Young people from the Middle East or the United States are invited to enter the "Dream Deferred" essay contest on civil rights and free expression in the Middle East, run by the Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance (HAMSA).

The essay contest asks young people under the age of 26 to consider the importance of individual rights, the potential for non-violent reform, and ways people can contribute on the grassroots level to the region's nascent civil rights movement. Essays should be at least 600 words, but no longer than 1,500 words.

One grand prize winner in the Middle East and one in the US will receive US$2,000. One second place winner in the Middle East and one in the US will receive US$1,500. Three runners up in the Middle East and three in the US will receive US$500 each. 50 book prizes will be awarded to additional outstanding essays. Last year, 2,500 people entered the contest from 20 countries.

Essays can be submitted in English, French, Arabic, and Farsi. The judging panel includes Iranian writer Azar Nafisi, and Ahmed Benchemsi of the Moroccan magazine "TelQuel".

The deadline for application is March 30 2008.

Click here for more information, available in English, French, Arabic, and Farsi.

Click here to read the rules.

Click here for an electronic entry form.

Click here to read about previous winners.