Harassment or harmless flirting? Egypt viral video sparks debate

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Egyptian police women stand by as women protest against sexual harasment in front of the Opera House in the capital Cairo. (File photo / AFP)
Updated 27 August 2018
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Harassment or harmless flirting? Egypt viral video sparks debate

LONDON: It’s the story that has everyone talking. Did Mahmoud Soliman’s behavior toward Menna Gubran amount to harassment or was it merely harmless flirting? And was she wrong to film his advances and post the video online?
Sexual harassment is no trivial matter in Egypt, with an international poll last year describing Cairo as the world’s most dangerous mega-city for women. In fact, the practice has been illegal since 2014 and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. However, the law is rarely enforced, not least because it fails to define the different forms sexual harassment can take.
The consequence is the sort of argument now raging over the Soliman-Gubran encounter. Opinion is divided, with some branding Soliman a “harasser” and others appearing to blame Gubran for the way she dressed, even though she does not appear in the video she filmed.
“Frankly, what happened has confused me,” said student Laila Elazhary, 23. “I can’t figure out what was right and what was wrong.”

Another woman, who declined to give her name, offered a robust defense of Soliman. “He is our friend and we have known him for years. He comes from a good family, and what happened was a normal and decent way of approaching and introducing himself to a woman. What is the big fuss about?” she asked.
Others took a more tongue-in-cheek view.
“If ladies keep using videos to keep guys introducing themselves at bay then they won’t find potential husbands. They are surely hurting only themselves,” said accountant Akram Mohamed, 43, while actor Mohamed Kamel joked that the people involved in the video were now shooting an advertisement and would soon be announcing a production deal.
“We are really in the era of nonsense,” he added.
Needless to say, the two principal characters in the story give different accounts of what happened.
Gubran claimed she was “stalked” by Soliman, who circled her in his car and made comments after she refused an invitation to go for coffee with him in Cairo. He desisted only when she started filming him with her mobile phone, she said.
Soliman, however, said he simply “apologized and left” after Gubran declined his invitation and denied “bothering” her.
Gubran posted her video on Facebook and ignited a heated debate online.

The law against sexual harassment in Egypt was introduced largely because of the treatment women suffered — from groping to beatings and sexual assault — during the mass protests of the 2011 uprising.
But if the law offers little clarity, there is less uncertainty among commentators on social media, prompting the question: If laws are ineffective, could pressure from social media encourage changes in behavior?
Physiology professor Sawsan Mohamed of Zaqaziq University believes it can — but not always in the desired way.
“Social media are transforming our patterns and norms toward an unknown destination. In the past few years I’ve seen my students transforming from shy to aggressive. Social media platforms have surely helped to alter characters, habits and the culture through instant and continuous feeds. We can’t predict where this will lead our culture,” she said.
“What used to happen, and take months and years to be replicated and become trendy, can now happen overnight through one simple post,” said Shady Azmy, a digital marketing expert based in Cairo. “The impact gets distributed once major influencers and celebrities join the wave.”
Professor Damian Radcliffe of the University of Oregon has studied the effects of social media on the Middle East for almost a decade.

“This is a great example of the complexities of social media. On the one hand it can be a valuable tool for empowerment, entertainment and sharing legitimate information. On the other, it can also be used to promote rumors and inaccuracies as well as amplifying behaviors and attitudes which many people find objectionable. All of these different responses can be seen at play here.”
Radcliffe believes the threat of exposure or ridicule through “naming and shaming” on social media could act as a driver of change in social norms.
“Hopefully it will,” he added. “But we also need to be alive to the fact that people may be incorrectly ‘shamed’ online, especially if they have a common name, and that vendettas and trolling may also play out. Mistakes can and do happen. Sometimes that is accidental. Sometimes it’s more nefarious.
“Social media may help trigger discussions (on what constitutes sexual harassment), but any definition is likely to need — and require — offline as well as online discussion. Social networks can help provoke debate and challenge accepted norms and, in many cases, these important discussions can be triggered by ordinary citizens.
“The court of public opinion should not necessarily act as judge and jury, but in the social media age there is a risk that this can happen.”


Syrian TV presenter runs for cover on air as Israeli strikes hit Damascus

Updated 16 July 2025
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Syrian TV presenter runs for cover on air as Israeli strikes hit Damascus

  • In a major escalation, the Israeli army bombed the Syrian military headquarters in Damascus

DUBAI: A widely circulated video showed a Syrian news presenter visibly startled and leaving her live segment to take cover as Israeli strikes hit Damascus on Wednesday.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, shared the video on X with the caption: “The heavy blows have started.”

In the video, the presenter jolted on air at the sound of the explosion, as a missile struck the building behind her.

 

 

In a major escalation, the Israeli army bombed the Syrian military headquarters in Damascus and carried out additional strikes on Syrian forces in the southern city of Sweida amid intensified clashes between government troops and Druze armed groups.

