Stories from 14 April 2006
Mexico's Ley Televisa and TV Duopoly
Sure, the heated U.S. immigration debate is also being discussed south of the border. But so is another controversy, which could have a lasting impact on the future of media in Mexico, but has hardly been mentioned in the English-language press. The recent reform of a law, which gives more...
Czech Republic: Matzah in Prague
David of Prague Blog describes what an ordeal it is to try finding matzah for Passover in Prague.
Belarus: Sanctions Against Lukashenko
Andrei Khrapavitski does not consider the EU's sanctions against Lukashenko's regime sufficient: “Had Belarus possessed any valuable natural resources, maybe our leader would’ve been excused and welcomed in Brussels. I don’t know. But with all due respect, the current sanctions do not offer any leverage to democratization of Belarus. They...
Belarus: Opposition Prepares For April 26
Andrei Khrapavitski reports on the Belarusian opposition's preparations for the rally on the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl catastrophe, April 26.
Russia: Chechen Children's Mysterious Illness
Bob Granico of Publius Pundit is calling to international health organizations to examine the Chechen children affected by a mysterious illness and investigate its causes: “Given that the children are not recovering, and that there is so much distrust on both sides of the issue, outside medical help is drastically...
Albania: Ajvar and Baklava
Traveller One of Stepping Stones lists two of her favorite Balkan dishes: Ajvar (“a luscious combination of roasted red peppers and eggplant”) and Baklava (“Ohhhhhh my goodness…. this is like eating the food of the gods…”). The former is originally from Macedonia; the latter is found in 22 national cuisines,...
Sri Lanka: Your New Year And Mine
Could something like a New Year celebration divide people? transcurrents.com on the celebrations of the Tamil Hindus, Christians, Sinhalas and the others.
India: Disability and Abortion
Inkspill poses a tough question and an interesting discussion follows in the comments space – “does aborting a disabled foetus mean you are not sympathetic to the disabled and you do not admire their positive attitude to life?”
India: Caste and Community
The issue of reservations has had blogs take polar sides. Rashmi Bansal on the theme of caste – continues the discussion to comment on the distinct differences between caste and community – and the lines that determine (or divide) India.
Another Belarus
A typical Vileika backyard – by Yevgenia Mantsevich (LJ user litota_) LJ user litota_, currently of Minsk, paid a visit to her native Vileika last weekend and posted photos from a three-hour walk she took while there (BEL). Somebody's colorful rugs hung out to dry in one of the backyards...
Pakistan: Hasan Abdal
Shirazi has a post on Hasan Abdal near Islamabad where “The legend has it that in 1521 AD, while passing through then deserted area on a very hot day, Guru Nanak's companion Bhai Mardana got very thirsty. The Guru suggested that he go to the Saint Baba Wali Qandhari who...
Petition Hu Jintao for Global Voices editor Hao Wu's release
Many Global Voices readers have asked what they can do to hasten our friend and colleage Hao Wu's release from detention in Beijing. Hundreds of you have put badges on your blogs and webpages to call attention to Hao Wu's detention, and this support has helped generate media interest in...
Nepal: New Year and Politics
Even as the New Year starts in Nepal, Nepali Netbook discusses the relationship between India and Nepal as the country appears to move towards democracy.
Mongolia: Protest Updates
Luke Distelhorst has another update on the protests in Mongolia.
Kyrgyzstan: A Bridenapping
Col give a play-by-play of her host-sister's abduction and wedding. “Bridenapping” is a tradition in Kyrgyzstan, and at least in this case, the abducted bride knew and liked the groom.
Kyrgyzstan: Baisalov & Stability
Alan Cordova has further thoughts on the attack on NGO head and blogger Edil Baisalov and what it says about the political situation in Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan: Opposition Catch 22
Rico of neweurasia says that Turkmenistan's opposition parties, which plan to participate in upcoming local elections are in a catch 22.
Armenia: Corruption & Cafes
Onnik Krikorian says that cafes are Yerevan's most visible manifestation of corruption and explains why they are so heavily patrolled by interior ministry troops.
The shaman of Myanmar
Ian, a tourist in Yangoon, meets the famous shaman U Shein of Myanmar. U Shein is known for his magic goldash powder. The shaman's followers allege that this powder can cure cancers and other serious ailments.
Cambodian assistance in demining Sudan
Heng at Blog Cambodia has a report on Cambodian soldiers helping out in the demining in Sudan. This is the first time Cambodian soldiers are participationg in an U.N. peacekeeping mission.
Malaysia-Singapore half bridge
Rajan Rishiyakarn questions the various official statements issued by Malaysian officials on the scrapping of Malaysia-Singapore half-bridge project. The project was questionable from the start as Malaysia has started work on its half of the bridge and supporting immigration facilities while Singapore had not even commited to the project.
