Bloggers discuss consequences of 11 September attacks and other issues

13/09/2006

Bloggers paid tribute to the victims of the 11 September attacks, the holy month of Ramadan and women in power.

[Getty Images]

North African bloggers have seemingly started feeling the real impact of the 11 September, as commentary on the subject is much greater than in previous years.

"This occasion [still] brings out the BUT people. But they deserved it ... but, but, but. But maybe the 'BUT' people should be silent for one day," pleaded Tunisian blogger Leilouta on 11 September.

In his commentary, "The Consequences of September 11", Houhoublog noted people from Arab and Muslim countries are still experiencing negative affects.

"Because our passport does not say 'pacifist', if you have an Arabic name you are Muslim, radical, violent, and potentially a terrorist," he alleges.

In fact, added the Tunisian blogger, "We are all paying the price. Thank you Bin Laden!"

"On the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks," The Moorish Girl wanted her fellow bloggers to "remember the 3,000 American people who lost their lives. Let us also remember that Osama Bin Laden and Mullah Omar have still not been captured, the recommendations of the 9/11 commission have still not been implemented fully and that this nation [United States] continues to live under an 'elevated' threat level."

"Obviously, 11 September has become an important date on the global calendar. We think about it. In the United States, the question is 'Five years later, are we safer?' How is all this going to end? How many lives have to end so that we can live in peace? What can we do so that our region revives from its ashes?" asked Zizou from Djerba.

Highlander, editor of blog "From the Rock", notes a requisite post about the 9/11 attacks cannot be avoided, admitting "it changed the world. It seems like another lifetime. My condolences once again to all the families who lost their loved ones on 9/11. May God help you move on with your lives. The world changed on that day. Do I sympathise with Americans? Of course - we are all flesh and blood. It has been a painful experience for America and the world," commented the Libyan blogger.

"Ramadan will be here soon", interrupted fellow Libyan blogger Ly-Hub, who wanted to know what his fellow Libyan bloggers "[were going] to eat during Ramadan?"

The View From Fes reported that the 2007 elections in Morocco will bring a very "interesting aspect, a woman is running for House of Counselors for the first time".

The Moroccan blogger explained that the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM) has made a historic step by placing a woman on its list of nine candidates for the House of Counselors election on 8 September. Kadija Zoumi, a 46-year-old teacher and representative of UGTM's pro-reform wing, told Le Matin she is aware of the historical responsibility she is assuming and "that her move would serve to prove whether any hope exists for the numerous women trade unionists in Morocco".