Arabeyes: Singers Banned in Syria and Terrorist Arabs at All Airports

[Jacaylbaro]

number of female Arab singers have been banned from singing in Syria - to put a limit to moral corruption. In another development, Arabs seem to be targeted at airports around the world, even in their own homes, where they are being treated like terrorists.

These are just two of the conversations taking place in Arabic blogs this week.

 

 

Syria: No to Some Female Singers

 

The dean of Syrian performers Sabbah Obaid stressed that Lebanese pop singer Haifa Wahby has been banned from singing in Syria. He said that the ban wasn’t for a political reason as Arab media agencies reported but was part of a list of female Arab singers which included Elissa and Ruby. Obaid said this decision was made to limit the moral pollution created by such art which is closer to nudity than actual singing.

 

I don’t know whether what he is saying or what the media agencies are saying is the truth. But what I agree with is that the Arab singing scene has reached an unprecedented low level of pollution and moral decay. I really do wish that all Arab countries and festivals take a united stance against such corruption.

 

 

Egypt: Arab Terrorists at Airports

 

Ahmed Gharbiya from Egypt describes how all Arab men are suspected as being terrorists in airports around the world and at home.

 

At airports, I have made it a favourite pastime to watch security guards.

I have a lot of time there which I have spend.

Put all your belongings into that tray.

Are you wearing a belt?

Bottles and glass will not be allowed into the airport beyond a certain point.

Is there a laptop in this bag? You have to get it out so that it gets scanned on its own.

Now you can pass through the door.

Show me your boarding pass and passport.

What is this? Figments of your memory?

I have started to love the look of fear my appearance causes them. A male traveller from the Middle East, with an Arab name and a Muslim religion, with dark hair, travelling alone and carrying just one bag and a funny looking passport, where the details are handwritten.

I ask: I have coins in my pocket. Shall I put them in the tray?

I lift my shirt in an exaggerated manner and say: Look, I am not wearing a belt.

I pass through the door in a theatrical manner, lifting my arms like wings, with a look that encourages the security guard to body search me.

I open the bottle of water slowly and drink from it.

I think of the answer to each question, even if I already knew the reply.

After I pass the final security check..I stop for a while to see how everyone is treated at the inspection point.

Who will be subjected to closer checking? Who will be asked to take off his shoe? What are the characteristics of those who stir the fear of security guards? I compare how those obstacles are tackled in each country and airport - the consistency, the flow, the actions of employees and the reactions and types of passengers.

I am a terrorist - so I should at least enjoy the role.

I used to be counted as a terrorist abroad but I am now considered a terrorist in my own country.

I am thinking of taking a Sabbatical leave.

 

 

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