Recent Episodes

Inside the Middle East

Episode 39

HOSTED BY HALA GORANI FROM PETRA, JORDAN

PETRA - NEW WONDER OF THE WORLD?
Jordan's ancient city of Petra is officially a candidate in the contest to name the new seven wonders of the world. Twenty-one sites around the globe are vying for the honor - including the Great Wall of China, Paris' Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum in Rome. Egypt's Pyramids of Giza is the only other site in the Arab world that has reached the contest's short-list. Hala Gorani witnessed the

fanfare - from battling gladiators to a royal appearance by Queen Rania -- the day Petra threw itself into the running.

MENTAL DISABILITY IN JORDAN
In the Middle East, Jordan has led the way in passing laws to ensure equal rights for the disabled. But although progress is being made to help the physically handicapped, embracing the mentally-disabled is proving harder. Care workers say there is still shame and stigma associated with intellectual disability. There are few learning centers dedicated to integrating people with mental limitations into the mainstream. Hala Gorani profiles one humanitarian organization that says it wants to break the taboo.

MULLAHS SURF THE INTERNET
In Iran's most conservative city of Qom, technology is finding friends among religious clerics and young reformists alike. Western television shows that are officially banned are trickling in via satellite dishes. Iran is also reaching out -- a leading Shia website run by Iranian clerics is now accessible to the outside world. It's a sign that old traditions are embracing new trends -- and facing contradictions. While the Shia clerics are free to operate their website, Iran censors many other incoming sites. It is a battle for a theocratic identity in a time when the government can restrict only so much. Aneesh Raman travelled to Qom to have a look.