Israel has attacked Damascus following on threats to ramp up attacks if the Syrian government forces did not withdraw from Sweida, vowing to protect the Druze religious minority.

Before the live segment was interrupted, the presenter was reporting on Katz’s statement that the Israeli army would continue “to operate vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until they withdraw completely.”

Clashes raged in Sweida on Wednesday after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed. Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on convoys of government forces in southern Syria since the clashes erupted and has beefed up forces on the border.

The army said it struck near the entrance to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus.


Houthi-linked arms traders using X, WhatsApp to sell weapons: Report

Updated 16 July 2025
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Houthi-linked arms traders using X, WhatsApp to sell weapons: Report

  • Arms dealers linked to Houthi militants in Yemen use social media platforms as storefront for weapons trade, including US and Russian-made rifles and grenades
  • Tech Transparency Project said open trade appears to breach X, WhatsApp policies on firearms dealing, accuse platforms of failing to stop it

LONDON: Arms dealers linked to Yemen’s Houthi militia have been using social media platforms such as X and WhatsApp to sell weapons, according to a new report.

The Tech Transparency Project, or TTP, identified hundreds of accounts openly dealing in rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and other military-grade equipment, in apparent violation of the platforms’ policies.

“X and WhatsApp are providing an essential platform to Houthi-linked arms dealers selling weapons of war,” the report read. “The companies have policies in place that prohibit that kind of illicit trade but are allowing it to take place in the open.”

TTP called the activity “a threat to US national security interests,” noting the Iran-backed group is designated as a terrorist organization.

The months-long investigation by the Washington-based watchdog, which monitors accountability in Big Tech, found that Houthi-affiliated arms dealers had been running commercial weapons stores on both platforms for months, and in some cases, years.

This account offered a Soviet rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a collection of Turkish-made M4 carbine clones. (TTP/File)
This account offered a Soviet rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a collection of Turkish-made M4 carbine clones. (TTP/File)

Researchers identified at least 130 Yemen-based X accounts and 67 WhatsApp business accounts advertising military-grade equipment or promoting catalogues of guns for sale. These included US-manufactured weapons — some marked “Property of US Govt” — and other Western arms labeled with “NATO.”

In one instance, a seller listed four M4 carbines — an assault rifle used by the US military and manufactured by FN Herstal and Colt — and directed buyers to WhatsApp. Another account offered a package deal that included a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles and grenades.

Russian weapons, including RPG-7 launchers and AK-47s, also featured prominently. A Soviet RPG-7 was offered for about $1,800, while another account advertised a “zero mileage” Russian AK-47.

Prices for some weapons reportedly reached $10,000, suggesting sales may be intended for other armed groups or insurgents.

Many of the accounts displayed allegiance to the Houthi, including photos of weapons in crates marked with Houthi slogans such as “Death to America, death to Israel.”

The emblem states “God is great, Death to America, death to Israel, damnation to the Jews, victory to Islam.” (TTP/File)
The emblem states “God is great, Death to America, death to Israel, damnation to the Jews, victory to Islam.” (TTP/File)

More than half of the X accounts listed Sanaa — under Houthi control for more than a decade — as their location. Many accounts funneled buyers to WhatsApp business profiles, some of which openly displayed catalogs of rifles and ammunition. A number of these were also linked to Facebook and Instagram accounts, raising further concerns over Meta’s enforcement of its firearms policies.

Meta, which owns WhatsApp, says it reviews all images submitted to product catalogs, yet researchers found little evidence of enforcement. The company said it had since removed several accounts and claimed it does not profit from this type of activity but declined to answer how the content had bypassed existing filters.

“X and WhatsApp both have policies against weapons sales but they are allowing arms traders linked to a US-designated terrorist group to traffic weapons on their platforms,” said Katie Paul, the director of TTP.

“In some cases these companies may be profiting off violations of their own policies that create risks for US national security.”

This arms trader X account linked to a WhatsApp business account with a catalog of guns and a banner photo of Mahdi al-Mashat, a top Houthi official, firing a rifle. (TTP/File)
This arms trader X account linked to a WhatsApp business account with a catalog of guns and a banner photo of Mahdi al-Mashat, a top Houthi official, firing a rifle. (TTP/File)

TTP’s findings, which build on a similar August 2024 investigation by The Times, suggest most of the Houthi-linked arms dealer accounts were created or became active following mass layoffs at X and Meta that weakened enforcement capabilities. Many handles had blue ticks and were subscribed to premium services that are supposed to be moderated.

Roughly two-thirds of the accounts appear to have posted weapons content in the past six months.

“Both Meta and X have the capital, the tools and the human resources to address this problem, but they’re not doing so,” Paul said.


