogen van the Economist er het beste van afbrachten in 2015. Dat was Myanmar … Continue reading 2015: mes op de keel van onafhankelijke journalistiek
Moroccan authorities persecute journalist Ali Lmrabet
Reporters Without Borders is appalled by the way the Moroccan authorities continue to persecute Ali Lmrabet, a satirical newspaper editor who wants to resume publishing newspapers in Morocco now that his ten-year ban on working as journalist has expired. Ali Lmrabet, who has dual French and Moroccan nationality, is being denied the residence certificate he … Continue reading Moroccan authorities persecute journalist Ali Lmrabet
Yemeni media freedom and human rights at risk
In May 2013 I took part in the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sana’a. More interesting than the speeches and panel discussions was the enthusiasm of participating Yemeni journalists. Yemen was witnessing a revolution. Though there were plenty political and social obstacles, practical difficulties and a lot of violence, many young journalists I … Continue reading Yemeni media freedom and human rights at risk
Towards freedom in the Arab world, ten years on
The need for a special rapporteur The Arab Human Development Report 2004 was published with as subtitle Towards Freedom in the Arab World. The report, published by UNDP, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social development and the Arab Gulf Programme for UN Development Organizations, concluded that freedoms, particularly those of opinion, expression and creativity, … Continue reading Towards freedom in the Arab world, ten years on
Focus on Media Freedom 