The Role of Women in the Egyptian 25th January Revolution

This article examines women’s roles in the January 25th Revolution in Egypt. I examine portrayals of women’s roles in the revolution in literary fiction released shortly after the revolution and in digital media. I argue that the fictional and even nonfictional texts are incomplete in their depiction of female roles. I further examine the representation of women’s roles in digital media, specifically blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, and argue that digital social media give the most pervasive, extensive, and accurate description of women’s roles in the revolution; it not only engages women politically, but it also provides a wide range of roles for female participation in the revolution

Nation, Gender, and Identity: Children in the Syrian Revolution 2011

This article examines the victimization and role of Syrian children in the Syrian Revolution 2011. I claim that through engaging in a competition to provide a definitive image of the nation, both the regime and the opposition victimize Syrian children. Nevertheless, the art projects undertaken by nonviolence activists have proven to help children heal and to cope with the predicaments brought on them by the crisis. The poetry, paintings, drawings, and songs produced by these children are the best means they have of representing their victimization and their role in the revolution, and communicating their perspectives on the Syrian nation today. I argue that by producing art that conveys their perception of the revolution, Syrian children reclaim their identities as citizens of Syria

Film Review: Capernaum, A Lebanese, Refugee Drama Film

In Capernaum, a drama film directed by the Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, the viewer is taken through a child’s perspective on life in the slums of Beirut, Lebanon. Through the perspective of the 12-year-old boy, Zain El Hajj, the film depicts global issues including child poverty, child marriage, the current Syrian refugee crisis, lack of documentation, and gender-based violence

Shall Her Eyes Rest: A Story of a Syrian Refugee

“Shall Her Eyes Rest” is a short story about a Syrian refugee woman, Maryama, who overcomes challenges in her journey as a refugee in the USA through hard work, dedication, and resilience. The story reveals how she displays agency by asserting herself in a foreign community, becoming independent, and sharing her Syrian cuisine and culture with the American society. Moreover, Maryama’s story reveals a nightmare that some refugees face—family separation. She and her children and husband were able to board their flight to the United States, but one of her sons was denied entry and was not allowed to join his family. Her narrative captures deep yearnings for safety and security while weaving together intimate, on-the-ground refugee hardships, mainly family separation. Based on the authors’ interviews with Syrian refugees, Maryama’s story is not only a story of emancipation, but also a tribute to refugees and their everyday suffering and survival

A Life Boat

“Creating a Lifeboat” is a story of a Syrian refugee woman who rises from the ashes to build a life for herself and family. The story reveals Adeebah’s agency and role in adapting to the new life in USA as a refugee. It depicts how Adeebah steps outside her comfort zone to challenge gender norms and engage in economic activities such as working in restaurants and catering food. Adeebah exerts her agency as active participant in shaping her life as well as her family’s. She uses her talent of painting and finds herself an artist who sells her paintings in churches and exhibits. Adeebah’s story is not only a story of a refugee woman but a unique story of emancipation