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Colombia: Blogs About Colombian Literature · Global Voices
Cati Restrepo

Colombian literature is known worldwide primarily through authors such as Gabriel García Márquez and his book “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” However, “el Gabo” –as he is widely known– has become almost the only author that is referenced when talking about this topic. Because of this, and doing a merely illustrative search on the web, one can find blogs dedicated to discussing other authors (some recent and some older), and sharing analysis and literary compositions via the Internet.
This is the case with blog Grupo de estudios en Literatura Colombiana (Colombian Literature Study Group) where in their most recent post they talk about author Phillipe Potdevin and his book “La Otomana” (“The Ottoman”) [es] :
La Otomana narra la historia del profesor Scipino quien se enamora de Morgana, una docente que llega al Alto Meusa, lugar de recogimiento de varios intelectuales. Hacia el comienzo de la obra, Scipino roba unos documentos personales de Morgana en los que ella afirma que siente placer sexual sólo si es raptada o tomada violentamente. Scipino establece una relación sentimental con la docente y, en efecto, la somete por medio de ejercicios que conjugan la violencia sexual.
The blog El Ojo en la paja (The eye in the straw) analyzes the work of an editor and in one of its posts talks about author Mauricio Linares and his book “El Mariscal que vivió deprisa” (“The Marshall That Lived Quickly”) [es] saying that:
Tomé esta novela con muchas reservas. Primero porque el autor no me cae muy bien: considero que ha estado demasiado cerca del poder como para mantener su independencia como periodista y está –para mi gusto– muy adentro de la Casa Editorial El Tiempo, una empresa informativa que tampoco me cae nada bien. Además, en sus presentaciones, en sus columnas, en sus intervenciones públicas siempre lo he visto engreído y fanfarrón.
When it comes to finding sources and content about Colombian literature as a whole, the blog Escritores Colombianos (Colombian Writers), provides an alphabetical list of  “poets, story tellers, essayists and playwrights born in Colombia” [es]. Bocanada de niebla (Mouthful of fog) is, “a traveling reader's logbook [es]” and each day of the week has especific content designated to it, ranging from photography, poetry and analysis. One of the most comprehensive literary blogs is Las Filigranas de Perder [es] (The Watermarks of Losing) where readers can find information on writing workshops, contests and other activities, news and readings.
There are blogs that concentrate on one literary style, like Science Fiction: Ciencia Ficción – Science Fiction [es] by blogger Juan Diego Gómez, El Pollo Hipnótico [es] (The Hypnotic Chicken) by David Pérez Marulanda and Mis textos literarios [es] (My Literary Texts) by writer Antonio Mora Vélez.
Readers that want to learn more about a specific author can visit blogs like Hijas del Delirio [es] (Daughters of Delirium) which focuses on the well-known (and highly-recommended) Colombian writer Laura Restrepo. On their first post [es] the “daughters of delirium” list the 10 commandments for the group that make up this blog. Some examples are:
1. Escucharás y leerás a Laura Restrepo embobada.
[…]
5. Honrarás la idea y la palabra.
6. No dejarás de leer mientras los ojos aguanten
[…]
8. No te resistirás a que la literaturacambie tu vida.
9. Escribirás hasta en las servilletas del McDonalds
It is also possible to find blogs with literary compositions that were made taking advantage of the tools of cyberspace. El ático [es] (The Attic) was a literary magazine until 2009, which published analysis of several authors and texts. Gavia is the cultural and literary magazine of the University Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá [es]; and there is also Devaneos para siete noches (Ramblings for seven nights), a blog by Professor Carlos Arturo Gamboa, where, for example, he  shares his poem “Cuando somos dos” [es] (“When we are two”).
A theme that some don't want to consider literature but that is definitely fashionable right now is vampires, and of course, there are Colombian fans of these book sagas and movies who can read the blogs Twilight Colombia [es] (previously Crepúsculo  Colombia Cullen [es] (Twilight Colombia Cullen)) and Conexión Vampírica Colombia [es] (Vampire Connexion Colombia).
Colombian literature has a lot to offer, and to prove that, there are also programs that promote reading and creative writing workshops that were created under the framework of government. Some of them are: Libro al viento [es] (Book to the wind), REDNEL [es] (National Network of Literature Students), Short-story Workshop – City of Bogotá [es] and Literary Workshops – City of Bogotá [es] (Facebook group).
These blogs are only some of the places on the Internet where Colombian literature is the protagonist. BlogsColombia provides an extensive list [es] of other Colombian literary blogs. But this outline of Colombian narrative cannot end without mentioning author Andrés Caicedo, whose work is “considered one of the most original in Colombian literature” [es]. He is correctly cited on Wikipedia, where Colombian literature is defined [es]:
(…) es mestiza,  tropical y diversa. La lucha constante de los legados español,  indígena y negro, y la lucha misma en contra de  manifestaciones exteriores, producen en Colombia la constante búsqueda  por una voz nacional.
Finally, I want to mention that this is, as I said earlier, the product of a merely illustrative search and is not intended to provide a comprehensive picture of Colombian literature on the Internet. I must have missed a lot of blogs dedicated to books, authors and literature in general, so I ask for your understanding and I will thank in advance those readers who know about other blogs and want to leave the corresponding links in the comment section of this post.

author: Cati Restrepo


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Fiji: Will new media laws lead to better reporting?  · Global Voices
Michael Hartsell

Claiming it will introduce media transparency and responsible reporting, Fiji’s government enacted new media rules, establishing a code of conduct for journalists, strengthening local ownership stipulations and creating a set of fines and prison terms to be levied against reporters and media institutions for potentially breaking guidelines.
The wide-ranging decree covers everything from advertising to children to overseeing news content, largely adopted from the proposal released in April. Ostensibly, Fiji's government will forbid news and media organizations from broadcasting content against the public interest, the national interest or anything that creates communal discord in the Pacific nation divided roughly 60-40 between the majority indigenous Fijians and the largest minority group, ethnic Indians.
The decree creates a media development authority, which will register and oversee media operations through the ministry of information. The power to interpret and apply most media law will be left to a media tribunal, appointed by the country’s President, which will investigate complaints from the media authority and the general public. The tribunal will be able to force corrections in news stories, impose fines and propose prison terms to reporters, editors and media owners for breaching media codes.
The government left its proposed media ownership rules largely the same, stipulating all directors and 90 percent of “beneficial shareholders” of media organizations must be Fiji citizens who have spent three of the past seven years in the country, staying at least six months per calendar year. As pointed out by Fiji’s Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the ruling directly affects the country’s oldest newspaper Fiji Times, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited. The company has 90 days to comply with the new rule, he said.
Much like April’s draft, international observers largely decried the new law. The International Federation of Journalists says it merely codifies the strict Public Emergency Regulations that have been in place since the country’s president abrogated the constitution and appointed the Bainimarama government to a five-year term. In a letter to Fiji’s leader Frank Bainimarama, Reporters Without Borders said the new law “marks a dangerous step backwards for press freedom and media development in Fiji.” Blogger Crosbie Walsh understands problems could exist implementing the decree, “but it is not the draconian document its critics would have their readers believe.”
“Section 39 sub-section 4 of the decree states that no person may act as a director in more than one media organisation and they have been given 12 months to comply with the cross ownership requirements in the Media Decree,” writes Coup 4.5.
However, the blog points out Fiji's leader Frank Bainimarama is responsible for the following posts:
Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service; People's Charter for Change; Minister for Information and Archives; Minister for Finance and National Planning and Sugar; Minister for Provincial Development, Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Affairs. The dictator is also the Commander of the RFMF.
And, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's current portfolio reads like this:
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Electoral Reform, Public Enterprises and Anti-Corruption, Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communication.
Coup 4.5 continues:
In defending the media degree, the regime’s media propagandist [Minister of Information, Sharon Smith-Johns] pointed out similar legislations etc abroad. The difference is most legislations have come from governments who were given the democratic mandate to act and not through the barrel of the gun.
In any case, while Sharon-Smith Johns was busy defending the section on cross-media ownership in the decree, she herself was running around to other assignments, in her capacity as Acting Permanent Secretary for Information, National Archives and Library Services of Fiji.
What difference is there in her holding the various portfolios, which is closely related, and by those who equally have vested interests in cross-businesses?
One worry about the cross media ruling centers on Mai Life, a cultural magazine co-owned by Richard Broadbridge, who also runs the private television station MaiTv.
From the blog Babasiga:
MaiLife is a great magazine with informative stories, is on the move with today's Pacific world, is inclusive of stories about a variety of Fiji people. We do want it to survive the decree's subsection about cross media ownership…
And of course, the Fiji Times owners/staff will have to seriously comtemplate their future as well. I do not like monopolies and want diversity of views in the media, but this is an organization of long standing in Fiji and a reputable newspaper. Certainly it runs rings about Fiji Sun with its little stories of watermelons and so on. Of course there is a trade-off when overseas companies do business in Fiji, but the journalists are local and about two hundred people do have jobs! The Australian media (radio, TV, and print) have had a field day criticizing what has happened, or might happen in three months. A more balanced view is that local ownership shared with overseas investors is desirable but how to get the right balance is debatable.
Some commentators debate whether the new media rules will professionalize reporting. However, many see this media law as about a fight between the Bainimarama government and its nemesis the Fiji Times. Some feel it is a brave institution fighting for freedom. However, in some quarters, few tears will be spilled for the paper's potential demise in its current state.
In a comment on the blog Fiji: The Way It Is, Was, and Can Be, Joe said:
Now it hurts, doesnt it? The writing was on the wall for a long long time. All that was asked of the media was for a fair and balanced reporting. They (one in particular) chose to ignore it, now pay the price, or on the contrary, the employees will pay the ultimate price. Nobody messess with a military. They dont say “this” and do “that”….

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Michael Hartsell


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Ghana: Go Ghana Go! · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

James writes about world cup game between Ghana and Uruguay: “The beers and biltong have been bought and the friends all confirmed. All is set for a great day of Football tomorrow! Ghana, Ghana, Ghana – our last hope for an African victory.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Ghana: Racist World Cup Ad · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Sokari writes about a racist World Cup Ad by German car rental SIXT: “The above advert was sent to me by a friend from Germany which she explains as follows: It is playing various eurocentric, afro-pessimism clichés in relation to the coming Ghana/Germany soccer play.”


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Guatemala: Costa Rican Francisco Dall’Anese to Direct CICIG  · Global Voices
Renata Avila

Francisco Dall'Anese,  Attorney General of Costa Rica, has been appointed to direct the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the United Nations is still waiting for his official response. The commission was “established as an independent investigative body by a treaty-level agreement between the United Nations and Guatemala […] with the objective of assisting the Guatemalan State in investigating and dismantling violent criminal organizations believed to be responsible for widespread crime and the paralysis in the country's justice system,” as its website explains. To understand the impact if this new appointment for Guatemala and for future efforts against impunity around the world, Guatemala Solidarity Network explains the importance and the relevance of the CICIG-:
CICIG is unique in the sense that it is not entirely an international  effort, nor is it wholly domestic, it has a bit of both but ultimately  has to fit into the Guatemalan judicial system. It is also unique in  being able to suggest reform, and includes training local personnel, all  taken together ought to create a lasting legacy. In contrast to many other UN tribunals, such as those in the former  Yugoslavia or Rwanda, CICIG is not trying to deal with the aftermath of  mass human rights abuse. The Historical Clarification Commission tried  to get to the truth, and as we know there are some cases proceeding to  try to find justice in those cases which the Peace Accords did not make  non-prosecutable. In contrast, CICIG is trying to deal with a different  legacy of the civil war: the infiltration of the organs of the state by  parallel powers, which subvert them to their own ends. It also uses the  domestic law and courts of Guatemala rather than international law,  which has several benefits: it shows that the legal system can indeed be  made to work, it can prosecute powerful individuals, and by working  from the inside it can see the weaknesses of that domestic law and  suggest improvements.
During a visit to Guatemala a few months ago, Francisco Dall’Anese said: “Although corruption exists, grand corruption comes from people with  real political power that influence institutions in order to steal or  divert money for their own benefit or that of third parties, and that  additionally are untouchable. There is a fear to confront these people  who wield enormous power in our society and those fears have to be put  to rest. If we do not stop this, the country is seized.” Mike, from the blog Central American Politics, shares his views:
The people I have spoken with this week have praised CICIG's work and admitted while imperfect, Guatemala would have been much worse without it.  We also weren't convinced that CICIG had successfully dismantled any of the organized crime rings in the country.  Individual successes have occurred, really important ones like the arrest of Portillo and Napoleon Rojas, his security chief who was taken into custody today, but I don't know how far CICIG's work has dismantled the  hidden powers.
The blog International Law Girls provides the context for this new appointment, which will replace Carlos Castresana from Spain:
Less than 2% of the cases ever make it to trial. It got so bad that  after much pressure from civil society, a U.N-sponsored initiative  called the Commission Against Impunity in  Guatemala (known by its Spanish initials as CICIG) was created in  2008 to help the national prosecutors’ office improve its ability to  investigate and try cases. CICIG’s  mandate is to investigate the existence of illicit security forces  and clandestine security organizations that commit crimes, and to  identify their illegal group structures (including links between State  officials and organized crime), activities, modes of operation, and  sources of financing. CICIG is to support the national Prosecutors’  office, act as a third-party prosecutor, and recommend policies to the  government to strengthen the justice system. It does not, however, have  the power to initiate its own prosecutions, a power the courts have held  is exclusive to the Prosecutors’ Office. Thus, if the prosecutor is  corrupt or ineffective, CICIG’s only recourse is through public  pressure. Nonetheless, the mechanism constitutes an interesting  and innovative half-way house between technical assistance and a  full-fledged hybrid tribunal.
Julie Chappel, UK Ambassador in Guatemala, wrote on her blog:
For now, CICIG remains an  important tool for Guatemala, helping to develop transparent, effective  security and justice sectors, which in turn will help to promote  economic growth and international investment. Passing into law the  various legal reforms that CICIG has suggested will be an important next  step. But of course, CICIG is only a temporary body – an opportunity of  which we all need to make the most.
Peace and justice in Guatemala is a neverending process, which will need complete support from citizens. To challenge “grand corruption” one must start with a shift in moral and legal practices and values, uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. Journalist Fran Sevilla highlights [es] the responsibility that the Guatemalan government has in the success of the Commission.  While some Guatemalans rejected and challenged [es] the former head of CICIG, all the organizations and diplomatic bodies represented in Guatemala are supporting the effort; and for most of Guatemalans, the Comission is a candle of hope, illuminating them and telling them that justice is possible.

author: Renata Avila


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Haiti: From Delmas · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“It’s bleak, it’s dark, macabre and It stinks”: ~/zaboka reports on present conditions in Delmas.

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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India: Thoughts On Bengal Politics · Global Voices
Rezwan

Nirmalya Nag posts some thoughts on the Politics of West Bengal state of India (Part 1, Part 2).

author: Rezwan


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Jamaica: SoE Accomplishments · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

What has Jamaica's State of Emergency accomplished?  Girl With a Purpose explains.


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Japan: The art of cutting paper · Global Voices
Scilla Alecci

Japanstyle dedicates a post [en] to kamikiri, one of the traditional crafts that uses paper and that is also a stage performance. Attached to the post a video where popular kamikiri artist Hayashiya Imamaru creates splendid silhouettes with scissors and paper.

author: Scilla Alecci


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Jordan: Made in Israel  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Arab countries imposed a total ban on the import of Israel-made products after the Arab-Israeli war of 1948. Although the boycott is no longer strictly enforced (except in Syria and Lebanon), seeing the Made in Israel label on products in local markets continues to raise alarm and questions. Jordanian Osama Al Romoh (Ar) opens a can of worms when he learns that the Hashemite University is selling its students graduation robes packed in bags which have Made in Israel labels stamped all over them.
Made in Israel gowns create controversity in Jordan's Hashemite University
He writes about his feelings of shock:
Shock turns to submission when Al Romoh admits that there are Israel-made products readily available in Jordan and that consumers have a choice to make:
A peace treaty exists between Jordan and Israel, adds the blogger:
حسناً، إذا سلّمنا بأن معاهدة السلام الأردنية الإسرائيلية عام 1994 واتفاقية التعاون التجاري بين البلدين سببان وجيهان لوجود سلع إسرائيلية في الأردن، لا يمكن أبداً أن يصل هذا إلى حد بيع “طلاب جامعيين” أثواب إسرائيلية، فانا أراه ترويضاً بطيئاً للجيل الجديد كي يقبل بواقعٍ مفروض علينا، والأعجب من ذلك، أن الجامعة الهاشمية معروف عنها رفضها للتطبيع فما سبب هذا الإستهتار بالطالب؟
Al Romoh continues:
In conclusion, he writes:

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Kazakhstan: DHL charging extra fees, clients complain · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Getting packages delivered to Kazakhstan via DHL may be an expensive endeavor due to the huge “customs processing” fees neweurasia’s Ankona reports.

author: Adil Nurmakov


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Kenya: Nobody is writing the Kenyan story · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Who will write the Kenyan story?:”Who is the custodian of the Kenyan story? Who shall document these years that we are going through? Who shall trace the historical roots and separate fact from fiction?”


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Kyrgyzstan: Lying Satellites and Political Course · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Nathan Hamm opines on the political situation in Kyrgyzstan, which has conducted constitutional referendum last Sunday. “Voters cast their ballots for peace and stability”, and legitimization of interim government shall become a first step to settling the enormous list of issues.


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Kyrgyzstan: Referendum, Notes of a Voter · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Murzaki posts a photo-report from the constitutional referendum in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.


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Liberia: My life in Liberia · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Shreya blogs about her life in Liberia: “I inevitably get sick whenever I travel and my trip to Liberia is no different… I had a minor bought of food poisoning on Monday.”


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Malaysia: Education Ministry Plans To Scrap Two Exams · Global Voices
Syafique Shuib

The Education Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin, recently announced the possibility of scrapping two examinations under the current education system: the Primary School Evaluation Test (known as UPSR) and the Lower Certificate of Education (known as PMR). The Education Ministry believes that the current education system is too exam-oriented and will be replaced by a school-based assessment to encourage a more holistic education.
In an article published by The Star, Muhyiddin, who is also Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, says:
The changes should lead to improved creativity, innovativeness and students involvement in sports and co-curricular activities. “The move will also discourage rote learning which places less emphasis on thinking capability,” he said.
According to Education in Malaysia, the government should examine several other factors that could contribute to the failure of the education system:
I am in complete agreement that we should reform our education system to prevent it from “producing robots”. However, we need to first understand the cause of failure in our education system which isn't a result of having examinations per se. Firstly, without first changing our teaching systems to encourage creativity, critical thinking and innovation, removing examinations will make little or no difference to the quality of education for our students. For example, if the quality and ability of the teachers remain unchanged, then quality of output will make little difference.
If there were no more exams, Through My Eyes wonders if the young ones will still be motivated:
Can Malaysians be trusted with the responsibility of freedom? Are we hardworking and motivated enough? We’ve become so result-oriented as a society. With carrots and sticks gone, I could see many helplessly lost, especially the young. Would the masses sail through six years of primary education without a thing to show, or would they actually benefit from the freedom of exploration through play? Would they know how to appreciate the opportunity? Or would they complain all the more of being bored, a word almost synonymous with students I know?
Tunku Aisha supports the removal of UPSR and PMR examinations to nurture creativity:
I think it is best that UPSR and PMR be abolished. We want our student to be more creative in their thinking instead of being exam oriented all the time. Our education system must change in order for our new generation be able to excel globally. The ministry can introduce a new method to measure the achievement of student for residential schools or streaming.
Kim via UndergroundSquare says students should compete with themselves, instead of with each other:
There are a few schools in Taiwan/HK whichever it is, that have this system whereby students don't compete against each other. They compete with themselves. So basically the way they assess is rewarding one who has improved his/her marks from the last test. It makes a lot more sense than competing with someone who is blessed with photographic memory for instance.
According to New Straits Times, Muhyiddin Yassin suggests for a roundtable discussion to be held from all stakeholders before a decision is made. This author believes that it is a good idea to get the input from various parties, but the Ministry should also get input from the young ones:
Input from them is just as crucial as they are the ones that are going through the education system. The decisions that are being made today are for the benefits of Malaysia’s future generation.

author: Syafique Shuib


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Nepal: Prime Minister Resigns · Global Voices
Rezwan

Madhav Kumar Nepal. Image by Flickr user izahorsky, used under CC license BY-NC-ND
Nepali Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal announced his resignation yesterday in a live televised speech.
Mr. Nepal took charge in May 2009 after his predecessor Prachanda (Pushpa Kumar Dahal), the CPN (Maoist) leader, resigned over a conflict with the president over the dismissal of the army's chief of staff following a dispute over the integration of the former Maoist rebels into the national army.
Anisha Bhattarai at New Beginning blog informs:
Prime Minister Madhav K Nepal resigned from his post yesterday. He and his government was the subject of controversy from the very beginning. He had lost in election from two places but still got to be the Prime Minister. [..]
Maoists have been demanding his resignation from the very beginning.
Mr. Nepal's resignation should end a political stalemate in the country which intensified after the coalition government failed to promulgate the new constitution by May 28, 2010 and extended the term of the Constituent assembly by one year.
Gopal Sharma at Reuters Blog has some backgrounds on the dispute:
Nepal currently has no parliament and a special constituent assembly elected in 2008 to draft a new constitution doubles as the national legislature.
No political party commands a majority in the assembly dominated by the Maoists. Any government’s primary responsibility is to oversee the drafting of the new constitution, the first after Nepal abolished the 239-year-old monarchy two years ago.
Neither the Maoists nor other political parties can garner the two-thirds majority in the assembly required to pass the statue without the support of each other. Therefore, every one talks about a national unity government – one based on the consensus and participation all or most of the 25 political parties, including the Maoists, to ensure the writing of the constitution by the stipulated time of May next year.
NepaleseAbroad.com  is furious about this resignation:
Maoist wants the place and the Prime Minister-ship which they abandoned few months ago. This is complete childish behavior of the Maoists and their leaders. All moody politicians, talking and acting without any commitment or responsibility of the action and decision they make. Maoist should not be given any place in the government until they fully and completely abandon their camp and political army. [..]
Every political parties of Nepal individually or collectively, whether they be in the government or opposition, unless they make Nepal their first point of interest above their own individual or party’s interest there will be no stable government or development in Nepal.
Purushottam Shah (digitalsubway) tweets:
According to reports the major political parties, namely, UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), have started talks to form a new government.


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Pakistan: The Cause Of Ahmadi Massacre In Lahore · Global Voices
Rezwan

Anwer Khan at Pak Tea House examines the cause of the recent Ahmadi massacre in Lahore.


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Pakistan: Website Monitoring Continues · Global Voices
Faisal Kapadia

Image by Mikey G Ottawa. CC BY-NC-BD
On June 16th the  Lahore high court in Pakistan ruled that PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) should ban nine websites for hosting blasphemous contents. However the government changed this decision later to avoid international  condemnation and promised to keep a close eye on popular websites including Google, Youtube, Facebook, Hotmail which could be posting blasphemous content objectionable to Muslims. This has come in the wake of the same high court ordering a complete ban of Facebook in the month of May and then its follow-up ruling (under immense public pressure) to take back the ban on the wildly popular social networking site as it was restricting access to positive communication.
The  whole flare up in this issue is rooted  to the “Draw Muhammad Day”  group on Facebook which caused huge uproar in nearly all Muslim  dominated countries of the world and the network was condemned with some viciousness. Rallies were carried out in protest by right wing groups in Pakistan and it was totally blocked in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well. As it stands now right or wrong is not a question any longer,  pandora's censure box is open and all sorts of ugly demons are coming out to restrict new media and monitor online traffic and queries.
The blog Pak Point reports:
Any web-site at URL or IP level would be blocked after proper investigation by inter-ministerial committee for the valuation of web-sites at the  receipt of information or complaint from any source, as soon as  information is received by the IT ministry.
Jenkin's ear points out that this is the start of something bad:
Unfortunately, this is likely to lead to more problems than it solves. After all, the Vatican's web site is probably contrary to Islam, but it is probably not blocked. Another issue is that the teachings of Islam on the subject of what is and is not  acceptable in a web site are probably unclear.
Sana Saleem at Mystified Justice says:
Do we, as citizens of this country, have the right to even hold an opinion? Will we have the opportunity to engage with people without being scrutinised? Will we ever be able to truly respect the right to self-regulation as a nation? The crackdown on the internet appears to be more of a political ploy than a religious one. But like all other things, we love using the religion card to strengthen our stance and to silence opposition.
For all those bent on moral-policing the internet in the name of religion, please pay some heed to the thousands of child porn websites that are still accessible in Pakistan, none of which have been mentioned in 10,428 sites to be banned. When will we learn to prioritize?
It actually seems as if the educated of Pakistan realize that we cannot as a country really communicate and function with the outside world if we isolate ourselves from services like Hotmail, Google etc. However the masses and the leaders sought to please them do not seem to realize what and how much of an impact such a widespread censure could  lead to.
In a guest post at Teeth Maestro's blog, Shaista Kazmi and Azhar Aslam writes:
As an ordinary Muslim, I may not  be an authority to speak on Islam, (although Islam never limited or  restricted opinion formation , to any ‘authority’), still the concept of  blasphemy, as it is practiced in Pakistan  at least, seems skewed,  lacking commonsense and dare I say quite the opposite to what we learn  as Muslims were the teachings of the prophet whose very honour we are  trying to protect. Doesn’t that sound how we define the word  ‘hypocrisy’?
Asif Shehzad at Taragana states that some observers noted that Pakistan had gone further than several other Muslim countries by banning Facebook, and said  it showed the rise of conservative Islam in the country. Created in  1947 as a homeland for Muslims, Pakistan has swung away from moderate  Sufi Islamic influences common to South Asia toward the more rigid version of the faith  found in the Arab world.
To me sitting here writing this piece in Shanghai, it is already obvious what would happen if a blanket ban on  Youtube, Google, Hotmail, Facebook and others is imposed just as China indulged in many such censures with horrible effect. Even though these actions may be disastrous for the foreign image there are still  many ways around these bans and blocks and as we saw in May, Facebook usage did not drop too much from Pakistan in spite of the ban. This is a day and age when the flow of information has become more of a  weapon then the flow of arms and I doubt if anyone can stop it totally.
The only way for Pakistan to move forward and steer towards the path of progress will be our ability to allow free speech and debate, which is mostly carried out online. Stopping that will just be a final nail in the coffin, something which we citizens cannot allow.

author: Faisal Kapadia


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Philippines: Netizens react to inaugural address of new president · Global Voices
Julius Rocas

On June 30, Wednesday, Filipinos welcomed their 15th President: Benigno “Noynoy” Simeon Aquino, III during his Inauguration held at the Quirino Grandstand, City of Manila.
Aquino, is the son of two of the country's famous icons of democracy; his father Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr who was martyred during the Marcos dictatorship and his mother, Corazon Cojuanco Aquino was catapulted to the Presidency through a peaceful revolt when democracy was restored in 1986.
In front of roughly 500,000 Filipinos, who gathered to hear him give his inaugural address, Aquino took his Oath of Office before Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, instead of the Chief Justice as held in tradition.
In the said address, he focused on living up to his campaign theme of cleaning government of corruption and putting it back to the service of the Filipinos. His election as the 15th President of the Philippines was viewed by pundits as a repudiation of the nearly decade-long Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Administration which was mired by huge corruption and credibility scandals and record poverty levels since the Asian economic crisis a decades ago.
While the crowds interrupted Aquino with applause and cheers, Filipino netizens chimed in online:
Caffeinesparks, blogging for Blog Watch, keeps her expectations modest as gives a pragmatic response to President Aquino's Inaugural address:
I do not expect miracles of Aquino. If he delivers a government that works, a government that does not suck the living daylights out of its citizens as would a tiny termagant vampire with a voracious appetite, then I would be content. I have had enough of a predatory state that would prey on the weak and the helpless, that would pervert the spirit of the law. It has made cannibals of public servants who began service only with the best of intentions. It has made cynics of the young. It has sacrificed our future at the altar of the shameless and the greedy.
Patricio Mangubat picks the positive highlight of the address about creating a participative government:
What are note-worthy about his speech are his thoughts on transforming government, from an inept and tyrannical one to a participative government, one that hears and opens itself up for criticisms and observations. Aquino vows to affect a feedback mechanism, a communication system , whereby government will be able to adjust its policies based on the people’s perceptions and views. This is the first time that government will try to effect a participative or a responsive system, a system which relies on a mass-based feedback mechanism.
As well as pointing out a fundamental hole in the speech:
Aquino failed to say anything about land reform, the reproductive health policy nor his gender program. This, says Prof. Claudio of the UP Women’s Center, is most worrisome because it reflects how the incoming administration treats these issues as “non-issues”.
To this, lawyer Connie Veneracion follows through with a spot-on remark:
You are obviously referring to the Arroyo administration when you talk about “a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people.” What do you call your mother’s own administration during which the agrarian reform program was brazenly re-written so that your family would not lose Hacienda Luisita? Your uncle authored the amendment and your mother signed the law.
Mr. Aquino — President Aquino — I have read through your inaugural address twice and found no mention of genuine agrarian reform. Do you really want us to believe that “there will be security for farmers” simply by eliminating fertilizer scams and middlemen?
In the end and despite these pragmatic and discerning points raised by bloggers, the overall theme of being hopeful settles in everyone.
Edicio puts it succinctly when he uses Mary's Magnificat to extrapolate the meaning of President Aquino's address as one that enables Filipinos to be just like that once more, hopeful.
But they evoke the more immediate and popular expectations of justice – as retribution and redistribution, linking them to the hope that government will deliver benefits to the poor.

author: Julius Rocas


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Puerto Rico: Clash at the Capitol · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Repeating Islands republishes a mainstream media report about “the disturbances at Puerto Rico’s Capitol yesterday.”


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Puerto Rico: Student strike is over after 60 days · Global Voices
Firuzeh Shokooh Valle

It has been described as a historic victory. In a national student assembly, thousands of students of the state-run University of Puerto Rico (UPR) ratified the agreements reached between the students’ National Negotiating Committee (NNC) and the university's administration ending a strike that lasted over 60 days and paralyzed ten of the 11 campuses of the UPR.
Some of the central agreements are [ES]: the UPR's administration will not incur in summary disciplinary actions against students who participated in the strike, and the UPR will not impose a special registration fee during the first academic semester that starts in August 2010. Students also approved a “preventive” strike vote in case the Board of Trustees imposes the special fee in January 2011.
National Student Assembly poster. From upresunpais.com.
The backlash started immediately after the strike was lifted. The pro-statehood governor Luis Fortuño increased the members of the UPR's Board of Trustees from 13 to 17 [ES], giving the government a chance to place members who are politically identified with the ruling party. The Legislature also passed a law that establishes that secret and direct voting is the only mechanism to be used in student assemblies [ES], excluding the system of voting out loud. The UPR and its Board of Trustees decided to proceed with a law suit against 21 student activists [ES], although it had been suspended as part of the court-ordered mediation process (update: the court has rejected the law suit [ES]). Then, the Chief of Staff, Marcos Rodríguez Ema, publicly invalidated the agreements between the students and the UPR's administration -which had been ordered by a court and mediated by an ex judge- saying they were “just a piece of paper.” [ES] Students and other civil society groups have been publicly protesting against these decisions and expressions.
Bloggers are reacting to the end of the strike and the situation of the UPR. The UPR graduate student, blogger, and student activist, Iván Chaar-López, assures this was the first “postmodern strike” [ES] because it relied on decentralized networks, integrated diverse ethics, counted on multiplicity and diversity, and built upon symbolic constructions:
Después de más de ocho semanas de paro y huelga, el  movimiento estudiantil logró conquistar sus reclamos. De nada sirvieron
las críticas cínicas del inmovilismo ni la retórica fuertemente  parodiada de la “mayoría silente”. No valieron mucho las alusiones a la
falta de gasolina en el tanque porque no se analizó la extensión de la  pista. La Huelga Creativa contó, desde su inicio el 21 de abril, con el
apoyo y la solidaridad de grandes sectores de la población y del  estudiantado. Si no hubiera sido así, ésta hubiese sido fácilmente
derrotada por los sectores anti-huelga.
UPR students. Photo by Ricardo Alcaraz from Diálogo. Republished under a CC License.
UPR Physics professor and blogger Ramón López Alemán also congratulated the students’ movement [ES]:
Parecía imposible. Era una batalla de David contra Goliat. Vergüenza contra dinero. La creatividad contra la propaganda millonaria. La decencia contra la intransigencia. La justicia contra el poder abusivo y descarnado. La verdad barata en YouTube y Radio Huelga contra la hemorragia de mentiras en radio y TV pagadas con fondos públicos. Flores y teatro contra macanas, burlas e insultos.
Y GANARON LOS ESTUDIANTES. Que viva la lucha de los jóvenes…. Así se hace PATRIA.
On the other hand, blogger Jean Vidal was skeptical about the students’ accomplishments in a post in La Acera [ES]:
El saldo final de 56 días de jugar al Ché Guevara (sin tener la valentía que tenía el Ché) es que la Universidad sigue en su estado crítico. Su solvencia sigue en duda, sus facilidades sin cuidar. Su nómina seguirá devorando fondos que pueden ir a programas y a estudiantes, en vez de pagar por empleados innecesarios, donde tres hacen la labor que puede hacer un empleado. Su burocracia seguirá irritando a miles de ciudadanos y gastarán dinero público sin piedad (y no sólo me refiero a la administración). La Junta de Síndicos seguirá en manos de batatas políticas y muchos profesores (sí, estoy hablando de la APPU) continuarán avanzando sus agendas políticas, en vez de promover una educación para todos los puertorriqueños y no solo para los que siguen su ideología.
Los estudiantes ganaron en una lucha donde el premio desapareció hace tiempo. ¡Qué vivan los estudiantes!
Mientras, la universidad sigue muriendo.
This post has generated an interesting debate in the comments section [ES].
Please read Global Voices’ Special Coverage of the 2010 student strike in Puerto Rico.

author: Firuzeh Shokooh Valle


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Russia: Executive Director of Moscow Airport Uses Blog to Blame the Mayor · Global Voices
Gregory Asmolov

Michael Vasilenko, executive director of Russia's second largest international airport Sheremetyevo, wrote [RUS] a blog post accusing [ENG] Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov in a deliberate transport blockade of the airport. Vasilenko declared that authorities started roadworks [ENG] on purpose in order to block Sheremetyevo and promote city-owned airport Vnukovo.

author: Gregory Asmolov


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Russia: Gay Rights · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

A Good Treaty writes about “the sad state of gay rights in Russia” and highlights opposition activist Oleg Kozlovsky's reaction to a mention of the Solidarnost movement in a blog post about the “small, brief” gay pride march in Moscow: “He was angry that they claimed ‘representative(s) of Solidarnost’’ had attended the march.”

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Russia: Hackers Provoke Closure of the Major News Website · Global Voices
Alexey Sidorenko

Several articles of Ura.ru, one of the major media outlets, had been significantly transformed by unknown hackers, kommersant.ru reported [RUS]. Aksana Panova, executive editor of the portal, suggested, hackers added severe critics towards regional and federal authorities in order to provoke Roskomnadzor [EN] to issue a legal notice, which might result in a closure of the website.

author: Alexey Sidorenko


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Russia: Human Rights Website Hacked and Blocked · Global Voices
Alexey Sidorenko

First page of Prison.org, a website Moscow Center for Prison Reform, of one of the oldest Russian human rights NGOs, had been hacked, Russ.ru reported [RUS]. The content of the website hasn't been deleted, however, users can't access the website and are constantly forwarded to Yandex.ru search engine instead. Russ.ru suggests hosting provider might be involved in the hacking.


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South Africa: African Fashion Week sets the stage for African Designers · Global Voices
Prisha Bhoola

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has put South Africa on the map. With the football tournament proceedings in its 3rd week, almost without incident, the country proved that Africa has got what it takes to be a serious player in hosting international events.
Africa Fashion Week. Source: www.jamati.com
Not to be outdone by their sporting counterparts, African fashion designers are showcasing their talents in a mini fashion world cup of their own. This is the Africa Fashion Week to be held between 30 June and 3 July – towards the tail end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
According to Africa Fashion International (who will host this event), Established South African fashion-world heavy weights including Marianne Fassler, Errol Arendz, Stoned Cherrie and David Tlale will show alongside global talents like Deola Sagoe (fresh from New York Fashion Week) and current celeb-favourite Laquan Smith.
I recently caught up with a South African stylist and blogger based in Dubai, Jessica Ramohoebo, and asked her about Africa and the fashion industry.
Jessica Ramohoebo giving me her thought on Africa's fashion industry
The media most often depict Africa as a war-torn, starved continent that is constantly in need of aid. While there are many issued that we can’t run away from, there is a brighter side of Africa. It is not all poverty – we are a creative bunch! Fashion is art and art should
never be killed. It’s kind of like art in the middle and everything that stems from it.
With all its problems, should Africans be focusing on fashion?
In no way do we, in the fashion industry mock distress. As Africans we need to be using our skills responsibly. Our fashion industry is providing jobs to people – we are making a contribution.
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson of African Fashion International says in a press statement,
Africa Fashion week is providing a platform for shining stars from across the diaspora, the continent and the country. The world continues its love affair with all things African. African as a point of reference, not as a cliché and it’s very important we here in Africa
continue to support that.
Back to Jessica. So, what can the African continent offer the world of fashion?
Ndebele design
We are just touching the surface of what we can do. I’ve seen this personally in my travels. Other places just don’t have what we have. The whole continent is inspiring. We are lucky we have not been bombarded by chain stores. We have been able to develop our own “African-ness”. The world is taking note. Just look at Christian Louboutin using Ndebele inspired designs in his shoes
There is an excitement in the blogosphere about this event. Nyiti Tabiti notes:
The Super Eagles of Nigeria (Lets forgive those those who call them super chickens) may not have had a superb performance at the on going FIFA World Cup in South Africa but we are proud that our fashion idols are also going there to prove  point this month.
Voice of Nana Fosu says that the event is completely rare and unique:
It is rare, in fact completely unique, to have all the leading voices in African Fashion in one place, at one time, in one country.
Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly considers the event a “wonderful break from all the football madness”:
African Fashion Week has been a wonderful break to all the football madness although the seats were sadly empty for the first shows of the afternoon. I wish all those who had no football to watch could have been invited to witness our slick fashion teams at work.
Blckseed writes about the first night of the show:
The 2nd annual Africa Fashion Week got off to a not-so-smooth start last night at the Sandton Convention Centre with shows delayed by 45 minutes. I missed the first show, but managed to see the second one; a display of glitz and shimmer by Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe. Her cocktail dresses were an exhibition of workmanship with lots of detail in the form of sequins and mermaid-like frills and pleats, at times. Deola, I gathered, places very little emphasis- if any- on Afrocentricity rather going for modernity.
“Stylish launch for Africa Fashion week” is Lebogang Tsele's video of the event hosted at Times Live Multimedia.

author: Prisha Bhoola


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South Korea: K-Pop Icon Hyo-ri Brings the Plagiarism Issue Up To the Light · Global Voices
Lee Yoo Eun

South Korean pop queen Lee Hyo-ri’s fourth album reignited discussion on the country’s plagiarism over the internet as Hyo-ri came to admit that six songs from her fourth album ‘H-logic’ are the illegally copied. Bloggers are debating over what really happened, who is to blame and why plagiarism is plaguing the nation’s music industry.
A photo of Lee Hyo-ri taken by a fan.
Lee Hyo-ri is South Korea’s pop icon and show business’ 13 year veteran, who is earning almost 10 billion Korean Won(USD 8.1 million) a year, according to local news report. She has a wide scope of fans from her active appearances at numerous hit variety shows and commercials. Hyori's fourth album ‘H-Logic’ made a instant hit after release, but at the same time immediately draw suspicions that some of her songs are too similar to be her original tunes. Hyori’s agency has denied the allegation till Hyori came clear on June that six songs she got from a songwriter group Bahnus Vacuum are plagiarized from foreign songs. In an official statement Hyori posted on her fan cafe, she admitted the disputes songs were indeed illegal copies and she apologize for anyone who had been hurt from her acts and she will be taking a hiatus from music activity for the moment. Bahnus who gave her the songs have not made any public appearance after the revelation.
Even though the plagiarism itself is frequently brought up issue in Korea, a full-out confession by the singer is rare. Majority of the internet bloggers praised Hyori’s confession as a courageous act. A blogger Eunkoung8072 commented that the plagiarism is a shameful deed and other singer's reaction to it is a disgrace, while Hyori has shown a good precedent.
그래도 자신의 잘못을 인정하고 모든 것을 밝힌 이효리의 용기는 인정할 만 하다. 물론, 박수 받을 만한 사건은 아니다…다만 나는 많은 이들이 표절을 하고도, 이를 인정하지 않거나 잠적해 버리는 많은 이들에 비해 공식적으로 사과문을 발표한 이효리가 그래도 대단하다는 것이다.
The resemblance of her disputed songs with the original tunes was quite uncanny enough to raise suspicions. Six songs confirmed as plagiarized are ‘Bring it Back’ (plagiarized from Canadian girl-group Cookie Couture's ‘Boy Bring it Back’), I'm Back (copied Canadian indie-singer Lil Precious’ ‘So Insane’), ‘Memory’, ‘Feel the Same’, ‘How Did We Get,’ ‘Swing’ and `Highlight’. To check the music yourself click here. Hyori’s disputed songs are followed by each of their original counterparts.
Critics are blaming Hyori and her agency, Mnet, nation’s one of biggest music cable television for ignoring the suspicion rose from this indisputable resemblance. A blogger Ourvillage commented the investigation and the apology are long overdue after they profited from the album's for two lucrative months.
4집 앨범이 발표되었을 때 이미 많은 사람들이 4집 앨범의 곡들을 표절이라고 비판했지만 이효리측과 엠넷 미디어는 곡들의 표절 여부를 철저하게 조사하지 않았다. 그야말로 안일한 대처였다. 이렇게 석연찮은 태도를 보여놓고 이제 와서 표절이라고 공식 언급을 하고 활동을 중단하겠다는 이효리 측이나 엠넷 미디어가 너무 무책임하게 느껴진다.
Plagiarism has long plagued Korean pop music, from1960’s Lee Mi-ja’s ‘Island Teacher’ which copied a Japanese song to the most recent cases of a boy band CNBLUE and G-Dragon of the Big Bang(K-pop idol group). CNBLUE’s single ‘I’m an Outcast’ has been accused for copying the Indie band’s song ‘Blue Bird’ and Big Bang member G-Dragon’s solo hit ‘Heartbreaker’ was criticized as plagiarized song from American rapper Flo Rida’s ‘Right Round’.
The plagiarism allegation is more frequently erupting nowadays. Many people see this as the internet endowing people opportunities to listen to foreign musicians’ tunes, making it much harder for songwriters to fool the audience. A blogger Liveblog commented that the internet users can immediately detect a copied tune and any plagiarism attempt will be thwarted.
최근 네티즌들의 안목이 높아지고 인터넷이 발전함에 따라 비슷한 노래를 베끼면 바로 비슷하다는 글이 올라온다…절대로 표절을 해서 잘 될 것이라고 보면 안된다.
There is no established legal body to prevent the plagiarism in Korea. Though copyright holders can sue the convicted in the Korea Copyright Commission or in court, nearly every plagiarism disputes are customarily settled through informal negotiations.
A blogger Conte0303 analyzed the plagiarism is not the issue limited to music industry, many sectors in Korean society are infected with it and people’s generosity and the ignorance on the seriousness of the issue are aggravating the situation.
“왜 같은 문제가 반복되는가?”는 질문에 대처하는 아주 상식적인 답은 이거다. “발각 된들 손해날 것이 없기 때문에.”…이미 특허가 등록된 남의 기술을 무단으로 도용하다가 까무라칠 배상금을 물어낸 기업들이 있지만 그들조차 “재수가 없었다”라고 생각하지 발상부터 도덕적으로 옳지 않았음을 자인하지는 않는다. 대중 음악계의 상황도 비슷하다. 표절 논란에 휩싸였던 가수들 대부분이 별 타격 없이 활동하고 있다는 것이 문제의 근원이다. 즉 표절 여부가 인기의 등락과는 무관하다는 것이다. 표절 시비에…자존심 상하고 이미지 먹칠하고, 심지어 이미 받은 상까지 반납하란 여론에 시달려야 하는 서구의 문화와는 많이 다르다.
Discussions on the plagiarism are activated over the internet ever, most of them hoping this vicious cycle of plagiarism to halt, at least brought to light by Hyo-ri's hard learnt lesson.

author: Lee Yoo Eun


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Sri Lanka: Kite Jam 2010 · Global Voices
Rezwan

Kite Surf Sri Lanka blog writes about Kite Jam 2010, Sri Lanka's first kite surfing event, which took place recently.


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Uganda: Election dates set · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Conserve Uganda writes about election dates: “Nominations for President will be accepted on October 25 and 26, 2010, and the elections for President and Parliament will all happen between February 12 and March 1, 2011.”


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Ukraine: Mysterious Deaths at the Kiev Zoo  · Global Voices
Maryna Reshetnyak

Kiev Zoo zebra by Sergey Galyonkin on Flickr (2009)
The Kiev Zoo has recently attracted attention of both the traditional and citizen media because of the alarming events happening there: quite a few animals at the Zoo have died under unclear circumstances during the last year.
This timeline published in an Ukraina Kriminalnaya article was re-posted on the Legal Discussion Board [RUS]:
Хронология смертей в Киевском зоопарке
30 мая 2010 года – бизон (причина не установлена).
26 мая 2010 года – верблюд (причина не установлена).
26 апреля 2010 года – слон (причина не установлена).
29 марта 2010 года – умер самец зебры Гранта (сломал шею при переводе в летний вольер).
Март 2010 года – лошадь Пржевальского….
Конец февраля 2010 года – 20-летний амурский тигр Иван…
3 декабря 2009 года – уссурийский белогрудый медведь …
Январь 2009 года – сломал шею жираф Рами.
Ukrainian bloggers reacted emotionally to the events at the Kiev Zoo. Many believed that the animals had been poisoned in order to move the zoo to another location and sell the land to commercial developers.
LJ user vsegda_tvoj wrote [RUS]:
Площадь зоопарка составляет более 34 га, не малый кусочек территории в центре города, стоимость сотки земли составляет от 5 до 10 тысяч долларов. Наверное многие помнят, что еще три года назад ходили слухи о том, что на месте зоопарка будет выстроен элитные коттеджи и торговый центр. Животных же должны были перевезти в Вышгород, даже готовилось распоряжение о переселении жителей зоопарка… но вышгородская территория оказалась гораздо меньше киевской. Было решено увезти часть животных в пригород, а остальных отправить в зоопарки крупных украинских городов… Дело с переездом пришлось приостановить из-за поднятого шума касательно раздачи городским советом киевской земли.
[…]
Самое интересное что большинство погибших животных копытные – они куда вынослевей чем хищники или другие. Но это достаточно просто объяснить, у погибших животных очень простые вольеры, чем быстее они опустею, тем быстрее наш зоопарк превратится в коттеджный городок для мажоров.
The most interesting is that the majority of the dead animals were even-toed mammals – they are much hardier than predators or other animals. But it is easily explainable – all the dead animals had big open-air cages. The faster the cages will become empty, the faster our Zoo will be transformed into a cottage community for the rich…
The death of an elephant named Boy, once a symbol of the Kiev Zoo, was discussed the most. The management of the Zoo, appointed about a year ago, believed that the elephant had been poisoned, but conclusions of experts concerning the cause of Boy's death were very contradictory. According to TSN.ua, some experts declared that the animal had been poisoned, while others believed that the elephant had died because of inadequate care and bad nutrition.
During the last few months the elephant lost more than 2 tons because of a strict diet he had been put on. The zoo veterinarians thought that Boy was overweight (he weighed 6 tons, while the average for this type of elephants is 2 tons) and that the diet would benefit his health, reported focus.ua. The Ukrainian internet was filled with pictures of the elephant before and after the diet.
A story first published on the Internet by Alexander Nikolov, a former keeper who worked with the elephant and quit his job right after Boy's death, was re-posted by many bloggers and traditional media. Alexander accused the new management of being unprofessional and cruel towards the animals. According to Nikolov, the cause of the elephant's death was a rapid change in the diets and the stress that the animal had to go through. Alexander wrote:
Слону Бою резко сократили рацион сразу же после операции в мае 2009 года… Приблизительно с середины марта этого года слону опять резко изменили рацион.…Во время ремонта было решено в слоновнике … постелить асфальт, из-за чего расстояние от пола до потолка слоновника уменьшилось…Бой стал легко доставать до потолка и некоторых окон. Английские специалисты предложили использовать … электросторож…. Бой не мог поднять хобот – его сразу же било током. Никого не волновало, что слону чисто физиологически периодически необходимо поднимать хобот – так слоны выражают свои эмоции. Это все равно, что бить током собаку за каждое виляние хвостом… Он постоянно находился в стрессе…
The idea that the Kiev Zoo animals are dying because of the management's incompetence was also supported by two former employees of the Zoo, Kirill Trantin and Sergey Grigoryev. They established the Kiev Zoo Salvation Group and tried to draw public attention to the situation there. A few more similar groups have been set up as well.
The Kiev Zoo story is still full of mystery and it is hard to predict whether the public will ever know the truth about the deaths of the animals. The feelings of the Ukrainian bloggers can be well expressed by this post of user K011fetka, who wrote:
Это мелко, подло и вообще отвратительно. Убивать зверей. Они же ничего не сделали. Они искренне верят людям.

author: Maryna Reshetnyak


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USA: Global Feminism Live Chat on July 19 · Global Voices
Solana Larsen

Gender Across Borders, a group blog dedicated to international feminism, is currently seeking new contributors and is holding a public live chat to discuss global feminism on July 19.

author: Solana Larsen


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USA: Indigenous Rights Declaration under Reexamination  · Global Voices
Simon Maghakyan

Almost three years after rejecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in September 2007, the United States government is now asking for input from Native American leaders, renewing their hopes that the election of President Barack Obama may help open a path to ratification. The declaration calls for “reasonable reparations” for stolen indigenous lands, but not at the expense of violating a nation-state's territorial integrity.
Only three other countries initially opposed the declaration, which is legally non-binding yet provides solid framework for respecting and advancing collective indigenous rights. Two of these, New Zealand and Australia, have since changed their mind, leaving the U.S. and Canada as the only “no” voters. (Eleven others – Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, Samoa and Ukraine – have abstained from voting.)
An ongoing mountain carving of Crazy Horse in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a few miles away from Mount Rushmore. The Lakota say this is sacred land that was stolen from them. © Simon Maghakyan 2010
On June 4, 2010, the U.S. State Department announced that public input should be be sent to the email address declaration@state.gov by July 15. Earlier, an official State Department blog post promised a review process:
On Tuesday, April 21, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice announced the U.S. decision to review our position regarding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. President Obama has promised greater engagement with federally recognized tribal governments, and improved communication with Native American tribes is a prominent theme in the Administration.
It was also in April that New Zealand became the second country, after Australia, to endorse the Declaration after an initial vote of “no.” But not everyone thinks New Zealand made the right decision.
Indigenous Maori opposition politician Nanaia Mahuta, whose Labour party voted against the document in 2008, claims the government is stressing the “symbolic” nature of the Declaration. She writes on her blog:
Under the veil of secrecy the Minister of Maori Affairs signed the Government up to the UNDRIP. National Ministers were quick to downplay the move as “aspirational” and “non-binding”! The PM must have stressed that point at least three times during question time. The test for National is whether they intend to leave this document as a symbol of aspiration that has no currency in New Zealand or whether they intend to deliver any of the expected outcomes which the MParty allude to?? […] A whole heap of window dressing of empty promises and hollow gains – meanwhile Maori unemployment continues to rise…
If like New Zealand and Australia, the U.S. ratifies the declaration, which seems to be the likely scenario, Canada will remain the only “no” signatory. On the blog of the Center for World Indigenous Studies, Fourth World Eye, Rudolph Ryser describes Canada’s reasoning for being against the declaration, and concludes that change will come from indigenous peoples themselves, not from governments.
The symbolism of indigenous peoples sitting in the UN General Assembly Hall is powerful, but there is no substitute for the exercise of political authority. States like Canada and the United States will continue to offer platitudes and tired expressions of confidence for the future development of native peoples, but only vigorous political action by indigenous peoples will force the respect and lawful acceptance of indigenous peoples sitting at the table of decision-making they so richly deserve.
On progressive activism blog Docudharma a writer by the name “winter rabbit” offers several arguments for why President Obama (alternately known as Awe Kooda Bilaxpak Kuuxshish – his  adopted Crow tribe name) should ratify the declaration. One of several links in his post goes to a news story from 2009 that quotes the South Dakota attorney general for saying he has never read the original Ft. Laramie Treaty from 1868 that guaranteed ownership of the Black Hills to the Lakota, before it was eventually seized when gold was discovered there.
It is unclear whether the adoption of UNDRIP would compel South Dakotans, among other Americans, to rethink indigenous rights in their country. But the fact that the U.S. is asking input from Native Americans in the reexamination process is encouraging.

author: Simon Maghakyan


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Watch The World Cup with Global Voices: Live Chat for Uruguay vs. Ghana  · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

For the past three weeks, we've been following the global conversation about the world's biggest sporting event. Now that the 2010 World Cup is down to eight teams, we thought it would be interesting to follow-up our first live chat with another one for the match between Ghana vs. Uruguay.
Ghana is the only remaining African nation in the final eight and it appears that the entire continent has rallied around the “Black Stars“. They will face Uruguay, who is one of four South American nations to remain in contention for the title, and who is hoping to add to their 1930 and 1950 titles.
The match will take place on Friday, July 2 in Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. (20:30 local time / GMT+2)  [Montevideo: 15:30 / Accra 18:30]
Please join us in watching and discussing this event together as we will go live a few minutes before the game begins. Several bloggers and translators of Global Voices will watch the tournament live. Join us!

author: Eduardo Avila


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Barbados, Cuba: Watching World Cup  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Bajan Global Report and Havana Times have World Cup Football fever.

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Bermuda: The Crime Question  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“Each step – if not aggressively countered by law enforcement and successful prosecution – will lead to wider gun use”: Vexed Bermoothes blogs about the potential fallout from rising crime.


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Brazil: Football and Patriotism During the World Cup · Global Voices
Thiana Biondo

When the national team of your country is on the World Cup football field, do you support it? Brazil is facing The Netherlands today in the quarter final of the World Cup. Despite what most people might think, not all Brazilians would answer affirmatively to the above question. Doubtlessly there are uncountable bloggers who are cheering up the Brazilian team, although there are others who are not.
Marcelo Pereira, from blog Planeta Laranja [Orange Planet, pt], has been blogging about the patriotic hype wave during the World Cup, claiming that it represents a “collective hypnosis” which is just the result of an “irrational and rampant fanaticism”. He explains the link between football and patriotism pointing out several “incoherences” presented by those he calls “the World Cup Patriots”:
Confundem a “seleção” com o próprio país e acham que os jogadores representam o nosso povo; Tratam o futebol como dever cívico e não como uma mera forma de diversão; Nunca são patriotas em assuntos sérios. Mas na copa passam a “amar” o Brasil; Só gostam da seleção oficial de futebol (a que joga nesta copa). Outras modalidades de futebol (feminino, júnior, salão, praia) são ignoradas pelos mesmos; Acham que os jogadores fazem uma importante missão caridosa e heróica, apenas empurrando as bolas nas traves; Os torcedores acham que não são manipulados pela mídia, mas fazem tudo perfeitamente como mandam os meios de comunicação; O país interrompe suas atividades para ver um jogo da “seleção”; Se acham no direito de fazer barulho na hora que querem sem respeitar o direito dos outros ao sossego
Elio Botogoske goes a bit further in exploring the concepts of nationalism and patriotism. Among the five reasons not to support Brazilian National Football team [pt] he posted about, Elio includes:
1. O patriotismo, nacionalismo e ufanismo são as ideologias mais desprezíveis do mundo.
“Mas e quanto ao racismo e o fascismo?”, dirão alguns. Bem, o fascismo nasce justamente do cruzamento do racismo imemorial com o orgulho nacional do século XIX. patriotismo, ufanismo e nacionalismo são a antessala do fascismo. Nessa Copa, em especial, nunca vi uma abordagem tão belicista e ufanista, estimulados pela imprensa, a propaganda, a comissão técnica dessa seleção. Parece que estamos indo para a guerra. Pois bem, se vamos pra guerra, eu estou desertando desde já.
2. O Brasil é os Estados Unidos do futebol: a potência imperialista, gananciosa e supremacista.
Quando se trata de futebol, os brasileiros sentem-se superiores, contam vantagem, querem ganhar sempre e em tudo. Nossa arrogância, preconceito e ganância futebolísticas deixam antever o que nós seremos no dia em que formos potência em alguma coisa realmente importante. E tome da ridícula rivalidade com a Argentina, da gananciosa ambição de vencer sempre, de se sentir melhor que todos os demais povos e países só porque temos mais títulos no futebol.
2. Brazil is the United States of football: the imperial power, greedy and supremacist.
In what concerns football, Brazilians feel superior, they boast about themselves and they always want to win. Our arrogance, prejudice and greed when it comes to football, are clues of what we will be if we become a power in something that is really important. Moreover, think about the ridiculous rivalry with Argentina, about the greedy ambition of always winning, of feeling superior to all other peoples and countries just because we have more champion titles in football.
"Five reasons to be against Brazil in the World Cup 2010 and in all others" (Cinco motivos para torcer contra o Brasil nesta Copa e em todas as outras, pt), CC
Elio is not the only one thinking about war when reflecting on the World Cup. While comparing the football field to a battlefield, Cruz de Savóia [pt] believes both to be in the same level of importance, as both have equal power in bringing a nation together:
A camisa da seleção brasileira é o maior símbolo nacional deste país – inspira, muitas vezes, mais ternura ou ira do que a própria bandeira, do que o próprio hino. A seleção brasileira de futebol – ah, como se houvesse outra – é o mais poderoso símbolo da unidade nacional – é ela, afora talvez as Forças Armadas, a única coisa capaz, no mundo, de fazer com que um pernambucano e um paulista se vejam a ambos como brasileiros. Se um estado assim de coisas é bom ou mau, não sei – como, aliás, podem tanto a seleção como as Forças Armadas serem ótimas ou péssimas: tanto faz.
Nevertheless, in the opposite direction than the one presented by the blogs above, there are Brazilians who love football even though they will support teams other than the Brazilian team. In a post titled No nation gave me birth [pt], Carlos Vinicius Rosenburg explains why he is supporting the Brazilian rival on the field: Argentina.  For him, the current Brazilian team does not play for passion or as enthusiastically as previous Brazilian star players such as Zico, Pelé, Romário or even Cafu who raised the FIFA World Cup Trophy in 2002, the last time Brazil won the World Cup. Carlos says:
(…) na Copa de 2010, eu vou torcer para a Argentina! Isso mesmo, para os hermanos. Estou saturado desse falso bom-mocismo, do falso moralismo, de tanta babaquice, caretice, dessa eterna falta do que falar (salve Lobo!) que impera na Seleção Brasileira. Torcerei para que a Argentina e Maradona ganhem a Copa, para que esse falso bom-mocismo saia de moda, para que esse ufanismo fabricado saia daqui e vá parar em Buenos Aires, porque as pessoas são brasileiras até que o juiz apite o final da Copa. Depois se esquecem e cortam a fila do compatriota no supermercado ou banco da esquina, ou matam uns aos outros por causa de uma fechada no trânsito. Quero que a Argentina ganhe porque eles têm um treinador que já é o grande personagem da Copa, que liberou sexo e vinho na concentração. Torcerei para uma das poucas seleções que têm torcida – sim, torcida de Seleção, coisa que não temos – aos hermanos juntam-se os ingleses e os sul-coreanos. Torcerei para a única seleção que me faz lembrar do Flamengo.
Though Carlos supports Argentina, at the end of his post he didn't forget to include a postscript saying that he will celebrate the Brazilian goals as, reportedly, it is “almost impossible to resist the temptation to cheer up the Brazilian national team”.
There still is a possibility of Brazil playing against Argentina in the final. Video blogger Diego Sammet,  compares both countries’ notions of World Cup patriotism in a video titled “Patriotism FAIL!” [pt]. His very strong arguments are presented while he wears a t-shirt from Argentina football team and invites everyone to reflect upon the geographical and ideological boundaries that patriotism represents.

