El-Sissi’s call on Egyptians to lose weight creates a stir as he railed overweight people and told Egyptians they must take better care of themselves.
Middle East articles on Democracy Chronicles
View news about the struggle for democracy in the troubled Middle East where vast cultural change and persistent political violence cry out for democracy. Also see our World Democracy section and our articles on the ongoing Arab Spring.
UAE Must Release Imprisoned Jordanian Journalist
United Arab Emirates should immediately release Tayseer al-Najjar, a Jordanian journalist who, on December 13, 2018, completed a three-year prison sentence.
Saudi Reforms Include Car Races and Concerts, But No Criticism
Young Saudis and international visitors partied into the night at concerts by Enrique Iglesias, The Black Eyed Peas and DJ David Guetta in Saudi Arabia.
Major Lebanon Protests Ignited Over Politics and Economy
Hundreds in Lebanon took to streets to protest a deteriorating economy and political stalemate that has country’s lawmakers struggling to form a government.
Scandals Brewing, Netanyahu Calls Early Election for April
Prime Minister Benjamin calls early elections for April, setting the stage for a three-month campaign clouded by a series of corruption investigations.
Outrage as Another Imprisoned Iranian Dissident Dies
Iranian authorities should immediately carry out an independent and impartial investigation into the death of an imprisoned activist on a hunger strike.
Iran President’s Son-in-law Resigns After Nepotism Claims
Iran President Rouhani’s son-in-law resigned just two days after his appointment as head of Iran’s geological survey sparked accusations of nepotism.
Lebanese Take to Streets to Protest Political Stalemate
Hundreds of Lebanese protested against a political stalemate that has prevented the formation of a new government seven months after elections.
Iranian Steel Mill Workers Detained After Unpaid Salary Protests
Iranian authorities detained an unspecified number of steel mill workers after five weeks of protests over delays in salaries, an agency reported Monday.
Turkey Revives Ghosts of Gezi Protests as Elections Loom
Three years after she was acquitted over her role in Turkey’s Gezi Park protests, Mucella Yapici was called in last month by police to face more questions.