A group of free-minded bloggers, journalists, activists and creators, we are dispersed throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the rest of the world. Keen on perpetuating the spirit of the Arab Spring, we confront both oppressive autocrats and religious zealots with audacious reporting, candid whistle-blowing… and ferocious derision ;)
“Democracy, Secularism, Fun”— that’s our motto. We fight authoritarianism and corruption, advocate free elections and open government, and champion individual freedoms—from religious to sexual. As for the ‘fun’ part… it’s just us :) Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humor are the staples of the “Free Arabs” generation. Join the club!
Launched with financial support from a small group of independent Arab journalists, Free Arabs is—and vows to remain—totally independent of any government or political party, group or institution. We do not—and will not—pursue any other agenda than defending Freedom and advancing our core values: Democracy, Secularism… and uninhibited creativity!
The Yellow Dogs, an alternative rock band from Tehran, fled Iran three years ago and have settled in Brooklyn. Separated from persecution and restrictions, their music rings of freedom.
Teachers in the United Arab Emirates are in an uproar – new classroom policies prohibit them from beating students. How, opined the teachers, are we supposed to teach?
A Free Arabs reader sent us his personal account of bullying by Medina’s Mutaween. His story adds a dose of reality to a previous article about harassment in Islam’s holy cities.
In another step toward women’s rights, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on female sports. But with each permission comes more regulation. Is it still equality if it happens in secret?
The war between Islamic Rationalists and Traditionalists isn't just a thing of history. Looking back at the philosophical battles of the past could hold the key to a better, brighter Arab future.
With a few clicks of the backspace button, Google caused uproar in Israel, celebration in Palestine, and a headache for politicos around the world. “Google Palestine” equals cyber legitimacy.
On May 13th, the famous imprisoned Bahraini activist warned his family that he had witnessed torture scenes. After the phone call, her didn’t return to his prison cell. His whereabouts have been unknown since then.
FREE ARABS EXCLUSIVE. Condemned to 15 years of prison, dissident blogger Ali Abdulemam went underground for 2 years. Now he’s safe, out of Bahrain. This is his first extended interview.
A community of clearheaded free-thinkers protected Mohammed Ragheb when a prosecutor turned to sharia’s 80 lashes. Small outposts of dissent like these give hope to those who defy the Brothers.
What started as a non-violent protest movement for political reform has left 6.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and 1.4 million refugees. A photo-reportage on NGO's work to relieve and support.
They're tough, fearless, and no less capable than men of using heavy machine guns. A stunning TV report on a phalange of female fighters in Aleppo--by a no less brave female journalist. More >
SYRIA'S FREE ARMYALL HAIL THE FEMALE FIGHTERS!
SYRIA'S FREE ARMYALL HAIL THE FEMALE FIGHTERS!
They're tough, fearless, and no less capable than men of using heavy machine guns. A stunning TV report on a phalange of female fighters in Aleppo--by a no less brave female journalist. More >
AGAINST THE BROTHERS?HONK YOUR HORN!
AGAINST THE BROTHERS?HONK YOUR HORN!
Tired of his computer screen, a young Facebook activist goes on the ground and tries out a new, creative way to express his dissent against Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood. Both inspiring and exhilarating. More >
OUT AND LOUD'THIS IS WHY ARABS NEED LIBERALISM'
OUT AND LOUD'THIS IS WHY ARABS NEED LIBERALISM'
“Yes liberalism originates in the West. So what? If we reject whatever comes from the West, then we should also come back to riding donkeys.” Ladies and gents, meet Saudi prof. Ibrahim El Buleihi. More >