Reflections on Sudan

With less than two weeks to go to the Southern Sudanese referendum on independence, the largest country in Africa is getting very close to its most defining moment since its creation. I, like many people, can not help in pondering about Sudan. There is a side and other aspects of Sudan that few people outside it, know of or think of.

Site of Note: Bin Gregory Productions

Out of the tens of millions of blogs out there, there are very few personal ones that are absorbing and interesting to read and spend time on. For each of us, we find most blogs boring; sometimes - very boring; especially personal ones. The ones with the many Is, mes and wes; these can be most uninteresting. But, for each of us, there are a few exceptions.

Socotra: the world’s best secret Island

Is Socotra the world’s best Island to go to? Is it the world's best secret island? SIX seasons of Lost have probably taken some of the gloss off the Robinson Crusoe experience. But if you're still craving that deserted island experience...........well, Soqotra is the place to go to.

Site of Note: Muslim Green Team

Very rarely can you find a Muslim website dedicated to and campaigning for environmental, ecological and green issues. It is very refreshing and relieving to find one. There is one: the Muslim Green Team. A project of the Muslim American Society, the Team's objectives as stated on their site are:

Sights from Kahf Ahl Al Kahf, Amman

Very few places on Earth have as many historical sites, most of which considered  holly and most of which are as wonderful, as the Kingdom of Jordan. One of these 'one of a kind' places is about ten kilometers east of central Amman: the legendary Cave of the Seven Sleepers. One afternoon we decided to visit the much narrated about Kahf Ahl Al'Kahf.

Old Mukalla

Most houses in Mukalla are old; many, are very old. Most of the city's old buildings are in the old part - Al Salaam. Narrow streets. Very narrow. Buildings close to each other. Most, painted white. Most, four floors. All with small windows. Many windows. Made of wood. And wooden doors. Exquisitely decorated windows and doors. Some of the buildings look medieval. Are they? Yes. Some are very old and close to that period. One evening, I took these photos there:

Hadhramaut: Land of Minarets, Mosques, Tombs, Land, Camels, Goats and Date Palms

Like in any other place around the world, life in Hadhramout revolves around a few things; a few things, some of which - that, to a visitor may seem unimportant; but in Hadhramaut - these, are the main movers and shakers of social activities. These are what most people, outside their family affairs, relate to and are most concerned with - most of the time. These are what are central to being and life here. Especially, in Wady Hadhramout: Minarets, Mosques, Tombs, Land, Camels, Goats and Date Palms.

Site Of Note: The Cordoba Movement

The Cordoba Movement. Based in New York, USA - this is an organization that, depending on you are, is both loved and contemned; respected and loathed.

Green: the Park51 Mosque, New York

The controversial community Center with a prayer space for Muslims and other faiths: the Park51 Mosque - is planned to be built at 45/47 Park Place in lower Manhattan, New York. There is so much heated debate and controversy about the building of this mosque, that - most forget that: many Muslims died too during the Twin Tower attack; most ignore the fact that there are an estimated 600,000 Muslims now living in New York and they represent one of the fastest growing religious communities in the City. And even more, ignore the fact or do not know that - Park51 will be one of the most environmentally friendly places of worship, not only in America but, on Earth.

Green: Qatar 2022

Congratulations to Qatar! They have achieved what a few people thought would be possible: a country from the Middle East, which sits right in the very hot desert could be awarded one of the most prestigious and coveted prices in sports - to host the World Cup. World Cup bid organizers and officials, have proven to the whole world that - the World Cup is truly and indeed a World event. If they had decided against Qatar's bid, mainly because of the heat here: then, how can the event be called a World Cup?

HIV/AIDS: the Middle East's challenge

World Aids Day. In 1988, the UN General Assembly stated that the World Health Organization had declared December 1st as the day people, worldwide, take time to remember those who have been lost to this devastating disease, and recommit ourselves to saving as many lives as we can, now and in the future. Where does Yemen and the rest of the Middle East stand in this campaign?

Sights while passing through Taiz

Dramatically set on highlands. The city of mountains and industries; with many old, renowned buildings, forts and 13th-14th century mosques; at an elevation of about 1,500 meters above sea level; and with a pleasant, cool climate. That is Taiz or Tai'zz (Arabic: تعز ), the third largest town in Yemen after Sana'a and Aden; and located between the two.