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Egypt: Sandmonkey Quits Blogging · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Egyptian blogger Sandmonkey is hanging his boots and calling it quits.
“One of the chief reasons is the fact that there has been too much heat around me lately. I no longer believe that my anonymity is kept, especially with State Secuirty agents lurking around my street and asking questions about me since that day. I ignore that, the same way I ignored all the clicking noises that my phones started to exhibit all of a sudden, or  the law suit filed by Judge Mourad on my friends, and instead grew bolder and more reckless at a time where everybody else started being more cautious,” he notes.


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Egypt: Worldwide Free Kareem Rallies  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

A series of rallies were held worldwide to draw attention to jailed Egyptian blogger Kareem Nabil Suliaman, who have been sentenced to four years in prison for insulting both Islam and Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Supporters gathered in Berlin, Germany, the United Kingdom, Bucharest, Romania, Stockholm, Sweden, Washington DC, US and Athens, Greece.

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Fiji: May Day 2007 · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

The intelligentsiya blog has a post on the significance of the month of May in Fijian political history. The blog urges the readers to “to use May Day 2007 as an instrument of passive protest against Fiji's ruling illegal junta has put paid to such misgiving, or, more candidly, such pretensions.”

author: Preetam Rai


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Indonesia: Quiz · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Are you a “capitalist pig”?  asks Indcoup and invites the readers to take a quiz to prove or disprove it.


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Iran:247 journalists asked government to release Farahbakhsh · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

According to[Fa] Hanif Mazroi, 247 journlaists wrote an open letter to authorities and asked them to release Ali Farahbaksh,a journalist who was sentenced to 3 years jail.They added in the letter that his rights as a prisoner have not been respected during his detention.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Iran:Disrespect to the Society · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Mohammad Ali Abtahi, reformist politician, reminds us that these days ladies are inspected in many streets of Tehran. The ladies who are not wearing proper veil (hejab) are arrested… the ladies who are traced in the streets these days are mostly born after revolution and they have all been grown up in this period. We have spent a lot of money and facilities for the religious centers, what have they done to make relationship with this generation and convince them observe Islamic rules? Spending so much money out of public treasury and not being able to reach this goal is not a great sin which should be investigated? Fighting this by police and force is the easiest and at the same time most problematic way.


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Japan: Interview with Sankei Shimbun Editor about Comfort Women Issue · Global Voices
Chris Salzberg

Trans Pacific Radio reports on an interview with Sankei Shimbun Editor Yoshihisa Komori, conducted in late-March for the PBS series Foreign Exchange with Fareed Zakaria, on the “Comfort Women” issue. TPR notes that “three things struck me [about Komori]: He looks off camera quite a bit, he brings up every red herring and irrelevant side issue he can think of, and he’s well fixated on playing the ‘victim’ game. I don’t think he was a wise choice at all for Japan to have speaking on its behalf.”

author: Chris Salzberg


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Japan: Why are checks not used in Japan? · Global Voices
Chris Salzberg

Joe at Japan Law Blog explains the reasons why, unlike in many other countries, in Japan checks never caught on: “Japan has an entire legal structure for the payment systems familiar to Americans and Europeans. Yet if you live in Japan all your life, you may never write a check unless you have to pay someone overseas.”


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Kuwait: When Our Only Tourist Attraction is a Shopping Mall · Global Voices
Abdullatif AlOmar

Kuwaiti bloggers are angry that the foreign delegations visiting their country are treated to a visit to a shopping mall. Is this all that Kuwait has to boast? Is this all the country has to offer?
Q over at kuwaitism
is angered that the government has no where to take official foreign visitors but to a shopping mall.
Is it just me or does this news item make you sad?
Is the Avenues Mall all we have to show off nowadays??
It’s nice and new, but its a mall …. just a shopping center with lots of Starbucks Cafes and clothing stores!! Why would government officials invite a visiting delegation, and our Prime Minister taking Bahrain’s Prime Minister to see how great our country is advancing by building another mall!!
Qias shows us an example of another place to visit.
We all complain that Kuwait is empty and no real good places to visit, but check out this place, I went twice and still love going. It's Tarik Rajab Museum, a place where Islamic art comes to life.
Forzaq8 , meanwhile, is losing his faith in newspapers in Kuwait.
It may sound as a small thing but if a newspaper can’t check (the facts in) their reporting who will?
k thekuwaiti follows with the sad news about the closure of Virgin store in Kuwait.
The MOI (Ministry of Information) has finally caught up with the business masterminds behind Virgin-Kuwait. Some of the reasons listed; distribution and publishing of illegal materials and the renting of store location without licensing, among other cryptic rules.
Athbee, over at moodless, shares one of his oldies about Kuwait.
اثناء مروري مع صديق لي بأحد المجمعات التجارية، استغربت ابتساماته المتعددة يمينا وشمالا وهو شخص قليلا ما اراه يبتسم، وكأنه ادمن الابتسام ما ان وطئت رجليه ارض المجمع، وازداد الامر وزاد معه استغرابي مع تحية الى بعض الاشخاص في هذا المقهى، او رد تحية احد المارة حتى خيّل لي انه سيرشح نفسه للانتخابات!
بعد سؤالي اتضح ان هذا الصديق زبون مواظب في هذا المجمع حاله كحال بقية من حياهم او حيوه، وجدوا ان هوايتهم (او مهنتهم) مشتركة، مهنتهم هي التواجد المستمر في هذا المجمع متسلحين بالبلوتوث وابتسامه وربما غترة منشية او جينز خشبي (حسب التوقيت) وشوية حب شمسي لزوم الانتظار الطويل
While passing by one of the shopping centers with a friend, I was amazed by his beaming smiles left and right because I know him as a person who doesn't smile much. It is like has become addicted to smiling since he set foot in the shopping center.
My amazement grew when he began to greet people in a cafe or saying hello to a passers by and it looked to me as if he was running for elections!
After I asked him, I found out that this friend is a regular visitor to this shopping center – just like the rest of the people he greeted. They all share a similar hobby (or commitment). Their obligation is to always be at this shopping center armed with their bluetooth, smile and maybe Ghutra or jeans (depending on the time) and some sunflower  seeds for the long wait.
From one mall we move to another, as The Stallion takes us on a tour of the Kuwait Boat Show.
Yesterday, I drove down to Al-Kout Mall to attend the Kuwait Boat Show International 2007 event! I arrive at about 4:30PM and they informed me that the opening was delayed from 3:30 to 6:30! I was actually quite pleased to hear that since I got to check out the main exhibition stands without having it being very crowded and busy!
More bad news from Amer over at HILALIYA.
According to the World Economic Forum's “network readiness index” Kuwait dropped eight places from number 46 to 54.
Ateej Al Souf, over at Jibla,  brings us a video of an old concert performed by the Kuwait TV band at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, US.
A traditional concert performed by the Kuwait TV band, which excelled in showing off a national musical work of an exceptional standart at the United Nations's annual UN Day celebration in New York.
intlxpatr talks about something all of us felt and tells us about a new activity in Kuwait.
I hate it when I read in the newspaper about an event – the day after! Usually it is something really cool I would have liked to do. That is why I am sharing this with you.

author: Abdullatif AlOmar


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Mali: presidential elections in Mali · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Sociolingo's Mali blogs about today's presidential elections in Mali: “So far all is quiet here in Bamako on polling day. There seems to be a little apathy in the city – only 31% have been reported as picking up their voting cards despite being given the day off on the 25th to do so. Nationally a figure of 64% is being reported. The expectation is that the polling will go off quietly, but that we may see some problems occurring next week if ATT gets back in and the opposition parties try and force him to make new agreements. We shall see. I’ll update this post as and when we get more news.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Nigeria: musical gift from Nigeria · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

“I really got into Nigerian hip hop and R&B music while I was there over the past few weeks. Below are links to my favorite songs from my trip, many of which are fairly old but were new to me” writes Dare Obasanjo.


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Religion and Philippine elections · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

