Stories from 1 February 2011
Russia: Online Freedom of Expression in 2010
In 2010, as the Internet became an increasingly important medium of communication for Russians—which a 40 percent spike in RuNet’s daily audience (RuMetrica) indicates—the issue of freedom of expression online gained in prominence. To a greater extent than ever before, Russians have begun to use the Internet as a channel for political activism and mobilization, a development that Russian leadership has found unnerving, as evidenced by its efforts to clamp down on cyberspace activity.
Egypt: Thugs Unleashed to Terrorise Protesters
Government-paid thugs have been unleashed on protesters across Egypt, in a bid to scare them and let them break their protests, which have been on going for eight days. On Twitter, netizens from around the world shook their heads in horror as the provocation unfolded.
Blogger asks: “Could instability spread to Latin America?”
Considering the recent and ongoing events in Tunisia and Egypt, Bloggings by boz asks: “If it is a crisis year, what would it mean for Latin America?”. Boz goes over several points to answer this question and opens up a thread to discuss Latin American stability with readers.
Egypt: “We Want Mubarak to Go Now!”
A defiant Hosni Mubarak addressed the Egyptian people for the second time since protests calling for an end of his regime started eight days ago. His first address fired back on him, drawing more anger from the crowds who want to see him gone, after he has been at the helm of their country for 30 years. And his second speech is not faring any better. Tonight, he told Egyptians that he will not run in the November presidential elections, rallying the impatient crowds at Tahrir Square even more.
Uganda: Protests in North Africa Won't Affect the Upcoming Election
Rosebell Kagumire argues that the recent protests in North Africa won't affect Uganda's upcoming election: “There’s a lot of money being distributed now across the country as we near the voting day on February 18th. And the youth who could have made a difference are part of this crowd which...
Video: Explosive Chinese Popcorn
Videos of a unique Chinese popcorn making technique are doing their rounds on the internet. While for many popcorn popping has a unique rhythm to it that trickles from a single popping kernel to a deluge of pings and pops; in China, popcorn pops with a bang.
Portugal: Reflections on Egypt
Portuguese bloggers react to the wave of revolts in Tunisia and Egypt in recent weeks, relating it to issues in their country. In this post we select some of reflections by Portuguese citizens on the scenario of change in comparative, and local and international perspectives.
Bangladesh: Asian University Of Women Blossoming
Marina Mahathir, daughter of the ex-Malaysian statesman Mahathir Mohamad, visited the Asian University For women in Chittagong, Bangladesh for the second time in three years and reports its progress.
Peru: Gay Marriage Becomes Presidential Election Issue
Same-sex marriage has been debated for some time, and its possible legalization has become a part of the election platforms of presidential candidates in Peru. This follows the rejection of the matter by a representative of the Catholic Church. The issue has generated many diverse reactions.
El Salvador: Violence in Gold Mining Region Continues
“There has been a troubling resurgence of violence and threats of violence in the Cabañas region of El Salvador, where gold mining companies want to open mines. Those mining plans have been blocked by the Salvadoran government and a strong environmental movement,” reports Tim from Tim's El Salvador Blog.
Mexican Ambassador in London Demands Apology From BBC
In Mexico Unmasked, Tim Johnson reports: “[…]‘outrageous,’ ‘vulgar,’ ‘inexcusable,’ ‘offensive,’ ‘xenophobic’ and ‘humiliating.’ Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora used those words in a public letter demanding that the BBC apologize for what he said was highly offensive commentary on the Top Gear program seen Sunday night, built around a supposed Mexican...
Haiti: Drive-By Shooting Reported
@KarlJeanJeune shares some distressing news on Twitter: “5 Armed men in a white Toyota Landcruiser opened fire in the Petionville Area in Rue Faubert. No known victims. #Haiti”
Cameroon: EU Grant Sparks Homophobia Row
A few days after the slaughter of gay rights activist David Kato in Uganda, another gay-rights related issue has come under the spotlight in Cameroon. European Union funding of Alice Nkom's project about raising awareness on LGBT issues in the country has sparked a debate.
Trinidad & Tobago: Having a Say on the SSA
“The ever-increasing power that is being cultivated via Twitter and Facebook (just ask Hosni Mubarak) needs to be recognised by the government”: Bloggers are still discussing the matter of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Directorship.
Trinidad & Tobago: Where's the Culture?
“Carnival is slowly becoming nothing but a two day drunken orgy to music where a celebration of a people used to be”: Plain Talk is underwhelmed by this year's Carnival soca offerings.
Cuba: Uncovering Martí
Repeating Islands blogs about the commemoration of the 158th birthday of national hero José Martí, while Iván's File Cabinet says: “The government likes to sell the image of a sad guy, committed to the independence of his homeland…Martí was much more.”
Arab World: A Revolution Time-Table
An Arab revolution time-table is being circulated online, with potential revolution dates pencilled in for Sudan, Syria, Algeria, Libya and Morocco. The dates are January 30 (Sudanese students are already marching the streets), February 5, February 12 and March 3, respectively. Here's some of the chatter from Twitter.
Jamaica: Patois Bible
Diaspora litblogger Geoffrey Philp is “surprised at the bangarang in Jamaica over the Patois Bible”.
Jordan: Reactions to a New Prime Minister
Jordan has seen several weeks of peaceful protests asking for a change in government led by Prime Minister Samir Rifai. These protests were aimed at relief from high prices which are increasing due to decreased government subsidies and increased taxes. Given Jordan's high public debt, running at 62.4% of GDP,...
Egypt: Egyptologist Blogger Surveys Museum Damage
To the dismay of world citizens, the famous Cairo Egyptian Museumwas vandalized and looted on Friday. Margaret Maitland, an Egyptologist at Oxford University, has identified some of the damaged pieces with photos in her blog.
Egypt: Millions March Across Egypt, Calling on Mubarak to Step Down
Different figures are being circulated online, but the fact remains one. Millions of people from all walks of life marched across Egypt today, calling on president Hosni Mubarak to step down. Even more people are cheering on them to insist on their demands, as the world continues to watch them on news channels, which are broadcasting developments live worldwide.
