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Wikipedia: The Peruvian Faces Behind the Project · Global Voices
Juan Arellano

Juan Arellano – There seems to be very few Peruvian contributors to Wikipedia, do you agree?
Alejandro Sal y Rosas – I would agree that we are very few.  I think that there should be more who contribute, as there are many specific areas that the current contributors have very little knowledge about.  It would be good to get more people involved.
Arístides Herrera – Peru, along with Chile and Argentina, has a large amount of contributors, some of which are more active than others.  Of the 60 most active contributors to Wikipedia in Spanish, there are four Peruvians: Manuel González Olaechea y Franco, 10th; Huhsunqu (Guillermo Romero Guerra), 33rd; Chalisimo5 (Gonzalo Aguilar) 38th; and Arístides Herrera Cuntti, 59th.  There are 24 registered contributors who are Peruvian-born or currently reside in Peru.
Augusto Maguiña – I think so, we should encourage this activity in the schools or universities.
J.A. – Wikipedia is divided according to languages.  Could it also be divided according to country?  Is there a special page devoted to Peru?
A.S. – Yes, there is a page devoted to Peruvian topics.
A.H. – For the sake of communication, the different editions of Wikipedia are organized according to language, and within each language it is organized according to country.  However, that is not the only form of organization, as it is also organized according to interest. Each Wikipedian may be registered and involved with different fields of interest.  For example, I write about archeology, gastronomy and history.
Guillermo Romero – Divisions according to language help with the accessibility. Divisions according to topic don’t seem to be very viable, because all of the topics are related somehow.  Portals have been recently implemented, which are pages containing specific topics within Wikipedia. Another way to find articles about Peru is to use the [[Category: Peru]] option.  The category pages list articles related to a particular subject.
A.M. – I think one can find topics using the [[Category: Peru]] option and see all of the topics listed that deal with Peru or other countries.
J.A. – Do you work collaboratively in respect to a particular topic?
A.S. – We try to work collaboratively with some topics.  Some topics are written by experts, and there really is no need to work in collaboration.  However, with other pages we try to work as a team.
A.H. – There are other ways to work together, and not necessarily with individuals from the same nationality, but with others those who are interested in a common subject.  For example, the article about the War of the Pacific is a project in which Bolivians, Chileans and others from the United States have contributed.  Other topics such as Pisco, Pisco Sour and Anticucho also receive contributions from others from different countries.  With Pisco, there is some dispute over the origin of the name.  There is a tendency that some Chileans want to take credit for the Pisco Sour.  The Peruvian team tries to defend Peruvian interests.  In each of the articles, especially in the discussion pages, we try to coordinate our arguments so that we appear to be a unified front and reinforce our nationalistic positions.
G.R. – Even though individual participation is the most common means of participation, it is also common that two or more Wikipedians – which is what we call the registered users – with common interests get together to work collaboratively.  One of the most complex projects is Wikiprojects, which are specific tasks with one principal page of coordination.  For example, we have a project about “The War of the Pacific” where Chilean and Peruvian users work to add their knowledge in order to put forth a neutral and objective article about this historical event.
A.M. – We coordinate when we can, however it is not always necessary.  Since the articles are online, they can be edited without previous coordination, which ends up being the same concept of working in team.
J.A. – Jimbo, Wiki’s creator will be in Brazil from September 20-23.  Is there a possibility that he would come to Peru sometime in the future?  Is there some event here that would interest him?
A.S. – Well, Ari and I have the idea of organizing an event for Peruvian Wikipedians.  The meeting will be held in Lima, although we do not have a date finalized.  It would be very interesting to host a significant event to give attention to Wikipedia, especially for the Peruvian section.
A.H. Regarding Wiki’s creator Jimbo, it could be possible for him to come to Peru in the future.  The Peruvian Wikipedians have still been unable to meet in person.  The First Meeting for Peruvian Wikipedians scheduled for the end of July 2005 fell through due to external factors out of our control.  We should first figure out all of the logistical matters and then see about bringing invited guests.  We have met with some Peruvian Wikipedians separately.  For example, Alejandro Sal Y Rosas and his wife were guests in my home a few weeks ago.  We hope to do the same with all of them, but due to work commitments many are scattered all across the country.
J.A. – Why do you spend your free time with Wikipedia, which does not give public recognition or provide a tangible benefit?
A.S. – For a researcher, being able to count on a reliable tool like Wikipedia is very valuable.  To be able to ponder and discuss topics that interest you is very beneficial.  In addition, as Peruvians we feel honored to contribute towards informing the world about the positive aspects of our country.
A.H. – All the Peruvians that contribute to Wikipedia are professionals with stable jobs; the other group is college students that have been studying for the past 16 years, such as Guillermo Romero Guerra, who is very capable, studious and speaks various languages. He produces very good articles (especially his article about Quechua, which was very noteworthy) and I expect great things from him if he continues with this.  It’s evident that the motivation is not financial and perhaps it is just the “love of writing”.  However, personally, I try my best to use of my free time without neglecting my familial obligations and because I love to write.  I have authored many books. It’s also an interesting way to become known; I’ll tell you a story.  My niece is getting married in December, she is the daughter of my younger brother and when her in-laws went to ask for her hand over lunch, they asked my brother all of his last names and he responded “Férgan Herrera Cuntti”, and with that, the father-in-law answered: “are you, Aristides Herrera Cuntti, the internet writer?”  One feels as if one is teaching and at the same time learns; I feel that over the past year working with Wikipedia, I have learned so much.
G.R. – For me, it’s more than a service that I do for Wikipedia.  Many people have big things to contribute even without be a professional.  In the book “The Republican History of Peru” by Jorge Basadre, he cited Wikipedia as one of his sources.  We are always aware of the possibilities with this project. Maybe it is as simple as that.
A.M. – For me it is a responsibility to share with the world, I speak 8 languages and I have a wide range of cultural knowledge and for me it is a public service.  If we can contribute towards a better world, why not?

author: Juan Arellano


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African Diaspora · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Africa Unchained reports on a speech by Wangari Maathai on the contribution made by the African Diaspora to local African economies.   “I commend the African diaspora for believing in small and medium-sized enterprises, which are key to enabling Africans to fulfil their aspirations for jobs and economic security. The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) reports that 90% of all businesses in Africa are small and medium-sized.  We must support this sector and ensure that it thrives.The diaspora can ensure that this sector grows in the home countries. Africans in the diaspora are estimated to send back some $200 billion to Africa each year. This money assists both their families and the national economy.”

source: news-globalvoices

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Sokari Ekine


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Armenia: Ordering Votes · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Oneworld Multimedia reports that the mayor of Yerevan has instructed teachers to vote for constitutional amendments supported by the government in an upcoming referendum.

author: Nathan Hamm


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Armenia: Supplemental Income · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Martuni or Bust!!! reports on how taxi drivers supplement their incomes in Armenia.


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Bahrain: Demonstrations · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Mahmood describing one of yesterday's demonstration in Bahrain for codification of personal and family status laws, he says: “Bahrain is a deeply religious country for the most part and they would not walk, but run to execute the religious leadership's requests, and run they did this afternoon by their thousands. Regardless of where anyone stands about this issue, this is democracy in action and I am privileged to have experienced it.”

author: Haitham Sabbah


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Bangladesh: Where did the beggars go? · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Adda on how the  beggars from Dhaka are being physically removed to ensure there are no “sore” sights while the SAARC summit is on. (Part of the post is in Bangla).

author: Neha Viswanathan


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Chile: Ibero-American Congress of Digital Journalism · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ramón Salaverría lays out the agenda (ES) for this year's third annual Ibero-American Digital Journalism Convention to be held at Diego Portales University in Santiago.

author: David Sasaki


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Chile: The Worlds biggest Firefox Party? · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Last Saturday was the Firefox Music Summit (also in Spanish) in Santiago, Chile. But was it the world's biggest?


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China: Few Economists · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

At Anti's English Blog, an interview with a Hong Kong-based professor Ding Xueliang bemoaning the dearth of qualified economists in China.

author: Jose Manuel Tesoro


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China: Taxi Driver · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Sinosplice interviews a woman taxi driver in Shanghai.


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Egypt: Parliamentary Elections · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

The Big Pharaoh talking about Egyptian Parliamentary Elections of yesterday, he says: “Muslim Brotherhood managed to win unexpected seats yesterday in Cairo. They are not expected to take over the parliament, but in yesterday's “medium free” elections, the MB are expected to double if not triple their seats in parliament after stage 2 and stage 3.”


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Ethiopian Jews · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Ethiopian blog Admas reports that Israel has reached a deal with the Ethiopian government to speed up the ” immigration to the Jewish state of some 20,000 Falashmura, Jewish converts to Christianity who have complained of delays in their promised relocation”.  Israel is home to some 200,000 Jews of Ethiopian origin.


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Guyana: Compiling Guayana News with SuprGlu · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Scott Stadum has made a website on SuprGlu that lumps a wide variety of sources on Guyana in one place.


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India: Remembering KR Narayanan · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

An Ex-President of India, KR Narayanan died recently. He was a symbol of a person who came from very humble backgrounds and who made it big. Locana has a tribute. Time and Tide has notes on this remarkable President as well.


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Iraq: Appeal from “Doctors for Iraq” · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

LadyBird of Baghdad Dweller says: “The only hospital in the city is desperately lacking medicines and has requested for basic medicines and surgical equipment to be delivered to the hospital immediately so that doctors can treat the injured and sick.“


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Jamaica: Gas Station Strike · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Kingston Girl says it's not looking good as all of Jamaica's gas stations are on strike for the next two days.


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Japan, Brazil: Japan’s Ethnic Media · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Sociology Professor Shigehiko Shiramizu offers his analysis of how Japan's media has shifted to appeal to Brazilian immigrants.


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Jordanian Bloggers React to Amman Bombings · Global Voices
Roba Al Assi

Child carrying sign that says “No to Terrorism, down with terrorism and Zarqawi”  by Lina Ejeilat from the Amman Demonstrations Flickr Set.
The Jordanian community is in a state of rage at the bombings that took place in the much beloved capital Amman on Wednesday night. Demonstration in Amman have been occurring in plentitude, Roba Assi, Lina Ejeilat, and Isam Bayazidi have been attending and you can find pictures from these demonstrations on the Flickr Pool created for the demonstrations and on Isam Bayazidi's Gallery
The news came as shock for most Jordanians despite the fact that the idea of terrorists attacks occuring in Jordan was not completely absent from everyone's mind. Hala of Café Lulu said, “I am truly speechless. All I can think of is what, why, when, who, how?”, and Isam Bayazidi said, “I am a little nervous, don’t know what to say or think.” Laith Majali meanwhile said that his day at work had stopped, “I am just going from one site to another searching for any new piece of news”, and Tololy said, “I am trying not to be emotional but the freshest incidents in Amman, the capital of Jordan, have overwhelmed me.” Abeer Bayazidi also described her initial reaction to the news and said, “I felt like it’s a small explosion, nothing will harm our country!”
Beisan, on the other hand, said, “I wasn't shocked. I think a lot of us saw it coming somehow. Many people sadly have been living in denial, ignoring the fact that terror has been spreading all over the world and very close to home.” Yazan Malakha agrees with Beisan, saying that “freedom has a price“. Lina Ejeilat remarks, “It's no surprise that Jordan has been targeted. When I pose to think about it, I can't help but wonder, what purpose did these explosions serve for those terrorists? So they are anti-US and anti-Israel and they are up against America's war in Iraq and its plans for the Middle East… how exactly does this support their “fight” and help their “cause”?“
Everyone is enraged though- Natasha Tynes said, ” Nothing in the world can justify this. Those that try to justify this can rot in hell as well! May God protect my country and my people. May God bless the souls of those barbarically massacred today. We will never forget!”
Khalaf believes that “We should looks at ourselves with more scrutiny than we are comfortable with”, then says, “We must face is that religious discourse is what is driving these young men to blow themselves up in crowds of innocent victims.” Eman of Aquacool said, ” They waste their lives brainwashing generations, and the brainwashed explode themselves with pride and satisfaction! Not for a second does it even cross their minds that they’re doing nothing but spread fear, destroy tranquility, and cross out stability and peace from countries they belong to, countries that give them shelter!“
Tololy said, “Do not have it in your heads to mix true Islam with those who cling to bits of it, modify them as they please, and act upon such false pillars of belief that they themselves have distorted into that shape“, and Palforce said, “I'm angry some group is hijacking my religion and claiming this is a teaching of Islam.”
Ahmad Humeid shares a few emails he received from his friends around the world. Jameed, who was of the people affected by the losses occuring, reported that there is no truth to report of Israeli evacuations before Amman bombs. Oleander imparts his frustration at the fact that US cable news networks (FOX, CNBC, CNN) are referring to the incident as “an attack on 3 US owned hotels in Amman and how this is likely the result of Jordan being an ally to the US… but I wish that for once news networks would just state the facts without trying to spin the story one way or another.”everyone to go march in protest against these atrocities saying, “You have two options really: watching the news on tv or going out to the streets and making the news.”  Amino Zawawi is also enraged and says, “We should all stand up united, young and old, and say “Terrorism is not my option.”
The Jordanian Blogosphere sends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the casualities. May God protect Jordan and the world from such heinous crimes against humanity.
I would like to thank Haitham Sabbah, Isam Bayazidi, and Natasha Tynes for their immense help in the reporting of the incidents in the “Live Coverage” post during the past 24-hours.
More reactions from the Jordanian blogosphere:
Jordan Planet; Amin Matalqa; Ammar Ibrahim; Hareega; Firas(I Heart Amman); Haitham Sabbah; Hatem Abu Nimeh; OceanCreep; Issam Smeir;  Mozzy; Linda Haddad; Mira Shnoudi; Mohammad Arrabi; Nader Shnoudi; Nasim Tamimi; Sabri Hakim; Samir Rawashdeh; Sugar Cubes; Ziad Kawar; Journeys in Jordan; Body on the Line.
For more on the explosions occuring in Amman:Aggregated news feeds from Jordanian blogosphere community, Jordan Planet; AP ; Flickr; MSM RSS; Technorati posts tagged with “Amman Explosions”; Flickr Pool of demonstrations.

author: Roba Al Assi


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Ken Saro Wiwa · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Nigerian bloggers remember Ken Saro Wiwa on the 10th anniversary of his excecution by former military dictator, General Sani Abacha.  Chippla's Weblog, Nigerian Times,  CyBlug (GidiBlog), Molara Wood,


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Kiswahili blogosphere this week · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

It looks as if the controversial Zanzibar presidential election will be discussed by Tanzanian bloggers for a long time.  Kasri la Mwanazuo, a Tanzanian Kiswahili instructor and journalist based in Texas, discusses reports by election observers concerning the October 20th election.  The Zanzibar Electoral Commission announced the incumbent president, Amani Karume, as the winner.  American observers reported election irregularities and the American embassy has called for independent inquiry  into the violence  that followed the October 30th elction.   The Zanzibar government has rejected claims by the US.
There have been conflicting statements by election observers. While the US government has pointed out cases of election fraud, Kasri la Mwanazuo notes that observers from Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee (TEMCO), Southern Africa Development Community (SADCC) and African Union (AU) have declared the election to be free and fair.   SADCC observers released this statement.
Zainathy, a female journalist from the “capital” of Tanzania, Dodoma, does not understand why only American observers witnessed election fraud.  However, that is not her main concern.  She would not have cared if the American observers only declared the election unfair.   But they went as far as proposing fresh election: “Who are they?” Zainathy asks.
Recently, journalists were assaulted by members of the Civic United Front (CUF).  Miruko, a journalist with Mwananchi Publications, remembers when he was assaulted by CUF supporters in 2000.  CUF supporters are angry at journalists for what they consider close ties with the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).  Journalists have become a punching bag in Tanzania, writes Miruko. Two months ago journalists were beaten up by prison warders.
The only Kenyan Kiswahili blogger, Mawazo na Mawaidha, uploads radio blog on his site with some of popular old African songs from musicians and groups such as Papa Wemba and Mbilia Bel.
Pambazuko, a Tanzanian PhD student in South Africa, posts a Kiswahili feature article  about policy brutality in Tanzania.
Funguajicho, a Tanzanian student in Uganda, is happy to see a president personally driving his official car.
Kiswahili bloggers sometime share poetry.  Kiswahili has a long tradition of poetry production since the 17th century.  Harakati shares his poem for the first time on his blog.  Kasri la Mwanazuo writes about the political situation in Zanzibar. He  challenges Jikomboe  to write a reply, which is a common practice in Kiswahili poetry.
Michuzi, a leading photojournalist in Tanzania, shows us an aerial view of the city of Arusha, Northern Tanzania and posts a photo of Rufiji river.

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Lebanon: Asad Speech · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Mustapha describe President Asad of Syria, speech as an insult to Lebanon.


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Malawi Blogosphere · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Soyapi Mumba's Blog, asks “How big is Malawi's blogosphere? Not to huge  but  10 is a pretty good number.


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Malaysia: Pirated VCDs · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Project Petaling Street Blog reprints an email circulating among Malaysians listing the top 10 reasons why we should buy pirated VCDs.


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Mongolia: Preparing for Bush · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Mongolian Matters reports on the rumors and preparations in advance of President Bush's visit to Mongolia


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Mongolia: Why Bush is Visiting · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

New Mongols reports on why President Bush is visiting Mongolia on his upcoming Asia trip.


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Morocco: Prisoner’s Fast Off · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Hale from Bloggin’ the Maghreb reports that the Saharawi prisoner's fast, which they first started early in August, and which they stopped in late September, and then started again on October 20th, was “suspended” on November 3rd.


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Nepal: The King goes to Tunisia · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) is going to see Nepal's King at Tunisia as well. United We Blog! wonders if the two leaders are going to exchange notes on tyranny.


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Nepal: Trouble for Dalits · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Legal News from Nepal on the Dalits having a high risk of being tortured.


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Nigeria – WSIS · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Nigerian blogger, Oro reports on Nigerian Youth-led Activities in the Information Society.
“WSIS Nigeria Youth Caucus invites you to a session that will showcase the 20-minute documentary tagged, “Nigeria Rocks”, which unfolds the archive of Nigerian youth involvement (and action) through the entire WSIS process. The session will also feature the public presentation of the book titled, “Global Process, Local Reality” — a celebration of how young Nigerians have maximized the WSIS process, and an expression of their resolve to partner with relevant stakeholders towards building a people-centred and development-focused Information Society for Nigeria, Africa and the world”.


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Pakistan: Lahore Fort · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Shirazi at Light Within does a wonderful job describing the Lahore fort and its history. The history of the fort is a reflection of the various eras Lahore has seen as a city.


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Pakistan: Where this might be? · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Metroblogging Lahore has been involved in an interesting effort to post pictures from various parts of Lahore, and asking their readers to figure out which part of Lahore the picture is from. It is incredible to see the city unfolding, in a series of pictures – thus.


