When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
Geopolitics

ARABICA - A Daily Shot Of What the Arab World is Saying/Hearing/Sharing

ARABICA - A Daily Shot Of What the Arab World is Saying/Hearing/Sharing
Kristen Gillespie


A R A B I C A
ارابيكا

TARGET: MINARET
A Syrian television station showed footage of the Othman Mosque in the besieged eastern city of Deir a-Zor, now reportedly occupied and subdued by the Syrian military. The top of the minaret has been blown off as gunfire crackles and artillery booms in the background.

This stunning clip shows the desecration of the minaret. Filmed by a man in a nearby building, Syrian tanks repeatedly fire on the minaret as the person filming murmurs, "Allahu akbar." At 2:29, the top third of the minaret falls from its base. Shouts of "Allahu akbar" are heard in the background immediately afterwards. Outraged commenters below the YouTube clip universally implored God to condemn, avenge and even kill those responsible for the destruction of the minaret. One writes, "I wonder what the opinion of the religious leaders working for the government think of this?" Another vows that "a new minaret will be built on the principles of justice and freedom."

DAMASCUS DEFIANT
The international community is growing more vocal in its criticism of the Syrian regime's use of violence against unarmed civilians. But the government remains defiant, holding to the same narrative it has promulgated since the uprising began in March. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem told a delegation of envoys from Brazil, South Africa and India, all currently occupying rotating seats on the UN Security Council, that pressuring Syria puts the country at risk. Mouallem followed the government line precisely in the meeting, blaming "armed groups' for the uprising and praising the Syrian army for "restoring security and stability." Mouallem stressed the government's commitment to reform and dialogue.

REGIONAL REACTION
Egypt's Foreign Minister said the situation in Syria is "moving toward the point of no return" in what Al Arabiya called "the strongest statements to date out of Cairo regarding events in Syria." Foreign Minister Mohammed Amro called for "an immediate ceasefire," and urged reforms to begin as quickly as possible. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan went even farther, saying that Syria is turning its weapons toward its own people.

August 11, 2011

photo credit: illustir

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Society

Sleep Divorce: The Benefits For Couples In Having Separate Beds

Sleeping separately is often thought to be the beginning of the end for a loving couple. But studies show that having permanently separate beds — if you have the space and means — can actually reinforce the bonds of a relationship.

Image of a woman sleeping in a bed.

A woman sleeping in her bed.

BUENOS AIRES — Couples, it is assumed, sleep together — and sleeping apart is easily taken as a sign of a relationship gone cold. But several recent studies are suggesting, people sleep better alone and "sleep divorce," as the habit is being termed, can benefit both a couple's health and intimacy.

That is, if you have the space for it...

While sleeping in separate beds is seen as unaffectionate and the end of sex, psychologist María Gabriela Simone told Clarín this "is not a fashion, but to do with being able to feel free, and to respect yourself and your partner."

She says the marriage bed originated "in the matrimonial duty of sharing a bed with the aim of having sex to procreate." That, she adds, gradually settled the idea that people "who love each other sleep together."

Is it an imposition then, or an overwhelming preference? Simone says intimacy is one thing, sleeping another.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch

The latest