· June, 2010

Stories about Politics from June, 2010

Russia, U.S.: The “Spy Ring” Story

A selection of posts on the “Russian spy ring” story: Julia Ioffe at The Daily Beast; A Good Treaty; Yelena Osipova at Global Chaos; Mark Adomanis at True/Slant; Vadim Nikitin at FPA's Russia blog; Dina Fainberg at The Dustbin of History; Catherine Fitzpatrick at Minding Russia; Windows to Russia; Eugene...

Haiti: MSM Coverage

  30 June 2010

The Haitian Blogger says that “mainstream media pieces about Haiti are like Swiss cheese, full of holes.”

Belize: Mayans Win Right to Land

  30 June 2010

Repeating Islands reports on a landmark court ruling “in favor of 38 Mayan Communities in the Toledo District”, which confirms their rights to the land surrounding their communities.

Cuba: On Journalism

  29 June 2010

Iván's File Cabinet says that “being a journalist in Cuba is like performing black magic. Investigating a story or getting reliable data is like trying to catch hold of a mirage.”

Cuba: Spotlight on Fariñas

  29 June 2010

“In the wake of the death of political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Cuban independent journalist Guillermo Fariñas started a hunger strike to demand the release of some two dozen seriously ill political prisoners”: As his condition worsens, Uncommon Sense applauds his bravery.

Jamaica: Bloggers Discuss Dudus’ Extradition

  29 June 2010

Following his capture by Jamaican police, Michael Christopher 'Dudus' Coke has been extradited to the United States to face pending charges of drug and arms trafficking. "The President", as he is also known, issued a statement about his decision "to waive [his] right to an extradition hearing in Jamaica..."

Africa: Africa's old men

Africa's old men: “I haven’t checked the maths but here’s something interesting sent in to us from a subscriber: Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) age 86, Hosni Mubarak (Egypt) age 82, Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia) age 74, Rupiah Banda (Zambia) age 73, Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) age 71…”

Africa: The vuvuzelization of world football

  29 June 2010

“The vuvuzela, much like Ghana’s Black Stars, has beaten odds to become more than a cheering instrument. It has now attained the status of an African metaphor for the unacknowledged ways in which Africa determines particular discourses at the global level,” writes Steven Sharra.

Thailand: Bangkok back to normal?

  29 June 2010

Don Gilliland observes that “the comforting rhythm of daily life in Bangkok has returned to normal this month.” Protesters were able to paralyze many parts of the city for two months this year

Lao44 website

  29 June 2010

Lao44 or Coalition for Lao Information, Communication and Knowledge is the largest repository of documents in Lao language. The number 44 in Lao44 refers to Article 44 in the Constitution which says that Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, press and assembly.