Global Voices Online

Sam Roggeveen wonders if the global financial crisis will force Australian government to cut back on defence spending.

Australian Blogger Ange, from Hegab-Rehab, wrote about a collection of few dolls gathered from all around the world, some are Muslim dolls and others are just ethnic-based.

Heavy police presence accompanied the launching of Fiji's Draft People's Charter, which among other things will reform the country's electoral system. It is also alleged that villagers were paid to attend the launching.

Going against the advice of the military council, Fiji leader Frank Bainimarama refuses to step down. Raw Fiji news also reported that the leader was disturbed by the resignation of his coup-hero Musharaff in Pakistan.

Methodist Church leaders have forgiven the military rulers of Fiji, as reported by Raw Fiji News. The military is asked to initiate a process that will restore democratic elections in Fiji.

A Fiji Times reporter was detained by police for writing about an article which offended a government minsiter. Soli Vakasama from Fiji notes how eight tough policemen apprehended a journalist armed with only a pen.

Kiwiblog writes about the newly launched bloggers union that automatically counts any New Zealand bloggers as its member.

Wendy of Babasiga is attending Fijian Conference in Adelaide, Australia and blogs about the experiences there. “The conference discussions and sessions were in various styles – academic, story telling, humorous or serious, and passionate preaching.”

Jean-Marc posts photos of this year's Heiva i Tahiti, Tahiti's biggest festival of traditional dance. La Danse Tahitienne blogs commentary on each group's performance [Fr].