Stories from 13 February 2011
Tunisia: An Ongoing Battle for Democracy
Just because the dictator is gone, it doesn't mean the dictatorship is over. Indeed, Tunisians often describe the 23-year-old repressive regime of Ben Ali as an octopus which has had it's head cut off, but still has its arms.
Iran:Protesters on rooftops
Several video films show protesters on rooftops in Tehran chanting ‘God is Great’ and ‘down with dictator’ on Sunday. Tommorow Iranian opposition called for a demonstration in Iran.
India: Magazines Trusted More Than Newspapers
Sans Serif informs citing statistics that Indians trust magazines more than newspapers.
The Psychology of Autocratic Dictators
Bangladesh, Canada And Beyond highlights the common psychology of the present and past autocratic dictators of the world.
Bangladesh: The Green Mosque
Bangladesh Unlocked writes about the green mosque at Sunamganj, which was built in the early part of the twentieth century.
Pakistan: Protests Against Impunity for US Diplomat Raymond Davis
Raymond Davis, an American diplomatic staff, is under investigation for the double murder of two Pakistani motorcyclists in Karachi, Pakistan. Following the US demand to release Davis, the protesters took to the streets in a country which already has increasing anti-US sentiments.
China: Farewell to all Mubaraks!
"Illegitimate regimes," writes Chinese novelist Yang Hengjun of Hosni Mubarak, "end up illegitimate, no matter how many impressive reasons you put forward, no matter how smooth-tongued you are, no matter how big your army is."
Bangladesh: Proposed International Airport Stumbles Over Environment Controversy
A recent venture by the Bangladesh government to takeover 25000 acres of wetlands (Arial Beel) 60km South of the capital city of Dhaka, for a proposed International airport and satellite city led to protests and violence in the area. Netizens too, reacted strongly to the government proposal citing the environmental impact and damage to the livelihoods.
Iran: Protesters interrupted a State sponsored concert
Here is a film showing Iranian protesters interrupted an Iranian government sponsored concert in Malaysia.
China: Campaign to Free Blind Human Rights Activist
Since his release from prison on September 8, 2010, blind Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng has been held under 24 hour home surveillance by security police in Shandong, a province in eastern China.
Sudan: Southern Sudan and the challenges of self-rule
Ken analyses the challenges of self-rule in Southern Sudan: “The spotlight is on the political elite in the South. Will they hammer out a power and resource sharing deal or will despotism yet again kill the independence dreams of an African nation? I can’t stop thinking that John Garang’ de...
Jordan: “Egypt's Revolution. My Revolution.”
Humeid of 360east.com traces his personal political journey from Jordan's 1989 political liberalization project, to his blogging career, to the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. “If I allowed, apathy or hopelessness to creep into my mind over the past 20 years, the courage of the millions of people on the street...
Jordan: What Would You Write to the King?
7iber.com asks Jordanian readers what they would write in a statement to the king, with dozens of responses so far.
Sudan: Protesters still under detention
Dozens of people in Sudan, many of them university students, who were arrested after participating in the protests that started on 30th January are still under detention.
Zambia: Mines Audit Reveals Massive Tax Evasion
The issue of windfall tax on Zambia’s main export, copper, refuses to go away for the current administration of President Rupiah Banda which it removed a couple of years ago apparently because of low international copper prices at the time. The latest issue is the revelation that mine companies, or at least one of them, Mopani Copper Mines is involved in a massive tax evasion scam.
Sudan: May the wind of change sweep through the Upper Nile
Following the triumph of the Egyptian people, tweets are flowing from Sudan to Egypt with one clear message, "May the wind of change sweeps toward the valley of the Upper Nile.”
Hong Kong: Hiking
Journey to Hong Kong introduces a hiking route where one can have a glimpse of the city's history while enjoying the unique landscape.
Malaysia: National language and patriotism debate
Jebat Must Die from Malaysia writes about the online debate between prominent political bloggers about the use of the national language in the country and its link to nationalism.
Indonesia: Java Jazz Festival
The Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia will take place next month. It will be one of the largest jazz festivals in the world.
Cambodia, Thailand: Tweets about the border conflict
Tharum Bun gathers twitter reactions in Cambodia about the current border conflict involving Thailand and Cambodia.
Malaysia: Unemployed college graduates
Greg Lopez, writing for the New Mandala, tackles the issue of unemployment among college graduates in Malaysia.
