Global Voices Online

On International Affairs:
On the Jordanian blogging front, talk related to Katarina can still be heard. Jameed mentions an opinion that suggests that the focus on looting by “violent gangs” was a means “to divert attention from the total collapse of the infrastructure and the criminally irresponsible relief effort”. He also notes that the aftermath of Katarina is affecting all of the US, “The first sign was filling my car for more than 20 dollars for the very first time last week.” Sha3teely, on the other hand, is comparing the reactions to Katarina with other reactions towards other international disasters. Sabbah also underlines the facts that Arabs donated almost $3 billion worth of aid to Katrina victims, then he mentions the fact that the “U.S. Government gave the Israelis a wall, while New Orleans gets flooded!” and Linda Haddad says, “a double standard exists within the American news media.”

On local cultural events:
Locally, a lot is happening. SC of Utopia reports that American progressive singer David Rovics is stopping in Amman on September 9th to perform one concert before embarking on his first concert tour in Palestine. Roba of “And Far Away” posts about a concert by the Celebration Contemporary Worship Church Orchestra, and Jordan's third Mad Show Advertising show. Ahmad Humeid reports from the Jordan Advertising Awards 2005 saying,” the rising production values of the ads, as well as some forays into creativity, cheekiness and humor, are giving Jordanian advertising better overall scores.”

Jordanian Thoughts:
Lina shares what she found interesting while she did a roundup on blogs and newspapers, and directs us to a blog she recently found- “Schiavoni is an American expat who's been in Jordan for 6 months now, working for iJordan as a fundraising director.” Yazan Malakha points to a short movie by the Creative Community about movie piracy. Palforce, meanwhile, provides a link to a movie called “The Syrian Bride” by Eran Riklis, which talks about the everyday realities that Arabs have to face while under Israeli occupation.

Ahmad Humeid wonders if Amman will be enjoying electronic city navigation anytime soon., and Isam Bayazidi marvels whether Jordan stands for the Open Source technology or not. Natasha points to the “Muslim and Christian Youth and Challenges to Coexistence” symposium and says that it is uplifiting. Haitham Sabbah tackles a more disturbing phenomenon- The latest victims of the prostitution club in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen!!

Eman of AquaCool is back with the 26th hilarious installment of her Work Diaries, and Ziad of First Home posts his first “personal” entry.