There are Filipino politicians who decry the ‘intervention’ of Church leaders in Philippine politics. They always cite the Constitutional provision on the separation of Church and the State. But majority of politicians tolerate the political activities of some Church leaders, especially during election season. This is understandable since many Filipinos remain obedient to the teachings and instructions of religious leaders.
The Philippines is the only Catholic-dominated country in Asia. More than eighty percent of its population are Roman Catholics. But there is no such thing as a Catholic vote. In and out of season, a high-ranking archbishop blogger, explains why:
“There is no Catholic vote in the Philippines, because all Catholics are free to vote any candidate of any political party. On the other hand, because catholics are almost everywhere, many of the candidates who win, win by catholic votes; but this is no reason to brag about, because the candidates win or lose by his own virtue or lack of it, and the electors vote according to their respective persuasion and conviction.”
Reacting to this statement, Luis Teodoro gives a backgrounder on the relationship of the Church with past governments:
“Does that mean that by endorsing candidates in the past, the Church was doing something “as bad as buying votes” and that, in those times, Catholics were not free? Even more interestingly, was the archbishop saying that those religious groups that do ask their members to vote for certain candidates are doing the same thing, as well as denying their members the freedom to choose who to vote for?”
While the Roman Catholic hierarchy will refrain from endorsing anyone in this year’s elections, a Catholic charismatic group called El Shaddai with millions of followers has already hinted it will actively promote the candidacies of some senatorial bets. But Newsstand believes the El Shaddai endorsement is not impressive:
“A Brother Mike (leader of El Shaddai) endorsement is the Dutch treat of Philippine politics. You can only get out of it what you bring into it. (The ability to think that somebody else paid for your food when you actually paid your own way requires remarkable powers of self-deception.)”
Iglesia ni Cristo, an independent Christian church, is a major political force in the Philippines since its members have been voting as one block.
The (mis)adventures of El Critique blogs about a political party which is alleged to be established and supported by Iglesia ni Cristo. Josepherdon’s blog entry reveals the bitter rivalry of some Christian groups in the Philippines.
Brother Eddie Villanueva is a religious preacher and founder of a Born-again Church who became a major political leader when he ran as President in 2004.
A senator boasts of election endorsement given by numerous church groups. Senatorial candidates flock to southern Philippines to get the support of a self-proclaimed ‘son of God.’ Pilosopong tacio site is opposed to religious endorsement.
One of the most talked about election issue is the decision of Among Ed Panlilio, a Catholic priest, to run for Governor in the home province of the President. Pampanga election explains the political situation in the province which probably inspired the priest to enter politics. Ding amanu nang Bryan writes about the program of the priest. Remembrance of things awry has a blog article about the priest’s candidacy which generated a good discussion in the comments section. HF | ei-chef links to the music video in support of Father Ed.
Some of the blogger-supporters of the priest include Bukangliwayway at Dapithapon, Oblivious Paranoia and Ideal Mind. Othello’s site tackles the campaign activities of the candidate priest:
“Now, this is very different, this is not a guy who is rich, whose influence is restricted to a small community. And he dared to challenge not one but two Goliaths….Here's the difference. The two candidates pour in thousands of pesos each day for their campaign. The priest campaign is sustained by volunteers. In Magalang, we have a supermarket with donation box on each check-out counter. This is for the priest campaign. And believe me, I once lifted one and it’s very heavy.”
But Viewpoints, another archbishop blogger, is not enthusiastic over the candidacy of Father Ed:
“Needless to say, there is nothing in the constitution of this country that disqualifies priests from pursuing and holding elective government positions…But the universal church has something to say about priests running for elective public offices…This is why there must be something serious and profound behind the universal law of the church that expressly and officially forbids priests from holding any office that participates of civil power or authority…The truth is that it is a lose/lose situation for priests running for elective public positions. In other words, they lose not only when they lose but also when they win the elections…When they win the elections, they will be at a loss even more. What do they do to the opposition politicians—not to mention their constituents with the different socio-ethical convictions and even contrary principles and political beliefs? How will they exercise the power they wield? What will they do with the money that regularly and abundantly goes their way?”
Civilization of Love is a priest who blogs about the current elections. Journey with the Sun features the pinoy voters’ academy program of the Catholic Church. Seminarians’ network reaches out to voters and texters. Church officials urge voters to actively participate in the elections.
Pedestrian observer quotes a statement of a group which frowns on the covenant signing of the military and the election watchdog of the Catholic Church.
Bangsa Moro blog deals about politics and election news in the Moro region of the Philippines.
Related entry: Bishop bloggers of the Philippines

author: Mong Palatino


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Algeria: Say Camel in 40 Words · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Algerian blogger and linguist Lameen Souag draws our attention to the fact that there are more than 40 words used in Arabic to mean and describe camels.


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Arabeyes: On Selling a Palestinian Kidney and Changing the Israeli Flag · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Do you want to know why a Palestinian wants to sell his kidney, or what had happened to the bicycle of a Lebanese blogger on September 10, 2001? What is more difficult: returning home after living abroad for five years or demanding that Israel changes its flag just as the Kurds want to change the Iraqi flag? And last but not least: why does Ala'a Abdulfattah – the Godfather of Egyptian bloggers – say he isn't and was never a blogger?
To know more, read on.
Palestinian Kidney for Sale
Hareega, from Jordan, stuns us this week with a tale  about a man who has placed an advertisement for the sale of his kidney.
في مواطن فلسطيني من كثر الفقر نزل إعلان بدو يبيع كليته
يلعن أبو هالزمن
بعتله إيميل كالتالي
حضرة السيد أحمد
لقد تأثرت فعلاً عندما رأيت إعلانك المتعلق ببيع كليتك وبريدي الالكتروني هذا لا أعتقد أنه سيقدم أو سيأخر وأتمنى ألا يكون مضيعة لوقتك ، أنا مواطن أردني أعيش في الولايات المتحدة لدي مدونة الكترونية بسيطة يزورها بعض القراء وسأعرض قضيتك هناك و سأضع بريدك الالكتروني هناك وأسأل عن أي وسيلة ممكن من خلالها مساعدتك
لا أريد أن أعطيك آمالاً كاذبة لكنني سأفعل ما بوسعي لمساعدتك قدر الامكان وأرجو ألا يكون بعد المسافة عائقاً أمام مساعدتك
وان شاء الله الله بفرجها عليكو
What happened on September 10, 2001?
Lebanese blogger Muzna tells us what happened to her bicycle on September 10, 2001, and how her life was never the same after that.
في ذلك العام كنت أدرس في بلدة صغيرة في ولاية فيرجينيا، ولو كان لي أن أختار من ذلك العام معلما لن أختار غير صورة تلك الدراجة. فضية اللون، بدولابين رفيعين يطلقانها للريح، ..
Stranger at Home
From Syria, blogger Mohd Loay Baltaji feels like he is stranger back home after being away from his country for five years.
Change the Israeli Flag
Still in Syria, blogger Mustafa Hamido is reading into how news that the Kurds want to change the Iraqi flag can be put into use elsewhere.
Is Ala'a Abdulfattah a Blogger?
Our last stop is in Egypt, where blogger Ala'a Abdulfattah  tells us why he really isn't  a blogger.
Ala'a has come to this conclusion after returning from Lebanon and finding himself lost about what to blog about.
بس مش عارف أجيلها منين، مفيش كتابة عايزة تيجي، أصلي لما بسافر لازم لما أرجع أحكي كل الحواديت لكل الناس اللي بقابلهم و باين كده الحدوتة اللي اتحكت باللسان مينفعش تتحكي بالكيبورد.
But I don't know how to start. There are no words coming to my head. This is because when I travel I have to relate all the stories to all the people I meet. It seems that the story I narrate in person cannot be repeated using the keyboard,” he admits.
بلاش هبل، أنت هتصدق الهيلمان اللي معمول و تحس أنه واجب أنك تدون؟ أنك بتناضل بالكيبورد؟ لا أنت تنفع ولا أنت عايز. و بعدين لو هتكتب في الكلام ده ايه الجديد اللي هتقولله؟ ما الجرائد بتحكي فيه و الأمور واضحة و مفقوسة و مش عرضة أصلا لاختلاف الرأي. طيب منعم ضروري حاجة تتعمل لمنعم ده برضه صديق و كمان يمكن بكره تكون مطرحه و تحتاج اللي يقف معاك، .
Stop being a fool. Will you believe all the fuss being made around you and start feeling that it is your duty to blog? Are you rebelling using a keyboard? You are useless and your are not willing. And after all, even if you write about all this, what is the new thing that you will say? Newspapers are writing about all this and the situations are clear, detailed and not even debated. Of course there should be something done for Monem because he is a friend. I may also be in his place tomorrow and will have to stand besides him,” notes Ala'a.
Abdul Monem Mahmood, a Muslim Brotherhood blogger, was arrested by State Security on April 15 for articles he wrote online. Though different in ideologies, fears are that he will share the same fate as his country-blogger Kareem Nabeel Sulaiman. It is no wonder then that Sandmonkey has given up blogging and Ala'a is no longer a blogger.
يعني في الثلاث سنين اللي هما عمر المدونة (أول سنة فاضية تقريبا) حاولت محاولة ولا اثنين في كل سكة من دول و مبسوط جدا من النتائج، و كتبت تدوينات بحب أرجع أقرأها. بس كل فين و فين.
“Therefore, in the three years which are the age of this blog (the first year it remained blank), I have attempted once or twice taking those routes and am happy with the results. I have posted entries which I love to read again – but from time to time,” he notes.
But writing is all about ego, and there is no bigger arousal for bloggers and writers than seeing their names in print – whether on paper or online – as well as the perks being famous bring in.
Our guess is as good as yours. What do you think will happen to Ala'a and other Egyptian bloggers? Will the ranting raving Egyptian blogger soon become a rare breed? Has the government succeeded in curtailing their activism? Or is it just the lull ahead of the storm?


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Armenia: Behind the Scenes at Public TV · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Onnik Krikorian reports on the Armenian parliamentary election campaign from behind the scenes at public television.

author: Nathan Hamm


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Armenia: Parliamentary Election Monitor · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Oneworld Multimedia rounds up the latest news on Armenia's parliamentary election campaign.


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Bahamas: Elections Thoughts · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

On the virtual eve of the Bahamian elections, Nicolette Bethel shares her thoughts about politics and governance: “No matter who we think we support, or what party we will elect on May 2, we should be ashamed for allowing our so-called leaders to engage in such a widespread denigration of who we are…”

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Bahrain: Multi-Cast a First! · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif took part in a multi-cast, the first in the Middle East, in which an Egyptian judge accused of plagiarism was expected to make an appearance. “The next session, which I am part of, is supposed to make history in that it is going to be broadcast on Al-Jazeera live, Abu Dhabi TV, on BBC radio and streamed on bbcarabic.com and will accept not only audience participation but also through email,” writes an excited Al Yousif.


