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Kuwait: Crazy Week for Bloggers

Abdullatif AlOmar · 20:07 · Middle East & North Africa

Kuwaiti bloggers had a crazy week, which started with an earthquake, or rather a small tremor, early on Saturday morning. The next day a blogger was arrested for a comment an anonymous reader left on his online forum. The week culminated with a fire at a local hospital and the resignation of Kuwait's first female minister.

Forzaq8 talks about how some people were blaming the government for it.

“Most news outlets and couple of blogs are saying there was an earthquake yesterday. Normally, I’m sleeping but yesterday I stayed up late. I never felt anything , yet one of the news outlets is saying that people get out of their apartment building scared,” he wrote.

Then Sunday rolled over and another earthquake hit the country. This time its was our freedom that was shaking.

A Kuwaiti reporter, who also operates a blog, was arrested by the State security as covered reported earlier by GV. He was then released on Wednesday - after spending around three days held up in a cell and interrogated.

This occupied most of the blog talk this week - but there were other discussions.

Grey over Grey Fort complains about music selection on the local FM station (government operated).

“Just the fact that Super station plays same music at the same time everyday,” he notes.

Amer at Hilaliya talks about the effect of the decision to bar the participation of foreign companies in the bidding for Kuwait's third mobile operator.

The above piece of news doesn't bode well for the general consumer. Basically what it means is this: investors behind MTC and Watanaiya and other local entities have been offered a bigger chance of controlling a chunk of the new company, thereby instigating another telephony monopoly in Kuwait.

So with the earth shaking at the start of the week, followed by an attack on freedom, the week ended with a boom. A fire broke out at a hospital, leading to the resignation of the first Kuwaiti female minister.

Kuwait Doll speaks about something she saw on TV and how it made her feel.

أمس حصل حريق في مستشفى الجهراء
ومثل هذه الحرائق ممكن تحصل وفي أي مكان
لكن
انا مو هامني بالموضوع لا معصومه مبارك ولا أي نائب ولا أي مسؤول
لأن كلهم قاعدين يتحبلون لبعض وفخار يكسر بعضه
ولو تستقيل معصومه وايي اميه وراها الوضع مثل ما اهوا عليه
وحتى النواب اللي طالبوها بالاستقاله مو احسن منها

There was a fire at Jahra Hospital yesterday and such fires can break out anywhere at any time. What concerns me is not Masooma Mubarak (Health Minister) or parliamentarians or any official because they are all waiting for one another to fall and they are all pottery which will break itself. Even is Masooma resigns and she is replaced with a 100, the situation will remain as is. Even parliamentarians who are calling for her resignation aren't any better.

انا اللي مخليني من امس مو مستوعبه
تصريح مدير منطقة الجهراء بالانابة الدكتور احمد العوضي
دكتور هاا خليكم معاي يعني انسان من المفترض يكون عنده اسلوب وفاهم
بالضبط اللي سمعته الساعه خمس الا ربع العصر
على قناة الكويت الأولى
حوار بين المذيع يوسف مصطفى
وأخينا الدكتور
وبنقلكم بعض من كلامه مع اختلاف الكلام وليس المضمون
الحريق لم يكن هائل بل لم يتعدا العشر أمتار لكن الدخان كان كثيف هو من أثار الرعب لدى المرضى وموظفين المستشفى
“استخفاف بالحريق ونسى ان الحريق في مستشفى لو يكون مترين فهو يشكل خطر”
تم احتواء الحادث بسرعه كبيره وبانجاز كبير
وتم نقل المرضى بسرعه من مكان الحريق الى اماكن ثانيه
وتم تسريح بعض المرضى التي لم تدعي الحاجه الى بقائهم في المستشفى
“عيل اشحقه كانوا موجودين ؟ استجمام؟”
وتم الاتصال بذويهم لاستلامهم
“طبعا ما أشار للمرضى اللي ضربتهم الشمس قاطينهم بره”

What I couldn't comprehend from yesterday was the statement made by acting Jahra area manager Dr Ahmed Al Awadhi. He is a doctor and this means that he knows how to communicate and knows what he is talking about.
At 4:45pm on Kuwait Channel One, I heard an interview with him and anchor Yousif Mustapha and I will relay what he said if not using the exact words. He said the fire wasn't big and did not destroy more than 10 metres but it was the thick smoke which scared patients and hospital employees. That is total disregard for the situation as he forgot that a fire in a hospital is dangerous - even if it only effected two metres.
He said the fire was effectively put out quickly and the patients were transferred to other areas. He said those who didn't have to remain in the hospital were released.
So why were they in the hospital in the first place? Was it for recreational activities?
He said their families were called to pick them up. He of course failed to mention those who were left out in the sun and got sun stroke.

هل كانت هناك خسائر بشريه ؟
للاسف نعم حصلت حالتين وفاة
لكن
“ركزو معاي”
الحالتين اساسا حالات ميئوس منها
ومرضى بمرض مزمن
وسبب الوفاة انهم متصلين بأجهزة تنفس اصطناعي
وعند اضطرارنا لقطع التيار الكهربائي ونقلهم
حصلت الوفاة
يعني انته لما تقول انهم اساسا حالات ميئوس منها وبما معناه ميتين ميتين الحين انته ترقع حق منووووو”
وهل نسيت ان هالحالتين واللي اهما كبار السن لهم ابناء واهل ؟؟ تتكلم عنهم كأنهم ميتين وخلاص ؟ انته تعلم الغيب؟
عيل ليش اساسا مخلينهم عايشين بعد جان ذبحتوهم على طريقة القتل الرحيم مال امريكا

“Was there and human loss?”
“Unfortunately there were two deaths but” (now concentrate with me)
“these two cases were already hopeless so when the electricity was cut off their artificial respirators, they died.”
Great! So when you say they are hopeless and they going to die anyway who are you covering up for? And have you forgetten that these two old people have families? You talk about them as if they are were dead anyway? Can you foresee the future? If so then why you let them in the hospital and now practised euthanasia like in America?

وعندي بعد ملاحظه
لما تقول انه ماتوا بسبب انقطاع التيار الكهربائي فتوقف تزويدهم بالاكسجين
دام انتو تدرون انها فيها خطوره على حياتهم وين معداتكم اللي تقدرون تستعملونها من غير ما تحتاجون تيار كهربائي
واعتقد في جهاز تنفس صناعي ما يحتاج كهربا
والا هذا مو عندكم بعد؟؟
يعني تقريبا القتل متعمد
لأنهم بكل بساطه كبار وخالصين
قيمة الانسان بالكويت صارت ولا شي
وختمها بأحلا ختااااام
يقول الدكتور
أوجه رساله عبر التلفزيون لأهالي المرضى اللي استلموهم من المستشفى
انهم يردونهم لأنه في خلال 24 ساعه ستسترد المسشتفى كامل نشاطاتها وخدماتها الطبيه
هههههههههههه شر البليه ما يضحك
الحين لاحظوا اهوه قال الحالات اللي لا تستدعي وجودهم بالمستشفى “
“قضبناهم الباب والحين تعالوا ردوا كملوا الاستجمام
مانقول الا حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل

And I have another point as well. When you say they died when the electricity was cut off and they couldn't get oxygen ans when you already knew that they would die without electricity why didn't you use artificial respiratory devices which do not operate on electricity? Or don't you have this device?
In other words we can say that their death was premeditated murder because they were elderly and already dying. The value of human life in Kuwait is now nothing. He ends the interview even better. He calls for the families who have picked up their relatives from the hospital after the fire to return them as the hospital will be up and running again in 24 hours.
hehehe …This is so funny. Didn't he just say that those patients released had no need to be in hospital. We have thrown them out and now we are inviting them to resume their vacation.

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South Africa's Health Minister Under Fire

Muhammad Karim · 16:55, August 28th, 2007 · Sub-Saharan Africa

lingua → pt · bn

South Africa's Health Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has recently been put under fire regarding allegations of alcoholism, her conviction for theft and using undue influence in order to get herself a liver transplant.The Public are in a furore over this matter as the allegations speak volumes regarding the Minister's failure to deliver in many aspects of the health department's ambitions as well as her very controversial stance on the treatment of HIV. Recent developments on this issue are the President's refusal to fire the Minister from her position, as well as the Minister herself thumbing her nose at critics and stating ‘I'm not stepping down'.The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for her dismissal on many occasions since, and have even responded to President Thabo Mbeki's call for anyone to provide evidence of the Minister's misconduct.

Earlier this month, the Presidency invited “anyone who may have evidence which demonstrates that any minister or deputy minister has acted in dereliction of duty … to forward such evidence to the Presidency”.Zille said that apart from the more recent allegations concerning Tshabalala-Msimang — including that she acquired a liver transplant through improper influence, needed the new organ because of alcoholism and was convicted of theft in Botswana — the case for her dismissal rested on “incontrovertible” grounds.”Through a combination of chronic mismanagement and poor judgement, she has presided over a marked deterioration in the quality, efficiency and morale of her department,” Zille said.

