January, 2009
Stories from January, 2009
8 January 2009
Iranian government uses Gaza conflict to repress
While several Iranian bloggers (including Islamist ones) multiplied their posts and digital initiatives, such as a “Google bomb” to condemn Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip, some other bloggers are saying the Iranian government is using the “Gaza conflict moment” to repress media and civil society inside the country.
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Azerbaijan: Day of Ashura
Yesterday marked the Day of Ashura, a religious festival commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, at the battle of Karbala. Often associated with images of flagellation using chains, the day is observed in Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shia but secular Moslem country in the South Caucasus, differently.
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Malawi: Gas prices remain high despite global plunge
There are growing calls in Malawi for the government to reduce the price of gas, following a global drop in prices in recent weeks. While many countries have seen reductions in gas prices, in Malawi it has stayed the same as when it reached the highest prices in July 2008. Bloggers and forum users in Malawi discuss the problem.
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Philippines: Phenomenal video protests
‘Juana Change’ protest videos are the newest YouTube sensation in the Philippines. The videos were introduced last month when various groups were opposing the proposal to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Thanks to the internet, Juana Change (played by artist Mae Paner) is now a popular figure in the Philippines.
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Taiwan: Organic farming in Taiwan
In Taiwan, more and more farmers adopt organic farming methods, from rice to vegetables, from fruits to roses, and from tea to coffee. These farmers use blogs to support each other and sell their products.
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I guess this story is supposed to make us Haitians proud of something , just because it involves the USA...