I wont be exaggerating at all if I say that the whole world will be watching carefully on the 4th of November 2008, wishing their favorite candidate win. The latest international polls have favored Barack Obama, and the USA polls gives him around a 12 to 13 points lead. But the race is not over, many factors play part here, McCain was down before and ended up winning the republican party nomination, then there is the Bradley Effect.
The Bradley Effect is where a white voter would say in polls he would vote to the African-American candidate but when voting in the voting booth he will end up voting for the other WHITE candidate, so basically racists being shy of their racism and lying to the pollsters. This happened in 1982 while electing California’s governor, Tom Bradley lost the elections although he was ahead in some polls. I do not believe that the Bradley effect happened or will happen to Obama, we already saw in the primaries how he hold close to the polls even in some places thought to be heavily racist, areas that has a very bad reputation with race discrimination.
So where will those who live in the Middle East watch the elections? Well, there is the free-to-air channels and the Subscription (PAY TV) channels.
Lets start with the PAY TV Channels:
ORBIT: The best network to watch all the action, all year long ORBIT is actually the best place to watch the American politics on their channel “ORBIT NEWS”, shows from MSNBC, NBC, ABC, PBS and BBC. In the last week of the elections since the 27 of October 2008 Orbit launched another news channel “ORBIT NEWS 2″. “ORBIT NEWS 3″ will be launched on the election day.
It has been announced that “ORBIT NEWS 1″ will feature:
- Brian Williams from NBC Nightly News
- Charles Gibson from ABC’s World News
- Jim Lehrer from News Hour on PBS
- Tom Brokaw from NBC’s Meet the Press
While “ORBIT NEWS 2″ will feature famous political commentators from MSNBC:
- Keith Olbermann (Countdown)
- Rachel Maddow (The Rachel Maddow Show)
- Chris Mathews (Hardball)
- David Gregory (Race to the White House)
ORBIT NEWS 3 will starts on the Elections day and it will air a live feed from ABC channel. It will precisely launch at 1:00 AM KSA time.
ART [Firstnet - Pehla]: Not a great choice, as ART only has FOX NEWS and SKY NEWS. FOX NEWS has the worst reputation as the most biased name in news, although ironically their slogan is “Fair & Balanced”. SKY NEWS is not bad but I doubt their coverage would be as good as CNN and MSNBC.
Showtime Arabia: Showtime is by far the worst choice, as they only provide only SKY NEWS, I am not sure though if Bloomberg & CNBC would show any coverage of the elections, if they do then you might follow it on those to FINANCIAL channels.
FREE-TO-AIR Channels:
CNN: The best source in my opinion, great panel of analysts and they have the resources to produce an astonishing full day coverage of the elections. Were very good in covering the primaries.
MBC4: If they do stick with the CBS schedule they will be one of the best channels to watch too, CBS coverage will be interesting to watch, that is if MBC4 cancels their regular schedule and stick with CBS as they have the rights to CBS News.
Aljazeera English: Really Really unbiased, am not being sarcastic this is for real, they are unbiased so much that I get bored watching it, they even cover the other candidates such as Ralph Nader and Bob Barr !! While the American mainstream media shoved them aside.
Other choices in English language: BBC World News, EuroNews, France 24, DW-TV, Russia Today, Press TV, NDTV Arabia
Other choices in Arabic language: Aljazeera Arabic, Al Arabiya, BBC Arabic, Future News, Al Aan TV, Al Ekhbariya, France 24, Rusiya Al-Yaum (Russia Today), Al Hiwar TV, Alhurra (The Free One), Nile News, NBN, ANN, CNBC Arabia (NOT SURE)
WATCH ONLINE:
It is expected that either all or some of the following channels will be streaming their election day coverage for free online: CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS, ABC, and CBS.
You can also watch The following channels in a very good quality via Livestation: Aljazeera English, BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Bloomberg, C-Span, DW-TV, EuroNews, France 24, ITN, Russia Today (English), Rusiya Al-Yaum (Russia Today), BBC World Service (Radio), DW-Radio.
Livestation also includes many user added channels, you can simply either search by name or check the channel list available.
Bottom Line:
We in the Middle East can’t vote, and the majority do not believe that the election is clean, seriously we all are set in thinking the US Elections is rigged, just like 2000. We do not believe that it is fair, especially that there is no equal coverage to other parties other than Democratic party and the Republican part. Most of us do not give a crap and most of us think it is just BS. But I am sure that most of people in the middle east, Arabs, Asians, Europeans, South American, Muslim and Christians will watch.
