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This report discusses the conditions of the media in Saudi Arabia. It claims that in 2012 Saudi Arabia media environment "remained among the most repressive the the world." It also talked about the fact that their government justified this repression by saying that it violated the Islamic Sharia law. This brought up and interesting point, because I had never thought about freedom of speech and religious freedom being linked in this regard.

This article talk about the freedom of press in Saudi Arabia, which there is non. Some Saudis have used the internet to express political opinions and expose government corruption. However, the government is able to monitor and block websites with relative ease.

Tunisian authorities arrested a comedian and a TV show host for offending President Beji Caid Essebsi. He was arrested for committing an offence against the head of state, a fraud by inappropriately representing themselves as someone else. Tunisia just adopted a new constitution last year that guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and expression. But the statement from Essebisi's office said "freedom of the press and expression are acquisitions the president... is committed to defending, he being its principal guarantor."

This article describes the position and demands of the Socialist Popular Alliance Party of Egypt. The relationship of the youth protesters with the Egyptian Left was solidified when the Left provided the youth with the political power to make their revolution successful. The Socialist Popular Alliance demands a new constitution and a new government structure that is based on democracy, human rights, and freedoms. Their political position and ideal social structure are very similar to typical American ideals, especially those of the American left political parties. However, the Public Alliance seems very angered over Mubarak's previous friendly relations with Israel. This population feels as though they were forced to abandon the Arab people and support Israel instead of Palestine. This is interesting because Egypt's relations with Israel has garnered tremendous political and economic support from the United States. Having an Arab ally has been an advantageous point of negotiation for Israel and the US. With the Popular Alliance in severe opposition to this position of Israeli sympathy, it is a surprise that they seem to embrace "Americanized" ideas. In addition, it is worth noting that the youth finds a great identity with the Arab culture, although not so much with a specific religion.

This author gives an analysis of where the Egyptian youth failed and succeeded in their revolution. He applauds their original motivation: overthrowing the oppressive regime and seeking political freedom. However, he criticizes the movement for not having organized goals with practical implications. Their focus was so set on overthrowing Mubarak that they did not have a plan once that was achieved. As a result, the youth allowed the military to become politicized and enforce their political ideas. The author claims this move set a dangerous precedent for the future and took away the attention of the military from places it was needed. The author claims that by endorsing the army to act militarily against the first civilian elected president of the country, the youth is undermining their original goals. He goes on to explain his suggestions for the Egyptian youth to get back on track and follow through in the remaining phases of the revolution.

This is an article from ahramonline that discusses how newspapers are supporting the government and censoring certain topics. This article briefly illustrates the restrictions on freedom of speech in Egypt. 

Egypt received 300 recommendation to review their human rights. The list also stated they wanted to tackle corruption, human trafficking, and human rights. Egypt has until March 2015 to respond. 

This is another cartoon from Oum Cartoon of a cartoon illustrating the current issue of censorship in Egypt. The cartoon is a reaction of how the media is now supporting the government and how it will not demean them.  

This article offers a more lighthearted perspective on media and freedom of speech in the middle east. It focuses on the idea that comedy and satire can be used as a form of free speech through platforms such as youtube. People can relate to comedic forms of entertainment, so it can often be a great way to spread important messages to people who wouldn't see them otherwise.

This article offers a more lighthearted perspective on media and freedom of speech in the middle east. It focuses on the idea that comedy and satire can be used as a form of free speech through platforms such as youtube. People can relate to comedic forms of entertainment, so it can often be a great way to spread important messages to people who wouldn't see them otherwise.

Iran has recently been going against the nuclear deal and freed itself of previous restrictions. It has created more hostility between the United States and Iran which is the opposite of what the plan was supposed to do.

In a recent breakdown of the different people who are often victims of human trafficking it was determined that 12% are men, 22% are children, and women make up 66%. Majority of the people who are part of trafficking belong to Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asian nationalities.

This is a fantastic website that was made for the book "Walls of Freedom", which explains and documents graffiti art from the Egyptian revolution. It reveals a preview of the book as well as testimonials from people who have read it.

The lack of freedom of speech is Saudi Arabia is incredibly apparent. This article talks about Saudi Arabia and the apparent that the country has a number of problems dealing with free speech and free press