10 September 2010

Stories from 10 September 2010

Russia: Wheat Export Ban Triggers Worldwide Panic

  10 September 2010

A new Russian ban on grain exports, including wheat, has created a panic over how the move will impact wheat prices and food security. Russia is among the world's top five wheat exporters, but crops were devastated this summer as the country was hit with a record-breaking heatwave, severe droughts and wildfires.

Angola: Journalist Killed for Unclear Motive

  10 September 2010

Angolan journalist Alberto Chakussanga was killed on September 5, at his house. The motive behind the killing is not clear. Some bloggers suggest [pt] that there are connections with politics, as Chakussanga hosted a radio programme critical of the Government. Committee to Protect Journalists and French NGO Reporters Sans Frontiers...

Venezuela: Will the Economy Really Improve?

  10 September 2010

In Venezuela News and Views, Daniel Duquenal shares his opinion about the recent statements by Finance Minister Jorge Giordani, who said they hope to keep inflation low and see economic growth this year. Daniel says, “The fact of the matter is that for people like me, at ground zero, there...

Kenya: PayPal Users Can Now Receive Money

  10 September 2010

PayPal users in Kenya can now receive money,Nigerian blogger Oluniyi Ajao reports: “The big P of e-commerce, now offers more service to residents of Kenya. Paypal users in Kenya can now receive money via PayPal, and withdraw same to a US bank account if they have one.

Zimbabwe: Mugabe Must Go Now

  10 September 2010

After 30 years in power, now it is time for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to go: “The Union for Sustainable Democracy suggests that even if Robert Mugabe is in good health, its about time he stepped down.”

D.R of Congo: Kabila's dislike for large diplomatic gatherings

  10 September 2010

Please, do not invited the President of D.R. of Congo to a large diplomatic gathering: “President Joseph Kabila is well known for his dislike of attending large diplomatic gatherings. He did not attend the AU summit in Kampala or the France-Africa summit in Nice, both held this summer. He also...

Ghana: Andikra Cloth Symbols

  10 September 2010

Ma-Jordan's photo of the week is Andikra cloth symbols: “Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, that represent concepts or aphorisms.”

Azerbaijan: Opposition bloc unveiled

  10 September 2010

Tamada Tales comments on news that two opposition parties, Musavat and the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, have formed an election bloc to contend 90 of the 125 seats up for grabs in November's parliamentary election. However, the blog notes, while some are willing to give it the “benefit of the...

South Korea: Daughter's Hire Sparks Public Outrage

  10 September 2010

It is disturbing but universal fact of life. People from the priviledged class get a fancy job easily. In South Korea, a recent hiring of the Foreign Minister’s daughter into the ministry has made front pages for several consecutive days, promting public anger.

Asia: Videos on Drug Abuse and Detention Centers

  10 September 2010

Drug abuse detention centers in Asia are in the spotlight. Although some Asian drug addicts go in voluntarily to kick their habit, in some places, this has led to routine human rights abuses where people off the street are locked up with no choice, tortured, raped, forced to work for free and denied basic comforts.

Azerbaijan: Ramadan in Sheki

  10 September 2010

Sheki, Azerbaijan comments on observing Ramadan in Azerbaijan. The blog says that the holiday is a time for sharing and remembering relatives that have passed away as well as those also marking the tradition.

Brazil: Independence Day and East Timorese Self Determination

  10 September 2010

“To talk about Brazil, I chose East Timor”, wrote [pt] Leonardo Sakamoto, on the 188th anniversary of the Brazilian “political independence”, September 7. He talks about dignity and self-determination, while reflecting on the lessons learnt from the recent history of East Timor, that voted for independence in a popular referendum in August 1999.

Nigeria: Corruption and Politics in Football Elections

  10 September 2010

This week a Federal Court nullified the results of a recent election held for top posts in the NFF, Nigerian football's governing body. Toyin comments on the shenanigans that undermined the NFF election:  “The best candidates found out again that Nigerian football is under vicious grip of our politicians…”