Young in the Middle East

Hey guys,

BBC has devoted a section on their website to the youth in the Middle East. It's quite interesting, with a lot of things that have sparked debates, like the music videos that are going too far. Also mention is made of clandestine meetings between men and women through mobile phones. Other issues about women working in Dubai paint a positive picture. I think on the whole it gives as true a picture as it can. In the reporter's words:

"However, the snapshots of young lives that we saw did demonstrate, at least among some, a yawning gulf between what is considered acceptable and what really takes place.

The phrase "it happens under the table" kept cropping up in Egypt - while the words "it's not considered appropriate" were often used among UAE nationals.

Adults and young people alike commented on the gulf between parents and their offspring.
And one overarching theme was clear - the desire to be heard."
-----

Mansur