Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); The opposition conference held in Damascus on June 27 sparked a fierce debate in social networking circles. The conference, which supported the peaceful uprising in Syria and demanded freedom and democracy, focused on [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 17, April 26, 2011 Two new Facebook pages provide news updates in English about the Syrian uprising.The page “Monitoring Protests in Syria” defines itself as “an online page for monitoring [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 17, April 15, 2011 In the past few days, reports have emerged about soldiers being shot or executed by security forces after refusing to shoot on protesters. While names of some killed [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 16, April 13, 2011 After days of protests and violent crack-down by the security forces in the coastal city of Banias, yesterday the women of the town took to the streets. Footage [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 16, April 13, 2011 The website “Syria Leaks” gathers news and footage from social media channels on the uprising in Syria. The website whose name alludes to the famous “Wikileaks” platform, provides [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 16, April 8, 2011 The website “The Daily Best” reports in one of its blogs that the Syrian cyber activist Malath Aumran has been threatened by the authorities. Mike Giglio, a newsweek [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 16, April 3, 2011 The Syrian blogger “Freelancitizen” called upon Syrian authorities to dismiss leading figures of the state media in Syria as well as the “Minister of Desinformation”, Mohsen Bilal. The [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 15, March 15, 2011 A demonstration of around 200 people demanding the fall of the Syrian regime was brutally put down in Damascus today. The protestors, who gathered in the central district [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 15, March 15, 2011 A new YouTube video tells the story of Syrian detainee Fares Murad, who spent 29 years in prison on charges of belonging to the Arab Communist Organisation. [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 14, February 28, 2011 Syrian activists are planning to turn this year´s celebration of Nowruz into a national day for all Syrians. A Facebook page calls upon Syrians to raise one million [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 14, February 22, 2011 Reports of a spontaneous protest by hundreds of Syrians in the centre of Damascus have sparked the launch of new online initiatives for change and reform. The Annidaa [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 14, February 16, 2011 Activists have warned Syrian internet users to take precautions when accessing social networking sites after the recent lifting of a ban on sites such as Facebook. A range [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 14, February 16, 2011 A number of Syrian writers and intellectuals have created a Facebook group calling for the abolition of a travel ban which imposed by the security services on [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 13, February 2, 2011 Syrian internet activists have renewed their call for a boycott of two local mobile phone companies on February 9. Some 14,000 people joined the Facebook group set up [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 13, February 2, 2011 The pro-government media in Syria has hit back at calls on Facebook by Syrian activists for demonstrations following the recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. Syrians have launched [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 13, February 2, 2011 Following the recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrians have launched a number of Facebook pages calling for change in Syria and organising protest events. One group, entitled [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 13, February 1, 2011 Syrian Facebook users are calling for public acts of solidarity with Egyptian demonstrators rallying against President Hosni Mubarak. With initial calls to gather outside the Egyptian Embassy in [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 13, February 1, 2011 A Syrian blogger has reported that the authorities have blocked all sites containing the word “Proxy”, as well as barring all internet searches for the same term. Anas [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 12, January 27, 2011 Syrian bloggers and cyber activists have tried to help Egyptian activists as they protested against the Cairo regime this week. As well as spreading the latest news [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 12, January 18, 2011 Syrian bloggers have seized on the so-called Jasmine Revolution as an example of social change which they hope can be repeated in the Arab world. On Facebook, many [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 12, January 17, 2011 A newly-created Facebook group has highlighted the economic difficulties faced by Syrians, calling on the government to take urgent steps to address the crisis. Established immediately after [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 12, January 6, 2011 Dozens of Syrians declared their support for the recent protests in Tunisia, by creating a group on Facebook, Syrians Support the Tunisian Intifada, which has to date acquired [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 12, January 6, 2011 A Syrian young blogger has recently added a new service to his blog, Ahmad blogs, which enables blind people to hear what he has to say. The blogger [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 11, Dec. 9, 2010 The government’s decision to dismiss two teachers who drew national anger after a video showing them beating schoolchildren was posted on Facebook has been greeted with surprising [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 11, November 10, 2010 Through the internet, the well-known Syrian cartoonist Ali Farzat is turning caricature from a passive art form into one encouraging interaction and participation amongst the growing Syrian [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 10, October 18, 2010 A number of Syrian netizens launched an online campaign against