Iranian Censors - Happy Tribute

An American Hit Song and Video as shown below - was copied in a tribute in Iran, and the young people who created the video were ARRESTED - for violating Iranian Laws.
Read the story here on BBC "The video shows three men and three unveiled women dancing to the song on the streets and rooftops of Tehran. Police chief Hossein Sajedinia said the "vulgar clip" had "hurt public chastity", the ISNA news agency said." (source BBC) - short clip on youtube - showing Iranian TV story of event.

Here is the Iranian Video. And for good measure - How about another - one from Istanbul - This song is great example of cultural diffusion, and how its movement is rapid with the advent of Social Media. Threatening traditions and government leaders worldwide.

Resurrecting Eden

In Iraq, where many biblical scholars place the Garden of Eden, Scott Pelley finds a water world where the Marsh Arabs are making a comeback after Saddam nearly destroyed the cradle of civilization

To see transcript and and links to "ancient crafts" and "waterworld" Photographs of Iraq's marshlands Go to the website supporting and documenting the efforts to restore the marshlands

Mideast Timeline

  Review a timeline - showing some recent Mideast Political Events -does not include the recent Arab Spring.
Nor does include the Israeli issues.

Now take a quiz on the Middle East.

Rap and Syria Protests

 March 2012 World  The Rising Death Toll in Syria compare to the Events in India in 1916. What side are we on - consider the words of Archbishop - Desmond Tutu of South Africa

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

What can we do in times of injustice? what is the role of an individual, community? How do people decide when to not be neutral? 

Published: March 21, 2012

A calendar of the estimated number of deaths in the country each day since the beginning of the uprising - currently since protest began - March 15 2011 - estimates are up to 10,000 have died. . see Chart 

Many Artists including poets in Syria have spoken out - but have lost their life doing. Click here to read about what happened to one such brave poet.

Below is a protest song.

Syria - Rap Video - Protest Song



What can people do to assist people who are being oppressed? 

Syria - Violence worsens! and Iranian Jews conflicted

Syria - news report from NBC -   -Did the U.N. vote give the Syrian Regime the feeling they could attack citizens without consequences from the World?


and from NPR

Jews With Ties To Iran And Israel Feel Conflicted

Russia, China veto U.N. action on Syria; opposition group calls for strike - CNN.com

Russia, China veto U.N. action on Syria; opposition group calls for strike - CNN.com

- As international anger grows over reports of mass carnage at the hands of the Syrian regime, a U.N. Security Council draft resolution condemning Syria failed to be adopted Saturday after veto-wielding members Russia and China voted against it.

Syria - Violence - Should the U.S. be involved?

 What is happening in Syria - why does it matter? consider  Should the U.S. or the U.N.  assist the Syrians? What are the impacts of a potential U.N. Solution? Why doesn't Russia sign on?

Listen to an important moment in Syria's history - on NPR  - then watch a news clip from this week. Then you can  follow  todays events  in Syria here 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Syria - from Protest to a Revolution?

Important developments this week in Syria - could the protest movements growing into a full - scale - civil war / revolution.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy