Stories from 17 March 2007
Russia: Who is “Maria Ivanova”?
On March 11, the Sunday Times ran a piece by Sarah Baxter and Anna Voutsen on the recent attacks against critics of Vladimir Putin's regime. It opened with the story of a Russian journalist who has allegedly received political asylum in the United States following several attempts on her life,...
Malaysia: Soviet Style Media Management
Bolehtalk is concerned that Malaysian authorities are trying to undermine blogs and online news sites.
Philippines: Soldiers in the Campus
Mong Palatino is worried about the army visiting campuses and warning students not to join progressive youth groups. “These ‘peacekeeping missions’ of the military are unnecessary, illegal and dangerous. These create a chilling effect in campuses. The military aims to frighten students who are contemplating of joining groups which are...
Gambia: President claims to have found cure for AIDS
Ask This Blackwoman comments on the report that President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia claims to have found a cure for AIDS, “President Yahya Jammeh has no formal medical training and yet Gambians sick with HIV and AIDS are consuming the herbal drink and claiming that it works.”
South Africa: a blogger passes away
Black Looks writes about Busi, the writer of My Realities blog, who passed away this week, “
Zimbabwe: state cruelty
Kubatana's post shows cruelty by the goverment of Zimbabwe, “Spare a thought for the families of Sekai Holland and Grace Kwinjeh whose injuries were severe enough to warrant them being medivac’d to South Africa on March 17. To prepare for the evacuation they got the necessary clearance from the President’s...
Iran:New life for three journals
According to Madeh 19[Fa],judiciary authorities have given permission to three banned journals such as reformist Shargh to be published again.
Iran:Ahmadinejad's new message in his blog
Iranian president,Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote a new message in his blog.He says he got a letter from an American woman whose son was sent to Iraq.He writes I am sorry to say that the American people are kept in an absolute censorship concerning the outside world by their government.I am certain...
Iran:Women in politics
Mohammad Ali Abtahi,reformist politician, talks about women in politics.He writes When no reformist or conservative politicians provide the chance for serious development of women at high levels, it is natural that ladies start their own activities in political arena to defend themselves.The solidarity and social and political cooperation of ladies...
Palestine: Donning the Kuffiyeh for Fashion or Politics
Palestinian blogger Maytha, who is based in the US, predicts that the Kuffiyeh (Palestinian head gear) is making a comeback on the West Coast. “(M)aybe it's LA fashionistas sheer dedication to innovative and cutting edge fashion trends…or maybe it's just the complete ignorance surrounding the socio-cultural history of the kuffiyeh...
Palestine: Free Speech
Palestinian blogger Amal A posts an interesting question which spells out the difference between the English and Arabic language readers of a news website. I wonder what the 8000 enlightened people who approved the burning of the book would say if they were asked, “Do you support the burning at...
Bachelet's First year as President of Chile
The first woman to be elected president in Chile, Michelle Bachelet, has made it through her first year as head of state. General opinion said that several situations made it not easy, including the education strike and delay in implementing the new transportation system that is still receiving mixed reaction...
Myanmar: No Point Wearing Jewelery
Myouez wonders why people spend so much money on jewelery. “Today, my sister said she couldn’t find her necklace, I asked my mom how much it worth. Damn! I could buy a laptop with it. What’s the use of wearing it around?”
Malawi: Is homosexuality anti-Malawi?, Voices against former President, and Malawian blogger visits Yahoo!
Homosexuality is one the most controversial topics and illegal to practise in Malawi. However, many Malawians in the diaspora are faced with the reality of gay or lesbian relationships. A regular Malawian blogger on MMalawikutheba is shocked at the behaviour of some Malawians who are gay and practise it in...
India: The Railway Children
The Weight of Silence on India's street children, whose life centers around the Railways. “One, boys are more likely than girls to actually run away from home and leave their villages. Second, for the girls who do arrive, Gyan says they are the first to disappear. The sex trade swallows...
India: On Nandigram and Singur
An update on the Nandigram issue at Kafila. Where the state swoops down to grab land. “Singur, unlike the impressions outside, is still fighting with strength and spirit. Thousands of bargadars, labourers and also landholders are not for the forcible occupation of land although fencing of 997 acres of the...
Senegal: meet Gokh-Bi System
Joshua Wanyama of African Path blogs about Gokh-Bi System, a West African group that fuses traditional African sound with urban hip hop.
Pakistan: The attack on GEO
Metroblogging Islamabad on the attack of Freedom of the Press in Pakistan. “Punjab Police entered Geo News office building in evening, shattered glasses and started shelling within office premises. Rubber Bullets were fired on reporters, camera men, hence injuring a few people as well. The camera coverage was demanded to...
Nepal: Nepalis in New York City
Democracy For Nepal on empowering Nepalis in New York City. “I don't know how many Nepalis there are in New York City. 35,000? 40,000? Nobody really knows for sure. But we have got to earn voting rights in the city elections. The idea is not new. Those with green cards...
Bangladesh: The Police State
Unheard Voices reproduces a mail on requirements in Bangladesh. “Both arriving and departing passengers need to possess the Immigration Service Code (IS Code) before they report at the Immigration counter at Zia International airport. Failure to comply with the same may result in offloading of passenger(s).”. The email generates an...
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe's options in world cricket
Zimcricketnews figures out three options for Zimbabwe in the World Cup Cricket 2007, “The easy option (in maths terms) first: if Zimbabwe beat both Pakistan and West Indies, they’re through. The “need some help” options: if Zimbabwe beat West Indies, and Ireland beat both Pakistan and West Indies; or Zimbabwe...
