For many Arab states, internet suffocation is the norm

As a tool for direct and unfettered access to information and its transmission, the internet constitutes a cultural and political challenge to certain regimes. Accordingly, some states in the Middle East and elsewhere seek to restrict their citizens from using the internet in a free and comprehensive manner. According to Journalists Without Borders, five of the 15 countries defined as "internet enemies" are in the Middle East: Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Tunisia. And five of the 11 countries defined as "under surveillance" are also from the Middle East: Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.