Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., May 25, 2009 Sivan 2, 5769 | | Israel Time: 00:20 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Focus U.S.A. Travel Week's End Anglo File
Last update - 00:22 01/01/2009
Iran blocks Facebook due to presidential campaigning
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 

Authorities in Iran have banned popular social-networking site Facebook until after the Islamic Republic's presidential election in mid-June.

Iranian media has reported that the ban comes as a result of the success President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opponent Mir-Hossein Mousavi has had using the site to advance his campaign, according to a report on Army Radio.

The use of Facebook in the Arab and Muslim world has risen dramatically over the past year where it has become a popular networking and organizational tool.
Advertisement
The site is very popular in Israel, and last week the Shin Bet security service warned Israeli citizens to beware of attempts by terrorist groups to recruit them as agents via Facebook and other social networking sites on the Internet.

The security service has cited a number of recent incidents in which Arab terrorists have tried to lure Israelis to join their cells, either by making direct contact or by trying to arrange a seemingly innocent meeting with the intention of kidnapping them.

Related articles:
  • Shin Bet: No chance for peace while Hamas rules Gaza
  • Facebook about-face: Site won't ban Holocaust deniers
  • Why did 150,000 Israelis join a worthless Facebook group?
  • Facebook founder's roommate recounts creation of Internet giant
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    Banning Nakba
    Ministerial panel approves bill which could make it illegal to mourn Independence Day.
    Defying Obama
    Netanyahu pledges not to form settlements, but says building in existing towns is fair.
      1.   Typical 00:06  |  ABC123 01/01/09
      2.   `ban comes as a result of the success Ahmadineja`s opponent` 00:13  |  Dan 01/01/09
      3.   Rampant Iranian democracy 00:31  |  S 01/01/09
      4.   Too Late Bozos....Mousavi Has Infiltrated the Youth 00:32  |  Persian Kitty 01/01/09
      5.   Mousavi doesn`t stand a chance. 00:07  |  Poco Loco 01/01/09
     Haaretz Hot Topics
    The Pope in the Holy Land
    Durban II conference
    Iran: Nuclear and regional ambitions
    Israel vs. Hamas
    Air strike in Sudan


    More Headlines
    00:00 Hezbollah could strike Israel to divert Hariri probe
    00:29 U.S. Congressmen doubt Netanyahu can advance peace process
    00:00 Russia FM: Hamas taking more realistic path since Gaza war
    00:30 Israel moves closer to banning mourning of its independence
    00:30 Minister Yishai: Allowing Reform conversions will prompt influx of Palestinians
    00:21 Labor rebels' bill would pay settlers who leave West Bank
    00:54 Canada minister: Leftist-Islamist anti-Semitism more dangerous
    00:58 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel
    00:41 Netanyahu lifts objection to anti-Israel Egyptian minister as head of UNESCO
    00:04 IDF won't take blame for soldier's mental illenss
    00:47 Technion rebukes student who refused to stand for Israeli anthem
    00:24 Ghanian dancers treated as slave laborers still awaiting visas
    00:58 Israeli Opera probed for 'exploiting' Carmen's child singers
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    hotel Jerusalem
    David Citadel Hotel, come stay at the finest of Jerusalem hotels.
    ISRAEL ARMY SURPLUS STORE
    IDF insignia,Uniforms, Paladium Boots Watches, Israel Army T-shirts & Collectibles
    Dead Sea Skin Care
    Quality cosmetics from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 12% off!
    Camp Kimama Israel 2009
    The best place for your children this summer
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
    Jewish Singles Personal Ads
    Find the love of your life on JDate.com
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Site rules |
    | Israel 2009 election results | Makom: Engaging on Israel
    | Search engine marketing
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved