Stories from 20 August 2014
Pop-up Ad Inventor's “I'm Sorry” Upsets Celebs, Raises Fears of an “Apology Avalanche” in Silicon Valley
Pop-up ad inventor Ethan Zuckerman's much-publicised apology pisses off pop stars, and has some Silicon Valley folks shaking in their boots.
Another Ceasefire Collapses in Gaza, Death Toll Rises Above 2,000
Yet again, both Hamas and Israel exchanged blame for the failure of the so-called peace talks.
“I Don’t Love You Death, But I’m Not Afraid of You”: Palestinian Resistance Poet Samih Al-Qasim Loses Battle to Cancer
Given his importance, it seems only fitting that upon hearing news of his death, Palestinians immediately took to social media to mourn their “resistance poet.”
The Alexander Sodiqov I Know, by Global Voices Contributor Mahina Shodizoda
65 days after his arrest by Tajik authorities, charges against Alexander Sodiqov have yet to be cancelled. Mahina Shodizoda explains why her country needs more people like him, not fewer.
The Egyptian Government Asks the U.S. to “Show Restraint in Ferguson” and Twitter Users Respond With This Brilliant Hashtag
Through the sarcastic hash tag #EgyPoliceTipsToUS, Twitter users are advising US police on how to respond to protestors in Ferguson, Missouri.
SMS Death Threats Stoke Fears on Fate of Abducted Journalist in Maldives
The messages came just days before the unexplained disappearance of journalist and democracy advocate Ahmed Rizwan Abdulla.
Take a Lyrical and Visual Trek Through the Back Streets of Almaty, Kazakhstan
Dennis Keen's beautifully written blogs have exposed English speakers to some inaccessible elements of Central Asian culture. So, why is he now waxing lyrical about Soviet-era manhole covers?
How ISIS Came to Leave Its Black Stain on Syria
If Syria bears responsibility for the rise of ISIS, the country has also borne the initial brunt of the group's aggressions, writes Marcell Shehwaro.
Do You Have to Be Christian to Be Jamaican?
A Jamaican politician has sparked debate over his comments that "the country has moved too far from God, and has ceased pleasing God."
Russians Don't Care for Bloggers, Approve of Bloggers’ Law
Russians are mostly unaware of the new bloggers' law, and those who do know about it think it's a good idea, a new public opinion poll has found.
The Fight Against Mining's Destructive Consequences in Colombia
Mining generates social conflict, human rights violations for vulnerable populations, and a negative environmental impact, among other problems.
Lessons from Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's First National Hero
Marcus Garvey, who was born 127 years ago, was a fervent supporter of Pan-Africanism. On the anniversary of his birthday, two bloggers commemorated the leader.
The Internet Never Forgets: Join a Global Conversation on the EU’s ‘Right to Be Forgotten’
If the 'Right to be Forgotten' were implemented in your country, would it threaten the public interest? Global Voices editors are asking experts worldwide for their thoughts on the issue.
Not Human by Default: Humans of New York Takes on the Middle East
Responses to popular photo project Humans of New York's tour of the Middle East uncovers some unfortunate trends around perceptions of other cultures, writes Hiba Dlewati.
Ignoring Pro-Democracy Protests, China's Media Trumpets Pro-Beijing March in Hong Kong as the ‘Majority’
China has promised Hong Kong a direct vote for the next chief executive, but insists that a committee approve the candidates. Pro-democracy protesters want the right to choose the candidates.
Prominent Egyptian Activist Alaa Abdel Fattah Goes on Hunger Strike
Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah has entered an open-ended hunger strike until he is released from prison, his family said in a statement posted on Facebook today.
Five Million People Have Had Enough of Myanmar's Current Constitution
Myanmar's opposition is pushing a large-scale constitutional reform effort to remove "undemocratic provisions" that it says sustain the country's current military-backed government.