author: Thiana Biondo


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Chile: Bielsa and Piñera, When Football Meets Politics · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Marcelo Bielsa –also known as “el loco” (the crazy one)– is the coach of the Chilean national football team, but for many Chileans he is much more than that. In the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) qualifying stage for the 2010 World Cup, Bielsa made history by taking his boys to the second spot with only one point less than the leader, Brazil. He is also known for his statements, often making headlines for his wordy, yet usually admired opinions. But these days the talk around Bielsa has more to do with his actions than with his words, and Twitter has become one of the main stages for Chileans to voice their opinions.
Image of Marcelo Bielsa with Chilean flag on the background. Text reads: "In the hands of El Loco Bielsa." Image by Javier Araneda, Flickr user javier_araneda_v used under  a Creative Commons license.
Before leaving for South Africa, the Chilean football team was bid farewell by President Sebastian Piñera. In that instance, Marcelo Bielsa approached the president, shook his hand and quickly walked off. A video of the incident soon spread on the web and mixed comments on the coach's actions spread online; some considered Bielsa to be cold and rude, and others (especially those who don't like the president) defended Bielsa and thought it was not a big deal. On July 1, Sebastian Piñera received the national team in the presidential palace, welcoming them back to their country after they were eliminated from the World Cup in a game against Brazil. Once again, Bielsa's handshake (or almost lack of it) caused an uproar on the web. A video of today's event was quickly uploaded to YouTube.
“Bielsa” soon became a trending topic on Twitter, as Chileans used 140 characters or less to publish their thoughts on the incident:
@cristinalili: Qué fea la actitud del “Loco” Bielsa con el Presidente Piñera poco más y lo deja con la mano colgando. Hay algo que se llama EDUCACIÓN.
@mayoquiroga: @ucvtvnoticias No fue mal educado, Por lo menos le tiro la mano,yo no le hubiese dado la mano al pdte, Bielsa no es hipocrita como el pdte
@claudiosalass: nuevamente no me gusto la actitud de Bielsa más allá de las diferencias q puedan existir, el no saludar no habla bien de el..
@joran60: Bielsa 2 – Piñera 0
@marcelocaridi: Una cosa es el color político y otra cosa es la educación. Existirá algún DT que entrene a Marcelo Bielsa con buenos modales ???
@guillefly: bielsa es un roto y piñera es un aprovechador y se acabó la cuestión
@anitaguzmanp: @sesnaola La descortesía de Bielsa no anula el buen trabajo que ha realizado, pero un minimo de respeto con el presidente de Chile o no??
@Oscar_7_: @radiosago esta claro q a bielsa no le agrada sebastian piñera y en vez de pasar como sinico hace estos desaires y esta en todo su derecho.
@dcasanga: Sr Bielsa no sea mal educado. El presidente Piñera no merece su falta de respeto ¿es su ejemplo a nuestra juventud ?… ¡UBIQUESE!
@mfloresperez: Me gusta el bajo perfil de Bielsa.. lo saludo a su manera y punto, que esperaban un abrazo???
@davidguaman: paremos el chaqueteo con bielsa… no nos denigremos como país discutiendo cómo saludar o no saludar a un presidente
Many draw political conclusions to the incident because Bielsa's treatment of former left-leaning president Michelle Bachelet is very different to his treatment of right-leaning president Sebastian Piñera. On a video on YouTube, in a gathering similar to the good-bye by President Piñera, Michelle Bachelet visits the team and Bielsa dedicates a few words to her publicly; the two are then seen walking, talking and similing. Michelle Bachelet also accompanied the team to South Africa, staying in the same hotel, as reported by La Tercera [es].
Chilean comedian Stefan Kramer recently released a sketch where he makes a parody out of the two encounters; although the dialog is in Spanish, as in real life –and as many critics would say– in this case actions speak louder than words.

author: Silvia Viñas


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China: Being lazy · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Maryannodonnell explains the cultural meaning of “being lazy” in Chinese.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Cuba: Twitter Plea · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

After the Archbishop of Havana receives a Twitter request from a Cuban hunger striker's mother to help save her son's life, Uncommon Sense says: “The cardinal might want break his silence and call his partner, Raúl Castro, and ask him to speed things along.  Before it is too late for Guillermo Fariñas.”


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D. R. of Congo: Independence Cha Cha · Global Voices
Fred

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence from Belgian rule. As the state proudly wheeled out some expensive new military hardware for the delectation of visiting dignitaries, bloggers Kakaluigi [fr] and Congo Miliki  [fr]describe the parades in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, while other Congolese bloggers reminisce about the era of independence and the record since those optimistic times.
Mboka Mosika [fr] interviews Albert Kalonji, considered one of the ‘fathers of Congolese independence’ but also a one-time Luba secessionist and a political opponent of Patrice Lumumba. He says, “We can only rejoice over our independence, despite the missed opportunities… like the civil wars which followed and the lack of charisma and amateurism in management of public affairs, for which the political leaders are responsible.”
Banacongo republishes the speeches given by the Belgian king, Joseph Kasa Vubu and Lumumba at the original independence ceremony in 1960 [fr].
VieuxVan thinks the only real progress the ‘villagers’ of DRC have seen since then is the mobile phone [fr]. Texas in Africa sees progress in Goma, though, contrary to media depictions of a place where “every Congolese woman is a rape victim and every man is a criminal”:
I've chatted with several old friends and met many new ones here this week, and one common theme in the conversations is frustration that the story of Goma is not being accurately told. As one put it, if you took the media's word for it, you'd think that every Congolese woman is a rape victim and every man is a criminal. That's not the reality here.
What is? Tons of new businesses are opening, eyesores are gone and new buildings have gone up in their place, and factories are being built. And infrastructure has improved more than I believed possible. The main roads in the central city have been paved
The day after the parades, Congoblog‘s Cedric Kalonji [fr] hails a deserved day off for “the heroes of the 50th anniversary”: the painters, cleaners and other workers who'd worked so hard to spruce up the image of Kinshasa, while street children and street vendors can finally breathe again and return to the city centre. Unfortunately, so can the traffic police, who had been forbidden from harassing drivers: “I know some who are rubbing their hands together”, writes Cedric, “it's going to get hot for drivers.”

author: Fred


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East Timor: Collection of Pictures including Military Aircraft Carrier · Global Voices
Sara Moreira

Alex Castro posts a selection of photos from daily life in East Timor, including some featuring the American aircraft carrier, USS Peleliu, docked off coast in front of the Government Palace, due to the International Crocodile Military Exercise [pt].

author: Sara Moreira


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Ghana: The Black Stars on the brink of making history · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

A fan in Accra celebrated after Ghana defeated the in June. Photo by Stig Nygaard on Flickr.
Ghana, Africa's only hope in 2010 FIFA World Cup, faces Uruguay today. African bloggers hope that the Black Stars of Ghana will not let Africa down.
Blogging from South Africa, Kenyan blogger Rebecca Wanjiku notes that Ghana support has reached fever pitch:
It is the talk of town, buzzing on twitter, facebook; people just can’t stop talking about Ghana and what would happen if it upsets Uruguay: Africa will have won and reached a new football high.
Everybody is an expert on football now, and hypothesizing on what Ghana should or should not do is common. This morning I took a taxi and the driver could not stop talking, giving me his run down on Ghana and how Michael Essien must be feeling bad that he is not in the team.
All of Africa and many destinations beyond are behind you, writes Gayle:
Good luck–they who should not be named–because all of Africa, and many destinations beyond, are behind you.
Let the Stars be Black tomorrow night!
Abena says that Ghanaian players have a huge burden to carry for the whole of Africa:
Not only is it drama-filled but it is (supposedly) our time…Africa's world cup. The fact that the Black Stars remain the only African team in the actual competition may make it hard to believe that it is indeed the time for the continent. Currently, our Stars have the incredible burden of the whole of Africa on their shoulders. It has been an absolute delight getting emails and  text messages from friends all over the continent and the world declaring their support for the Black Stars.
South Africans are rallying behind the team, which they now call BaGhana. Well, and Kenyans, too, are flying Ghana colours:
I just heard that Kenyans are flying Ghana colours and it appears South Africans are affectionately referring to the Black Stars as “BaGhana” – a witty take on  their not-so successful football team “Bafana Bafana”.
Nana Kofi Acquah writes a poem for the Black Stars:
Countless people glued
To a glass of moving men
The shouts and waves
The screams and chants
Cheering and adoring men of valour
Endowed with skill and agility
Elegantly protecting and honouring
The waving flag of red, gold and green
Dancing to the cheers of a moving wind
I see thousands of flags in hands
All dancing in the air
Waiting for this moment of pride
All white shirted men of the Stars
Running to the corner flag
Dancing to celebrate
It is a goal!
And another one titled, The Black Stars of Africa:
In the midst of so much despair
where all hope seem to be lost
the human spirit seeks repair
from an inner recess, at all cost
in all African villages crowds grow
a lone Black Star hope awakening
as the crowd enjoys the soft glow
of the screen on that cool evening
the vuvuzela sounds like a bee hive
the Hope of Africa is being revived
in the Black Stars of Ghana to strive
but it is the Hope of Africa survived
Fans are showing their support for Ghana by wearing Ghana's Twibbon on the Internet.
Global Voices Online has organised a live chat of the match between Ghana and Uruguay. African bloggers, join us!

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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India: Modern Hindi Poetry · Global Voices
Rezwan

Amardeep at Sepia Mutiny writes about the new Hindi poetry movement and posts translations of some poems.

author: Rezwan


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Jamaica: Controversial Statements  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Girl With A Purpose reports on further fallout from the extradition of alleged drug don Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.


