Stories from 11 December 2008
Korea as a Multi-Ethnic Country
A daily newspaper, Hankyoreh, which is categorized as a progressive newspaper (or sometimes left-wing) introduced a series of articles, ‘Multi-Culturalism is Our Future.’ [KR] Korea, where one culture and one ethnic group are emphasized, currently has a population with only 2 percent foreign residents –1 million population. The newspaper article...
Dominican Republic: Thoughts on the Local Film Industry
Even though new technologies are making it easier to make movies, film in the Dominican Republic has a long way to go, writes Rocío Díaz of Monaco [es].
Argentina: Human Rights Declaration
Efrain Espinoza of Artepolitica [es] reflects on the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Universal Human Rights and its role in Argentina.
Argentina: Strange Case of Gerez Forgotten by the Public
In Argentina, Esteban Grinberg of De Todo Un Poco [es] writes that the disappearance and strange reappearance of Luis Gerez has been forgotten by the general public nearly 2 years after the original news broke. Gerez testified against a former torturer, who had been elected to Congress.
Nigeria: James Iroha Uchechukwu wins photography prize
African Loft reports that James Iroha Uchechukwu has won the Prince Claus prize for photography, and posts a slideshow of his work.
Zimbabwe: Human Rights Day in Bulawayo
Women of Zimbabwe Arise writes about the commemoration of International Human Rights Day in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, which included a protest march for the release of abducted activists.
Eritrea: Architecture in Asmara
Sociolingo's Africa posts a few pictures of different buildings in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea.
Middle East: Snapshots of Eid
For millions of Muslims around the world, Eid Al Adha was a time for celebrations, family gatherings and reflections on the occasion. Here's a snapshot of reactions from bloggers in Tunisia, Kuwait, Egypt and Turkey.
Egypt: Free Hoder
Elijah Zarwan, from Egypt, is lending his voice to the Free Hoder campaign, calling for the release of jailed Iranian blogger Hossein Derakhshan. “Hossein, if you read this when you get out (may it be soon), sorry for calling for the authorities to release you. I know you asked people...
UAE: The Best and Worst Airports
Tom Gara, who lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE, took a trip which involved six flights in seven days. He lists the worst and best airports he travelled through in this post.
Taiwan: The government could not wait to harvest wild strawberries
The forced eviction of Wild Strawberries Movement at the Freedom Square this morning (Dec 11), just a few hours after the International Human Rights Day, shows the Taiwan government's hypocrisy in the implementation of human rights .
The Difference Between Greece and Egypt
Egyptian Chronicles compares between the situation in Egypt and in Greece and writes: “I mean the Greeks are mad about one teenage while from two weeks ago in successive four days four citizens were killed in Egypt from the Delta to Cairo to Aswan by the Police for no reason...
Bahrain: Special Shaikh Sooka?
What's a “special shaikh sooka?” asks Bint Battuta in Bahrain. To find out, check out her post here.
Bahrain: The Ignored Generation
Ali Abdulemam, from Bahrain, wonders why politicians don't ask the young generation for their views on the issues they are facing.
Kuwait: Marzouq Goes to Hajj
Kuwaiti blogger Marzouq performed Hajj, the pilgrimage Muslims perform to Mecca, at least once in their life time, if they have the means to do so.
Iraq: Not in the Mood for Eid and Special Occasions
Muslims around the world are marking Eid Al Adha, a religious festival which marks the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to Allah and the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Iraqi bloggers seem to be united and are in no mood for celebration.
Russia: Nikolay Ozerov
De Rebus Antiquis Et Novis writes about Nikolay Ozerov, a legendary Soviet sportscaster and tennis champion.
Western Sahara: Controversy Over McDonald's Maps
The Moroccan McDonald's franchise faced controversy last week after it released a children's “Happy Meal” toy which included a map of Morocco. The borders on the map separated Western Sahara from Morocco; the Western Sahara is a disputed territory between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front. The controversy ended with...
Israel: Looking for Love? Start Blogging
Hadassah Sabo has a suggestion for finding love online. “Attention single guys/girls! Get a blog and write on it. Write about your dating woes!” she opines. “You know why? People eventually start emailing you with suggestions for a shidduch [love match].”
Palestine: Israeli Raid Ruins Lunchtime
In an entry entitled, “The Israeli Army Raid on my Street Ruined my Shawarma,” Mo-ha-med of The Traveller Within posts about returning from shopping to find a road in his Ramallah neighborhood blocked. He complains, “By now, my shawarma was cold. Damn Occupation!”
Palestine: Terrorist Dolls Not the Best Stocking Stuffer
“What could be more enjoyable for your kids this year than a doll resembling an Al-Qaeda terrorist?” asks Palestinian-American blogger Nawal of Bloggin' Banat. Maya Norton picks up the story on the doll, fashioned after the classic Lego, and tells us why we will not have our hands on it soon.
