This is the third year in a row that I’ve written my sarcastic predictions/resolutions for the Middle East. Either these nations’ governments are not listening to me or making resolutions is not a regional tradition because I seem to be repeating myself! 2014 was no better than 2013 on issues of peace, and with the emergence … More 2015 Predictions for the Middle East
Transportation is a big deal to the traveler who is navigating across time and space, and I love analyzing a country’s modes of transport when I go abroad. Here, a look at getting around Morocco: Airline-Royal Air Maroc: Morocco’s national airline is Royal Air Maroc. I booked our aller-retour tickets to Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport … More Morocco: Getting Around (Transportation)
It’s been exactly one year since I first posted my welcome blog, or ‘Salam alaykoum,’ here on S-L-M: Peace. My husband and I in NYC. He serves to clear up any misconceptions I might have regarding Islam. My introduction was to the point when it came to my views and goals: Unfortunately, there is not … More Finding al-noor, A Year Later: S-L-M Peace
It’s not easy being a woman, period, in the Middle East, but in Saudi Arabia being a woman takes on a whole new meaning. Their infamous lack of rights-from not being able to drive to not being able to vote (recently ‘amended’) to not even being able to go out or travel by one’s self … More Slower than a Snail, but Moving Forward All the Same: Saudi Women’s Rights
From the Tunisienne Faculte Facebook page “A burka?! You’re going to take that off for me right now!” “Uh, by the way, you do know that you’re talking to an umbrella…” The above bande dessinee was found shared on the Facebook page “Tunisienne Faculte,” which is actually a treasure trove of political cartoons and inspirational images if … More Grab Your Parasol, ‘Cause it Might Rain in Europe’s Banlieus
From Tunisienne Faculte Facebook page “A burka?! You’re going to take that off for me right now!” “Uh, by the way, you do know that you’re talking to an umbrella…” The above bande dessinee was found shared on the Facebook page “Tunisienne Faculte,” which is actually a treasure trove of political cartoons and inspirational images if … More Grab Your Parasol, ‘Cause it might Rain in Europe’s Banlieus
What do we do when we meet someone new? Depending on our culture, the norm may be to shake hands or give a small wave; it may be to give a sort of “fist pump;” we might give one or two kisses on the cheek, or a small hug, … More Jealousy and Respect in a Cairo Cafe
I have decided to keep a sort of diary about my life in Cairo, where I will be spending the next month. For the sake of letting my subscribers know that I have posted something new, I will add these diary postings to my normal post list, but you can also find them in the … More An Orphanage and Silver Linings
“The question of the real Iran kept coming up in discussions between my parents and friends. Which was more legitimate: the ancient traditions with which the Shah propped up his power, or the strict Islamic principals of Khomeini?” (p. 119) Iran was once a country where Western law ruled the land, not blown-up exaggerated Islamic … More Dreams of World’s Long Lost
Books are not particularly sexy. A person’s eyes can be seductive, depending on the person. And wearing a headscarf and a bulky full-length coat? In general, not very sexy at all. According to the Saudi Commitee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (also known as the morality police), women with attractive eyes … More What’s Next-Banning Women Alltogether?
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