Stories from 22 August 2006
Kyrgyzstan: Shadow Economy
Yulia translates a Russian language post on Kyrgyzstan's shadow economy.
Kyrgyzstan: A Trip to Sheker
JJ recently took a short trip to the village of Sheker in Kyrgyzstan and writes about both the trip and the town's famous son, famed Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov.
Armenia: Press Gang Politics
Nessuna writes that her uncle was pressed into joining the “Prosperous Armenia” party. She also gives details on the shady past of the party's founder.
Mongolia: Fashion
Alexa writes on fashion-consciousness in Mongolia.
Hungary: Storm in Budapest 2
Searching for Utopia writes this: “We still had no clue of how serious it was until he turned the TV on. It said that more than a million people were gathering around the parliament and they all ran for their lives. Trees fell, cars were damaged, several ships crashed, three...
Hungary: Storm in Budapest 1
Central Budapest Blog writes this about the storm that hit Budapest Sunday: “This morning people are picking through the detritus and working out what it all means. On the National Holiday right at the appointed hour for the firework display as everyone (1-1.5 million) was gathered along the Danube the...
Ukraine: Famine Records Open
Petro of Petro's Jotter writes that the previously secret KGB records on the Ukrainian Famine have been made public – and available online.
Montenegro: Driving Tips
Novala, Europa has reached the beautiful Montenegro and shares tips on how to drive there: “If you think drivers in BiH are totally nuts, wait until you reach Montenegro. The closer you come to the sea, the worse the drivers.”
Estonia: 15 Things
Giustino of Itching for Eestimaa posts a list of “15 Things Estonia has Given the World Since 1991″ – which includes Skype: “True, Skype is based these days in Luxembourg, but its primary code was written in Tallinn, where one of its main offices is located.”
Belarus: Blogosphere Digest
TOL's Belarus Blog reviews what was being said on Belarusian blogs and online forums between August 17 and 22.
Belarus: Quick Political Update
VW of TOL's Belarus Blog posts an update on political developments in Belarus: some activists have been released from jail, others are on trial – and still others have been taken off the bus and made to cross the border on foot – all because they were allegedly carrying banned...
India: Farewell to the Maestro
The death of a music maestro – Ustad Bismillah Khan evokes poignant tributes and posts, one of them being Falstaff's Bidai. (Farewell)
Palestine: Palestinians must be ready for November 3
In preparation for the mid-term congressional elections in the US on November 2, a wise Palestinian strategy would be to remove all possible contentious issues that can be used as excuses by Israel not to engage directly and seriously with the Palestinian side, from November 3 on, Daoud Kuttab Said.
Jordan: What's missing in our schools?
Tololy writes about the five most important elements missing from Arab educational curricula.
Syria: Syrian-Israeli peace talks
Ammar has no problem with the resumption of Syrian-Israeli peace talks provided certain conditions are met, namely that they take place within the framework of a wider regional initiative that includes Iran, and that the issues of internal reforms is put on the table.
Saudi Arabia: The Terrible Crime
Ahmed writes about the latest case of DWF (aka Driving While Female) and wonders: “Since when has driving a car become a crime? And not just an ordinary crime that you might commit everyday without even realizing it, but a terrible one, for that matter.”
Lebanon: Pictures of environmental damage
Zena shows oil slick on Beirut public beaches as result of Israeli air strikes during the 33 days Israel/Lebanon conflict.
India: BlogHer and After
Dina reflects on her experiences as a participant at the BlogHer 2006 conference.
Sri Lanka: Women, harems and history
Life in Taprobane on women in Sri Lanka. “Not that the island lacked pretty women of suitable stature or the Kings got bored of their harems, they wanted to make some symbolic gestures. The Lankan women were a common topic of admiration, as evident in Sigiriya frescos, various temple paintings,...
Pakistan: Bolan Pass
Shirazi on the Bolan Pass and railways. “The present day railway track through Bolan Pass is actually the third attempt of laying railways through the pass. In 1889 torrential floods destroyed the track which was first laid on Bolan River bed”
Bangladesh: Cricket and South Asia
Cricket runs into stormy weather. Rezwan on when a Pakistani player is accused of ball-tampering, but there are others who claim that South Asian teams are treated differently.