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Bangladesh: Water Bully · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The 3rd World View on the Farakka Barrage. “Construction of the Farakka Barrage was started by India in 1960 unilaterally violating the international norms of any construction for diversion of water on any international river. It was completed in 1974 to divert Ganges River water into the Bhagirati-Hooghly River in order to flush out the accumulating silt from the bed of the river and thereby improving the navigability at the Kolkata Port.”

author: Neha Viswanathan


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Brunei: Brunei Girl, Sex and Relationship · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Katie-Ella who calls herself “an old married woman”  but remembers being a teenager once writes a post for “young women out there who are still finding their way, (hopefully) enjoying their youth and trying to make sense of modern relationships”
.


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China: An Eye for an Eye  · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The dog abuse case in Nanjing has resulted in furious internet response and real life threat: “You burned that dog to death and therefore I want you ‘dead'!” ESWN translated a report by Wang Feng from Southern Metropolis Daily on the case.

author: Oiwan Lam


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China: Please, no more rural healthcare propaganda! · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Chris O'Brien from Beijing Newspeak blogged about the editorial process of a Xinhua article about China rural healthcare system: it was immensely frustrating that the story had to go through four revisions before all of them (opinions) were included in the story.


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China: Prison Break · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Joel Martinsen from DANWEI has translated a BBS post, Musings on the Chinese version of Prison Break, which addressed the question: how would a Chinese Prison Break be adapted so that it would pass the TV censors?


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China: Slogans with Chinese characteristics · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Banyue from DANWEI blogged some outrageous Chinese slogans, such as: Popularize the first child, control the second child, exterminate the third child, Whoever does not follow family planning will have his household ruined and his family perish, and many others.


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Cuba: The truth of the truth · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

mi isla al mediodia  quotes Carlos Varela's lyrics to make a statement (ES) on truth.


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Egypt: Blogger’s Wedding Planned · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

“Egyptian bloggers will hold a “wedding party” in Talaat Harb Sq., Friday 4 May, 6pm, to celebrate the marriage of our future president Gamal Mubarak to the lovely Khadiga, which will be held simultaneously in Sharm el-Sheikh. The bloggers’ protest party will be held under the slogan: “Heyya ah! Baladna La!” (basically: Go and marry her, but don’t marry our country!)” writes blogger Hossam El Hamalawy.


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Egypt: From Fisk to Heykal · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

A week or two ago The Independent ran a portrait-interview of Muhammad Hassanein Heykal by Robert Fisk. It was a rather odd piece — an ode of admiration and self-admiration by two aging Middle East hacks who, while arguably important men, are highly divisive figures, writes  Issandr El Amrani.


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Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood MPs Arrested  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

“Two members of parliament from the Muslim Brotherhood were arrested yesterday, an escalation in the ongoing campaign against the group. There is a feeling in the air of a looming storm with this crackdown…” writes Egyptian blogger Issandr El Amrani.


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France: Expelling Illegal Immigrants · Global Voices
Jennifer Brea

Continuing the debate on expelling illegal immigrants living in France, SEMEtt ou l'étincelle noire (Fr) writes about a political asylee who was shipped back to Liberia, a group of long-term illegal immigrants who decided to form an organization to publicly demand naturalization, and how the mass explusions are eroding civil liberties and human rights in France.

author: Jennifer Brea


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Ghana: 8th Ghana Music Awards · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Museke blogs about the 8th Ghana Music Awards: “The Ghana Music Awards is beginning to rival Miss Ghana as the biggest entertainment show in the country. This year, it is a festival with performances and concerts celebrating Ghanaian Music. The big event is on Saturday where musicians would be honoured for their work over the past year.”


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Guyana: Sarwan New W.I. Captain · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Voice of Guyana International is thrilled that Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan is “being entrusted with the arduous task of taking West Indies cricket forward”, following former captain Brian Lara's recent retirement from the sport.


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India: Incompetent Cricket Council · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Almost as good as chocolate is rather miffed with the ‘Incompetent Cricket Council’. “With Australia having pretty much won the tournament (Sri Lanka needed 63 runs required from 18 balls with 7 wickets down!!), the batsmen were offered light (i.e. they could walk off because they couldn’t see anything). Australia assumed they won and celebrated. The scoreboard declared them winners. But oh no! Because of the stupid rules, the batsmen would either have to come back tomorrow to play or come out and play out the overs in the dark.”


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Iran: Crackdown on Women Again · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Iranian police have begun to crackdown on women's dress. After the Islamic revolution of 1979, women have been obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures and protect their modesty.
Thousands of Iranian women were warned about their poor Islamic dress this week and several hundred were arrested in the capital Tehran in the fiercest crackdown in more than a decade for what's known as “bad hijab”.
In recent days many blogs, sites and personalities protested the police action. Iranian bloggers, of course, discussed the crackdown and displayed photos and videos of crying women. Some reminded their readers that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad promised during his presidential campaign that there would be no crackdown on women's dress. Nikahang, a leading cartoonist and blogger focuses on this broken promise in a cartoon in which Ahmadinejad is looking at his promises and says “it was not me”.
Watching women cry
Kosoof has published a video which shows a woman forced into a car by police during the crackdown on women’s dress. The woman is shouting “I do not want to get in.”
Just good for election
Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former vice president,says
Summer is coming and, as usual, the issue of ladies and their veils has started. But most of the ladies, who are going to receive punishment for their improper veils, are the ones who become dear at the time of election and can be seen as they really are on TV when they are interviewed about the necessity for taking part in the election.
Before 1979
Azarmehr writes:
Pictures below show the latest round of state crackdown on women who have not fully observed their Islamic dress code. The way Iranian women push back their scarves and cheekily show their hair is often praised by Islamic Republic apologists as how “liberal” Islamic Republic is. They conveniently forget that it never used to be like this in Iran before 1979.
Forced Paradise
Hanouz remembers [Fa] the dark years of the 80's in Iran when daily repression was regular. The blogger writes that we are returning to twenty years ago when the Iranian state wanted to force their idea of paradise by establishing propaganda and security organizations. The blogger says that it is painful to return to those years and that the state has spent huge amounts money and energy over the last twenty years to educate a new generation according to its doctrine but failed and now uses its resources to repress the same generation.
Talibanism
Alpar writes [Fa] that what seems like a crackdown on women in the streets is not legal, rational, or Islamic. What is the difference between Iranian society and Talibanism, the blogger asks, only 10 centemeters? Violence and hatred are common elements between the Taliban and those who suppress women.
“A danger for national security”
Jomhour says [Fa] that security forces took photos of the women in so-called ‘bad hijab and keep the records in a database. He says it is worse than acting against drug smugglers and says some newspapers criticized the crackdown but very soon were warned to not interfere in security actions. He goes on to say that some authorities accused these women as a threat to national security.
Any trace of the veil in Quran?
Thanks to Kamangir we learn even some conservative bloggers crticized government for repressing women. Kourosh [Fa] doesn't know who mandated the veil in this general and widespread form. Neither in history nor in the life of the prophet do you hear anything about this. Even if the veil is mandatory, which it is not, it is not so all-encompassing. Furthermore, I don’t know how they infer that the veil is mandatory…They refer to the Quran and scholars. I have read the same books and I have not found any trace of the veil in either Quran or the life of the prophet.


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Iran:Hidden thoughts of Ahmadinejad · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Ahmad Shirzad,former reformist deputy in Iranian parliament, writes [Fa]that we can find out about Ahmadinejad's real thoughts if we listen to his speeches during his trips to country's provinces.According to the blogger, he rejects all achievements of human being.Shirzad says in a speech he said educated people from USA and UK can not solve our problems and we have asked religious teachers and clerics to find solutions for us.The blogger reports that Ahmadinejad says now world is disgusted about democracy.


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Iraq: The Sound of Bombs  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

“If this morning’s blasts have an explanation last night’s explosions remain of unknown origin and nature. Last night there were more than two dozen explosions that could be heard from somewhere around the city. Some sounded like artillery shelling, others like air strikes. There’s still no word anywhere about what they actually were,” writes  Iraqi blogger Omar.


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Jamaica: Caribbean Networking · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

In considering the concept of regional networking, Jamaican Francis Wade thinks “it is critical that our region's professionals take the task of managing their online brand as an essential one — as essential as deciding what to wear to work each day.”


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Japan: Baby Crying Contest · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

James from Japan Probe posted some photos from the annual baby crying contest.


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Japan: Media has its eyes wide shut · Global Voices
Chris Salzberg

Ampontan posted a detailed and scathing attack on American media (notably CNN and AP) for their failure to catch the “story staring them in the face”: “In the past two days, Prime Minister Abe and the government of Japan just issued its Declaration of Independence from the legacy of World War II, and in effect told Mike Honda, the U.S. Congress, and the rest of East Asia that if they don’t like it, they can take a hike.”


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Japan: What will happen after Golden Week? · Global Voices
Hanako Tokita

Social Democratic Party MP Hosaka Nobuto and former diplomat Amaki Naoto say things will start moving in the Diet after Golden Week (one week period with several national holidays). Hosaka expresses his concern[Ja] about a recent trend in which the ruling coalition has forced through several bills and also points to a long queue of pending bills, among which is a constitutional ammendment which would require a national referendum. Amaki says that PM Abe will press on with his agenda upon returing from his visit to the U.S. [Ja]

author: Hanako Tokita


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Kyrgyzstan: Kemin Photos · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

LJ user morrire has photos from Kemin (ru), where a by-election for Kyrgzystan's parliament just took place.


