This book reveals the mysterious world of internet forums and their masked participants. It details those masked activists surfaced in the online world and how they become influential in the printed press. Their impact and their struggle for reform are traced through their old, hidden identities. The study dives deep into the world of social media in Saudi Arabia and connects it with official newspaper columns, investigating whether the Saudi woman has freedom of expression in the patriarchal society in which they live, as well as the extent and consequences of this expression. In 2004, Twitter was launched in Saudi Arabia, and it became the preferred social media platform of Saudis thanks to its limited characters. It allowed the discussion of courageous ideas and promoted reform and moderate attitudes. This book also shows the correlation between social media and the daring subjects published in newspapers.

This book reveals the mysterious world of internet forums and their masked participants. It details those masked activists surfaced in the online world and how they become influential in the printed press. Their impact and their struggle for reform are traced through their old, hidden identities. The study dives deep into the world of social media in Saudi Arabia and connects it with official newspaper columns, investigating whether the Saudi woman has freedom of expression in the patriarchal society in which they live, as well as the extent and consequences of this expression. In 2004, Twitter was launched in Saudi Arabia, and it became the preferred social media platform of Saudis thanks to its limited characters. It allowed the discussion of courageous ideas and promoted reform and moderate attitudes. This book also shows the correlation between social media and the daring subjects published in newspapers.

This book studies the radical Islam movement in Saudi Arabia from the 1960s to 2019, and exposes the causes of female terrorism and extremism to highlight the dark tunnel of such radicalism and to help others to recognise it before it is too late to be redeemed. It highlights radical women as having a dangerous impact on Saudi women, especially university students, showing that, although al-Qaeda was not keen on involving women in terrorist operations, that does not mean women were totally uninvolved.

This exciting new edition of the successful textbook for students of Middle Eastern politics provides a highly relevant and comprehensive introduction to the complexities of a region in constant flux. Combining a thematic framework for examining patterns of politics with individual chapters dedicated to specific countries, the book places the very latest developments and long-standing issues within an historical context. This third edition extends its analysis to post-2015 developments in the region, as well as expanding the range of pedagogical features on offer. Presenting information in an accessible and inclusive format, the book offers: Coverage of the historical influence of colonialism and major world powers on the shaping of the modern Middle East A detailed examination of the legacy of Islam Analysis of the political and social aspects of Middle Eastern life, including alienation between the state and society, poverty and social inequality, and ideological crisis and renewal Case studies on countries in the Fertile Crescent (Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, and Israel/Palestine); the Northern Belt (Turkey and Iran); and those West and East of the Red Sea (Egypt and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council) A key introductory text for students of Middle Eastern politics and history at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this new edition has been extensively updated to also become a timely and significant reference for policy-makers and any motivated reader.

Following the Arab Spring, the use of social media has become instrumental in organising activist movements and spreading political dissent in the Middle East. New online behaviours have transformed traditional communication channels, enabling young people of all backgrounds to feel politically empowered. But now that spring has turned to winter, what are the long-term implications of internet activism in the region? Social Media in the Arab World provides a unique insight into the role of online communications as a force for change in the Gulf States. Featuring examples as diverse as neo-patrimonial politics in Saudi Arabia and the ways an online presence affects the status of women in Kuwait, the chapters examine shifts in the political, social and religious identities of citizens as a result of increased digital activism. With contributions from a variety of inter-disciplinary experts, this wide-ranging study examines the consequences of changing power dynamics brought about by popular social media. In doing so, this book offers an original perspective on the long-term implications of internet usage in the Arab world and is essential reading for students and researchers working across the region.

This study builds on a small but growing body of research concerning socio-economic, cultural, political, and personal challenges influencing Saudi women's professional development. Although Saudi women have more advantages and opportunities in 2020 compared to previous historical periods, women still face challenges related to employment and professional status. This research provides an in-depth analysis of the insider experience connected to challenges Saudi women face in work and life that hinder their professional development. Specifically, this research explored the role of social media in providing new opportunities to help Saudi women overcome challenges they face in work and life. Guided by a qualitative approach, this interpretive study is conducted through interviews, supporting documents analysis, and personal experiences. This study draws on Technofeminism, Intersectional Feminism, and Social Role Theory in order to provide a broad theoretical lens to help interpret findings. Using thematic analysis, six main themes were uncovered: (1) socio-cultural challenges, (2) personal challenges, (3) ethical challenges, (4) institutional challenges, (5) civic and professional engagement, and (6) socialization and privacy issues. General findings indicated that despite efforts from the Saudi Arabian government to enhance women's rights in society, women continue to face socio-cultural, personal, and ethical challenges in work and life. The advanced analysis revealed that social media does have a positive role in providing Saudi women with new opportunities to overcome challenges they face but that cultural norms and traditional practices continue to create challenges that hinder Saudi women's professional development.