Mahmood's Den, one of the most popular blogs from Bahrain, was blogged by Bahraini authorities. The banning decree was authorized by the Minister of Information himself.
Mahmood Den's is an excellent funny blogger. His blog is very informative about the Middle East and politics inside the tiny nation of Bahrain. No wonder they want to silence him up.
Mahmood posted the official decree of the blocking. His blog was among 7 websites that the Minister of Information chose to block. The 6 other websites are the following:
1. annaqed.com (Wafa Sultan's website)
2. freecopts.net (A Christian Egyptian website. They talk about the "persecution of Christians in Islamic countries" and other things that Muslims might find offensive.)
3. www.arabchurch.com (An Arabic Christian website. I don't know why this one was blocked. From my brief visit there, I discovered the site just provides information about Christianity and answers that Muslims might have about the Christian faith)
4. www.ladeeni.com (the most well known Arab agnostic and athiest website)
5. www.albawaba.com (a news website. I don't know why they blocked it. May be the site published things Bahrain didn't like)
6. www.kurdtimes.com (Kurdish political website. I went to the site and read an article where they announced they are going to publish "Fatima's Quran", a Quran which they say is different from the ones we have today. So I presume that's why the site was blocked)
Well, one good thing though: blocking sites is not something that happens so often in Egypt. At least till now.
My god, BP. I used to be a regular reader of Mahmood’s Den. What a shame!!!
Comment by Louise — October 30, 2006 @ 1:06 am
Thanks for the links! I’ve been searching for Wafa Sultan’s website. The rest are great too. It’s a wealth of riches.
It would be nice if the mainstream media gave some attention to real moderate/secular Muslims instead of Al-Ikhwan shills like CAIR, ISNA, and MSA (U.S. organizations).
Comment by Chip — October 30, 2006 @ 1:14 am
Repression in Bahrain
The Bahraini minister of disInformation has blocked seven sites. Mahmood’s Den–the best blog from Bahrain–is one of them. A most
Trackback by Isaac Schrödinger — October 30, 2006 @ 1:21 am
I don’t know if it will work or not but if your being blocked you might try inblogs.net
Comment by madtom — October 30, 2006 @ 5:18 am
BP i just took a look at that FREE COPTS blog. That site is absolutely RACIST…i cannot believe how those guys talk about Islam…I KNOW those guys don’t represent all Copts in Egypt.
Comment by Modern Pharaoh — October 30, 2006 @ 5:56 am
Mahmood’s been getting into local politics lately. Some of his comments hit rather hard. I was pretty surpised,bahrain being an Arab country and all. He’s got big kahunas.
Comment by Maury — October 30, 2006 @ 6:48 am
Modern Pharaoh,
Yes it’s racist. Still it’s wrong to block it. I’m against blocking any sites, even neo-nazi sites.
Comment by BP — October 30, 2006 @ 7:45 am
BP, your alterego, Sandmonkey, is reporting that Mahmood created a mirror site, so now it’s back to business as usual. YEAH!!!!! Blogs rule. Free speech cannot be stopped.!!!!!
BW, do you have hairy arms? HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE.
Comment by Louise — October 30, 2006 @ 11:31 am
Well… In Egypt is not so badly if I could read articles like
Comment by Titanic — October 30, 2006 @ 1:42 pm
Here is good
hyperref which proves that Egypt is still tolerant.
Comment by Titanic — October 30, 2006 @ 1:49 pm
BP i just took a look at that FREE COPTS blog. That site is absolutely RACIST…i cannot believe how those guys talk about Islam…I KNOW those guys don’t represent all Copts in Egypt.
Racist? No, as they claim to have nothing against Arabs or Egyptians as such. On the contrary, they celebrate their ‘Egyptianess’:
We are simple Egyptians who have found no tools other than our pens to influence our painful present. We will fight with words in this struggle for freedom and democracy, for justice and equality and for advancement and modernization.
We aim to find, embrace and work side-by-side with other Egyptians whether they have similar or different ideas.
(http://www.freecopts.net/english/content/view/43/46/)
Ok, so stuff like this does sound a bit odd:
The real problem with Islam is that in it, Jesus Christ is reduced to the role of a mere prophet.
Not the bridge between a so-holy-He-can’t-look-at-you-in-your-unholiness type of God and a sinful, flawed and filth-ridden human who could never hope to clean his act up or work his way to heaven (on his own steam, anyway).