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Lebanon: Art, Water and Tensions · Global Voices
Moussa Bashir

This week was marred by the kidnapping and killing of two Lebanese youth, bringing back memories from the dark years of the Lebanese civil war. This was the topic updated and analysed by most Lebanese bloggers. In addition to this sad event, there are blog posts featuring paintings, poetry and political analysis about the expected water crisis in the Middle East as well as the huge billboard with photos of the captured Israeli soldiers that was place on the southern Lebanese borders.
Arts
Below is one of Maroun Kassab’s series of 33 paintings addressing the subject of the Israeli July 2006 war against Lebanon. The number 33 has its significance, as he mentioned in his blog: “30 of them addressing the Lebanese victims, and 3 of them to the Israeli victims of the 33 days of the war”.
This is a painting out of a series I am working on. It explores the effects of the war machine on the human element. It is entitled “Marwaheen” for the massacre that was committed by the Israeli war machine in Lebanon last year.
Boubeyeh has this poem where she compares some one’s request for a lover that satisfies certain materialistic standards:
You ask for a lover with a frame of gold,
To hang on my social wall of achievements.
You ask for a lover with a full package,
An economic status of comfort,
A man-given title of significance,
And a God-given gift of reproduction.
and her more romantic, passionate and dreamy lover with non-materialistic values:
When my lover smiles,
Time ceases to exist.
When my lover talks,
The planets halt to listen.
When my lover holds my body tight,
Freedom beats underneath my ribs,
Passion pulses inside my veins,
My eyes grow blind,
And my ears are deaf.
My lover is my final destination,
The cradle of civilization,
The essence of existence,
The only society to which I belong.
Water and billboards inSouth Lebanon
Dr. Rami Zurayk discusses the dangers expected if the plans to privatize water in Lebanon and the Middle East is implemented. In addition to the expected water–crisis, he writes about why the poor are more susceptible to bad eating habits and to obesity than others.
Bech interprets the placing of a large billboard on the borders South of Lebanon, displaying images of the two Israeli soldiers held by Hezbollah, as one of the ways that the party uses to maintain the support of its followers or enthusiasts.
One of many examples showing that Hizbullah has been meeting a huge challenge to convince the population that it still made sense to support the party, especially after the huge losses suffered. This shows the extent to which the party is in a constant battle to construct its legitimacy, and that constituencies are not monolithic rigid entities that follow just because they're “brain-washed” by some ideas that are somehow everlastingly marking.
Kidnap and Murder
The abhorrent crime of the kidnapping and killing of the two Lebanese youth, Ziad Ghandour (12) and Ziad Kabalan (25) threatened to stir violence in a country already experiencing high sectarian tensions. MFL explains why such an act is so dangerous in a country that has just experienced death on a massive scale:
Then of course, we have the memories of the clashes with the Israelis. The Israelis always claim to fight Hezbollah, but end up bombing 80% of Lebanon, and no one can ever forget the 1300 victims, and 5000 wounded. Yet, the death of the two Ziads (with one who is only 12 years old) shock the very foundations of Lebanese social life. The barrier of kidnapping and killing was revived, despite the fact if the kidnappings were “vengeance kidnappings” or not, the terror was there, and two kids paid for it.
On the same day that Lebanon was burying the two victims and in national mourning with schools and universities closed, Miss Lebanon pageant took place and was broadcast to the Arab world and beyond by one of the TV stations hosting the event. Joumana Mattar Moukarzel saw this as a sign of courage and resilience:
A few days ago, 2 young men were kidnapped and murdered; and yesterday, Miss Lebanon pageant was underway and a new representative of Lebanese beauty was chosen…
It takes courage to vacillate between the extremes of the emotional sphere… between joy and sadness, happiness and fear, love and hate…
We are a resilient people, bordering on insensitivity, for over-exposure renders our senses numb, our hearts colder, and our compassion weaker.
While Jeha had another take on the same subject of the mourning and pageant taking place the same day considering it as adding insult to murder:
Not in my country. At least, not in the Lebanon I grew up in. Common human decency requires that they postponed the pageant, at least for the day of the funeral. I have no doubt that they would have done so for any of our inconsequential politicians.
That will be it for this week. See you next week.

author: Moussa Bashir


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Mali: politics is a youth movement · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Sociolingo's comments about Mali's election photos from BBC: “Politics in Mali is a youth movement, and there are many young Malians who take a keen interest in the political parties. In schools we have mock parliaments and elections. It is a BIG thing and each class has to choose their representative. The kids go round class to class campaigning, even the littlest ones.”


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Mongolia: Carless Ulaanbaatar · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Mongolia Matters shares a photo of something remarkably rare for Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, carless streets.


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Myanmar: Electricity and Internet · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

As internet is becomes more popular in Mayanmar, the electricity supply gets more and more irregular. Myat Thura has more.


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Nepal: About Mohan Gopal Khetan · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Nepali Netbook on how the country has lost not only a businessman but also a nationalist. “Mohan Khetan could not have achieved his business successes without at least some of the “shadiness” ordinarily associated with entrepreneurs. Where he stood out was in his espousal of issues going to the heart of Nepal’s existence as a sovereign nation.”


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Nepal: Violence against Education · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Nepal Monitor has a summary of a report by UNESCO on violence against education. “In Nepal, 145 teachers and 344 students were killed between 13 February 1996 and 31 December 2006.13 In the 5 years between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006, the Maoists destroyed 79 schools, one university and 13 district education offices. In the same five-year period, 10,621 teachers were abducted and 29 teachers were ‘disappeared’, 734 teachers were arrested or tortured, 320 teachers were beaten, 356 teachers were threatened, and 41 were injured.”


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Oman: Why No FM Stations?  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

“If I'm not mistaken the law governing the licensing of private TV and radio stations came out in August 2004 and the license fee structure was agreed by committee overseeing the process in April 2005. Three FM stations and one satellite station were were approved in October 2005. Not one of them has started broadcasting yet,” notes Omani blogger Muscati.


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Ropa Vieja and Malanga, Guarapo de Piña, and Colita de Cuadril from across Latin America · Global Voices
Melissa De León

#1: From Havana, Cuba, Chispa Stories shares his first impressions on the interesting "Ten Days in Cuba" adventure:
And we did have good food. The one thing I’ve managed to learn so far (in my three hours) here in Cuba, is that there are thousands of very stern rules and an exception for each and every one of them. At La Cocina de Lilian, our little table was in the middle of a private garden inside an even more private house and as I ate my little crock of “ropa vieja” and garlicky “malanga fritters” I hoped we weren’t experiencing the Cadillac now with Peugeots on the horizon. Read more...
#2: From Venezuela, Experiencia Culinaria takes us through a travel in time, to rescue one of the almost gone delicious traditions of Latin America: Guarapo de Piña (ES).
Pocas bebidas refrescantes criollas alcanzan la popularidad del guarapo de piña. Entran en él los tres componentes a la cual más económicos: agua, papelón y conchas de la mencionada fruta. Moderadamente fermentado y dulzón, es algo así como un modesto vino blanco. Tiene propiedades eminentemente tónicas y digestivas. Read the complete post…
#3: From Uruguay, Amargo y Dulce tips her readers where to find organic products in Montevideo: Looking for Organic?
Ecotienda is located in El Centro and also has a weekly stand at the Sunday feria in Parque Rodó. At the store you will find fresh produce, cheeses, the most delicious yogurt, ice cream, fresh ricota, and dulce de leche – all organic. Ecotienda sells honey, honey studded with almonds and dried fruit, olive oil, jams, preserved vegetables, and some other jarred items. They also have a few baked goods – including scones, tartas, breads, and crackers…Read more!
#4: From Argentina, Asado Argentina shares insightfully delicious information on how to prepare "Colita de Cuadril (Tail of Rump) – Tri-Tip"
Colita De Cuadril is known in English as tri-tip, sirloin bottom, or tip roast. The exact same thing, not one of those cuts that are similar yet cut differently like vacio and flank steak. You can roast it, grill it, or smoke it. Slice it up for stir-fry. Grind it up for hamburger meat. Cube it for kebabs. The meat sucks up spices and marinades like a sponge…Read the complete post now!
Colita de Cuadril photo taken by Melissa De Leòn Douglass
#5: From Panama, Boquete Guide reports on Quesos Chela, a well loved traditional family owned dairy shop: "Road Trips from Boquete"
Yogurts and various country cheeses round out the offering. A tribute to life and decadent pleasure. These are not the cured aged cheeses of the world but young fresh country or mozzarella cheese; simple and tasty. If you live in the US and cannot place country cheeses think farmers cheese or Mexican Queso Fresco and then add texture and flavor.

author: Melissa De León


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Russia: More on Mstislav Rostropovich · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Another personal reflection on Mstislav Rostropovich, written by an anonymous contributor to Robert Amsterdam's blog – “who as a young musician had the distinct honor of personally meeting the great Russian master.”

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Russia: Mstislav Rostropovich · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Megan Case shares a personal memory of Mstislav Rostropovich, who died in Moscow last week.


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Saudi Arabia: Saudi Women Bloggers  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Saudi blogger Ahmed Al Omran  reports that we will soon be able to hear the voices of young Saudi women through blogs initiated by their teacher. “Mrs. Lobat Asadi who teaches English at Al-Yamamah College in Riyadh has sent me a link to her project website that is used as a part of the course she is giving there…I've never come across anything like this happening here in Saudi Arabia. Mrs. Asadi also provides links (check out the left sidebar) to blogs by her students. She thinks many people will enjoy reading the thoughts of these young Saudi women, and that ‘they are much more intelligent than people give them credit for,'” he notes.


