Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThis may come as a surprise but Abu Nawas is but one author contributing to the rich tradition of erotic Arabic texts that go back centuries. This is not the first time that Mr. Yahya has written about sex. As Mr. Yahya said, it is a reflection of the growing conservatism in his society. But Mr. Yahya did not fear de-sanctifying a revered symbol like Mr. Arafat, and we are in dire need of de-sanctifications in the Arab world. Mr. Yahya, who was in Qatar when the attack on his book unfolded, is too scared to go back to his native Ramallah.

Source: New York Times July 03, 2017 08:26 UTC