Global Voices

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The world is talking, are you listening?

Iran

Kosoof, a leading photoblogger, says a group of women rights activists gathered to meet Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, with red roses in their hands to wipe off bad memories of slogans which were written against her outside the walls of her house and remind the positive effects of her activities. Watch the photos here.

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Azerbaijan

Linda in Azerbaijan compares life in the country with that back home and especially when it comes to often probing questions about an individual's personal life. Despite the lack of privacy often encountered, the blog concludes that Azerbaijanis are nonetheless very friendly and have kind hearts.

Azerbaijan

Azer-[bye]-jackie posts a list of 30 interesting tidbits and observations about living in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan

Thoughts on the Road updates its readers on the referendum to be held in Azerbaijan in March. Seeking to remove the two-term restriction limit for the president, the blog says that despite voter apathy and a boycott by the opposition for last year's presidential election, opponents of the move are starting to unite. However, the blog notes, obstacles still remain and not least in a number of high profile court cases brought against those seeking to protest the latest developments in the country.

Azerbaijan

Sheki, Azerbaijan continues to introduce its readers to some of the many cultural traditions in the country, and especially those involving food. In a new post the blog writes about mürəbbə, a sweet and sour jam.

Azerbaijan

Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines comments on the referendum to be held in March to remove the presidential two-term restriction and questions whether the legal procedures ahead of the vote have been adhered to by the authorities. In a second post the same blog details the arrest of a group of teenage boys in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan for cutting a power line to a government building. After being beaten by police and having their heads shaved, one of the boy's parents was placed in a psychiatric institution and the blog wonders if Azerbaijan can be considered a democracy.

Philippines

The acclaimed indie film Concerto: Davao War Diary depicts the interaction of a Filipino family with Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. Concerto, set in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, is based on true events. The film's trailer can be viewed on YouTube.