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Serbia: Blogosphere Reacts to Protect Press Freedom · Global Voices
Ljubisa Bojic

Two hand grenades were placed on a window sill of Serbian journalist Dejan Anastasijevic's apartment on Saturday, April 15. The explosions caused material damage but no injuries. There were numerous comments about who might have stood behind the attack. Bloggers started a petition requesting prompt reaction of the police for the sake of press freedom.
At B92 blog, Milos Vasic writes (SRP):
The fact – a hand grenade exploded on the home window of a [journalist] Dejan Anastasijevic – speaks for itself about the motive of the perpetrator. Serbian Radical Party officials explained that “Dejan Anastasijevic is the favorite witness of Carla Del Ponte” (Jorgovanka Tabakovic, a few days ago); he is “a collaborator of some secret services, and a future witness against [Vojislav] Seselj” (Aleksandar Vucic, in 2004).
What happened is a manifestation of our slow and [unprofessional] judicial system, because they violated the procedure by not notifying the prosecutor and the appointed judge about the case, and the police then stated they had informed them, but the prosecutor and the judges denied that. […]
Let's push that aside. Something else is more interesting: how the media treated the crime. […] the case was carefully neglected by the extreme-right chauvinistic media, except for the Press, whose columnist, my former friend [Bogdan Tirnanic], couldn't resist the temptation to blame [president] Boris Tadic: “Why did Boris visit the offices of Vreme magazine, as somebody could ask why government reps didn’t come?” […]
When mafia consigliore attorney Goran Petronijevic detonated himself live on Fokus Radio […] with theory that [Cedmir Jovanovic] and [Liberal Democratic Party] did the bombing, and when I responded to this [idiotism], orchestrated campaign was triggered both on Fokus Radio and in the printed thing called Pravda.
[…]There is a theory according to which journalists should live on higher floors; that it isn’t hygienic to deal with investigative journalism; it is worse than taking a witness stand in the Hague tribunal against those who ordered political assassinations and worse crimes;
[…] Then former chief of TV Politika, Goran Kozic, joined the [spree of comments]. […] Kozic, who scrambled under some rock after “October 5,” got into the open recently and managed to become editor of Fokus Radio. He stated, “They should use [journalism excellence] award money given by [Bogoljub] Karic, and some by Polt, to buy flats on higher floors […]” (Pravda, April 23, 2007, p. 2).
At his B92 blog, Goran Miletic states (SRP):
[…] My grandmother said: “He sure knows who triggered those grenades.” […] [We] don’t need assumptions, but look forward to hearing the news that the perpetrator was jailed, briefed, and that the efficient judicial process started, the one to determine how it happened, and of course, why that person did it. […]
My friend commented that bombs were thrown by “some lonely, crazy person” and that there was no ordering party. In any case, if police don’t arrest lonely riders or executors with instructing parties, everything is possible and uncertain. If you are a citizen, you don’t know what can strike you, but if you are a person who commits a crime, options are pretty clear. You either get a visit from a government minister, or receive a bullet, during the arrest. Where did the equality before the law disappear?
Shaina of Bosnia Vault writes:
I'm sure most of my readers are aware of the cowardly attack outside of Serbian journalist Dejan Anastasijevic's apartment. According to Dragoljub Žarković, the editor of Vreme; the attack may have been fueled by Anastasijevic's criticism of the recent Scorpions verdict. President Tadic has reacted to the attack by saying: “The state must react with full capacity to such deeds. I will reiterate the fact that offences of this kind represent an attempt to throw Serbia back into the wartime 1990s.” Vreme, the independent paper that Anastasijevic contributes to, also includes a collection of articles on Anastasijevic's attack in Serbian. Belgrade 2.0 features an article in support of Anastasijevic, as well as a link to a recent article he wrote on the Ahtisaari Plan. […]

author: Ljubisa Bojic


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Sierra Leonean Blogosphere 101 · Global Voices
Vickie Remoe-Doherty

My name is Vickie Remoe-Doherty. This is my first post as Global Voices author for Sierra Leone.  I thought that my first post should introduce you to some notable blogs on Sierra Leonean blogosphere. I hope that my work with Global Voices Online will inspire Sierra Leoneans in Sierra Leone and in the Diaspora to join the global conversation online as is the case for Nigerians, Kenyans, Tanzanians, Malawians, and South Africans.
If you’ve searched for blogs from or on Sierra Leone, there are two things that should be obvious by now: (1) the Sierra Leonean blogosphere is very small (2) most people blogging from Sierra Leone are international expats or volunteers currently working in the country. The blogs either focus on the implementation of projects (mostly NGO related) or personal experiences (difficulties/joys) of living in Sierra Leone as a native of another country.
Live From Freetown is a blog with photos, music, commentary on Sierra Leone by a Canadian volunteer, Justin, with Mercy Ships in the capital Freetown. Justin introduces himself:
Hi, I’m Justin and this is my blog from Freetown, Sierra Leone. I work for a global charity called Mercy Ships. While my organization is best known for having floating hospitals, we have two land-based centres here in this country. We are one of the few centres in Africa that provides surgery for obstetric fistula, and we also work in primary healthcare and community development.
What’s up with the blog? Well, I thought it would be pretty interesting for people to read what is happening here in West Africa, and to get a day-to-day glimpse into the life of a transplanted Westerner. I’m writing about the things I see, hear, and experience and sometimes, they’re not pretty.
More about me… I’m originally from a small town called Breslau, which is an hour away from Toronto, Ontario. I studied political science at the University of Waterloo. The future? Grad school, hopefully in Europe. Subject of study: law or development.
Jill and Dan in Sierra Leone is a blog by an American couple working for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Sierra Leone. Their March 30th, 2007  post reads:
Hi all, I know it's been a while since I last wrote. My latest trip was again to Kenema and then Kailahun to disburse the 2nd half of the grants that I helped distribute back in December. The trip out was relatively uneventful. I found that almost no progress has been made on the reconstruction of the main road out. It was still dusty and a long drive, 5 hours or so. Our security guy and country rep didn't want us keeping large amounts of cash on us this time, so it was decided that we would have to return all the way back to Kenema every day. This added an extra hour in the morning and evening. Unfortunately we had no choice in the matter and to be fair carrying millions of leones around is probably not the best idea.
Anyway, after meeting up with Salim, our agricultural guy, we figured out a process for getting the money every morning from the safe. By this time it was time to go to guest house and hopefully get some rest. But it was not to be. The power in Kenema used to be excellent (back in October), but now it isn't strong enough to run an air conditioner. So this left me in an extremely hot and noisy room (people talking and the generator blaring when the power went out altogether) with only a bit of air movement from the fan. I did manage to get a little sleep but around 5 am the call to prayer started (Of course I had forgotten my earplugs, lesson learned). Unlike most other mosques, this one broadcast the entire 45 minute service. By the time it ended, the “snorer” started up. It was unbelievably loud, and I pretty much gave up at this point and got up.
Kuranko-Land Sierra Leone is a blog by an American woman, Emily, from Michigan whose husband is studying West African forest buffaloes in Northern Sierra Leone (Kabala):
I direct the education & community partnerships for a regional family-owned theatre circuit in West and Central Michigan. My husband Aaron is in the midst of a PhD biology degree, studying ‘behavioral ecology’ of the W. African Forest buffalo. He grew up in Sierra Leone, is fluent in a number of languages spoken in the north of the country, and is committed both to the people and conservation of natural resources. We are juggling an interesting first few years of marriage! I have been incredibly privileged to get access to the wonderful Kuranko people and land in the north of the country… along with the best available ‘lingual’ and ‘cultural’ interpretation.
Last February, Emily blogged about a public hearing of the conflict between the Fula , who are farmers, and the Limba, who are pastoralists:
The conflict between the Fula and the Limba has resulted in a public hearing, which is transpiring in the town square today. I need to amend my last post to say that the ‘truth’ turns out to be somewhere in the middle of the two versions of the ‘story’ I represented. Cows have been killed; this resulted in a Fula rancher killing a Limba boy. No ‘retaliation’ has taken place – yet. The Paramount Chief is in an awkward position, as he is a Limba who is married to a Fula woman. He is one of the two Paramount Chiefs in Kabala (which sits on the border of Sengbeh and Wara-Wara-Yagalah chiefdoms). His inclination was to see if he could wait for things to ‘blow over. This precipitated his initial reaction: that the issue would not be addressed until the taxes have been collected for this region. However, the ‘district officers’ (Freetown governmental representatives) were drawn in, as this is a murder case. Thankfully, due attention is now being given to the situation. IMATT, UN officials and others have come to witness the proceedings, as this has been deemed a ‘regional issue’ with many small grievances (and some big ones) being addressed.
With the help of Aaron and a Sierra Leonean man who works for Red Cross, I was able to secure permission from the police to take a few pictures, which I will put on the website as soon as ‘uploading’ pictures is possible. The pavilion is so crowded that it is difficult to get in to see the actual proceedings, but outside the pavilion, crowds are peacefully assembled in the streets and on balconies of nearby houses with huge banners. One pictorially depicts the shooting followed by an X through a cow, with the header “Enough is Enough.” Others read: “Cows, Yes! Uncontrolled Cows, No!!” (again, illustrated – with fences and cows), “Where are the Authorities?” and “Respect my Place.” I am hopeful that all will go well – though there is some volatile ‘talk’ in town”
Sandra's Latest  is a blog by a community health physician, Sandra, working in Sierra Leone. She writes, among other topics, about her experiences with patients:
My highlight of the week was definitely on Tuesday. I’ll tell you why…
A 42 year old lady showed up at the centre wondering if we could help her. She was born with a cleft lip. It’s a little unusual for me to see an adult patient (other than our staff); this was an exception. Her defect was obvious so there was not much I needed to do in the sense of examination etc. I had to tell her we would not be able to help her at our centre but that we could schedule her for a surgery on the ship in 2008 when the ship comes to Freetown. I don’t think she really understood what I meant initially so I decided to take out some before and after pictures of a little boy who has had surgery on the ship in the past. When she saw the difference in the pictures a big smile appeared on her face. It was as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. She went on to explain that she has 5 children and some grandchildren at that all of them get teased because of her defect. Very sad to hear and it made the moment even more special to realize what an impact a surgery would have on her life; and to think that she has had to walk around in shame for 42 years. I went on to show her a picture of the Africa Mercy and her eyes got even bigger. She was delighted to show her daughter and grandchild the pictures. Explaining to them that she too would receive surgery and her lip would be healed. She didn’t speak English or Krio but a local language. I had someone translate what she was saying. She said ‘I am so happy I could dance for you.’ Next thing we see is her getting up and doing a little dance of joy for us. Oh to see her face a year or so from now after surgery. It’s a privilege to play a small role in someone’s life!
Mel on a Missionis a blog by a physiotherapist also volunteering with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. She writes about her work:
I have been doing a lot of reading about fistulas – even saw my first surgery the other week (story on the website: http://www.minxproductions.com/mel/?p=154). I have been working with the ladies who come in with footdrop, and have managed to instigate some changes in regards to orthoses that will hopefully make it easier and more comfortable for them, not to mention speed up the process a little. I am also writing a couple of papers of recommendation for rehabilitation work at the fistula centre, but thankfully those documents wont turn out to be as mammoth as the New Steps paper. The ladies are delightful to work with and I have been privileged to be able to attend a few ‘Gladi Gladi’s’, which is a celebration ceremony for those who have recovered from their surgery and are going home, complete with a beautiful new dress and a new start in life. There is lots of singing, followed by dancing around the courtyard. This week was particularly special leading up to Easter as the Sierra Leonean nurses talked about how like the new life the women experience when their fistula is closed, we can be made whole inside and have new life in Jesus. This was followed by the general favourite song here “Tell Papa God Tankie” (tell ‘daddy’ God thankyou).
Sierra Leone is a blog by a real estate consultant from Canada, Paul Fishing, volunteering with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO):
I have accepted a placement in Sierra Leone, a third world developing country located in western Africa. The 6 month job involves assisting and training in the valuation of properties for local assessment and taxation purposes. I expect to be in Sierra Leone from November 2006 to May 2007 and hope I can keep in touch through this blog. I have been impressed with the international development agency Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) who have trained me both in Canada and in the UK
One of his most recent post is about food in Sierra Leone:
It’s comforting to know that people out there are thinking of me. A few have commented that there appears to be a diminishing amount of me. Pictured here is taken last weekend in Freetown with the VSO country director, Chals Wontonwe. Well it is true that my trouser belt is a couple of notches further in but I seem to be able to have a balanced diet although without the added Mars Bar calories. The food markets have a very limited selection of “western food” and there is a complete lack of any Loblaws or Sainsburys type supermarkets. Kelloggs and Cadburys type stuff can be bought in the west of Freetown where most of the international NGO’s have their compounds and the foods are quite expensive. Makeni clearly doesn’t make it; the nearest thing being the PZ petrol filling station that also has a selection of canned tuna, mayonnaise, pasta for the Italian priests, laughing cow cheese and occasionally some jam. In the town there is quite a lot of bread made and sold by the Fullah tribesmen from stalls along the road. They know me now and I try to distribute my trade among them. The staple diet among Saloneans here is rice and no matter how much other food is consumed, people will say that they have not eaten unless rice has been on the plate. More about rice later. Most of the vegetable food is available from stalls in the market and there appears to be a good supply but of very limited variety.
Having adapted now to the local foods my diet has certainly changed and I eat a combination of rice dishes with locally grown vegetables mainly cassava, sweet potato, crin crin including and sometimes solely the leaves. There are no fridges here – no electricity – and the hot climate means that all the food you buy has to be eaten. Groundnuts are locally grown and I have a favourite fellow in the market who will grind the nuts into a paste; much like peanut butter. I favour those dishes that I can cook in ½ hour and over a single kerosene stove ‘cause that’s all I have. So I make cassava leaves mixed with groundnut paste and a good helping of fresh peppers, sweet potatoes etc.
Sierra Leone Blog documents Nataša's Sierra Leone Adventure:
Once again back in the centre of Zimmi, Simpson told me, we have to return to the police office, which we passed, as I was being called. I thought he was making a joke, I didn't hear anything. I didn't notice them calling me. I followed Simpson back some sixty yards. Their office was strategically located, with the good view of the main street. It comprised of a desk with a chair and a table with benches on either side. One was sitting at the desk, another couple of them at the table. They were in the middle of lunch, having some couscous with chicken. By then I was hungry. We greeted and then they asked me to sit down on the bench at their table.
“So, we have seen you around the last couple of days,” one of them started in a serious tone hid position demanded, still finishing his meal.
“You've been snapping all around. Who are you and what is your mission here? You know we had a war here, and we are very near Liberian border,” continued the other one in the same manner the first one embarked on.
I immediately took my formal voice and articulation to explain myself. I used my most proffesional title in introducing myself. It flashed through my mind they could confiscate my pictures in the camera. I explained the best of reasons I had, what I was doing there, also involving my professional interest. I did it without much thought. Simpson was watching the different me. I was not the same person that was dancing around not long ago.
It seemed the policemen were satisfied with my answer, they were just doing their job. I felt nothing unpleasant was going to happen after all. They were respectful and nice, though still very serious. Nevertheless my lighthearted mood was shaken. It was still a small interrogation. I was no longer just a harmless incognito traveller I wanted to be, who was making friends with the local people. I was also a possible spy.
Sweet Sierra Leone is our last blog for today:
Welcome to Sweet Sierra Leone! Here you will find a diverse array of Sierra Leone related topics/commentaries/photos. Everything from music to development and other stuff in between. If you have any questions or topics you would like to see discussed or presented on Sierra Leone let me know and i will do my best to satisfy you. Enjoy. On the copyright tip, unless otherwise indicated most photos on this site were taken by me and belong to me, Share wisely :-)
On Sierra Leonean presidential elections later this year, Sweet Sierra Leone writes “Evidence that SLPP Government will win July 28th Elections“:
In the past 6 months or so five African countries have had elections…Zambia, Congo, Gambia, Senegal, and this past weekend Nigeria. If the results from these elections show anything its that YOU CAN NOT REMOVE A SITTING GOVERNMENT with the electoral process if that government is not ready to relinquish power.
Though many African countries have set up “independent” electoral monitoring boards like the National Electoral Commission in Sierra Leone, managing a free & fair elections still remains a challenge.
Note: SLPP (Sierra Leone Peoples Party) is the ruling party in Sierra Leone.

author: Vickie Remoe-Doherty


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Sri Lanka: Cricket and LTTE · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

LTTE choses to attack on the day that Sri Lanka played for World Cup. Vindicated13 says “Last night all us Sri Lankans both at home and away came together to support the home team and suffered the contemptible brunt of cowardice of “freedom fighters” as they call themselves, who tell anyone who will listen that they are fighting for a cause and fighting for the nation. You are only careless despots in the making because no one who loved their homeland would resort to such a despicable, depraved act on night that was so important to everyone in the country regardless of ethnicity, religion or race.”


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Taiwan: Crazy for Matsu · Global Voices
I-fan Lin

