Stories from 9 March 2008
Armenia: Baby Boom
Blogian says that with emigration and low birth rates common for Armenia in recent years he is happy that at least nine of his relatives are expecting babies. Although this means more expenditures in terms of presents for his relatives, the blog says that the news is very important and...
Armenia: Protest Internet Censorship
Given that various media sites as well as YouTube have been blocked in Armenia since the declaration of a state of emergency in the country last weekend, my Armenia Election Monitor 2008 says that Reporters Sans Frontieres’ first International Online Free Expression Day on 12 March is somewhat timely.
Caucasus: Internal & External Problems
Marilisa Lorusso's blog rounds up the latest political and geopolitical developments from the South Caucasus and says that all three republics are preoccupied with seeking solutions to unresolved internal and external problems. The blog also notes that despite state of emergency restrictions on the media, activity on the Internet continues...
Morocco: Peace Corps
Connie in Morocco gives an insider's perspective into her work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco.
Morocco: Support for Fouad Mourtada
Eatbees shares a video of protests which took place on March 1 in honor of Fouad Mourtada.
Morocco: Tour Hassan
Moroccan Meanderings gives a history lesson on Rabat's Tour Hassan.
Iran:”Negative books will be collected”
Divanesara says[Fa] that Iranian authorities announced the books with “negative values” will be collected from libraries.The blogger says there is no hope in this country.
Armenia: Video Evidence
Unzipped posts a video apparently proving that police fired directly at protesters during last week's clashes between the opposition and authorities in downtown Yerevan. I say “apparently” because as YouTube has been blocked as part of state of emergency restrictions on the media, it can't be viewed in Armenia.
Iran:Police set a boy's hair on fire
Here is a video film showing how Iranian police set a boy's/young man's hair on fire. It seems he had been arrested because of his long hair.
Iran:Art and Palestine
Carboncopy,an Iranian blogger, has published a series of posters created by Palestinian artists.
Jordan: Introducing Suheir Hammad
From Jordan, Rambling Hal introduces us to poet Suheir Hammad.
Algeria: Two Journalists Jailed
Two Algerian journalists have been jailed, reports Or Does it Explode …
Ikbis: First Birthday
Ikbis, the Arabic version of YouTube, celebrates its first birthday – for the second time.
Caucasus: Eurovision Song Contest Fever… and Politics
It might be considered a little cheesy, but the South Caucasus takes participation in the annual Eurovision song contest very seriously indeed. Not only does the competition represent the region moving closer to Europe, but given that this year has proven to be a political turbulent one it might also provide people here with a welcome break from rigged votes and post-election unrest.
Dubai: Leave Our Islands Alone!
Dubai Sunshine appeals to developers to leave islands alone. “I noticed that many islands had a “no trespassing allowed” sign on them…While others were littered with construction machinery. Some islands already have some private resorts built on them,” writes the blogger.
Blogger of the Week: Yazan Badran
A Syrian blogger in Japan? That's no other than our Syria author and Arabic Lingua editor Yazan Badran, who has agreed to sit with us this week for our Blogger of the Week series of interviews with Global Voices Online authors and volunteers. Who is Yazan Badran and what does he do? What interests him and what annoys him? Read on to learn more.
Armenia: Alternative Religious Message
Unzipped posts a summary of a talk show broadcast earlier today on a religious radio station in Yerevan which featured an Armenian priest criticizing both the government and the opposition for the situation in the country. Regretting the media blackout which has accompanied the state of emergency, the priest found...
Bahamas: Standing Up for Women
Lynn Sweeting blogs about what she would do if she were the Bahamian Minister of Women's Affairs.
Trinidad & Tobago: Week in Review
Trinidadian blogger Jeremy Taylor gives us the week in review.
Barbados: Lenten Fare
Barbadian blogger Tastes Like Home serves up some mouth-watering Lenten recipes.
Barbados: Promises Kept?
The new Prime Minister of Barbados is yet to implement his proposed Ministerial Code and has “made statements indicating that the promised ‘100 days’ deadline for integrity and freedom of information legislation may not happen” – Barbados Free Press says: “Should Prime Minister Thompson and the DLP Government continue down...