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Peru, Japan: Is Alberto Fujimori Japanese? · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Roy Berman takes a detailed look at former Peruvian President, Alberto Fujimori's nationality.


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Philippines: Bot Master · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

At the Pinoy Tech Blog, the arrest in the U.S. of a Filipino-American “bot master” who wrote programs that seized control of tens of thousands of computers leads one poster to wonder, had the arrest happened in the Philippines, under what laws could the programmer be prosecuted.


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Poland: Brussels to the Rescue · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

the beatroot reports that Poland's outgoing president has said the EU and NATO will limit extremism in the new government.


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Pulse of the Saudi Blogosphere · Global Voices
Ahmed Al-Omran

Eid is an occasion of amusement, a time of the year people always relate to with happiness and joy. However, for some Saudi bloggers, this Eid was a little different. For example, Nzingha did not have fun, and thinks that Eids “are generally boring anyway.” Meanwhile, Riyadhawi have decided to break Eid traditions by boycotting the family gathering (Arabic), because some religious relatives of his will kill any kind of fun he might get. There is also Mansour, who is too depressed, and described Eid as the Eid of “loneliness, forbidden streets, and celebrations that have nothing to do with me,” pointing to the fact that most activities of Eid celebration in Saudi Arabia are restricted to families, and no single men are allowed.
Young Saudi men are not comfortable with such restrictions. According to Majoudi, these restrictions leave many people with the feeling that they are isolated and unwelcome (Arabic) by the society, which in return makes them feel discomfort with their own society. However, opening doors to the boys can be unwanted by others, like ubergirl78, who thinks that Saudi males are stupid. She provides plenty of reasons for her conclusion, including racing expensive cars in public streets, and being rude to Saudi girls in particular. Probably what is needed to solve such problem is equality; “[e]quality at all levels, in all places is what the world needs,” Random Saudi says.
On another matter, Abu Sinan, an American blogger married to a Saudi woman, has questioned the real identity of the famous Saudi blogger The Religious Policeman. For Abu Sinan, it seems that reform in Saudi Arabia is the last thing on The Religious Policeman's mind, and even if “he is interested in reform he is going about it the exact WRONG way.” Abu Sinan thinks that he is probably not Saudi, and even called him a “fraud.”
Finally, here are some random, quick snippets from around the Saudi blogosphere: Ruba, one of the youngest bloggers, is so feminist, and she blames Saudi men for that. That also led her to think about writing a book with a friend of hers. Good luck with that! Meanwhile, Rimyoleta makes a list of her 30 favorite blog posts. Fouad al-Farhan talks about his visit to a little village (Arabic) on the coast of the Red Sea. Catch-22 has not celebrated her 25th birthday, and she has some really good reasons for not doing so. Riyadhawi takes on the controversial TV series “Al-Hour Al-Ayen,” and says the hype about it was unjustified (Arabic), and Abu Joori takes on the low performance (Arabic) of the national Saudi airlines.

author: Ahmed Al-Omran


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Russia: Curious Characters · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Russian Marketing Blog reports on the use of English words in print advertising despite a majority of the population's inability to read Latin characters.


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South Africa: Burning trains · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Mzansi Afrika reports on the burning of trains that is happening in South Africa. “On Tuesday four train carriages were burned in Vereeniging to protest against delays that had apparently been caused by cable theft. Last night angry commuters in Soweto, also fed up with delays, burned four trains at three different stations. A total of 27 carriages were damaged. This will cost Metro Rail over R200 million. Commuters have warned Metro Rail that more coaches will be burnt if the delays aren't addressed2.


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Sri Lanka: Turning Vegetarian · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Being a vegetarian/ vegan is tougher in some cultures than others. One one things on the effort to give up meat, and the reconciliation of meat eating with Buddhism.


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Taiwan: Student Suicide · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Michael Turton, the teacher who blogs from Taichung as The View from Taiwan, has written before on the topic of teen suicide in Taiwan.  He is shocked to find out that one of his own students has just killed himself.


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Zanzibar elections · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

East African_Peripetatic, wonders what exactly happened in the recent Zanzibar elections – did election rigging take place or not?


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Zimbabwe: US ambassador · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Zimbabwean social justice blog, Sokwanele, reports on the public rebuking of the US Ambassador, Christopher Dell,  by Robert Mugabe.  Mugabe accused the ambassador of “inappropriate behaviour” for what he saw as a criticism of his government.  To justify the governments action the state controlled newspaper had the nerve to quote the “Vienna convention of diplomatic relations” clearly forgetting when the “Zimbabwe Government violated article 36 of the Vienna Convention when Zimbabwean customs officials rummaged through British diplomatic baggage.”


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A taste of the Caribbean blogosphere · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Barbados
Titlayo's view of noted Barbadian poet Edward Kamau Braithwaite “as some sort of iconic academic abstract figure” is altered by the poet's accounts of his fight to hold on to his house and land.
Belize
Manolo Romero reports that “celebrated Belizean writer” John Walter is doing well after undergoing surgery in Cuba and that two government ministers who were dismissed last year from the Cabinet of prime minister Said Musa have been re-appointed ahead of the March 2006 city council and town board elections. Expat blogger Andy Hunt writes about being featured in a UK Guardian article entitled “Retired Footballers’ Strangest Jobs”.
Bermuda
The Limey is his usual garrulous self, summarizing, critiquing and noting omissions in the 2005 Throne Speech (Bermuda's equivalent of the Queen's Speech, delivered at the opening of Parliament), defending teachers against accusations of dishonesty, and pointing out the limitations of the government's new dictate that 10% of the music played on Bermudian radio stations should be from local artists. Christian S. Dunleavy also points out several instances of “hypocrisy” on the part of the government.
Guyana
Guyana-Gyal posts several entertaining entries written, as usual, in the form of short narratives in the local vernacular, on topics ranging from “hammock days” to hollow gold bangles. VSO worker Michiyo (posting in English with Japanese translation–or vice versa) is off to remote Region 1 in the far western part of Guyana to consult with teachers, and writes belatedly about last week's Diwali celebrations, along with an interesting photo of a distinctively Guyanese Diwali float. The Voice of Guyana International radio station wants your poetry and links to an article about the popularity of Cuba's eye surgery programme in the Caribbean. M'lilwana reproduces an article on the ethos of Guyana's early “freedmen” (freed slaves).
Haiti
Spanish language blogger/photoblogger Baturrico posts a photo of the market in the Haitian city of Cap-Haïtien, noting that in spite of its relative lack of amenities and visual appeal, the markets is a major hub and that it was there that French film Charles Najman met the man on whom he based the central character in the film Royal Bonbon.
Jamaica
Kingston Girl is disappointed that the National Youth Parliament seems to be replicating the patterns of the “adult” parliament and braves long lines at the gas station following the announcement of a gas strike; Scratchie gives the reasons for the strike here. CoolDestiny gets caught in a traffic jam caused by the funeral procession of “some area leader or don or gun man” and wonders “what has happened to the respect of the dead?”.
St. Lucia
Following the governor of Alabama's call for a boycott of Aruba in response to the Aruban authorities’ alleged lack of responsiveness in the Natalee Holloway case, Dorna “[asks] the question so many are afraid to voice”.
St. Vincent & Grenadines
Caribbean bloggers meet in SVG! Abeni has a chance to chat with Jamaican blogger Dr. D on the latter's visit to St. Vincent for a conference, but can't wait for the election season to end on December 7.
Trinidad and Tobago
The big news out of T&T last night, mentioned by both Taran Rampersad (here and here) and Caribbean Free Radio, concerns the raiding of the compound of the Jamaat al Muslimeen, the group responsible for the attempted coup in 1990, following the arrest of their leader Yasin Abu Bakr on sedition charges. Taran also posts about the Guyana-born winner of the 2004 IBM Master Inventor Award, raising the issue of “patents and developing nations”. Richard Bolai reports on a panel on Arts Criticism which took place earlier this year and posts a brief review of an exhibition by artist Tessa Alexander. Christopher at Subway Chronicles wonders what it means to be “half-Chinese, half-black”, and questions of identity also preoccupy Nicholas Laughlin as he muses on a talk given by artist Rachel Rochford. Like most of her compatriots, Washington-based Sweet Trini is looking forward to the T&T v. Bahrain World Cup 2006 qualifier match this coming Saturday. Jacqueline Morris says the UN is not a threat to the internet. Richard Jobity excerpts the results of a survey on e-commerce usage in Trinidad and Tobago. Seldo announces that he has landed a job with Yahoo! Europe.
United States Virgin Islands
Frank Barnako defends the right of some of St. John's’ local characters and establishments to stay put.
Podcasts
Carib World Radio has a podcast feed and Barrio 305 has launched a reggaeton podcast.

author: Georgia Popplewell


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Africa: Western ambassadors · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Zimbabwean Pundit quotes Pan-Africanist writer, Baffour Ankomah,  who “irked by the constant delvings of western ambassadors in Africa wants to know what Africa's diplomats in the west are doing that comparable”, comments “I don’t understand why Western ambassadors and their subsidiary diplomats in Africa are free to pronounce on, and many times even interfere in, African domestic affairs whilst African ambassadors and diplomats in the West never ever open their damn mouths about the internal affairs of the Western countries in which they serve”.


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Bangladesh: Noor Hossain · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Adda links to an article remembering Noor Hossain, a key figure in the democracy movement in Bangladesh, who died 18 years ago.


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Bangladesh: The next Afghanistan · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Razib Rashedin on immigrants, and on the concern of Bangladesh becoming the next Afghanistan.