a Syrian television programmes they accused of “corrupting young minds” and undermining social and religious values. Entitled “Boycott [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 10, October 16, 2010 More and more netizens are showing support for the victims of so-called “honour crimes” with the approach of the international day to protest such killings at the [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 10, October 1, 2010 While the number of computer hackers targeting official Syrian websites seems to be on the rise, most online pirates apparently infiltrate sites only to show off their technological [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 9, September 17, 2010 As the controversy surrounding the establishment of an Islamic centre near Ground Zero in New York continues, a group of Syrians netizens have suggested a way out [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 9, September 15, 2010 Internet users across the Arab world have been demonstrating their online support to a 19-year-old Syrian blogger held incommunicado by authorities since December. In Egypt, cyber-activists have [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 9, September 14, 2010 With the rise of video-sharing and social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook, it might be more difficult today to hide abuses happening behind closed doors [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 9, September 8, 2010 The Facebook social network has become the favoured virtual space for many young Syrians to rally support for many common causes. But according to a cyber-activist, who [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 9, September 7, 2010 The fate of a 19-year-old Syrian blogger remains unknown some nine months after her arrest by the authorities. Tal al-Mallohi, 19 has been detained since December last year [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 8, September 2, 2010 Old photographs and historical memories recall the pre-Baathist era A wave of nostalgia is sweeping over Syrian groups on Facebook, with hundreds of members sharing vintage photos [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 8, August 27, 2010 Writers highlight concerns over poor quality medicine and corruption A blogger known as “Syrian Citizen” criticised a cancer hospital for failings its patients in a recent post. The [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 8, August 25, 2010 Syrian hackers are increasingly accessing governmental websites to express their discontent with the living situation in the country. According to the local website Syria News, the official website [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 8, August 25, 2010 Several new Facebook groups have denounced pollution in some Syrian cities, especially those situated near oil refineries. One of these groups created in May has attracted more than [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 8, August 19, 2010 News about poverty levels in Syria found its way onto the blogs and activist websites after the third national report on progress towards millennium development goals was [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 7, Augsut 16, 2010 Syria’s state television, on its fiftieth anniversary, has been severely criticised by Syrian bloggers. While the Syrian minister of information, Mohsen Bilal, praised state broadcaster during an official [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No 7, August 13, 2010 Supporters of the prominent imprisoned Syrian activist Haytham al-Maleh have been urged to send him greeting cards on his 80th birthday this week. A newly launched website, [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 7, August 12, 2010 Syrians have been complaining about ongoing power shortages across the country, which have been caused by increased energy demand resulting from a heat wave. One blogger, Husain Ghurez, [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 7, August 11, 2010 A number of Syrian bloggers have criticised alleged corruption at Syrian universities, including claims of a trade in exam questions at some faculties. A number of stories have [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 7, August 4, 2010 Facebook remains officially blocked in Syria for “security reasons”, but this doesn’t prevent the country’s first lady from being one of the most popular Syrian figures on the [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 7, August 2, 2010 Coinciding with the tenth anniversary of Bashar al-Assad becoming president of Syria, a blogger wrote an open letter to Assad deploring the squandering of public funds on [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 6, July 28, 2010 The whole world has raved about the accurate predictions of Paul the Octopus regarding July’s World Cup matches - but could he foresee the future of Syria? This [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 6, July 25, 2010 A popular Syrian blog has raised in recent weeks the question of the growing trend of Syrian youth emigration. In a July 8 post, the Nsamat Al-Sham, or [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 6, July 23, 2010 A group of Kurds from Syria and elsewhere have launched a Facebook campaign to call on Arab satellite TV channels to stop airing a Turkish drama accused of [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 6, July 22, 2010 The Syrian education ministry has decided to prevent Niqab-wearing women students from attending both public and private universities in the country. This comes weeks after it sacked 1200 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Social Media News No. 6, July 21, 2010 A new Facebook group has been set up to urge the Lebanese authorities not to deport an exiled Syrian dissident living in Beirut. The group, [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); SMN No. 5, July 13, 2010 Facebook has become a platform for young Syrians opposed to compulsory military service in their country. Every young Syrian man has to serve for one year and [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 5, July 9, 2010 A website specialising in gay issues in the Middle East reported recently that the authorities had stepped up their crackdown on homosexuals in Syria. The website, gaymiddleeast.com, reported [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 5, July 8, 2010 Unlike most Syrian Facebook groups that usually criticise social and political conditions or pledge their support to a personality or a phenomenon, “Soul” is blazing a trail as [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 5, July 7, 2010 Hundreds of cyberactivists from various Arab countries are campaigning over the internet against what they call republics-cum-monarchies in the Arab region. Over 700 hundred members, including tens of [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 5, July 6, 2010 A recent government decision to sack 1200 school teachers for wearing a traditional veil that covers the face has provoked a heated online debate in Syria. The Niqab [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 5, July 2, 2010 On a castle wall in old Damascus are plastered two large photos of a former political activist. On one of the photos, Tohama Maarouf is pictured with her [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 4, June 30, 2010 A group of Syrian netizens have expressed their backing for an employee who was reportedly fired from his position for exposing alleged corruption at a state institution. Around [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 4, June 29, 2010 Syrian activists have launched online campaigns in support of a political prisoner who was kept in custody by authorities, despite completing a 30-month prison term. Ali al-Abdallah, a [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 4, June 24, 2010 Several Syrian bloggers have criticised the monopoly of one Arab satellite TV station over the broadcast of World Cup matches, saying that Syrians living in dire economic conditions [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 4, June 19, 2010 Some Syrian netizens have chosen humour as a means of tackling sensitive political issues. A Facebook group called “For those who dare… Political jokes” was launched recently with [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN, No. 3, June 18, 2010 The social networking service Twitter has so far failed to attract large numbers of Syrian Internet users as it did in other Arab countries. In an interview conducted [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN, No. 3, June 17, 2010 A new website fostering online dialogue between Syrian and Israeli intellectuals was criticised by a large number of Syrian bloggers, who stated that they were against carrying out [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 3, June 16, 2010 Several slideshows appeared recently on YouTube showing photos of real scenes from the streets of Syria. The photos are often ironic and focus on odd activities. The person [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 3, June 15, 2010 The Syrian authorities reportedly blocked again the Arabic version of Wikipedia after having lifted the ban on the website for about a year. Wikipedia describes itself as an [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 3, June 14, 2010 A heated debate on religious preaching in public places broke out recently on Facebook in Syria. It was sparked by the launch of a group in May, which [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 3, June 12, 2010 A new group on Facebook is advocating the replacement of religion classes at Syrian schools with courses teaching “universal moral values”. The administrators of the group, which attracted [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 2, May 24, 2010 A recent series of photographs picturing the daily predicament of Syrian internal refugees captured the attention of the Syrian online community. The photos, which aim to raise awareness [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 2, May 24, 2010 Syrian officials have revoked a decision allowing museums and national monuments to be hired for private occasions after a campaign in the Syrian blogosphere, a move hailed as [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 2, May 24, 2010 Some 680 Facebook members have joined a new group against what they see as visual pollution in Syria. The group called on people to work on making Syria [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN, May 24, 2010 A recent ban on smoking in public areas and restaurants has sparked a mixed reaction among the Syrian online community. On the social network site Facebook, Syrian users have created [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 2, May 24, 2010 He comments on corruption, politics, social phenomena in Syria and the Arab world - Abdul-Salam Ismael, 31, runs one of the most popular Syrian blogs, Matchsticks. Ismael, a [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN No. 2, May 24, 2010 Online activists have started a campaign against the marriage of underage girls in Syria. The group “No to marrying little girls” was created in April to raise awareness [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2, 2010 A group of Syrians have decided to speak out about human rights abuses in their country, creating an interactive group on Facebook, called Kafasamtan or Enough Silence. The initiative, [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2, 2010 Syrian internet users are increasing efforts to put pressure on the government to allow access to the popular social internet utility Facebook. In February, a group, initiated by a [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2, 2010 Civil rights activists in Syria are using Facebook to promote the cause of civil marriage in the country. In a short time, the group has gathered more than 450 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2 2010 It starts with the sound of a woman screaming in Kurdish “someone has been shot”, before the rattling of guns takes over. A young man is then seen lying [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2, 2010 He mixes literary expression with politics. The stories he posts resemble old-style Arabic literature but with underlying references to politics in his home country, Syria. Nathan Joseph, a 29-year-old [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();SMN 1, May 2, 2010 A Facebook group is seeking to expose the highly sensitive issue of dissidents who went missing in the 1970s and 1980s in Syria. The group said it wanted to [...]