Sick of jihad? Here's a place you can follow the good news coming from the Middle East

The Middle East Media Research Institute, otherwise known as MEMRI announces a new blog that will cover economic news from the Middle East. In their introductory email, MEMRI writes:

The Middle East has been on everyone’s radar screen for a very long time, and often for the wrong reasons. For most readers of the Western press, the Middle East is perceived as an arena of conflicts, wars, religious extremism and intrigues.

But there is another Middle East emerging-particularly among some of the small, oil-rich Gulf countries. With unprecedented cash flow, these countries are racing to catch the train of globalization. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar epitomize this change; their progress so far is breathtaking. For most Middle Eastern economists, they are subjects of grudging admiration, and a model for emulation.

Even among the less fortunate countries in terms of natural resources-Jordan and Morocco, for example-there is a palpable shift from a state-controlled national economy to a market-driven economy. These countries seek foreign direct investments wherever possible. Entrepreneurial spirit is on the rise. Though these countries still face many obstacles in catching up with the advanced economies of the West, their progress thus far gives observers a measure of confidence about the general direction of their future.

Indeed. The freeing of markets, the unleashing of entrepreneurial spirit, unprecedented economic opportunities, some of the world's boldest projects: There's a lot going on in the region besides all the depressing and violent jihad. See fashion news in the post above.

Check out their site.