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Blog Africa · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Ethan Zuckerman's My Heart's in Accra announces the resurrection of Blog Africa – the African blogs aggregator.


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Book Review: Skin Folk · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

As part of his discussion on  race and science fiction, Ramblings of an African geek, reviews  “Skin Folk” a collection of short stories  by African Americna writer Nalo Hopikinson.  “The one theme that is prevalent in all of her stories is the concept of facades and the people inside our skins, hence the title. Obviously in a work by a black female author dealing with appearances, there is a strong focus in a lot of stories on issues dealing with race. In dealing with race, she also takes a close look at self-loathing among black people when it comes to both appearance and culture. Specifically our tendency to idolize ‘white’ features and culture over our own natural appearances and heritage”.


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Chile: Presidential Blog Followup · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Andres Soto Bustos has a followup report on how the Chilean presidential candidates are using blogs to reach voters.


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China: Another Blogger Sued · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

EastSouthWestNorth posts a translated article on a lawsuit launched by a Nanjing professor against a blogger for alleged defamation.


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China: Yahoo’s New Look · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Billy Qiu of HitHat Blog translates a post (Chinese) by keso evaluating Yahoo! China's new look-and-feel.


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Costa Rica: Political Discontent · Global Voices
Roy Rojas

Everyone is talking about the same thing. Or, at least it seems. Among the Costa Rican blogs this last week, one theme has predominated: the discontent towards the political class of this country.
Blogs like La Suiza Centroamericana, betobeto, Mirando en Marcelo, Se Salvó el país, and websites like Batichangó.com as well as others, have spoken on one or another occasion about the general discontent with the political class of this country.
It's really worrying that the worst president (ES), or at least one of the worst of Costa Rica's history doesn't have the least idea of how to do his job or at least appear like he does. There have been many mistakes in this government: credits granted by the Central American Bank of Economic Integration since 2003 still haven't been used even though we are already paying interest on them. They couldn't have a complementary agenda to send together with the Central American Free Trade Agreement to congress and so one has to ask what's been done in the past year and a half where only two projects have been sent to the general assembly for revision. The multiple “Juntas de Notables,” a sort of government propaganda, is already tiring the population.
Others are calling for liberty of expression, as not long ago, a few public announcements were censured for openly criticizing one of the candidates and the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Many describe it as “Political Deception” while others’ posts like, “Of Paradies, CAFTA, and Freedom of Expression” give their distinct point of view, but arrive at a similar conclusion in which, they request that all the sectors are listened to but without the objective of deceiving the people.
Other websites like Batichangó.com openly put forth their point of view against many of the government's decisions as well as the current presidential candidates. There's plenty to see.
What is most worrisome is that a large part of these discussions have had to take place in blogs, personal web pages, websites, and emails. Really, little is spoken of this in the news and media so the least we can do is make note that we are not in silence. At the end of everything we say, post, and comment, we all want the same, a better Costa Rica in which they tell us the truth, where they don't censure us, with more opportunities, less deception, less corruption. We want a better Costa Rica for everyone.

author: Roy Rojas


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Costa Rica: Presidential Candidate Blog · Global Voices
David Sasaki

J.D. Clarke has discovered that presidential candidate, Oscar Arias has a weblog (ES), which is built with the open source software b2evolution, but so far lacks content. It seems Arias could use some help from an experienced blogger.


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Doctor Blyth in Jos Nigeria · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Pediatrician blogger, Mike Blythe of Kid's Doc in Jos blog, celebrates the arrival of much needed children's medicine.  “A celebration … the children’s medicines we had been awaiting for months had finally arrived. For the past six weeks we’ve been putting off starting new HIV patients on antiretroviral drugs, because we didn’t have a good supply or, in the end, any supply at all.“


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Dominica, Venezuela: Bird Rock or Isla de Aves? · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Nicholas Laughlin has his eye on recent events that have led to a resurfacing of the land dispute between Venezuela and Dominica over a small island between the two countries.


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Egyptian Parliamentary Elections · Global Voices
Karim Elsahy

Few, besides the ones that were already content with the Egyptian status quo or the Muslim Brotherhood, are happy with the outcome of yesterday’s elections. Big Pharaoh considers immigrating, sentiment that Sandmonkey reports  is being echoed in the country (except from one of his friends that concludes that “Islam is the solution”.)
Perhaps the biggest upset is Ayman Nour’s (the main opponent in last September’s Presidential elections and leader of Al Ghad party) loss to yet another NDP candidate.
Jeramy of Arabia tells of his experience monitoring the elections. Zeinobia also has a cynical perspective.
Movements and attempts to reduce the ruling parties influence like Itharak, The Save Egypt Front, and a banner depicting an X through both a crescent and camel logo (the ruling parties logo’s) with the caption “your voice for opposition” (picture at top) apparently did little to influence the vote in this first round.
For Arabic posts concerning the elections visit Ramy and Digressing.

author: Karim Elsahy


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EthiopiaL Geffrey Sachs · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Ethiopian blogger Wonkette of Weichegud!Et Politics returns to her/his childhood days in Addis Ababa where his neighbours were expat Brits working for an NGO.  s/he made friends with the daughter and everything was great until one summer when her cousin came to visit. Things went pear shaped when the cousin began complaining about the beggers in Addis and  went from bad to worse ending with the words “Oy!” she shrieked at me. “My father is here helping your stinking, starving country. You should be grateful.”  End of said friendship. And so on to Professor Sachs and his unhealthy relationship with prime minister Meles which goes as far as to accuse critics of being “tribalistic”.  “Many of the attacks on the current government reflect revanchist sentiments from an earlier era of Imperial domination of a former elite”…..”One commentor on the last blog hit the nail square on the head: Liberals do jerk off to anyone who fits their perception of the ‘underdog “.


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Feminism · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman discusses “Perspectives on Feminism and the Epistemology of Africanist Collaboration”


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From corruption to culture – a taste from the southern tip of Africa · Global Voices
Bronwyn

As the holiday season approaches, in South Africa this time of year has also become known as cash heist season. As more money is put into circulation to meet the needs of christmas shoppers and holiday makers, armed gangs consisting of up to 15 or 20 members, armed with R4 rifles and AK47's attack cash-in=transit vans with military precision. The blog It is the Question brings up the debate of whether South Africa should be trying to encourage a cashless society.
The fate of South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma who is to stand trial for corruption in July next year is never far from South African media headlines, and is always a popular topic of conversation in the local blogosphere. The Hope Flower looks at whether the struggle for power between Zuma and President Thabo Mbeki in the ruling African National Congress is indicative of a greater underlying struggle in South Africa. She raises the notion that instead of a struggle between black and white, the country is now embroiled in a class struggle between rich and poor. On the same issue fodder writes about Jacob Zuma's many supporters who are expected to show up at the Durban High Court in their thousands on Saturday when Zuma is to make a brief appearance. Zuma will be formally indicted and given his trial date.
Finally, hip hop/spoken word poetry is undergoing something of a rennaissance in South Africa, particularly in the city of Johannesburg, fondly known by its inhabitants as Jozi ( a word that has emerged from the slang of the black townships).  Lebo Mashile is one of the country's hottest spoken word poets and is known for her incredibly beautiful and fiery feminist performance poetry.
Lebo has been an inspirational force to many young South African poets, and now some of them have started blogging their poetry.
The dust of the soil from this streets,
The “WOLA” shouts on the streets all day,
cheerfully I shouted “HEITA” back to this streets,
they groomed me, spoilt me,
They made me cry Im Black, young, powerful,
therefore dangerous…..
Thami – The Celestine Truth
they read our destiny
from the cracks
beneath the soles of our feet
and we bleed
they whisper truths
in the swirling dust
and we close our eyes
blinded by unrelentless truth….
Koko – The imperfect poet
A child of about just over teen years
Strolling the streets of Jozi
Empty stomach, empty handed
Only 5 bucks for a taxi home
Home being a single roomed shack in township house backyard
A child full of unattainable ambitions….
Floyd – Floyd's Perspectives

author: Bronwyn


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Images from Azerbaijan: Standing For Democracy · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

“Azadliq Supporter” by commonroman
This photo shows a supporter of Azerbaijan's opposition Azadliq (“Freedom”) electoral bloc standing outside one of the bloc's buildings two days after last weekend's parliamentary elections. The vote has been condemned as rigged by observers and the opposition. Backers of the opposition have already held one rally and plan more in the days to come while the government is trying to defuse unrest by acknowledging and addressing some of the problems in the voting. azerbaijan.neweurasia.net blogs solely on Azerbaijan and has been following news regarding the election closely.


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India: Lost tribes of Israel · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Shaswati writes about the Bnei Menashe community in Mizoram and Manipur (North East India), who after much debate and analysis were accepted as one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Giving more context to the issue, the posts asks
First, I thought Judaism was similar to Hinduism in the sense that you were born into the religion and couldn’t really convert. Second, if these people claim to be Jewish, then why would they need to be converted again?


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India: Soldiers Forgotten · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

November 11 is celebrated as Veterans’ Day the world over. Sadly, the day is hardly remembered in India says Arzan. And thus, more of our history slips into oblivion.


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Iran: Ahmadinejad’s Ministers · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Jamile Kadiver, a former deputy in Iranian parliament a London based blogger, writes: Ahmadinejad's choices for his Ministers are based on friendship neighbourhood & family ties  rather than their qualification and experience. Ahmadinejad had promised during election to bring new elites to goverment! (Persian)

author: Fred Petrossian


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Iran: Join WTO! · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Golbang says Saudi Arabia has become a new member of World Trade Organization. Blogger asks when Iran will become a member. Among 191 United Nations members only 42 countries are not members including Iran. Golbang adds that Iran is losing opportunities.


