A continuation of the Alexandria declaration. I think cultural reform is the most crucial, yet the most difficult aspect of anticipated reform in the Arab World   Fourth: Cultural Reform   34- Participants in the conference took into consideration all local and regional cultural problems and challenges, addressing them from a perspective that asserts a set of indispensable cultural priorities... [read more]

If you are a journalist aged 21-35 read this opportunity carefully for a media contest called "the Boundless media" contest supported by a collection of European Organizations.   The "Boundless" media contest promotes cultural diversity, and, in particular, cross-border journalism that makes an innovative contribution to the ongoing dialogue between cultures. The deadline for application is September... [read more]

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is not only a library. It is a place for creativity, cultural dialogue and tolerance. It is a platform for the imagination of the human mind and simple a temple for knowledge. The BA has an area of 40,200 square meters composed of 11 levels. The Library's main reading area can accommodate up to 2000 users and contains 200 study rooms equipped with computers. The library... [read more]

Last week I have been privileged to visit the magnificant Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This is one of the few places in the Arab World, and maybe the whole Globe that can be conisidered as a cultural acheivement. I was participating in a workshop organized by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) about new learning for sustainability in the Arab World, where I have presented the case study of using blogs... [read more]

  The majestic city of Petra has won its righteous place in the World New Seven Wonders. Regardless of UNESCO's reservations, the voting process represented a "global collective approach" of cultural diversity that was made by people and public participation. Petra's uniquness was decribed by the New 7 wonders committee as a symbol of "engineering and protection". One of the most amazing achievements... [read more]

I was almost certain of Petra's win in the New Seven Wonders competition, but it never crossed my mind it will be second only to the Great Wall of China. I thought Petra may end up in 5th-7th ranks judged by the small population of Jordan and the enormous influence of the global media that highlightes other places in Europe and Latin America. The success of Petra is worth celebrating for many... [read more]

While participating in the Euro-Med workshop on "Media and intercultural dialogue" in Berlin last week, I felt as if I am in the midst of a social gathering that happens on annual basis. Most of the participants already know each other and they will talk for hours about their previous meetings in Geneva, Malta, Dead Sea, Morocco, Vienna and so on. This is an indication that such meetings usually bring... [read more]

A "silent controversey" emerged from some news wired by international news agencies regarding Queen Rania's interview with the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera " in her last visit to Italy. The "controversey" was silent in Jordanian media but reported in minds, discussions and Arab and regional media since the Queen was quoted by the international news agencies as saying "Hijab is not mandatory... [read more]

Good news. Petra has retained for the second month its possession in the top 7 rank of the New Seven Wonders competition as declared today in the January 2007 ranking results based on global polls which will remain online for one week only. http://www.new7wonders.com/index.php?id=520   Petra is now with the Colosseum, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Pyramids of Giza, Statues of Easter... [read more]

Ibrahim Nassrallah is a fantastic Jordanian writer and poet. He has contributed remarkably to the wealth of the Jordanian/Palestinian literature record with a package of creative poets that focused mainly on the Palestinian resistance. This has put him face to face with the custodians of the traditional, government-supportive cultural apparatus in Jordan. A case was raised against Nassrallah last... [read more]

We all witness with a lot of concern the profound changes that happen to Amman in terms of high urbanization, congestion and other problems associated with big cities. One of the best Jordanian opinions about this issue are expressed by Dr Mohammad Al-Asad former lecturere at the University of Jordan and the founder and manager of teh highly successful Center for the Study of the Built Environment,... [read more]

In my Arabic blog I have posted an evolving list of the top 100 thinkers, writers and scholars in the Arab World in the past 25 years as a way to document the positive impact such intellectuals have exerted on Arab culture. It is important to mention that this list is not about the magnitude of impact on the Arab public, since using this indicator will make me end up with a list that contains more... [read more]

One of the most important statements by the Pope in his notorious speech in Bavaria, apart from the quotation on Islam and violence, was his argument about the cliamed clash between Islamic theology and mind. In the pope's argument Islamic doctorine is rigid so that any "perspective" of life is based only on sacred texts and not rational thinking. The problem with this statement, is not that it... [read more]

This is a lovely article wrote by Mr Ammar Mango and published in today's Jordan Times, and I wanted to share it with all of you;   By Ammar W. Mango While most Ammanies dread the long line of waiting for humus or falafel, for example, to very few the waiting is a bliss in disguise. One of these people has even confessed to me that he loves having to wait more than the food he is in line for... [read more]

I am calling on all Jordanian bloggers and visitors to our blogs to read this exciting blog www.terhaal.com dedicated to describing and displaying natural wonders of Jordan through stories on eco-tourism trips in our beloved kingdom. I have to say that I am currently "consuming" this blog as a hungry visitor, and I am enjoying each and every post. This blog is based on a collection of stories... [read more]

It is now only about 300 days before the end of the voting period for selecting the World's New Seven Wonders by a system of public voting (online and by phone) at the website of the "New Seven Wonders" foundation, supporting and organizing this contest. As we know, Petra-the majestic rose city in Jordan is one of 21 candidates for the list of new 7 wonders representing the most amazing structures... [read more]

I was thrilled to learn today that the Cabinet has decided to ratify the UNESCO advocated Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions that was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in October 2005. This is a fantastic convention that aims to to recognize the right of States to formulate cultural policies; to adopt measures in favour of the diversity... [read more]

I have always believed, in all honesty and objectivity that King Abdullah II is the best Arab Leader that can communicate with the west conveying the true image of Muslim and Arab cultures and aspirations. The King is liberal, direct in his remarks, sharp and to the point and always a firm believer in democracy, modernization and global cooperation. I also have a firm conviction that the Jordanian... [read more]

The very well-informed Egyptiam blogger Sandmonkey has discovered a shock. In a recent post in his blog Rantings of a sandmonkey he documented that an Egyptian newspaper called "al Fajr" has published the 12 notorious cartoons that have sparked a wave of hatred between the Muslim world and parts of Europe. The real surprise is the fact that the Egyptian newspaper published the cartoons in October... [read more]

Yesterday I went into a state of depression. I received an e-mail from the British charity organization Oxfam International containing a simple request to nominate a general character that has credibility and influence on people to act as a role model assisting Oxfam in its global fight against poverty. I wanted to search for a character/ role model from the Arab World, and guess what: I miserably... [read more]