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Macedonia: Ten Steps for Running a Banana Republic · Global Voices
Filip Stojanovski

Bananas and apples in a jar. Photo by GV, CC BY.
Kopach, a columnist for the independent portal Okno.mk, published a list [MKD] entitled “10 Ways to Run a Banana State.”
The author, whose pseudonym means “Digger” in Macedonian, wrote that he was inspired by and used the books Year 501: The Conquest Continues by Noam Chomsky and Homo Postcommunisticus by Mikloš Biro (a review in Serbian), and the essay Eternal Fascism by Umberto Eco.
The link to the list was widely distributed and discussed on Facebook and Twitter, and via other local media, such as coffee and beer.
Step 1: Treat them as monkeys
The first and basic precondition in order to start any kind of discussion about running a banana state is to constantly make monkeys out of the citizens. There are different ways to go about it, but in practice it all boils down to treating the people as incompetent, inert and passive rabble, until it becomes just that: passive and inert rabble, interested only in its own belly. You have to put the masses in a corner and teach them that it is their place, making them pleased with that condition, because they are free of all social responsibilities.
Step 2: Determine the leaders
We know from history that even the Cossacks choose their leaders through democratic elections: the elders would elect a leader called Ataman at a plenary session (it sounds like a Hollywood movie, doesn't it?). This democratic legitimacy did not hinder the Ataman to practice his right to cut off the heads of members of his tribe as he saw fit during his reign. Similarly, in a banana state everything must revolve around the Leader, or the Leaders, because it is impossible to put everybody into one political tribe. The Leader is elevated above the others and demands awe.
Step 3: Destroy their self-confidence
The masses must have no self-confidence, self-respect or opportunities for self-realization. Simply put, they must not be able to do anything on their own. Working at one's own initiative can lead to understanding that one can achieve something without the leaders, and realize one's own abilities. The masses must not develop self-respect in regard to the concept of determining their own fate through honest labor. Everything, literally everything, must be given or delegated to the masses: jobs, awards, kick-backs, permits, concessions, tenders, and university degrees. There must be no exceptions in the distribution of societal benefits based on fair procedures or merit, outside of personal judgment and personal control of the Leaders.
Step 4: Give them candy
Part of this strategy for running a banana state is to refer to the masses as “gentlemen” (or brothers/sisters/comrades…) and at the same time to stuff them into a pen whenever you like. The approach of the rider that gives some sugar to his mount should be applied, to buy the obedience and affection. Afterwards there are no questions regarding the actual riding and conducting.
Step 5: Divide them
The basic precondition to running a banana state is dividing the masses, weakening them by antagonizing them against each other. Another important benefit of this approach is the control of the masses’ attention. If you generate problems in the country in a conscious and planned manner, you gain several advantageous elements:
Step 6: Force grandiose ventures
In the past, the grandiose pharaohnic ventures had the goal to ensure eternity and permanent trace in the collective memory for the leaders. Even though one should not underestimate the act of marking history with a personal stamp, an important dimension of grandiose ventures (projects, buildings, campaigns, events, construction, etc.) today is increasing the influx of means, money and other resources, and creating a range of opportunities to allocate them and distribute them as you see appropriate. Increased flow of resources makes it easier to direct them where you wish. Alongside other effects, this dynamism of money enables you to estimate where, to whom and how much to give, attaching the recipients to you.
Two parallel processes are taking place here:
Step 7: Spread fear in measured doses
In order to develop awe among the masses, you must gradually plant controlled doses of fear into them. The way to do this is through selective presentation and propagation of fear-inducing scenes and events. The most frequent method to do this is showing how your opponents and unlike-minded individuals end up. A subtler method is excessive or overdosed use of force while dealing with small-fry opponents, criminals or suspects. Demonstrate force on the weaker to achieve an effect of awe, combined with subconscious submission and passivity.
Step 8: Force irrationality
The popular term for this is driving them mad. Embedding irrationality into public life has the function to push out rationality that should clarify reality. The more the citizens drown in irrationality, affects, atavisms, instincts, and passions, the easier it gets for you, and the harder for them to come up with proper solutions, to differentiate the real from fiction, the existing from the imagined, truth from falsehood. You drive people mad by a simple performance of illogical acts, against reason, logic or realistic assessments. When irrationality becomes the principal norm instead of an exception, the games called manipulation may begin.
Step 9: Determine and name the enemies
To maintain your position of untouchable and undeniable leader you must transform the fear into different forms and spread it in various places. One of the ways to do it is to directly and clearly name “enemies,” “traitors,” and “opponents,” who threaten with some unbelievable radical change, act or deeds which can turn your world upside down, and soil something that you hold dear and sacred. To become a superhero you need an antagonist: for every Batman there is a Joker, every Superman has his Lex Luthor, and every Martin Mystery has his “Man in Black” [not the Will Smith kind], and so on. You need to combine this with forcing and circulating an atmosphere of conspiracy and angst through “spreading fear in doses” (7), making you the savior from the labeled enemies.
Step 10: Incite rituals
Rituals remain one of the most powerful practices of spontaneous spreading of the power from the top. During the ex-Yugoslav era, the Communists perfected this through various rallies, youth work actions, relays, parades and the like. There are numerous ways how this can be passed in pluralistic societies: from politicization of religious rituals, various “bene-volent” actions, politicization of sports events, and other things along those lines.

author: Filip Stojanovski


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Mozambique: Rapper Takes a Stand on Homosexuality · Global Voices
Sara Moreira

In a post titled Gayism is sinful[pt], Mozambican rapper Azagaia takes a stand on homosexuality: he defends “equal rights and opportunities for all Men. (…) No matter which sexual orientation”. Though the subject is rarely discussed in the southern Africa region, there is a debate tonight about “Sexual Orientation and Sports” [pt] in Maputo.


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Pakistan: Balochistan – A Ticking Bomb · Global Voices
Salman Latif

Beauty of Balochistan.  Image by Flickr User NotMicroButSoft. CC BY-NC-SA
Balochistan, the largest province (43% of landmass) of Pakistan, has been a hotbed of anarchy. Moign Khawaja quoted a Balochi in his travelogue Neo Martian's Notes to highlight the state of affairs in Balochistan:
“Guess a land that is blessed with natural wealth yet suffers from chronic poverty. A civilisation that is rich of culture and traditions yet suffers from degradation. A nation that takes pride in its values and traditions yet suffers from suppression of identity. A labourer that works hard with patience and diligence yet gets exploitation and oppression as wages. And ironically, a cow that is forced to give milk yet starves for fodder to survive.”
The factors leading to such a state date back to the days of Pakistan's independence. Despite the fact that the central government has long persecuted Balochis for their nationalist sentiments, they still resound them in their conviction. Ale Natiq, an ex-student of FAST University, took an expedition to Balochistan to gather first-hand narratives. He writes in his blog:
“We had many meetings the next day with people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies – students, teachers, doctors, politicians, social workers, aam-shehri(common citizens), activists and an intellectual. An ex-member of the BSO-Azad (Baloch Students Organization- Azad) briefed us in detail about the historical facts. It was surprising to learn that Balochistan was independent for many years before the emergence of Pakistan and that they never wanted to be part of Pakistan. He told that Jinnah himself had been the lawyer for the Khan of Kalat, the then ruler of the independent Balochistan, for a case against the British regarding the sovereignty of Balochistan. After the creation of Pakistan, when Jinnah offered them to be a part of Pakistan, both the houses of then parliament of Balochistan (house of lords and house of common) refused to be merged with Pakistan, thus later in 1948 the area was captured by the Pakistan Army and included in Pakistan by force and since then they are being deprived of their rights.”
“The ‘Instrument of Accession’ of Kalat with Pakistan, while signed against the wishes of the majority of the Baloch people, clearly stated that, among other things, the constitutional structures of Pakistan would not be implemented in Balochistan without the consent of Khan and his people” notes Urooj Zia in a guest post in Bazm-E-Rindaan blog.
The sad fact, however, is that today Balochistan is granted neither provincial autonomy nor a just return for its vast resources which the Center has been exploiting for decades. Natural gas, discovered in Balochistan back in 1953 and exported today to the remotest districts of Punjab and Sindh is supplied to only 4 out of 24 districts of Balochistan itself. Urooj  cites:
“Balochistan’s growth indicators have also been far worse than those of the rest of the country, despite the province’s rich mineral and maritime resources. Natural gas, for instance, is taken from Balochistan and piped to the rest of the country, leaving the Baloch to burn wood trucked in from Sindh.”
That's not it, however. Such repressive policies have led to frequent uprisings in the past which the Army has brutally crushed each time. Today, Army is synonymous with extra-judicial killings, abduction and missing persons in this region.
Sheheryar Ali's highlights the terror in his blog:
“What is happening in Balochistan is unbelievable. People have been “burnt alive” in molten coal-tar by Pakistan army. Thousands of Baloch students, intellectuals and political activists have been “disappeared”. Pakistani secret agencies are largely considered responsible for these disappearances.”
These claims are supported by reports from independent human rights organizations which talks about the disappearance of some 8000 personnel since 2005.
The past inabilities of the provincial governments and the Center's express control over provincial affairs has hugely disenchanted Balochis of the constitutional ways. And the youth is increasingly indulging in armed struggle. If Pakistan today wishes not to face another separation like the one in 1971, the federal government needs to be more humane in its policies towards Balochistan.
Urooj concludes her note on the lines:
“The Pakistani intelligentsia needs to get its priorities straight: support for an oppressed people is more important than perceived concepts of patriotism and love for artificial lines on maps. Silence or neutrality in the face of oppression is also part of the support for oppression; and in the era of the internet and new media resources, ‘I didn’t know’ cannot be the answer to the question of Balochistan.”

author: Salman Latif


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Pakistan: Its About Democracy · Global Voices
Rezwan

Faheem Haider talks about the conflict between democratic decision-making and representative government in Pakistan.


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Pakistan: Suicidal Attacks In A Lahore Shrine · Global Voices
Rezwan

Hasan Mubarak at Lahore Metblogs comments on the suicide bomb blasts at the shrine of Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh in Lahore: “an attack on this very symbol of harmony, humanity and peace, as well as at something more like our city’s identity, strikes at the very heart of every Lahori.”


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Taiwan: Criticism on the new version of the Presidential Office website · Global Voices
Portnoy Zheng

Tai compares the website of the White House and the new version of the Taiwanese Presidential Office website that costs 7,000,000 TWD (217060 USD) to rebuild(zht). Although most criticism online are about the rationality of the cost and the stupid “mobile version“(amended after criticism), Tai points out the major problem of the new website is its irrelevancy since it does not provide enough information about policy directions on major national issues and cannot make people feel engaged.

author: Portnoy Zheng