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Japan, Peru: Is Fujimori Japanese? · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

After the news of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori's arrest in Chile, Mutant Frog Travelogue wonders what makes Fujimori a Japanese national?


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Nepal: King and SAARC · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

At International Nepal Solidarity Network – Student unions affiliated to seven political parties registered a formal protest at the SAARC Secretariat stating that the representation of Nepal through the King at the summit was not legitimate.


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Nepal: Satyagraha · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

United We Blog! shares images of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) from Khatamandu which had over 3000 people participating.


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Nigeria: Dokubu Asari · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Pambazuka News reports on the hunger strike of Nigerian “militant” from the Niger Delta, Dokubu Asari.  Asari is protesting against his arrest and continued detention in solitary confinement.


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Sri Lanka: Candidate speaks in India · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

LG Journal has a report on the Sri Lankan Politician Wije Dias, the Socialist Equality Party’s candidate for the President elections, addressing a public meeting in Chennai (India).


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Sri Lanka: ICT in the islands · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Microsoft and Sarvodaya to create rural empowerment by bringing the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to more villages in the island in Sri Lanka.


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Afghanistan: Beyond Kabul · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Afghan Reality applauds the recent news of a new 5-star hotel in Kabul, but says more must be done to develop the country beyond Kabul.


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Argentina: Jacarandá, ’94 Suicide Bombing, Stenciles · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Robert Wrighton says Buenos Aires will soon be covered in purple. Ian posts about the government's recent identification of a suicide bomber responsible for 85 deaths in a 1994 anti-Semitic attack. Flickr user, Pele, has a collection of street stenciles from throughout Buenos Aires.


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Armenia: A Family Starts · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Martuni or Bust!!! reports on Yerevan wedding traditions.


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Armenia: TV · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Ara Manoogian has been watching a lot of Armenian television lately and reports that what he is seeing is bad for the country.


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Barbados: Sweat Shop Allegations · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ryan Patrick of West Indies Cricket Blog is following the story of Indian immigrant laborers suing World Cup Barbados over sweat shop allegations at the Kensington Oval Re-development Project.


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Egypt: Early Christmas · Global Voices
Mostafa Hussein

Cairo is preparing for Christmas a little bit too early!

author: Mostafa Hussein


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Iran: Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Sooratak invites people to visit Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art where many western masterpieces are exposed. Blogger writes that this collection was bought more than 27 years ago and it can be considered one of the world's top art collections. (Persian)


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Japan: Analyzing the Harujuku Girls · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Japundit analyzes the bizarre, somewhat disturbing posse of Japanese hipsters employed to trail American pop singer Gwen Stefani — the Harujuku Girls.


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Malaysia: Name Crisis · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Kurtlow.com becomes alarmed that crisis levels may have been reached regarding ridiculous English names used by Chinese.


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Mongolia: Spelling Disaster · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

New Mongols reacts to the news that Mongolia will change its alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin.


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South Korea: Datemates or Sexmates? · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

The Lost Nomad finds an article about the emerging phenomenon of no-strings-attached “datemate” relationships in South Korea.


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THE 13TH SAARC SUMMIT KICKS OFF IN DHAKA · Global Voices
Rezwan

The 13th summit of the seven-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has begun in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh today. Being active since 1985 the forum steps into the third decade amidst great expectations. Representing a combined population of over 1.4 billion, these seven nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) are yet to sort out poverty reduction issues, trade barriers and travel restrictions, and other cooperation between them, which could be a mutually beneficial platform and a strong union like EU.
Here are some of the bloggers and news sources takes on this summit:
Bangladesh has spent a lot in decorating the capital, on and around the summit venues with beautiful lightings and other roadside designs. The streets were cleaned and beautified. Blogger Rajputro took some pictures, which gives you a glimpse of Dhaka in nighttime during the SAARC. Strong security measures have been taken up deploying 40,000 security forces and virtually keeping many important roads of Dhaka city off-limit for general citizens. Many businesses are closed and the government has declared a holiday on the 13th of November making it a long weekend of 3 days so that the movement of the dignitaries can be secured.
Although the city is in holiday mood, the traffic is less not only because of the holidays. Many streets are completely deserted because people do not want to be harassed by security forces, which have put check posts in many places and obstructing traffics. Dhaka city has become off limit to beggars as they may cause embarrassment and security concern in front of the foreign dignitaries. Their presence in the capital city will definitely undermine the SAARC agenda for poverty alleviation in South Asian countries! Expat Ilyeana is simply bored with the curfew like situation. Salam wonders how much money did the economy lose for shutting down portions of Dhaka city. In Dhaka's bazaars, SAARC brings mixed feelings.
Sanjoy tells about the most coveted job in preparation of the summit. Adda has some questions for the SAARC leaders to answer as no agreement is likely to be made on three controversial trade cooperation SAFTA points.
The Daily Pakistan welcomes Afghanistan & China's inclusion in SAARC terming them ‘new blood to anemic SAARC’. However the entry of both the states are yet to be decided by the nations.
People are expecting South Asia to rise above regional divide and make SAARC important and fruitful. It should come of age and bring some concrete gains to citizens of South Asia, fifty per cent of whom live below the poverty line earning barely one dollars a day per person.
Other links :
* The daily Star special SAARC supplement.
* SAARC official website.

author: Rezwan


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Uzbekistan: Settling Andijon’s Refugees · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Registan.net reports that Uzbek refugees from Andijon currently in Romania are a step close to final resettlement.


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Bomber’s wife arrested in Jordan · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

The forth member (woman) of the terrorist group, which hit Amman few days ago, was arrested today.


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Indonesia: Dr. Azhari Captured and more about conflict in Poso · Global Voices
Enda Nasution

While everybody enjoying their Eid ul-Fitr week-long holiday and just started coming back to work, apparently some of us keep their days busy.
This week, on Wednesday, Indonesian law enforcement assisted by Australian intelligence finally succeeded in making sure that Dr Azhari Husin, Malaysian bomb expert associated with Jemaah Islamiyah, that was behind two bombings in Bali, Australian Embassy bombing and Marriot hotel bombing in Jakarta and had killed in excess of 250 people in in the last three years will not be able to continue his career as demolition man, for any purpose.
Reported first to have been committed suicide act by blowing himself up, the Indonesian police now reported that he was shot dead and it was another militant, identified as Arman, who died alongside Azhari, who had pulled the cord on an explosive-lined vest.
Dr Azhari [semi-profile here “The Incomplete Terrorist”], a former lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia remembered by his friends from his time at Adelaide University, as nice and likable sort of bloke, with an irrepressible humor. However, his unfinished doctoral thesis at University of Reading, UK was about.. human suffering.
Pak Parman, a teacher lives in Bandung has pictures about the event and read also about the amazing report of eyewitness’ accounts on the police actions leading to the killing of Dr Azhari Husin.
Dr Azhari's family is scheduled to take his body back to Malaysia on Sunday, Faisal Mustaffa from Malaysia has posts on this.
Bloggers's footnote related with Dr Azhari's death:
Most mainstream media, even the Indonesian media get the name of the place wrong. Dudi Gurnadi noted on his post [in Bahasa Indonesia] that the capture take place in the City of Batu [Batu City Official Site], which is not a part of Malang as it was reported, a bigger city, even tough both place is near, located in East Java.
Another blogger in Surabaya, the capital of East Java provinces posted a chilling yet funny record “I am a programmer not a terrorist” [in Bahasa Indonesia] when his office was visited by 8 nonuniform local police officers the day after Dr. Azhari's capture in Kota Batu.
Suspected to have connection with Dr Azhari's network and have been watched for 2 months the office turn out to be an IT consultant's office.
***
Related with the case of three teenage girls student of a Christian school, beheaded in Poso Central Sulawesi Province, Jafar G Bua at the city of Palu, Central Sulawesi [Map of Sulawesi Island] kept a separate blog dedicated for news and updates about the conflict in Poso [in Bahasa Indonesia]: Catatan Sepanjang Poso
The Central Sulawesi has an equal number of Christians and Muslims, and in 2001 to 2002 there was a sectarian battle between the two communities in the region, leading to the deaths of 1000 Christians and Muslims. The conflict had been mediated into a truce by the government, but there have since been bomb attacks against Christians, including one bomb attack in Poso market.
Paras Indonesia has a great analysis about the ongoing conflict in Poso titled “Money & Military: A Coalition In The Poso Conflict (Part I)” and (Part II)
Another comprehensive background about the conflict in Central Sulawesi from PreventConflict.org can be found here “The Conflict in Central Sulawesi”

author: Enda Nasution


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Iran: Flight Plan · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

New Wave, an Iran based blogger, introduces newest films in US. He talks about Jodie Foster's, Flight Plan and 11th September influence on this movie: Insecurity in airports links to Middle Eastern people's presence. (Persian)


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Steppin’ into the Turkish Blogosphere · Global Voices
Deborah Ann Dilley