(http://www.freecopts.net/english/content/view/372/41/)
And personally reading something like this grates a bit. But it’s mild compared to what you will see on Islamic sites about Christianity
Comment by Dirk — October 30, 2006 @ 2:02 pm
Dude, what happened in downtown over the eid? Focus on egypt a bit more. there are serious stuff happening closer to home
Comment by AR — October 30, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
The FreeCopts site is racist???!!
What a joke! Why? Because YOU disagree with it??!
I’d like for someone to explain to me how exactly it’s racist. I’ve been reading that site for years now and have not found ONE racist thing about it.
It’s a pro COPTIC (Egyptian) site. Yes, you better believe it. But PLEASE don’t complain to me that it speaks negatively about Islam when you compare it to other sites that mercilessly attack Christianity. It works both ways.
On the contrary the FreeCopts site talks about partnering with moderate muslims to make Egypt a better place for Christians AND muslims…not just muslims.
Racist?? LOL!!
Comment by Egypeter — October 30, 2006 @ 5:01 pm
If by “racist” you mean it’s pro-EGYPTIAN…then yeah, I would agree with you.
Comment by Egypeter — October 30, 2006 @ 5:02 pm
I can’t believe they didn’t block www.faithfreedom.org the anti-Islamic website.
Mahmood must have more influence than the Bahraini govt is comfortable with.
Comment by Ayman — October 30, 2006 @ 5:44 pm
From http://www.freecopts.net/english/ website.
About Us:
Who are we?
We are a group of concerned individuals who refuse to sit idly by and watch the situation deteriorate in Egypt, our motherland. We stand against the abuse of human rights, the erosion of the Egyptian identity and the fundamentalist ideas that are exported to Egypt at an ever-increasing and alarming rate.
We are not a secret organization or an opposition party.
We are not associated with any organizations or political movements inside or outside Egypt. We do not adopt a specific political direction. We welcome all schools of thought and political leanings in an environment characterized by mutual respect.
We do not claim to represent the Coptic people as a whole politically or otherwise in any official capacity.
We do believe that a wide sector of the Coptic population inside and outside Egypt shares our opinion.
We are the Free Copts.
Copts are Egyptians. We are Egyptians first and foremost and we are Egyptians to the core. We will not be alienated or allow our identity to be the subject of debate.
We call for a return to a secular Egypt, one capable of fostering difference in opinions and directions without any discrimination. We call for a just Egypt that does not differentiate between its citizens on any basis, one where all of her people stand equal before the constitution and the law.
We invite all Egyptians, regardless of their religion, to encourage the redevelopment of Egypt, to reverse the negative trends and to make up for lost time and opportunities. We call upon Egyptians to begin soul-searching and to revive and nurture the unique Egyptian identity.
We call upon Egyptians to read the proud history of our ancient civilization, to bring back the language unique to Egypt, the Coptic (Egyptian) language, so that we may connect with our glorious past and build an even more glorious future. We call upon the people of Egypt to rise and rebuild; to create a modern match to one of the greatest ancient civilizations the world has ever known.
We are simple Egyptians who have found no tools other than our pens to influence our painful present. We will fight with words in this struggle for freedom and democracy, for justice and equality and for advancement and modernization.
We will fight for our beloved homeland and for a better tomorrow. Our fight is not one of weapons, battles or bloodshed. It will not be fought with offensive insults. It is a fight for thoughts and words, for civilized discussions and constructive dialog.
We aim to find, embrace and work side-by-side with other Egyptians whether they have similar or different ideas.
We believe dialogue is the only route to solve our problems and advance our cause.
We call upon all to come and express their views.
———-
“Mutual respect,” “Equality,” “Secular Egypt” “invite all Egyptians, regardless of their religion”
That sounds racist to you? There is not ONE sentence I don’t agree with in that credo. So please explain to me how in the hell you find that “racist??”
And BP, you agreed with “Modern” Pharaoh on that one??
A little disappointing.
Comment by Egypeter — October 30, 2006 @ 6:39 pm
Ayman @ post 15,
Why should www.faithfreedom.org be blocked when Islamic savages are beheading people around the world? Here’s one more example:
14-year -old Christian boy decapitated by Islamic terrorists
They killed him after he said he was a Christian! This is not the first time this has happened, and it will not be the last time, either. Faith Freedom International is not promoting hatred against Muslims, but they are speaking out against the evil ideologies of Islam. They’re pointing a finger at evil and calling it what it is even while risking their lives saying it. They are doing a service to humanity.
