As written in the OP, the fatwas were spread online as explained also by fathimaH. With the very limited freedom of expression through the press in the entire region. Most people in our region now get their information online. Over the past two years ,tens of public forums, FB groups & blogs were created. Each with it's own agenda. Clash of ideologies (liberal & salafi) took place in both online & printed media. Most notably in Saudi, Kuwait and Qatar. Governments in the region started to get attention to those forums(specially in Saudi ) after the issuance of takfeeri fatwas