Reviewing this week in the Turkish Blogs, November 10th marked the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Ataturk.  Erkan's Field Diary has a wonderful article posted about the death of Ataturk and how he is celebrated. Turkish Torque also has a post praising the accomplishments of Mustafa Ataturk.  Besides being the father of the modern Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is also accredited with major western reforms of the old Ottoman system, including language reforms which changed the Turkish language from being written in the Arabic script to the Latin script.
Amerikan Turk posts this week about how disillusioning it can be to live in America:
Sick things are happening the world over, as they have ever been. You don't need to look hard to find them. The ignorance of the typical American is astounding. Finding one who can hold a conversation is rare, for me. We're living such cushy lives, so insulated from danger and terror and bombs and famine and starvation.
Amerikan Turk talks about leftist student protesters in Ankara, coupled with a photo of a bleeding student being arrested.  He also comments on the  anti-Zarqawi protesters in Jordan.  On a lighter note, he also posted about a new Nokia 888 phone that was designed by a young Turkish student.  Several of the Turkish design blogs have been buzzing about this as well.
Turkish Torque has been prolific week.  From posting Turgut Uyar poems to discussing the new European Court ruling support the hijab-ban in Turkey, Torque covers it all, including a post about the difficulties of translating from Turkish to English.
Phanja from The Need to Know talks about the right to choose to smoke cigarettes.  And in talking about a recent incident of Russian porn being broadcast on Indian television accidently, she shares a humorous story of a misplaced XXX CD that was aired in an Educational summitt attended by the Turkish Education Minister in the ultra conservative town of  Diyarbakir.
Metecem from Metroblogging: Istanbul reminisces about the differences in this life in Berlin and his life in Istanbul.
And first reported here last week, the first full length podcast of Kevin and Fatma take on the world is up and working.
And to conclude- the top finds of the week:
1. Food, food, food–yet another great food site (in Turkish) Hanife Dentarifler.
2. Bozdolap (refridgerator) is an interesting project, where people have been sending in photos of their fridge.  Purpose=not sure, but great fun.

author: Deborah Ann Dilley


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Abdolkarim released · Global Voices
Mostafa Hussein

The Egyptian blogger who was detained by secutiry forces on the 26th of October has been released. Previously covered on GVO here, here and here.
Karim wrote about his own release. (Arabic)
Sandmonkey wrote:
In it he announced that he was released yesterday by the Police after spending 18 days under arrest, 6 of which he was arrested by National Security and 12 of which he spent in the Torah priosn. His post is brief, in which he only thanked the people who stood by him and promises to write about what happend to him in prison later on.


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Africa: United states of? · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Chippla's Weblog, asks if there will soon be a “United States of AFrica”?  “Do these names mean anything to you: Thabo Mbeki, Olusegun Obasanjo, John Kufuor, Abdoulaye Wade, Meles Zenawi, Ahmed Ouyahia and Alpha Omar Konare? According to this report, they are seven of the most powerful men in Africa and they met in a summit tagged “Africa and the challenges of the global order: Desirability of union government” in the Nigerian capital of Abuja to discuss ways of moving forward with the political unification of their continent.”  Chippla concludes that it is doubtful Africa would emerge as one country, at least not in the next 50 years which is a pretty long time.

author: Sokari Ekine


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African women blogging this week · Global Voices
Nish Matenjwa

Mama JunkYard who has been on a blogging hiatus is back and is disgusted by the use of vague, incorrect and ‘less offensive words’ and images to sanitise women's bodies and emissions when terms such as ‘feminine hygiene products’ are used to describe sanitary towels and tampons or when blue liquids are used in sanitary towel television advertisements. She wonders why this is the case and thinks the aim is to ‘is to sell us a product without actually having to delve into the so-called yucky-ness of the matter’.
Mama Junkyard also writes about her love for colloquialisms in the English language while listing her favourites such as ‘let's be ‘avin’ u’ from Yorkshire which means ‘let's go’ and not ‘a challenge to fight or a cheap pick-up line’ as one would have thought.
After being described an Afro-French chick by a blogger who tracked back on a post she wrote about the current situation in France, Black Looks writes about her amusement and amazement and while asking whether the blogger has been watching too many re-runs of Pam Grier movies, she wonders at the need to use the word ‘chick’ to describe women.
Bronwyn writes to say she has discovered a new love – fast cars – which is surprising to her as she has always been one of those people who thought  watching cars going round and round in a circle for hours was boring but now finds motor racing exciting.
One African Woman describes an incredible and inspiring young man who she recently met and who works with other young people in the slums of Nairobi and whose enthusiasm and verve she says reminds her of the idealism of her youth and how jaded she has become.
Molara Wood hopes the writer Atukwei Okai who could not participate at a Ken Saro-Wiwa remembrance event held in London last week was not denied a visa as has been the case for several African writers coming to the UK for special events. She gives a couple of examples when this has been the case.
Kenyan Pundit reports on the latest gossip in the run up to the Kenyan Constitutional Referendum and says the latest  is that the Yes Campaign is totally running scared and are seeking to use their influence in court to prevent the Referendum.
While giving an example of how patriarchy works, AfroFeminista describes a particular kind of man, full of braggadocio, chests puffed out who will approach women they have nothing in common with and who they expect to be charmed by their uncalled-for attention and how women have been socialised to accept this behaviour.
Afromusing has a remarkable quiz quiz on her blog, Understanding Prejudice which I attempted and whose results left me stunned just as much as she and other people who have done the quiz were.

author: Nish Matenjwa


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Azerbaijan: Elivator Ettiquette · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Carpetblogger reports on the need for elivator ettiquette in Baku.

author: Nathan Hamm


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Azerbaijan: The Week in Politics · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

neweurasia has a roundup of the week's political news from Azerbaijan.


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Bahrain: Future Forum · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Mahmood wondering: Do they think that hosting a forum for the Future in an Arab country was going to get them some results?

author: Haitham Sabbah


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Bangladesh: SAARC – Western Media · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Adda on the SAARC summit in Dhaka – wondering if there is a bias in the Western Media given the sparse reports. Even if not a very effective forum, it still represents about one-fifth of the world's population!

author: Neha Viswanathan


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Burundi: Agathon Rwasa · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Agathon Rwasa reports that outgoing Tanzania president, Benjamin Mkapa, will ask the next government to ensure that Burundian rebel leader Agathon Rwasa of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL does not operate from Tanzania.


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Chile’s First Bloggers Legal Workshop: Building a New Common Sense · Global Voices
Rosario Lizana

On 12 of November, the first ever Chilean “Taller Legal” (Legal workshop) took place in the brand new “Santiago Library”. More than 170 people attend the event, organized by Digital Rights Organization.
The event began with a round table discussion featuring Roberto Arancibia, Miguel Paz, Arturo Catalán, Manuel Contreras y Soledad Ferreiro; Christian Leal.
Roberto talked about the corporative Blogs and the opportunity they open to talk with people. From a journalistic point of view, Arturo Catalán said that   “Everyone can be reporter without studying in the university. It only depends upon you yourself, nobody else”, refers to the editors. “Journalists compete with the World”.
He speaks of the nanomedia Works with a scale economy that allow low cost, because of the smaller workforce.
Manuel Contreras spoke about how Blogs allow one to consider information that newspaper reporters are not used to consider. He also stated that media use more interpretation than information – and in that sense citizens’ Blogs can inform more than media news – and that Bloggers were the thermometer that let us know what the concerns of everyday people are.
Soledad talked about the rights of the author and the ethics of recognising authorship of the other. “This is a space of empowerment of the human being, about identity and community. Is not about the author’s right, is about the authority of the person”.
The event continued with 3 expositions about “Expression, Liberty and Right”,
“Author’s Rights and Creative Commons”, and finally “Laboral Issue of Privacy and the Internet”.
The first topic focused on the responsibility of penal issues in blogging, raising questions such as: what happens if someone comments about a illicit subject, e.g. child pornography; or what is the difference between the social media role and blogging.
“Author’s Rights and Creative Commons” detailed the practice of the author’s right to be respected in the content, and how Creative Commons work towards that goal. The final panel talked about the rights issues in Blogging activity at work; the criteria of blogging about one’s company and one’s rights should the company take action (say, dismissal) based upon this activity.
In Chile there are no particular laws governing these issues, instead generally the law of authors rights (that appears on the Free Trade Agreement with EEUU) is applied.  These talks aimed towards defining common criteria that could work for the network of Bloggers, embodying common sense.
The Santiago Library is the biggest public building in Chile, and was inaugurated last November. This exposition opened the auditorium. Regarding the event, organizer Daniel Alvarez said ”We think that Blogs are participation space and we hope they will transform on the public park and we think we have to give the tools to develop the best possible practices.”
This discussion aimed towards building a common sense understanding of Blogging activity on the internet today, as foundation for criteria it will need in the future.
Photos here

author: Rosario Lizana


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China: Bothered by the BBC · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Worried that he'd be forced to focus on censorship & politics, Chinese blogger wangpei canceled an interview with the BBC on the Chinese bloggers’ conference, and feels thankful that he did.  He emailed a friend in Dublin, who responded: “Overall, you need to realise that very few people in the west like to be interviewed for fear of being disgraced…If we want a free and independent media, we have to be prepared to be grilled, twisted and tormented by the media.”

author: Jose Manuel Tesoro


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China: Profiles in Courage · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

On the often excellent We Observe the World, two profiles of different kinds of courage: a portrait of a migrant fruit seller and a muckraking news program.


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China, Taiwan: Self-Criticism · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

EastSouthWestNorth explains why he covers China, Taiwan and Hong Kong the way he does — why he selects the stories he translates and posts and how he approaches each geopolitical entity. The View from Taiwan responds.


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Dominican Republic: Violence and Politics · Global Voices
David Sasaki

What's it like to run for Senator in the Dominican Republic? Ana Fernandez recounts a harrowing tale of violence and a car chase in her mother's run for Senate.

author: David Sasaki


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Egypt: RSF Award Manal and Alaa Blog · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Arabic Weblog “Manal and Alaa's Bit Bucket“ wins Special Award from Reporters Without Borders. Announcement comes early in light of United Nations World Summit on the Information Society.


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Egypt: Syria like Egypt · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

The Big Pharaoh quoting his mom on her return from a visit to Syria, she says: “Girls wearing tight jeans and tight tops were walking freely without getting verbally harassed on the street. That reminded me of Cairo back in the 60s when we used to wear whatever we want even in downtown Cairo. It is true that many, if not most, of Syrian girls were wearing the head cover, yet those who chose to wear the tight jeans didn’t get the sexually motivated comments Egyptian men like to spew” she said.


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Ethiopia: Government by trikery · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Ethiopundit reports on the BBC news item stating that the Ethiopian government had released 2,417 who had been detained  during last weeks demonstrations.  However, Ethiopundit points out that “We only have the word of a murderous dictatorship that these people were released. No one knows how many were arrested to begin with. No one really knows how many were even killed. This is a classic Soviet style maskirovka effort just like the deception operations of an intelligence service……A false layer of pseudo-rational good will is being painted over a bloody massacre and crackdown against innocents. So much we hear from this government is this form of ‘mengist be'ashattir’ (government by trickery).


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Ghana: WSIS · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

The Trials & Tribulations of a Freshly-Arrived Denizen is in Tunis attending the WSIS conference and from his two reports he seems to be in awe of the city and it's people. “Looks like Tunis is capitalising big-time, as one would do, on its status as the cynosure of the place where information society sits at the cusp of historical change……And it certainly looks to be a big summit. “


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Images from Morocco: Fishing Boats · Global Voices
Paul Frankenstein

“Fishing Boats” by Andrew Wales
The fishing harbour in Essaouira, Morocco.

author: Paul Frankenstein


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India: Bombay Breakfast · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Bombay – the city of millions. Trivial Matters explores a not-so-trivial issue. The breakfast for the millions in the city. The pace of breakfast matches the breathless pace of the city!


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Iran: Save Heritage · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Shahram Kholdi says the Centre for the Defence of Human Rights, led by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi , has taken legal action against the ministries of Oil and Energy for the protection of Pasargadae historical heritage site (this is not the actual ruins of the Pasargadae palaces, which includes the ruins the tomb of Cyrus the Great, but a wide largely unexplored area whose artefacts and archeological heritage is yet to be unearthed). Read more on Global Voices.


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Jordan: A million signatures against terror · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Ahmad Humeid hopes that the call for a campaign to gather one million signatures against terror and its ideologyidea is taken up by the Jordanian media and NGOs.


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Kazakhstan: Public Enemy · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

A Kazakh official says that his government does not rule out the possibility of bringing charges against Sacha Bara Cohen a.k.a. Ali G because of his character, Borat, who poses as a Kazakh. KZblog discusses the reactions to Borat in Kazakhstan.


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KenyanSphere This Week · Global Voices
Marc

FreakEngineer objects, and objects again to how Yahoo categorizes the news on its news page, specifically those to do with Africa, finding the rationale decidedly wanting:
It seems that everything sad or disheartening or whatever bad thing that is happening on in the world is bunched up in the Yahoo Africa news section
For example today’s page (10.21.2005) contains headlines such as:
- US wants action against Syria in Lebanese killing
- Bush Calls for U.N. Action Against Syria
- Bush calls UN report on Hariri “deeply disturbing”
- NATO to Send Engineers, Medics to Pakistan
- U.S. Diplomat Defends Iraq War
- North Korea Could Return to Nuclear Talks
- NATO commander says drugs Afghanistan's top threat
- Iraqi, U.S. Courts Bear Some Resemblance
- Bush Confident of Arab-Israeli Peace
These headlines CLEARLY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH AFRICA
The automated reply from Yahoo news makes some interesting, though pointless, reading
Africa Bullets & Honey decides to take a break from ranting about the ills of AID and offers an idea how to grow rich off the Nairobi Stock Exchange
Bankelele reflects on the Kenyan Government’s wealth declaration exercise, and like many Kenyans, finds it about as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot.
Returns of senior officials are sealed and can’t be opened e.g. a minister could have submitted a blank return and no one will ever know or check
After reading a notice mentioning “feminine hygiene products” Mama Junkyard wonders why perfectly natural processes have to be sanitized
I am sure the people who came up with the “blue liquid” idea would say that decency and television licensing standards dictate they use blue as opposed to red. This to me however is bullshit especially when one thinks of the countless times blood and gore are depicted on television
The Kenyan Prodigal Daughter finally ends up home in Nairobi, and speaks blogs about her first impressions
its crazy how much has changed since i was home. less than three years ago. there are so many people on the road. so many cars. so many cyclists. so many pedestrians. and its a public holiday!
MentalAcrobatics gets a sense of deja vu with the impending referendum on the constitution that will be held on the 21st of November, and wonders if there has really been any change in the political climate.

author: Marc


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Kyrgyzstan: Youth Policy · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Mirsuljan Namazaliev discusses youth policy in Kyrgyzstan.


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Malawi: new websites · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Malwai blog, Soyapi Mumba announces two new websites for Malawi.  One from the British High Commission and the other Malawi's Daily Times and there is more to come.


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Malaysia: Chinese Weddings · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Anak Merdeka complains about the chore of attending local Chinese weddings.


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Nepal: More than moral support · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Democracy for Nepal makes a valid point that moral support and lobbying alone will not suffice. Fund-raising in the US targeting Nepalis would greatly further the cause. The blog proposes a fund-raising plan to involve the donors as well.


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Nepal: Satyagraha · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

United We Blog! shares images of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) from Khatamandu which had over 3000 people participating.


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Nigeria: Oro · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Nigerian blog, Oro posts his first report from Tunis where he and several other Nigerians are attending the WSIS conference this week.  “We left for the airport at about 7pm in two cars and 8 bags. The six of us (Edward Popoola, Deolu Ashaye, Tope Soremi, Timi Kenekayoro and Cyrus Olutayo) had one clear mission — to participate in the WSIS II meeting in Tunis as witnesses to the fact that “great things do come out of Nigeria”. Armed with the materials that would help tell the “Nigeria Rocks!” story in Tunis, we had an early check-in (that afforded the opportunity of ordering food from a location outside the airport without the fear of missing the flight). We met seven other Nigerians at the airport, and were all on the same flight”


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Pakistan: Confluence Project · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The Organic Brew links to the Degree Confluence Project which aims -
The goal of the project is to visit each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections in the world, and to take pictures at each location.


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Pakistan: Tomb of Asif Khan · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The subcontinent has a rich shared history. Lahore Metroblogging explores some of that history when talking of the tomb of Asif Khan. Asif Khan was the wazir and father-in-law of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the seventeenth century.


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Philippines: Bar Dues · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Law professor J.J. Disini touches on the things nerve-wracked Filipino law students do and feel before their bar exam.


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Puerto Rico: Blog of the Week · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Tinta Digital by Eugenio Martínez has been selected as the first blog of the week (ES) in Puerto Rico's new blog directory, PuertoBlogs. Cultural Agents describes the first Winter Institute in San Juan.


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South Africa: Zuma · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

South African blog, The FishBowl wonders if the reported rape allegaton on Jacob Zuma is not a “smear campaign.”  “The report in the Sunday Times yesterday pinning a rape allegation on Zuma, with no -even circumstantial- evidence, and a “witness” that denies the whole thing anyway.” She fears that the report will further “embolden Zuma supporters galvanised in the face of further evidence of a political conspiracy.”


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Sri Lanka: Turn-coat in Elections · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Ranil Wickremasinghe has been dealt a terrific jolt by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam organization and its appendage the Tamil National Alliance with the announced neutral stand of these two organisations after months of support says Tamiliana.


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This Week in Palestinian Blogs: Bethlehem Issues Call to the World · Global Voices
Shaden Abdulrahman

On behalf of Palestinian Bloggers, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Jordan. We are all one in this. Those who died are our brothers and sisters, they are in our prayers, their memory will linger forever in our hearts. God bless the souls of those who have left us and help their families, God bless our Jordan. If you happen to be a resident of Jordan, please donate blood
Great News:
Bethlehem will issue its own passport to encourage partnership, economics and tourism of the city  in what was called Open Bethlehem Project. Bethlehem city has always welcomed refugees, travellers and pilgrims. Recently, the Apartheid Wall has left the city a big prison with only two gates to the outside world. Bthlehem Bloggers wrote about the initiative, and they have happily announced that the Open Bethlehem Project has been officially launched. They urges to take part of the Open Bthlehem Proiject and spread the word. You can start by leaving a message of peace on the wall.
The third annual Sajeena musical concert will take place on the 25th of November in Toronto, Glenforest Secondary School Auditorium 3575, Fieldgate Drive, Mississauga. Great Arabic music will play in solidarity with the Palestinian child prisoners. For more information check Sumoud
More on cultural events, Ibdaa Dance Troupe in the US has begun.
Bad News:
Arabs in Galilee (al-Jaleel) are discriminated against by Israelies whose development plan includes only 4 Arabic communities versus 100 Jewish. In peacepalestine too, a report from Haaretz states that Israel objected on a ceremony to be hold by the Patriarchate to officially instate the new Patriarch Theophilos. Theophilos has replaced Irenios after the scandal, apparently Israel is not too happy with him.
Another Human Rights violation, and one of the most dangerous: Israel used White Phosphorus during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in the 1982 and subsequent attacks. White Phosphorus can cause severe burns and permanent scars. Israel had tested more sever weapons in Lebanon in addition to White Phosphorus.
Human rights groups prepared a petition to be used in their High Court battle to stop Israel occupatoin forces from terrorising citizens of Gaza Strip with Supersonic Booms.
New Israeli raids on Jenin in the West Bank resulted in the assassination of Shoja Bal’awe, aged 26 after Israeli forces banned ambulances from reaching the victim. Israeli occupational forces opened random fire towards Khoza’ah village  in Khanyouness killing and injuring at least one.
Arrests in Bil'in continue as Israel occupational forces continues to crush the non-violent resistance of Palestinians and the International Solidarity Movement‘s teams. Help us release Bil'in's children from Israeli prisons. Those innocent children's only fault is daring to resist the Israel's illegal barrier which turns their village into a ghetto. Here is how you can you help.
This week also, on November 11 marked the first anniversary of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Imaan from Living in Gaza City  describes how the streets of Gaza were blocked by police and thirty something masked men with guns appeared out of no where. All in all, people seemed happy and excited, probably in challenging ways.
PalestineFreeVoice says local Palestinian news have reported that 29 new Palestinian ambassadors sworn in Saturday, the 11th of November before President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
Haitham Sabbah asks you to shout in terrorists’ faces “I am NOT afraid”. Let them know that terrorism is not acceptable nor tolerated anywhere in the world, and certainly not on Arab land. Haitham helped Jordanian Bloggers Roba , Natasha and Isam in the full-up-to-date coverage of Amman explosions

author: Shaden Abdulrahman


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Trinidad and Tobago, Bahrain: World Cup Qualifier · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Caribbean Free Radio has plenty of links (and a podcast) on reaction to Trinidad and Tobago's latest match against Bahrain.


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Uruguayans Say Military is Unnecessary · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Do away with the military? Anarchogeek links to a poll which says that 55% of Uruguayans say the military is unnecessary.


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Uzbekistan: Demystifying Sunshine · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Olesya of neweurasia discusses the Sunshine Coalition, an Uzbek opposition party, and a representative of the coalition responds in the comments.


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Venezuela, Mexico: Severed Diplomatic Relations · Global Voices
David Sasaki

The Devil's Excrement, Alex Lanz (ES), and Daniel Duquenal comment from the Venezuelan blogosphere on the recent diplomatic spat between the Venezuelan and Mexican governments while Goleech (ES), World News A La Mexicana, and Eduardo Arcos (ES) comment from Mexico.


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Vietnam: Dead Fishes · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Vietnamese God notices people have been collecting the dead fish that have been appearing in Truc Bach Lake, and worries about why.


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Zimbabwe: life in Harare · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Harare Diary by Fire Pussy is thinking that living in Zimbabwe is like living in a constant state of “maybe” where failure has become a way of life.  “When you wake up you don’t know whether you’ll have running water, electricity, or fuel. Whether, on your way to the office, the traffic lights will work. These days a blank traffic light equals green. Go figure. Or whether the bank or building society will be on or offline or whether the ATM will have any cash. At dinner the other night some friends were talking about how we’ve normalised all of these service provision failures. Like we’ve been in a fuel “crisis” for 5 years.”


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Man, she’s a man? · Global Voices
Mack Zulkifli

Malaysians are pondering same gender marriages. Blogger SK sympathised for the bride, who had undergone a sex change, having been born a male 30 years ago. Her marriage to an accountant is reputed to have cost RM1 million (approx. USD260k) but the main issue remains if it is a legally binding union.

author: Mack Zulkifli


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Africa Corruption · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Kenyan Pundit asks “Can someone please tell me why “lobbying” and “campaign finance” and “fraud” are always the words used to describe instances of corruption/bribery when it occurs in the United States and elsewhere in the West?“


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Algeria: Arabism or Africanism · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Nouri bin Ziri writes about Algeria's relationship with pan-Africanism and pan-Arabism and Third Worldism and how it's been snubbing pan-Africanism and playing up Arabism lately.


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Cambodia: Shopping Spree · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Lux Mean reveals where to go shopping for second-hand goods in Phnom Penh. Jinja covers a more ominous kind of sale: the no-bid transfers of public land to private bidders, which has already put the lands under the National University of Fine Arts and the National Theatre in private hands.


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China: Bird Flu Coverage Debate · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Danwei and Bingfeng Teahouse engage in a back-and-forth over an editorial in Caijing (Finance) magazine criticizing the domestic Chinese media's hesitant coverage of bird flu. Imagethief and The Peking Duck share their thoughts on the topic as well.


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Colombia: A conversation with the governor of Putumayo · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Adam Isacson sits down with Putamayo governor, Carlos Palacios to discuss the state's progress, or lack thereof since Plan Colombia first began five years ago.


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DRC Health crisis · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Coalition for Darfur is reporting on the possibility of a catastrophic health crisis looming in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).


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Heliculture · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

In many parts of Africa snails are a delicacy.  Timbuktu Chronicles has a report on  heliculture in Africa (snail farming).  Snails are not only eaten locally but are also a major source of foreign exchange in Ghana and can be used to increase the fertilisation of land for other crops.


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India: Once we leave · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Jabberwock after a visit to the UK last year, comments on the confusion and bigotry in the NRI (non resident Indian) community.


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Indonesia: Water Woes · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

Jakartass discusses Jakarta's water problems — from subsidence, flooding, the lack of tap water for two-thirds of the population to the possibility of a severe water crisis in three years.


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Iranian Blogs: Association of Moslem Bloggers, 20 million dollary Revloutionary Guard and Solidarity with Feminist Tribune · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

A new association for Iranian bloggers came into existence: Association of Moslem Bloggers ( Link in Persian).
Before this new association, a few other ones have become active such as Penlog which tries to protect freedom of expression and has about 200 members.
But what is the goal of this new association? According to Pasdar ( means guard ) link in Persian, a blogger who presents himself as somebody in love with revolutionary guards, this association is an answer to secular bloggers & blogs. All members of association must be faithful Moslems to Islamic Republic and Iranian theocracy. One thing is clear that some bloggers try to organize themselves in groups based on their ideology. Pasdar says:
“We consider country as ours and we are proud of it.”
Many bloggers talked about Ahmadinejad’s candidate for Ministry of oil. Mr. Mahsouli, a former revolutionary guard, declared his wealth is more than 20 million dollars. Paiz link in Persian, a Nederlands based blogger, says nobody in Iranian Parliament asked him how he got all this money in a real short period. FMSokhan link in Persian, an Iranian blogger and journalist, published photos of Mr.Mahsouli’s house and says look at satellite dishes on his roof. Whatever is forbidden for us it is permitted for some… After pressure of some deputies Ahmadinejad dropped his candidacy.
Several blogs appeared at 11 November in the name of Iranian Feminist Tribune  link in Persian which was filtered about one week ago. More than twenty blogs participated in this solidarity action such as Sarzamine aftab.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Iraq: The Equation Elections · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Omar says: “Math wasn’t my favorite class in school but I do remember one thing for sure that is inorder to solve any equation it has to contain a number of variables and constants and the values of the constants will help find those of the variables leading to the final solution. Elections in Iraq can be considered an equation and the above applies to it more or less.“


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Israel: Vatican swap deal to regain site of “Last Supper” in Jerusalem · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Akiva says: “For the past 2 weeks, a woman in the U.S. has been trying to pin down rumors that the government of Israel is selling off parts of Mount Zion, specifically the area of David HaMelek's (King David's) tomb and the location of the Diaspora Yeshiva (Jewish religious school) in Jerusalem to the Vatican. Vatican Press says it's happening, Israeli government spokespersons alternately say no, yes, maybe, never, could be, and “we can do whatever we want without telling anyone“…


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Jordan: Getting Things Straight · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Rami Abdelrahman wonders, after Amman was bombed, that did not only show how vulnerable we are, but also how we need to get many things straight. Why do we stick our noses in our neighbours businesses? why do we have to take millions from the US, and probably as much from other countries to keep doing that, while it doesn't reflect anything on the average Jordanian's life? Was it only for the people not to say anything regards their opinion about our “foreign policy”? Why do we have to take fight for “moderate” islam against those fanatics who bombed our capital? What about poverty, corruption, underdevelopment in rural, civil and badia areas? How can you be interdependent if you are dependent?


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Mexico: Transparency Portal · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ocho Cuartos directs readers (ES) to Nuevo Leon's Transparency Portal (ES) where everyday citizens can check on the salaries of their elected officials and more.


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Miriam Makeba – Mama Afrika · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

African music blog, SoundRoots is saddened by the decision of African Diva, Miriam Makeba too stop touring.  In her performance in Cuba recently Mama Afrika commented about the use of the term “world music” to describe “third world” music.
“I don’t believe that there would be rhythm without Africa. Now we are called World music, and I ask myself, where are the rest from then? We are all of the world. In real terms they want to say Third World music. It’s the same as when they called us underdeveloped countries and now courteously we are in development. That’s how it is.”


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Nepal: Code of conduct · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The representatives of NGOs have threatened to move international court regarding the recently promulgated Code of Conduct for the NGOs says Legal News From Nepal.


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Nepal: Repression of Media · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

International Nepal Solidarity Network says that Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is disturbed by court's failure to check repression of the media in Nepal.


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Nigeria: domestic violence · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Nigerian blog, Resident Pharmacist wonders if there is not something ” about our culture that, while making it a morally unacceptable for a married woman to be assaulted, would not be as concerned about a single/unmarried woman”?


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Nigeria: Pan Africa · Global Voices
Sokari Ekine

Grandiose Parlour sees the “handiwork of  the Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in the recent attempt of some African head of states to form a closer  political union”.   However he feels the “actors are mediocre and the timing is off”.