Comment by Anonymus — October 30, 2006 @ 7:08 pm
i agree with the modern pharaoh,the site is absolutely offensive,peter if u condemn those who attack christianity why you support bringing the same of their acts on by christians?
Comment by retinoxcorrexion — October 31, 2006 @ 1:23 am
Since you asked retinoxocorrexion - I DON’T condone those who attack Christianity just like I DON’T condone those that attack Islam. I’m all about live and let live…it just seems like many in Egypt don’t.
You see, the only dialogue it seems like Egyptians are having these days is about who’s religion is right. AND I’M SICK OF IT!!
Christians aren’t gonna convert Muslims and Muslims aren’t gonna convert Christians…so don’t bother and definitely don’t kill over it!
I’m not sure if you’re Egyptian but there’s an old saying that says, “Religion is for God and Egypt is for all.” Makes sense to me. How ’bout you?
But, and this is a HUGE but, when the playing field isn’t equal and crimes and injustices are committed in the name of religion, which happens quite frequently in Egypt, then attention needs to be drawn to it. And since Muburak and his retards don’t give a shit someone else needs to bring awareness.
And I’ll ask again, tell me exactly how that site is “racist?” I put up their credo right there. You read it right? Which part of it was racist to you reflexicon?
Comment by Egypeter — October 31, 2006 @ 2:35 am
There’s a little misunderstanding.
Anyone who does not kiss Muslim ass = “racist.” Remember, Islam is to subdue but never be subdued. It’s a total belief system. Believe it or else.
Comment by Chip — October 31, 2006 @ 3:02 am
peter,thanks for your comment,i’m an Egyptian muslim,i believe in Egyptian identity,i believe we should ponder upon our glorious history and i believe we have to restore our true cultural uniqueness,but do you want to convince the others by that view? i want that,i want the Egyptians regardless of their religion to unit to re-advocate another civilization,but we can’t do that by keeping attacking the others’ religion,things will never work that way,if you want to touch the hearts and minds of Egyptians then believe me,don’t hurt their respect of their religion”either christians or muslims”,all the things in that site is okay with the exception of that onslaught on islam.”which is sometimes biased”
Comment by retinoxcorrexion — October 31, 2006 @ 1:09 pm
Its my first time to visit your Blog, really nice..
It feels really bad, i’m against all kinds of blocking, its like blinding yourself for not seeing temptations, instead of facing life, yourself, and learning from it..
Personaly it scared me, as i’ll be moving to Bahrain shortly
Comment by Desert Rose — October 31, 2006 @ 4:12 pm
Hey retino -
Thanks for your response and I agree with much of what you said in your last post, especially:
“i believe we should ponder upon our glorious history and i believe we have to restore our true cultural uniqueness,but do you want to convince the others by that view? i want that,i want the Egyptians regardless of their religion to unit to re-advocate another civilization”
And I definitely also agree with:
“but we can’t do that by keeping attacking the others’ religion,things will never work that way,if you want to touch the hearts and minds of Egyptians then believe me”
Yes! I agree. 100% But it works both ways, right? Live and let live, remember? I’m sure you would agree with me on this.
But then please explain this post to me. It’s a post about the “Islamic Center for Enlightenment” in downtown Cairo selling books that viciously attack Christianity and Judaism. You are Egyptian so you can read Arabic, so please tell if you would consider the titles of these books as, “attacking the others’ religion?”
http://neferteeti.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-enlightening.html
And I’d still like to know why you think the FreeCopts site is “racist?” Can you find me a link to an article that you think is racist on that site?
Comment by Egypeter — October 31, 2006 @ 6:01 pm
#2 Chip:
It would be nice if the mainstream media gave some attention to real moderate/secular Muslims instead of Al-Ikhwan shills like CAIR, ISNA, and MSA
Couldn’t agree with you more.
Personally, I don’t believe a word those “shills” say. Without these fine mideast bloggers, I would think things were even worse than they are.
I wonder what we can do from the west to assist guys like mahmood? They certainly deserve our support. Not clear to me what we can do from here, though.
Comment by dick — October 31, 2006 @ 8:42 pm
hi peter,
i don’t agree with attacking christianity either,i didn’t imply that in my last posting,did i?
Comment by retinoxcorrexion — November 1, 2006 @ 12:45 am
by the way,do you any source for learning the coptic language?
Comment by retinoxcorrexion — November 1, 2006 @ 12:47 am
Hey retino - No, you didn’t. Maybe, I just jumped to conclusions.
And here’s a decent site I just found about learning the Coptic language.
http://www.geocities.com/ambroseboles/coptic_language/coptic_language.htm
And if you live in Egypt I’m sure the resources are plenty but that’s a good online source.
Plus, the “Coptic” search in Wikipedia is excellent.
Peace
Comment by Egypeter — November 1, 2006 @ 1:46 am
As a Muslim in a predominantly Christian country I can empathise with the Copts in Egypt. I know what it is like to have to change your name so that you can get a job.
Minority religions suffer- wherever they are. That is also why I agree with Egypeter here (plus I like the guy!).
There is no doubt whatsoever that Coptic Egyptians are discriminated against in all walks of life in Egypt. Those of us who have beliefs that are a minority in other parts of the world would do well to remember that we live in the ‘free’ world (I think ‘free’ is debatable- political manipulation and all- but that’s another post) while the Egyptian Coptics do not. Their plight deserves attention. It deserves to be heard and it deserves empathy. I would think that anybody who has ever born the brunt of discrimination could do that at the very least.
Comment by The Usual Suspect — November 1, 2006 @ 1:14 pm
” I DON’T condone those who attack Christianity just like I DON’T condone those that attack Islam.”
I do, if by “attack” you mean “rigorously criticize”. Both of these religions contain some good things mixed with a large proportion of fantasy, myths, and ancient tribal customs. They both exist mainly to provide jobs for their priests. They rely for their income on contributions collected from people who have been brainwashed as children. They both try to frighten people with scary lies about eternal pain after death, which only a sick mind could have invented.
Fortunately, Christianity has been under heavy criticism now for several hundred years. I think this has done it some good, but much of the rubbish is still there.
Comment by Don Cox — November 1, 2006 @ 2:04 pm
Suspect - You’re such a rock star!!
Comment by Egypeter — November 1, 2006 @ 4:52 pm
Awww thanks Peter- you rock too!
I found nothing whatsoever in that website that I would refer to as anti Islamic. Indeed the post about the young girl who rides the Metro and gets comments because she is Coptic could very well have applied to me as a non-Hijabi. I got stares and comments too- I know that this happens and I know how shitty it feels. In fact as a non-hijabi I saw a marked difference in how I was treated by people there if they thought I was Coptic and then knowing I was Muslim- complete change, complete turnaround. It made me think about how bad it must be for the women who have to deal with this on a daily basis.
It’s the same here in Australia. Some people are fine with me because I don’t “look Muslim” until they find out I’m Muslim and then something changes.
While these are unfortunate things- they are also things that we can build on and unite against. Like I said before: Muslim and Coptic hand in hand. As it was, so shall it be again.
Comment by The Usual Suspect — November 2, 2006 @ 7:42 am
Thanks for confirming my comment at #30 Suspect…ya gameela intee!
Comment by Egypeter — November 2, 2006 @ 4:46 pm
trailers!laziest psychoanalyst.purist instructs:hymen
Comment by Anonymous — December 8, 2006 @ 4:20 am
[…] of my knowledge on the Arab world. I’ve spoken with local Bahraini bloggers & watched how state pressure has been applied (& openly blogged about) in the blogs […]
Pingback by so this is mass communication? » arab blogging — March 16, 2007 @ 8:37 am
I am the owner of www.arabchurch.com and our site is a christian site that has nothing to do with political issues, and I am wondering, why they blocked our site?
I sent them few e-mails asking the reason of blocking us, but I got nothing in return, which is sad!
Comment by Arab Church — April 26, 2007 @ 9:21 am
We loved the site, really loved it!
Comment by Anonymous — April 26, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
I am the owner of www.arabchurch.com and our site is a christian site that has nothing to do with political issues, and I am wondering, why they blocked our site?
I sent them few e-mails asking the reason of blocking us, but I got nothing in return, which is sad!
Comment by My Rock — July 18, 2007 @ 10:54 am
good work, will back soon, great site congratulation!!
Comment by combined life insurance — May 15, 2008 @ 4:10 am