Global Voices Online

TOL's Belarus Blog reviews what was being said on Belarusian blogs and online forums between August 17 and 22.

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 publications: “Dudes at police probably don’t know that all “illegal” literature is nowadays sent as word or pdf attachments…”

The death of a music maestro - Ustad Bismillah Khan evokes poignant tributes and posts, one of them being Falstaff's Bidai. (Farewell)

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.

Tololy writes about the five most important elements missing from Arab educational curricula.

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.

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.”

Zena shows oil slick on Beirut public beaches as result of Israeli air strikes during the 33 days Israel/Lebanon conflict.

Dina reflects on her experiences as a participant at the BlogHer 2006 conference.