13 June 2011
Stories from 13 June 2011
Egypt: Exploring Twitter’s Potential on the Ground
Micro-blogging site Twitter has become an important discussion forum for young Egyptians since the start of the revolution, writes Lilian Wagdy. Activists recently hosted a Twitter forum (Nadwa) which brought users to discuss the issue of Islamists face to face. Lilian Wagdy sums up reactions to the event.
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Egypt: The Story of the Israeli Spy in Cairo
Ilan Chaim Grapel, an American immigrant to Israel, was arrested in Egypt last Sunday. Grapel has now been detained for 15 days as he is being questioned by the State Security Prosecution over alleged espionage activities in Egypt. Many Egyptians have reacted to the story on Twitter and in their blogs.
Turkey: Election Results, Reactions and Hopes
The results of the Turkish general elections are in, drawing wide ranging reactions from Turkish bloggers. The campaign period for the elections had seen a change in rhetoric in many of the key parties and leaders of Turkish politics and results show a land-slide victory of 50 per cent of the votes for the Justice and Development Party (“AK Party” or “AKP”) in its third term.
Russia: Bloggers Discuss the Fall of Russian Newspapers
A spate of firings at the nearly century old Russian daily Izvestia as well as the online news site Gzt.ru has journalist appealing to the public for their jobs, as the blogosphere questions the merits of the “old guard” journalists.
Cuba: Activists, Bloggers on the Cuba Money Project Vimeo Channel
The Cuba Money Project has launched an impressive video archive with interviews of activists and bloggers in Cuba. Global Voices author Ellery Biddle interviews Tracey Eaton, the founder of the non-profit research and reporting initiative that aims to investigate and bring greater transparency and accountability to US federal spending on “pro-democracy” programs in Cuba.
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Jordan: King Abdullah Shares His Vision for Reform
Abdullah II of Jordan spoke to the country Sunday night about national unity, reform, priorities and his vision for the political future of the country, which will include a constitutional, elected government, and democratic political and economic reform. Jordanian netizens react to the speech.
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Tunisia: Protest to Free a Government Critic
Tunisian protesters took to the streets yesterday calling for the immediate release of Samir Feriani, who has been in custody since May 29, 2011, for openly criticising the Interior Ministry. Human Rights Watch and Anonymous both addressed the Tunisian authorities and asked them to free him.
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==> As Africans we need to let go of our victimhood, inferiority complex & acceptance of the mediocre. We deserve...