The South African Blogosphere has also been abuzz with this topic and various bloggers have aired their opinions of the matter as well as jokes and cartoons.via Mail Forwardsand this… (translation in emphasised parenthesis)

How can someone get bumped up for a liver transplant after getting cirrhosis because she’s a ****** dronkie, spend months in private hospital care (on tax payers geld(money) nogals) and try to sell Beetroot as an AIDS treatment without getting in kak(trouble)? Huh? Ek vra vir jou?(I'm asking you?)Demmit!!! That’s mos(just) gross incompetence and dis mos(It's also) grounds for dismissal… of hoe so?(is it not?)

via Kakduidelik.co.zaSome prefer to make light of the issue with humour…

It has just been announced that the name of the “Johannesburg General Hospital” will be changed. From 1 September 2007 it will officially be known as the “Manto Tshabalala-Msimang Pub & Grill”.The Health Ministry will also have its name changed to “Amaglug-glug”(quoting a famous South African Ad)

via thesouthafricaninsultand… via Zapiro @ Mail & Guardian My Digital Life:

There certainly seems to be a lot of smoke around and we all know that smoke means fire.Will we hear more about her drinking or he pilfering.One headline I would love to see is MANTO QUITS!

The Times Blog:

What surprises me is that no advertisers seem to have taken advantage of the obvious tactical opportunities presented by the latest edition of Mantogate.Back in the 1990s, tactical advertising in response to political events was not uncommon. When Mary Metcalfe, then Gauteng MEC for education, said that if Matric exam papers were leaked, she would eat her hat, and exam papers were subsequently stolen, a Nando’s ad for peri-peri sauce appeared with the relevant clipping and the words “Serving suggestion.” When President Mandela left the country in charge of Mangosuthu Buthelezi for two days, BMW put out a print ad reading, “Mr President , why settle for a mere 48 hours of absolute power?”

Many other blogs have joined the fray since and this issue has seen a lot of air time in the media as well. ANC members and supporters have blasted the media for its role in putting the Minister on trial by public opinion as well as providing excuses for the political loyalty of the President.

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Peru: An Opportunity for the Country

Juan Arellano · 15:25, August 28th, 2007 · Americas

lingua → pt · zht · zhs

In the aftermath of the earthquake in Peru, some bloggers have continued to wonder who is to blame for the disappearance in aid and the sensationalist nature of the coverage. However, others are looking at the disaster as an opportunity for Peruvians to look critically at themselves and at their elected officials in order to make real reforms so that this does not happen again.Gonzalo del Rosario of Web-ad-ass [ES] thinks that some television channels are marketing themselves as a result of their sensationalist coverage.

yo no me quiero sumar a la televisión y a la radio, y a todos los medios de dominación (porque llamarlos de “comunicación” es mucho para ellos) quienes han llenado toda su programación con informes especiales sobre cómo está muriendo la gente en el sur de mi país. No creo que les importe, jamás les importaron, y si la capital, Lima, no hubiese sido asustada y removida hasta las sienes con aquel sismo de 7.5, creo que poco o nada les hubiera importado.Aunque eso no interesa ahora.Es bueno ver que existe gente que se preocupe de una manera sincera y desinteresada, pero también existen otros oportunistas que sólo lo hacen porque saben que los van a ver, y mientras más muertes filmen, más televidentes tendrán.

I don't want to be part of the television and the radio and all of the dominant media (why call them communication media, it's too much for them) that have filled all of their programming with special reports about how the people are dying in the southern part of the country. I don't think it matters to them, it never mattered to them. If the capital of Lima had not been scared to their wit's end with the 7.5 magnitude earthquake, then I don't think they would have cared very little or not at all. Even thought that does not matter right now. It is good to see that there are people that are genuinely and sincerely interested, but there are also those opportunists that know that they'll be noticed. While the more dead that are filmed, the more viewers they will have.

For some there is a certain sense of guilt and reflection regarding the level of help provided in these times of needs. Juan Arellano of Globalizado [ES] asks some tough questions.

Y es cierto, no son sólo los medios, son los blogs, la gente, todos hablamos de lo mismo, iniciativas creadas con otro propósito de pronto sufren accesos o arrebatos “voluntaristas” pero ¿Qué hacemos aparte de hablar? ¿ponernos en la foto para hacer ver que ayudamos? queda bien ¿no? postear desde la comodidad de nuestras casas mientras la gente que se preocupa de verdad también la sufre como los mismos damnificados.

It's true, it is not only the media, but the blogs and the people that all say the same things. Initiatives that are created for other reasons suffer setbacks, but what do we do other than talk? Do we put ourselves in the photo to show that we are helping? It looks good, right? Do we post from the comfort of our own homes while the people that really worry suffer like victims.

A recent article in the Correo Peru [ES] written by José Chlimper, criticizes local governments for its inefficiency and corruption. “The earthquake only makes this more evident, more tragic and easier to report to the press.” Gran Combo Club [ES] comments on this article, and agrees that this presents an opportunity.

