Five good ones right there

Leaving the quarrels of the Western Maghreb aside for a moment, here's a little something for those who are interested in the wider Arab world. As you may or may not have noticed, I'm keeping a modest blog roll way down the sidebar of WSI, mostly for my own convenience. Some are on Morocco/North Africa, but most of them deal more with the Arab world and Middle East in general. In fact, there's a lot of good reads on that list -- so let's briefly introduce a small selection, say five, in the hope of getting them another well-earned reader or two:

• `Aqoul --- A great group blog on Middle East and North African politics and finance, and unlike most others with appropriate space given to the Maghreb. Characterized by foul language, brutal conduct, unexpected angles and great insights.

• The Arabist --- Well-written Egypt-based commentary on the Arab world, with regular updates. Now even better for posting highly useful link lists every once in a while.

• The Moor Next Door --- Nouri's musings on Arab and US politics. Best part is the many quotes, clippings and intelligent mini-essays on Arab history and philosophy, especially early Arab nationalists like Aflaq, Zurayq or Antonious. So if you're into that stuff, great blog.

• Abu Muqawama --- A group blog on counter-insurgency techniques may not sound too exciting, but in fact it is. The focus is on the Middle East in general, but US-occupied hotspots in particular, and the posting speed is ferocious.

• Brian's Study Breaks --- Thoughtful commentary from Brian Ulrich (who also posts on American Footprints), who seems to spend about equal time at home in Jerusalem and on the road in the Arab world. On matters as diverse as Israel/Palestine, USA, the Gulf, Iran, Central Asia, and ... Babylon Five.
  

Now click them all and learn to love them. Up next: it's tiny but it's there, the Western Sahara blogosphere.