Asharq News revamps ‘Da’erat Asharq’ with a sharper political focus

Updated 15 July 2025
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Asharq News revamps ‘Da’erat Asharq’ with a sharper political focus

  • Daily programme featurs one-on-one conversations with top editors and analysts from across SRMG platforms, unpacking regional and global developments

RIYADH: Asharq News has launched a refreshed edition of its daily political programme “Da’erat Asharq”, returning with a renewed format and deeper analysis of political developments shaping the regional and international landscape. 

The show features in-depth, one-on-one conversations with leading journalists, analysts, and experts from across the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), bringing to life a shared editorial ecosystem that enriches Asharq News’ analytical programming. 

Presented by journalist Mirasha Ghazi, each episode delves into the layered contexts behind unfolding events, guided by balanced dialogue and rigorous inquiry. The programme draws on the editorial strengths of SRMG’s flagship outlets, including “Asharq Al-Awsat”, “Independent Arabia”, “Al Majalla”, and “Arab News”, offering trusted perspectives rooted in real-world expertise. 

“Da’erat Asharq reflects our editorial mission to deliver credible content and deep analysis,” said Dr. Nabeel Al Khatib, General Manager of Asharq News. 

“In an era of political noise, audiences need level-headed perspectives and meaningful conversation, and that’s exactly what this programme offers.” 

Ghassan Charbel, Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat, added: “Our ambition is to offer high-quality analysis that helps audiences gain a deeper understanding of the region and the world, powered by the depth and talent of our journalists and analysts.” 

Odwan Al Ahmari, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Arabia, said: “This initiative is rooted in the group’s vision for editorial integration. We’re proud to contribute to this promising project that promotes collaboration and shared content creation.” 

Ibrahim Hamidi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Majalla, remarked: “This partnership enhances editorial alignment across SRMG’s platforms. Our contribution includes in-depth commentary from some of the most respected voices across the Arab world and beyond.” 

Faisal Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, said: “We’re pleased to participate in this programme by bringing an international perspective that spans from Tokyo to Toronto, reinforcing our close, ongoing editorial collaboration with Asharq.” 


Two Palestinian journalists killed in less than 24 hours as Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza

Updated 14 July 2025
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Two Palestinian journalists killed in less than 24 hours as Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza

  • Fadi Khalifa was killed while inspecting the remnants of his house
  • In a separate strike on their tent, Hussam Saleh Al-Adlouni was murdered alongside his wife Suad and their three children

LONDON: Two Palestinian journalists were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on Sunday, in the latest deadly escalation targeting media workers in the Gaza Strip, according to local sources.

Fadi Khalifa was killed along with at least one other person while inspecting the remains of his home in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of southeastern Gaza City, multiple sources reported.

In a separate strike, photojournalist Hussam Saleh Al-Adlouni was killed alongside his wife Suad and their three children when an Israeli airstrike hit their tent in the Al-Qarara area, north of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

According to WAFA news agency, the family had been sheltering there after being displaced.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the killings, saying they added to Israel’s “abysmal record” of violence against members of the press.

Their deaths bring the number of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, to 231, according to official figures.

The Committee to Protect Journalists puts the toll at 178: 176 Palestinians and two Israelis.

Medical sources reported that at least 92 civilians were killed across Gaza on Sunday alone, including 52 in central and southern areas of the Strip.


BBC’s Gaza documentary breached accuracy guideline, review finds

Updated 14 July 2025
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BBC’s Gaza documentary breached accuracy guideline, review finds

  • “Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone” was pulled after it was discovered that the 13-year-old son of a Hamas official was the narrator of the documentary
  • Review found the program breached a guideline on accuracy that deals with misleading audiences but no other breaches of the BBC’s editorial guidelines, including on impartiality

LONDON: A BBC documentary about children’s lives in Gaza narrated by the 13-year-old son of a Hamas official breached its editorial guidelines on accuracy, an internal review by the British public broadcaster said on Monday.
The investigation, however, found there were no other breaches of the BBC’s editorial guidelines, including on impartiality, and no evidence that outside interests “inappropriately impacted on the program.”
The BBC removed “Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone” from its online platform in February, five days after it was broadcast, saying it had “serious flaws.” The documentary was made by independent production company HOYO Films.
A review found the program breached a guideline on accuracy that deals with misleading audiences.
The background on the narrator’s father — a minister in the Hamas-run government in Gaza — was “critical information,” which was not shared with the BBC before broadcast, the review found.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 58,000 people have been killed since the start of the war on Oct. 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza.
The BBC’s coverage of the war has been heavily scrutinized throughout the conflict, with both supporters of Israel and its critics saying the broadcaster had failed to strike the right balance.
“Regardless of how the significance or otherwise of the Narrator’s father’s position was judged, the audience should have been informed about this,” said the report by Peter Johnston, BBC Director of Editorial Complaints and Reviews.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the report identified a significant failing in relation to accuracy.
“We will now take action on two fronts – fair, clear and appropriate actions to ensure proper accountability and the immediate implementation of steps to prevent such errors being repeated,” Davie said in a statement.