Some have watched the American elections since last year as if they are watching a reality TV show, a bit longer than American Idol I guess, and some watched it seriously following each and every article written about it. Some believe that it effects all of the world and some believe it will only affect Americans. I believe the whole world have hated the past 8 years, they hated Bush’s foreign policy and domestic policy, in the end all will watch and will wait to know who is the next president for USA hoping change come to Washington and we start seeing some difference in the way things work. Some might laugh and call it naivete, and some will call it hope.
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October 30th, 2008
I thought, like others, that Bab El 7ara Part 3 or Season 3 like some likes to call it, is the last one and the door will get closed. But those behind the series finds a great opportunity especially that the viewership of the third season did not decline, so now they have decided to produce two new seasons to be aired in 2009 and 2010. What does the director Bassam Al Mulla wants exactly, he wants us to see the grand grand sons of the series characters?
Bab El 7ara is getting more than it deserves, those who used to say that they wont watch the 3rd part because of 3abbas El Noori are actually watching, they want to know what happens to the other characters. If this goes on we could end up seeing Bab El7ara 6 and 7 and 8 and 9 and 10, Until we reach to the current time. How long will they stretch this, I don’t blame them they found the chicken which will lay golden eggs.
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September 12th, 2008
Update: 11th of September 2008: Bab Al-Hara gets a fourth and fifth Season.
Update: I will try my best to show Bab El7ara here.. I had couple of problems the past 5 days, will be blogging soon. MBC changed the Schedule to 11:00pm Dubai time. thats 7:00pm GMT. More to come soon.
Everybody is waiting for Bab El 7ara 3, after two successful seasons in Ramadan 2006 and 2007 MBC saw an opportunity and jumped on it. They quickly struck a deal with the producer and director of the Syrian TV drama series and even before airing the last few episodes they announced Bab El7ara 3, and quickly created promos featuring the two stars of the series. But later everybody started loosing faith in the success of the 3rd season after it was officially announced on AlArabiya channel that one of those two stars "Abbas El Noori" was not going to be in the 3rd season and his character will die on the first minute of the first episode. Fans of the show got mad and bombarded all Arabic forums showing their anger on the decision which is believed to be taken by the director although he says it was the writer’s decision.
By the end of July 2008 new teasers of Bab El 7ara started showing on MBC and by mid August longer promos aired. Those fans who did not believe the news that "Abu Essam" the character of "Abbas Elnoori" got a clear confirmation that his character is dead.
Here are ALL Promo’s that aired on MBC starting from the oldest ad to the latest one:
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August 23rd, 2008
In the past few months I have been getting requests from Arabs all around the world, some from Egypt some from UAE and many from Europe, in countries such as UK, Germany and even Finland.
All sending in emails asking me to resume my coverage of Qalam Rasas, you see few months ago I used to talk about each episode and provide some videos of the episode too. There was one reason why I stopped doing that, its because I am lazy, who knows me knows this scary fact 
Anyway, I will try my best to cover each and every episode from now on, that means starting from the episode of the 13th of June 2008.
The reason why I started the coverage is because I felt that Hamdi Qandeel was not given the same interest as other political shows, lets say such as Alqahera Alyaum with Amr Adeeb, I watch all kind of shows, but I see a huge coverage for Alqahera Alyaum, 10 O’clock and those kind of shows.
Forums, Yahoo Groups and many many Facebook Groups cover and discuss and upload videos of those shows, except of Qalam Rasas, although Qalam Rasas is the most daring show of them all, no one, I REPEAT, NO ONE can say on their shows what Hamdi Qandeel says on Qalam Rasas.
That is why few months ago I created the Qalam Rasas - Hamdi Qandeel Facebook Group, join and discuss and find out all about the show.
Here is the episode of the 6th of June 2008:
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June 13th, 2008
Today the Austrians were wearing red tops, white shorts and red and white socks, while Croatia were wearing all blue.
Croatia go into this game missing several key players, including Arsenal’s Eduardo, while Austria seem to have a pretty full squad.
Once the game kicked off, it soon became apparent this was going to be a thriller, both teams attacking well. But it was in just the second minute when Austria conceded a silly penalty, carelessly running in when there was no real need. The Austrian defender just clipped the Croatian striker, but paid the price for it, as new Tottenham Hotspur signing Luka Modric slotted home from the spot. A shade lucky, as it was right down the middle of the goal, but Croatia won’t complain!
After that it was pretty one way traffic for fifteen minutes or so, Austria putting relentless pressure on the Croatian defense, pounding shot after shot and playing in cross after cross, while Croatia were struggling to create any real momentum or force. Unfortunately for Austria though, they couldn’t quite convert their efforts into a goal, although the Croatian manager, Slaven Bili?, seemed extremely relieved when Croatia started dominating play, almost exactly reproducing the actions of the Austrians, forcing the Austrian goalkeeper, Vedran Runje, to make some fantastic saves, including a one on one.
Into the second half, and neither teams made any substitution. Austria have obviously had a rollocking during the half time period, and are playing very offensively. They are pounding shot after shot at the Croatian goalie, Pletikosa, who dealt with the shots very effectively and made several key saves throughout the second half, including a save from a brilliant shot, where the ball was curving towards the far side of the goal.
As the half went on, Austria became more and more fierce, while the Croatian defenders got more and more panicky. The general script for the last ten minutes was ‘Austria play it in, Croatia play it out, Austria play it in’, and Austria look more and more like scoring, but cannot get through the wall of Croatian players.
Unfortunately for Austria, the final whistle goes, and it was certainly very unlucky for Austria, as from their second half performance they definitely deserved to win the game, although you can’t help thinking if it were not for that silly penalty Austria would have had a better outcome.
Final score:
Austria 0 – 1 Croatia
Watch the GOAL:
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June 8th, 2008
After a rather disappointing first game to the tournament, everyone was hoping this might be a little more lively. Before the game, all eyes were on Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo to impress, after his midweek comments that he wants to leave Manchester United.
The captains led out their players, Portugal wearing all red, while Turkey came out in their fully white strip.
Upon kick off, to everyone’s surprise (most of all the Portuguese defenders’) Turkey made some promising attacking play, as did Portugal. Portugal came out on top in this battle though, forcing some early corners, and on the sixteenth minute having a goal disallowed for offside. Meanwhile at the other end, Turkey had a half-hearted penalty claim after Tuncay appeared to be pulled down, but, on watching the replay, it soon appeared it was a dive.
Towards the end of the first half, Portugal were making some very promising opportunities, including a series of corners, and undoubtedly the best shot of the first half: A Cristiano Ronaldo free kick which the Turkish goalie just got his fingertips to, to guide it onto the inside of the post. Portugal looked frustrated as they couldn’t quite slot the ball home. Portugal dominated the first half, with over two thirds of the possession!
In the second half it was more of the same. Portugal dominated and Turkey got the odd chance, until on the stroke of the hour mark, the Portuguese defender Pepe plays a lovely one-two just outside the box and coolly slots home through the keepers legs: 1-0 to Portugal.
Portugal kept on pressuring, making all three of their substitutions, opting for attacking players each time. Portugal hit the woodwork three times before Turkey had a half chance at the other end, where Middlesbrough striker Tuncay wildly swung at the ball and missed completely.
Then, on the ninetieth minute, Nani, the Portuguese winger, makes a run down the right, and Aurelio comes crashing in. On first appearances it’s a good tackle, but when you watch the replay the Turkey player probably should have been sent off.
Two minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo broke loose up the left hand side, slotting through to Moutinho o the edge of the box, who calmly passed it once again for substitute Meireles to pass the ball into the empty net.
Portugal never really looked like losing, and judging by this performance definitely have what it takes to go all the way to the Euro 2008 final.
Final Score:
Portugal 2 – 0 Turkey
Watch Both GOALS:
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June 8th, 2008
Before kick off was the usual pre-competition celebration, and this year it consisted of volunteers aged fourteen to seventy with boxes on their heads. They would then make different sceneries, including mountains and disco floors. When they had finished, there was a small firework celebration and hundreds of balloons were released from the boxes on people’s heads.
The celebration was over, the nation anthems had been sung: it was time for action.
The teams were lead out by their captains, who both had very serious looks on their face. Switzerland were wearing all red, while Czech Republic wore all white.
The game kicked off, and you could tell this match wasn’t going to be too exciting. After Switzerland got the ball, they sat inside their own half, with every single Czech Republic player behind the goal. The Swiss made a couple of runs down the wings, resulting in either being tackled or a poor cross most the time, forcing a couple of shots wide or into Petr Cech’s hands the rest of the time. Although the Czechs weren’t that much better, lumping the ball forward to their 6’7” striker, Jans Koller (who most the time didn’t get it, and when he did he was tackled.).
Then, right near the end the most memorable event of the first half. After a wild shot over the bar, the Czech Republic striker, Alexander Frei, jars his knee. He looks to be in serious pain, but refuses the stretcher and instead hobbles off with an ice pack strapped to his knee, wiping tears from his eyes.
In the second half is when the game came alive for the Czech Republic. About twenty minutes into the second half, Jans Koller is taken off for striker Sverkos. Sverkos then puts the Swiss defence under serious pressure, and after around 10 minutes on the pitch scores a nice half volley.
With about ten minutes to go, the Swiss stepped up a gear, pounding long balls into the Czech penalty box (every one of which was just headed back to them) and putting on several attackers. Although this late surge of energy was left right until the end, and was undoubtedly left too late, the Swiss failing to find a way into the Czech goal.
Final score:
Switzerland 0 – 1 Czech Republic.
Watch the GOAL:
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June 8th, 2008
The opening Ceremony was short and boring, hoping that the first match of the championship would show some talent and excitement, but it didn’t. The first match was also boring, I know that Czech Republic scored a goal through Sverkos, but even that I knew from watching the match highlights. I preferred to play PES 2008 on PS2 with friends rather than watch this match
But the second match had it all, it was great match with explosive talents from both sides, although Portugal had most of the control of the field and most of the shots on target. But Turkey also had some really dangerous attempts on the goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo was trying his best to score, not caring much if his team actually wins or loses, he looked focused on scoring himself and he did shoot some shots he could have passed to players near the goal.
Pepe scored a canceled goal in first half, he was offside, but then on the second half he was able to score a very nice goal. The substitute Raul Meireles scored the second goal by the end of second half.
Here are the Highlights and Goals:
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June 8th, 2008
Few minutes before Euro 2008 started today both Aljazeera Sports +1 and +2 on ORBIT changed to Aljazeera Sports 1 and 2. Those are the free to air channels that ofcourse do not air Euro 2008. I have already talked about this before, it was pretty clear that Euro 2008 wont air on ORBIT. But people still had hope, mainly because when they called ORBIT call centers they were told that the championship will be aired on Aljazeera Sports +1 and +2, which is ofcourse not true.
Many many subscribers are mad and frustrated now from both Aljazeera and ORBIT. I would suggest them to aim their anger on ORBIT because they were the ones giving false hope to their customers.
If you are an ORBIT subscriber what would you do ?
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June 8th, 2008
Although the schedule is available on many many sites, but I did receive requests from readers to add a GMT time match schedule.
So Here we go (GMT Time):
7 June - 16:00 : Switzerland v Czech Republic
7 June - 18:45 : Portugal v Turkey
8 June - 16:00 : Austria v Croatia
8 June - 18:45 : Germany v Poland
9 June - 16:00 : Romania v France
9 June - 18:45 : Netherlands v Italy
10 June - 16:00 : Spain v Russia
10 June - 18:45 : Greece v Sweden
11 June - 16:00 : Czech Republic v Portugal
11 June - 18:45 : Switzerland v Turkey
12 June - 16:00 : Croatia v Germany
12 June - 18:45 : Austria v Poland
13 June - 16:00 : Italy v Romania
13 June - 18:45 : Netherlands v France
14 June - 16:00 : Sweden v Spain
14 June - 18:45 : Greece v Russia
15 June - 18:45 : Turkey v Czech Republic
15 June - 18:45 : Switzerland v Portugal
16 June - 18:45 : Austria v Germany
16 June - 18:45 : Poland v Croatia
17 June - 18:45 : Netherlands v Romania
17 June - 18:45 : France v Italy
18 June - 18:45 : Greece v Spain
18 June - 18:45 : Russia v Sweden
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June 7th, 2008
Previous Posts
I wont be exaggerating at all if I say that the whole world will be watching carefully on the 4th of November 2008, wishing their favorite candidate win. The latest international polls have favored Barack Obama, and the USA polls gives him around a 12 to 13 points lead. But the race is not over, many factors play part here, McCain was down before and ended up winning the republican party nomination, then there is the Bradley Effect. 
CNN: The best source in my opinion, great panel of analysts and they have the resources to produce an astonishing full day coverage of the elections. Were very good in covering the primaries.
You can also watch The following channels in a very good quality via Livestation: Aljazeera English, BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Bloomberg, C-Span, DW-TV, EuroNews, France 24, ITN, Russia Today (English), Rusiya Al-Yaum (Russia Today), BBC World Service (Radio), DW-Radio. 
