Why we need to retire the word "terrorism"
Recent documents uncovered by German magazine Der Spiegel trace the rise of the Islamic State to a network of former Iraqi intelligence officers loyal to toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In 2003 they were deprived of their jobs with no future prospects when then US administrator of Iraq Paul Bremer disbanded the Baathist military and security forces. They were aided by Syrian military officers and officials who saw the group as a buffer against a feared US attempt to topple President Bashar al-Assad.
Source: Your Middle East
Understanding copywright in the Arab World
The World Intellectual Property Day, an event organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization, is held on April 26 of every year to “celebrate innovation and creativity.” The rights granted by intellectual property laws, such as copyright, are meant to draw a balance between the rights of creators to make a living out of their craft, and the rights of members of society to have fair access to these cultural works. One of the ways in which this balance is achieved is by making copyright law last for a temporary period of time and not forever.
Source: Global Voices
Authorities call for a ban on tattoos
Going to the hairdressers could soon be a dangerous activity if a group of hardliner politicians have their way.
Following on from a complaint about hairdressers and businesses offering tattoos and “hygienic services,” a parliamentarian from Qazvin, northwest of Tehran, has tabled a bill that would ban women from getting tattoos and imposing restrictions on hair removal services.
On April 26, the Qazvin Khabar website, which has close ties to “principalists,” or hardliner politicians, published a letter written by a group calling themselves “Cultural Activists.” The letter, addressed to Ayoob Rahimi, the political security deputy of Qazvin’s Governor General, called for immediate measures to be taken against hairdressing salons that offer tattoos and “hygienic” services.
Source: Iran Wire