Comentario: Son ideas que tienen en común el mirar adelante. En mi opinión no se trata de reformar INDECI, sino de que la institución tenga gente capaz y en permanente capacitación. Pero esto sólo es posible limitando la influencia de los políticos. Tampoco se trata de crear un nuevo ministerio, ” el ministerio de prevención”. No es necesaria más burocracia inoperante. Se trata de que lo que existe funcione. Pero bueno, es una propuesta al fin y al cabo, algo que escasea en el mar de demagogia mediática.

Comment: These are ideas that are related to looking forward. In my opinion, reforming INDECI is not necessary, rather it is important that the institution counts on capable people that are always in training. However, this is only possible by limiting the politician's influence. This does not mean to create a new ministry, “the Ministry of Prevention.” We do not need more inoperable bureaucracy. We need to fix what already exists. Well, this is just a proposal, which is something that is lacking in all of this demagogy.

Arellano continues by following the line of thinking regarding the opportunity for Peru and the role of all of its citizens.

Y sí pues, no se puede negar que el terremoto ha sido como un catalizador, un agente revelador que ha servido para traer a la luz los grandes problemas del país, que están presentes siempre, aunque los ignoremos. Evidentemente cada cual lo trata de acuerdo a su capacidad, proclividades y/o intereses. Pero a nosotros, en nuestro papel de lectores/espectadores, es que nos toca discernir la paja del trigo. Sin embargo, ¿Todos podremos hacerlo?

We cannot deny that the earthquake has been a catalyst, a revealing agent that has brought the big problems of the country to light. They have always been present, event though we ignore them. Evidently, each one addresses them according to one's capacity and/or interests. But we, in our role of readers/spectators, are the ones that should see the difference. However, can we all do it?

Gran Combo Club [ES] writes about the role of politicians in the disappearance of disaster aid.

se están robando la ayuda. Se las agarran con el chofer del gobierno regional del Callao o con los de la municipalidad de la Victoria (ver en Kolumna Okupa: Terremoto en Perú: corrupción y donaciones) pero los peces gordos, los responsables de la imprevisión, la imprudencia criminal de copar y desactivar las instituciones públicas competentes y de los megarobos, no caen, Es lo que manifesté dos días después del 15-8:Desde un punto de vista político, ni nos sorprendamos. Es lo que hacen nuestros políticos en nuestros países, sobre todo cuando debilitan a las instituciones. El copamiento de García ha llevado a esta situación. En 2001 en Arequipa las cosas se hicieron mejor. Todavía quedaba algo de capacidad organizativa en el aparato del estado para responder a las catástrofes. García se la acabó de cargar. No es algo inusitado. Es lo que ocurrió en la Argentina con las inundaciones y con el terremoto de 1970 en el Callejón de Huaylas. La ayuda no llega porque se la roban. Basta ya de no decir las cosas por su nombre.

They are stealing the aid. They make deals with the driver of the regional driver of Callao or with those of the Victoria municipality (see Kolumna Okupa [ES]), but the big fish, those responsible for the lack of foresight and weakening of the competent public institutions and of the large thefts, do not fall. From a political point of view, we are not surprised. This is what the politicians in our countries do, especially when they weaken the institutions. Garcia helped take us to this situation. In Arequipa, they did things better in 2001. There were still some organizational capacity in the state to respond to catastrophes. Garcia finished with all that. This is not something uncommon. It happened during the floods in Argentina and with the 1970 earthquake in the Callejón de Huaylas. The help did not arrived because it was stolen. Enough with not saying things for what they are.

Translation by Eduardo Avila

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Iran: Cheetah Project and Beautiful Sabalan

Juliana Rotich · 05:48 · Iran , Egypt

lingua → pt · ar · es

The celebrated photo blogger Mohammad Darvish dazzles our eyes with a beautiful shot of Sabalan mountains in Northwestern Iran. What a wonderful way to start the week and continuing coverage of voices around the world.
(more…)

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Arabeyes: It's All in a Sign

Amira Al Hussaini · 04:21 · Middle East & North Africa

lingua → fr · de

Signs are an important means to get first-hand information or advertise messages necessary for everyday life. But what happens when the signs are misleading and don't serve the purpose they were put up for.

BRN, who lives in Al Ain, UAE, has taken a picture of this sign found at the Traffic Department:

“This sign is posted at the office here in Al Ain where you register (and renew) your car. I sure hope that it makes more sense in Arabic than it does in English,” he writes.

The Arabic on the sign reads: “Please park your vehicle in the designated parking lot and proceed to the waiting area to collect a receipt for your vehicle inspection from the information desk.”

Talasim, from Jordan, is an Arabic blog which encourages readers to click pictures of signs and advertisements with mistakes in them and post them online.

In this post, reader Omar Abu Arisheh contributes an advertisement posted in a local paper by an English language school. Needless to say, the advert is riddled with glaring spelling errors. Click on the link to spot the mistakes.

Still with Talasim, Shaden Saud from Saudi Arabia contributes the following photograph: