29 March 2011
Stories from 29 March 2011
Philippines: TV Host Accused of Child Exploitation
Netizens from the Philippines want authorities to address what they believe was a case of child exploitation on prime time TV when a child was encouraged by a program host to present a sexy dance performance.
Bolivia’s Conflicting Stance With the USA on Coca Chewing
The 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs ordered the elimination of chewing coca leaves within 25 years of the treaty going into effect. Bolivia has again resurfaced as a proponent to eliminate this UN ban. The US moved to block Bolivia’s request, further citing that an amendment to the article shows Bolivia’s lack of cooperation in the fight against the drug trade.
Greece: Thessaloniki Documentary Festival Succeeds in Hard Times
The week-long 13th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival presented a line up of approximately 220 films from around the world from 11-30 March, 2011, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Themes included regional retrospectives (this year focusing on the Middle East and Africa) and tributes to Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa and Czech Helena Trestikova.
Mexico: New (Dis)Agreement on Reporting Violence
On March 24, most of the biggest Mexican media outlets signed the "Agreement to Cover Violence in Mexico," an agreement that unifies the editorial criteria to cover and report news related to "the drug war." Many support and defend the document, but the text has also sparked strong disagreement and criticism.
Côte d'Ivoire: Where is Gbagbo's General, Philippe Magou?
Monday March 14, 2011, was a busy day in Côte d'Ivoire. After violence this past weekend in the Abobo district of southerly economic capital Abidjan, Ivorians in the city were woken up by Kalashnikovs and heavy artillery. For a few days now, the rumors in Abidjan have been growing as to Ivorian army General Philippe Mangou's responsibility in this crisis.
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Syria: Complexity Behind the Protests
Unrest in Syria enters its second week, as anti-government protests continue in their bid to oust President Bashar al-Assad. Whilst it may seem that the unrest in Syria is a natural progression of the Arab revolution spreading throughout the region, there are unique dynamics in Syria that distinguish it from other Arab states.
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Afghanistan: Leaked Photos Unveil “Repugnancies” Committed by US Army
On March 21, 2011, the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel released three horrific photos of Afghan civilians killed by a group of United States soldiers. Bloggers have reacted to the photos with shock and indignation.
==> As Africans we need to let go of our victimhood, inferiority complex & acceptance of the mediocre. We deserve...