(Photo is from Arkun's flicker photo album.)
Just like what Backlight53 said:
這禮拜中台灣都在瘋一件事，那就是–大甲媽祖遶境。
Based on Mei-Rong Lin's research, Matsu is the deity most commonly worshipped by Taiwanese people. Matsu's birthday falls on the 23rd day of the third month in the lunar calendar. All the worship activities are held shortly before and after this date. Activities related to the Matsu's inspection tour are very hot, and more and more young people join these activities these years.
What people do in Matsu's inspection tour?  Based on backlight53's words:
扣除跟著一起走的和發願無償供應涼水飲料的人，重點就是傳統習俗：鑽轎底。相傳鑽過媽祖轎底的信徒們，來年就能好願。
In 2006, National Youth Commission held a workshop about the belief in Matsu and brought interested young people to join Da-Jia Matsu's inspection tour in central Taiwan.  In this special inspection tour, the believers walk eight days (4/21-4/29 this year) for about 300 km.  They only eat vegetarian dishes and sleep in temples.
Nycfour in Da-Jia Matsu inspection tour youth exploration group blog talked about the importance of the inspection tour to people who believe in Matsu:
其實很多人心裡藏了很多心事、很多苦楚平常找不到人宣洩，也無法說出口、找人討論，每年就是等待媽祖來，可以持香助禱，把心中所有的委屈與苦楚，趁每年一 次媽祖過境時，把所有心事說給媽祖聽，所以她們每年一定會在街頭巷口等待媽祖路過，媽祖對於長者來說，比心理醫生還要有用。
Because Matsu has very strong social influence in Taiwan, there are some rituals that represent the competition among the local powers.  For example, before the inspection tour, local powers would compete for the first incense.  In some areas, the group winning the first incense is the most powerful group.  In some areas, people even try to ‘rob’ Matsu because they believe Matsu will protect the area where she is located.
Hsiu-Tsen in Da-Jia Matsu inspection tour youth exploration group blog talked about what they saw in the ‘robbing Matsu':
在信徒心中，只要媽祖所到之處，將會得到庇祐，因此會發生所謂「搶轎」的狀況，尤其在彰化，搶轎的情形最為嚴重。在媽祖駐駕彰化南瑤宮前，抬轎的轎夫會換成刑警CID，當地人士會想盡各種方法來阻止神轎前進，例如：煙火瀑布、炮陣等，並安排壯士去搶涼傘，不過今年南瑤宮信徒並沒有成功，CID真的太多了，讓我覺得像是重大刑案才會出現的人力。
Da-Jia Matsu's inspection tour attracted many people.  However, it was not the case decades ago.  Based on I-Chun's article:
今天我們拜訪320年歷史的北港朝天宮，雖然北港朝天宮不在大甲媽祖繞境的路上。事實上，在1988年之前，大甲媽祖之所以出巡是因為要來朝天宮參拜父母，因為朝天宮有奉祀媽祖的雙親，所以每年媽祖生日都會來拜見雙親。然而，1988年之後大甲鎮瀾宮決定不再去朝天宮，因為他們不想表現自己媽祖的等級比朝天宮媽祖低。
What makes Da Jia  Xhen Lan temple feels it is superior than other Matsu temples in Taiwan?  Based on Kuo-Chou Huang's article,  Da Jia Xhen Lan temple brought their Matsu to China in 1987 because the belief in Matsu is originally from China.  Thereafter, they think they are more orthodox than others.
Some people think that even though we do not consider how Chinese culture revolution destroyed the belief in Matsu in China, there is difference between Matsu belief in China and Taiwan.
Based on Mei-Rong Lin's research,
媽祖原是海神，台灣先民攜之渡海來台，保佑平安，在台拓墾以來，迭獲庇佑，媽祖已然台灣化，由海神而成雨水之神，「大道公風，媽祖婆雨」的傳說更助長迎媽祖常帶來雨水的事蹟傳播。
When some people argued about the political powers behind Matsu, many people only consider Matsu as a religion, like other religions.
Miki said:
宗教，是有光的所在。像孩子一樣，在一片模糊黑暗中，只被光吸引。我喜歡正信宗教帶來的光明力量，在這群默默行進的信徒身上，信仰的力量，變得很正向。
The movie ‘Island Etude’ has its own blog.  The author EtudeBike talked about Matsu in their movie:
「拍攝這部片後，我對『信仰』重新有不同的認識。」對宗教，陳懷恩自有一套看法，他認為「宗教不是用來懷疑，而是用來相信的」
‘We will see what we want to see’ is very suitable to describe what religion is.  Although I am not in Taiwan, and I cannot say I am a believer of Matsu, I still watched the movie about Matsu inspection tour happily.  I believe in Matsu, because I believe in the people who believe in her.
If you are interested in this activity, you can check ‘the handbook of Da-Jia Matsu inspection tour’.  Maybe like Arkun said:
深深感到媽祖進香是極佳的健行／深度旅遊行程，更兼有食宿招待，打著燈籠都找不出這麼好的行程啊！

author: I-fan Lin


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Trinidad & Tobago: Akon Controversy Continues · Global Voices
Karel McIntosh

The recent scandal involving US hip-hop artist Akon brutally gyrating on a 15-year-old Trinidadian girl at the island's popular Zen  nightclub  has taken both the mainstream media and
In a bid to stem the already extensive and continuous coverage of the event, the teenager’s family is seeking to legally bar the media from further publishing photos and the girl’s name, as she is a minor.  Club Zen has apologized for the incident.  But apologies have not appeased some bloggers, who remain outraged about the whole episode.
The Modest Goddess has seen the video and is
“not sure what’s more disturbing – the girl being flung and dragged around the stage, legs twisted into varying positions to facilitate his act until he abandons her crumpled on the floor? Or the cheering of the crowd, the roaring approval of the crowd, the screaming, clapping, appreciative crowd. The same crowd that now stands in judgement of what happened.”
She is also concerned about the fact that
“on the various blogs on which it appears, comments are being left that use the most derogatory of insults. The girl…has been universally labeled a ho.  It reminds me of the age old excuses given for rape – she wanted it, she asked for it, she enjoyed it, she was dressed like a ho, hell, she is a ho.”
Disparaging comments were also the reason that Caribbean Public Relations decided to back away from the issue:
“I've deleted the post about the indecent dance between Akon and the 15-year-old girl, which has garnered this site at least 4,840 hits in just one week. Now one would think that I'd be ecstatic over this jump in readership. I'm not.”
In response to the Trinidad Express interview with the girl's father, The Manicou Report voiced his opinion on the behaviour of both parties:
“I don't know what you'd call that barely-there red top, matching heels, low-rider jeans and lower back tattoo, but “innocent” isn't the word that comes to mind. She's wearing a crucifix though, so I guess it's all OK.  Secondly, Akon. There's not much I can say for Akon except that I'm more than just a little disgusted. I don't think I have ever seen anything more dehumanizing being passed off as entertainment. To see a big strong man like Akon treat another woman like a hump toy without any regards to her personal safety is appalling to me.”
By contrast, Colonise This! says:
“What is at issue here for me is not what Danah was wearing or the fact that she was underage, nor is it the practice of performers inviting members of the audience up on the stage to “wine” with them. What is at issue is what this affair represents: the consistent and constant erosion of social, moral, intellectual boundaries, that moves people of African ancestry closer and closer to the animal kingdom and makes us less and less recognisable as sentient and thinking beings.”
Afrobella is also disturbed by the racial implications:
“So then this Akon thing happens, and I can’t look away from the comments pages. And I find the same ignorant beliefs being spouted again and again. ‘This is a part of Caribbean culture, get over it.’ ‘That’s how they dance in Trini.’ ‘Those Caribbean girls get down like that.’ And all of the old school disses delivered to dark skinned people that you might expect…Yes, scandalous dancing is celebrated throughout the Caribbean, all you need to do is do a You Tube search for ‘dutty wine’ or ‘dancehall queen’ to find an array of NSFW videos of women getting down on all fours to degrade themselves. But Akon took it to a whole ‘nother level.”
The incident has sparked considerable discussion over what has become a basic tenet of Caribbean culture – wining.  Barbadian blogger Eemanee at What crazy looks like agrees that Akon…
“was perhaps a bit over-zealous and dishonest (there being no trip to Africa) but just how does his performance differ from that of many of our Caribbean performers or your average drunken revellers at Crop Over or Carnival; or that of the dancers in the latest passa passa video?  If Akon has disrespected us it means we have been disrespecting ourselves for quite a long time.”
But Caymanian Mad Bull saw nothing out of the ordinary in Akon's behaviour, making the point that many of the region's soca stars behave in a similar fashion onstage.  Gallimaufry disagrees:
“I’ve been to plenty (well, enough) fetes and soca/reggae shows and I’ve seen revellers at Kadooment and thing, so believe me, I’ve seen raunchy, but that isn’t just raunchy, that is brutal and scary.”
Posting from Trinidad, Dre at Allyuh.com was just as appalled at what he calls “Akon's Party Politics, producing a comprehensive roundup of politicians’ (including the country's Prime Minister) comments on the issue:
“Patrick Manning is now looking into the issue, pointing fingers in Zen’s direction and asking for the nation to forgive Danah:
‘I have taken very careful notice of this matter and the owner of Zen owes it to the public to take responsibility. I will be interfacing with Zen because that kind of thing should never be allowed to happen in this country.
‘The owner (of Club Zen) should not be allowed to have such a kind of scene, (and) the public should forgive Danah.'”
Meanwhile, Trinidad Carnival Diary reports that Club Zen has been shut down indefinitely on the heels of another unsavoury incident involving a music star – but
Trinidad and Tobago News Blog reports that the closure was short-lived, perhaps making Genie X‘s comment about Akon all the more relevant:
“But what of Akon? He was deceitful, egotistical, misogynistic, disrespectful and contemptuous. What price has he paid for his behaviour? What have been the repercussions of acting like an animal? Well, the only one I have seen so far, is that his record label has rallied to protect its ‘investment’, by attempting to hide the evidence of his despicable acts by having it removed from You Tube. Any and every behaviour by black people against black people is okey-dokey with them as long as the music keeps selling. Beyond this one disheartening act, there is the loud and eloquent sound of silence.”

author: Karel McIntosh


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Trinidad & Tobago: Constitutional Reform  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Trinidad and Tobago is talking about constitutional reform – Jeremy Taylor puts in his two cents’ worth.


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Uganda: 4th Ugandan Bloggers’ Happy Hour · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Pernille blogs about the 4th Ugandan Bloggers’ Happy Hour: “It is an interesting phenomenon – this Ugandan Bloggers Happy Hour. In how many African capitols do people get together for a few hours on the last Thursday night every month for a beer and a chat? Just because they blog. Or as someone said to me last night; ‘I'm here because I read blogs’, which I find just as good a reason.”


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Ukraine: Opposition Rally · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Ukrainiana posts pictures from a recent opposition rally in Kyiv and writes: “As the rally drew to a close, it started raining lightly. A group of opposition supporters headed for the Counter-Maidan and streamed past it unobstructed, with 0.0 casualties. Sorry, Mr. Yanukovych, no civil war. Just a civil walk.”


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Uzbekistan: Alphabets · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Uzbek has been written with four different alphabets over the last century, and the government of Uzbekistan has been trying to make the transition from Cyrillic to Latin for many years. Beyond The River discusses an article on the coexistence of the two alphabets and the importance of still knowing Cyrillic.


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Weekly Roundup of Myanmar Blogs · Global Voices
May Hnin Phyu

Last week in Myanmar Blogosphere, the bloggers were into a new meme game introduced by Moe Moe to write 10 Weird Things about themselves. The tag game happens to be quite a new concept for some bloggers and was played with much fun and enthusiasm. Almost all the bloggers participated in the game. The game allowed them to know each other weirdness and habits which in turn helps unify the community and develop a better friendship between bloggers. The bloggers enjoy the game so much that they even created a new blog, Tagger Game, to feature all the tagged posts.
Blogger Zin Ko Latt wrote about opening of the new Myanmar Library, “Lan Pya Kyal (Polaris)”, in Singapore. They are also welcoming the book donors and members.
Image Via: Zincolatt
KaDaung talked of Bloggers Rights and Blog Freedom, featuring the List of the 13 Internet enemies in 2006 where Burma is one of the thirteen. He hopes that Myanmar blogs will be spared from online censorship and be able to publish Myanmar Blogger Book that they have been working on.
Meanwhile in UK, Doctor recruitment website has been down because of a  major security breach; blogger Steve is angry at the IT team and blaming them for their lack of knowledge to run the system.
I am just wondering who the responsible person is. These days, security should be top priority. I suspect those IT men don't care about our confidential data. Without having enough knowledge, I have no idea why they took the contract to run doctor recruitment web service. They are really bloody IT. I think prosecution would be only option in this civilized era.
Also this week in the field of technology, blogger Nay Nay Naing discovered the new Java Unit Testing Framework, “Junit Factory”. She explained the product and how it would be useful in Java projects.
Justin wrote about the opening of the new international express email service between Myanmar's new capital, the second capital cities and the outside world. He also voiced out his opinion on the new service charges.
What is interesting about this new service is that the service charges for the services are to be paid in foreign exchange. In a country where holding foreign exchange is illegal, who can pay for this service in foreign exchange? Only the officials who are authorized by the government to hold the foreign currencies will then be able to use this service since any civilian using this service will be breaking the law that prohibits them from holding foreign currency.
Saturngod introduced an opensource program called mmexcel that allows one to use Myanmar numeric characters in spreadsheet calculations. He also provided a download link for MMExcel 1.1 along with the installation procedure.
Image Via: Saturngod
So this is about it for the weekly roundup of Myanmar Blogosphere. Have a good week ahead.

author: May Hnin Phyu


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Why is adultery illegal in Senegal? · Global Voices
Jennifer Brea

Why is adultery illegal in Senegal? (Fr)  Women are still considered the property of men and religion a justification for law, whether or not you are a believer, the Blog politique du Senegal writes.


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Africa: global promotion of African businesses · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Wenze Business Report: “As you can see this is not just a one-African-country promotion, it's a global promotion of African businesses in the African continent, around its Diasporas, as well as any business community wishing to do business with this market.”


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Bangladesh: Terror attacks from new Al-Qaeda group raise questions · Global Voices
Rezwan

A series of bombs went off at Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong railway stations Tuesday morning from 6:45 AM to 9:30 AM (BDNews24). Only one person was injured in the attack but it created panic in the country. Bangladeshi bloggers are covering this extensively.
Jadid Al-Qaeda, an unknown group believed to be linked to Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network has claimed the responsibility with Aluminum plates inscribed with militant slogans found in a crime scene. Journalist Ahmede Hussain has pictures and roundups in his blog Black and Grey. More blogger round ups can be found in “The 3rd world view“, International media reactions in “My dear Bangladesh“.
Shadakalo explains:
Jadid means “New.” The last prominent group of “Jadids” existed in the late 1880 in the Russian empire and were known as reformers. Whatever these Jadids are, they are singing the old song of death to NGOs and Quadianis slogans. Large flat metal disks carried these warnings in Bangla: “If Hazrat Mohammad is not declared the superman of the world by May 10, all non-governmental organizations will be blown up.”
Rajputro on why they have picked the May Day for the attack:
Many Bangladeshis were traveling out of Dhaka taking advantage of a two-day public holiday for May Day and a Buddhist religious festival on Wednesday.
However there was only one injury and no casualty. It seems the aim of militants was to make a statement rather than killing a lot of people.
Shadakalo raises some questions:
1) The plates were signed in English –“The Al-Qaeda Network”. Why just this bit in English? Someone specifically trying to draw the attention of the foreign press?
2) Did someone think its time to scare the country a bit and pave the path towards martial law?
Drishtipat Blog reports that the news came very slowly to Bangladeshis because this was a holiday, and people were not checking the news. The Blog asks some pertinent questions:
What Kind of terrorist unit inscribes message on aluminum plate? Did they do it at home, or in a shop? If in a shop, isn’t there high chance of discovery? My theory, once again Bangladesh being used as a chess board for puppet masters. Who benefits?
Dhaka blog has chronological updates and warns:
Before we blame “foreign interests”, it's much more productive to look ourselves in the mirror and ask: what are we doing wrong? These blasts are at best gimmicks. A sort of publicity stunt for a very dangerous message.
Expat Blogger Gabrielle comments:
Unfortunately these kind of incidents are not that uncommon in this part of the world and life moves on as usual.
‘My thoughts and Ideas’ asserts:
The Caretaker Government of Bangladesh cannot afford to ignore this alarming and most serious crisis. They must take concrete actions against the militancy. We need a “Zero Tolerance- No Excuse Policy” against militancy.

author: Rezwan


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Barbados:  World Cup Failure  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Barbados Free Press reports that the international media has been “less than complimentary” about the 2007 Cricket World Cup.


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Bhutan: Dochula Pass · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Visit Bhutan on the Dochula Pass. “Dochula Pass which is the most known pass in the Bhutan is just 30 odd Km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way towards central Bhutan. Dochula pass is around 3150 meter from sea level and it's mostly covered with white clouds, where on a clear day you can see spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges.”


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Blogs and social participation: the coverage of the Neuquen conflict in Argentina · Global Voices
Jorge Gobbi

In the last few weeks, a series of protests by teacher unions from the Argentinean Patagonian provinces has been all over the news. In particular, this attention was even bigger after the murder of Carlos Fuentealba, a teacher that participated in a protest on one of the routes. The one responsible for the crime was a member of Neuquen's police department, who was in that location because of governor Jorge Sobich's order to dislodge the route and repress everyone on it. The seriousness of the events not only mobilized the traditional media, but also many blogs started to cover the events. An outstanding blog in this coverage is Pensamientos Despeinados [ES], a collective blog maintained by Ezequiel Apesteguia, Nicolás Malpede and Seba Espiño. Apesteguia answered our questions about the coverage. You'll find some links to the Pensamientos Despeinados entries related to the Neuquen conflict at the end of the text.
What led you to cover the Neuquen conflict?
Ezequiel Apesteguia: There were three things. First, the event itself, the murder of Carlos Fuentealba, which was not the first one in this province due to police repression in popular protests. Second, the need of non-filtered information of everything that was happening in our city, because even though national coverage was huge, we felt that there lacked the local view that big media can't supply. Third, the practice and experience for us, as journalism students and the possibility to experience different narrative forms that blogs, in this sense, provide.
What means did you use for this coverage?
EA: We got up early, took the bus and kept walking around, watching and snooping around everywhere. We took a digital camera, a recorder, pen and paper.
Did you get help from readers or spontaneous collaborations?
EA: We always try to encourage collaboration in the blog and we enjoy it. In fact, the first post [ES] about what happened came from a friend, el Chino, who sent us an email with the post for us to publish. Anyways, the biggest participation came after the publication of pictures and videos: they started leaving comments, sending mails with opinions, suggestions and everyday stories.
Did other blogs or sites cover the facts as you did?
EA: One of the problems we have in the region is that there are few blogs -just check Argenblogs to get an idea- and, therefore, we do not have as many possibilities to provide evenly distributed or collaborative coverage. Anyways, many of the blogs mentioned the story, even when they were not there. I think the best coverage of the events, at a digital level, was 8300 [ES]. In fact, 8300′ s site was closed for modifications and they placed it back online just to inform what was going on. I thought it was great they did that.
How did you find the local or national media coverage?
EA: The unfolding of the national media was amazing, with their anchormen and satellite antennas invading everything. They did a complete job, transmitting 24 hours, but they lacked the local view to contextualize the information, which is something they always lack. Locally, the problem is that the media are too centralized in political power, which undoubtedly becomes an obstacle when it comes to informing. I think the best information came from alternative media such as the radio de la Universidad [ES]and the 8300 [ES]  site. On paper, the best coverage was the Rio Negro newspaper [ES], which crudely showed the information. The rest of the media, and mainly local tv, stayed a step behind in the analysis and were way too cautious in the most critical moment of the situation. They didn't contribute at all.
In the future, do you think this kind of news coverage will become more common?
EA: Something that grabbed our attention was that our small coverage was transformed into a novelty -not to say news- in itself, leaving behind what really matters: the information. In the world we live in, that three journalism students from the country's provinces would do something like this for “the sake of art” seems strange. Therefore all the attention is on us, the interviews like this, the references and notes on our work in the big media. For us it's an acknowledgment and a personal satisfaction, but I think it shouldn't go past that (that's why in the blog we don't talk or leave links about these issues). We have to think of these kinds of citizen coverage as something more common, that is not so isolated. The blogosphere in general is doing so, and also the citizen media. These kinds of news coverage will not only become more common, but will also improve. And it's not only about competing with the media, but about participating actively, as citizens, in the construction of reality.
What do these coverage have that the traditional media doesn't?
EA: Unlike the traditional media, we were there, first, as citizens supporting the mobilization and it's cause, and second, as journalists. I think this gives the information a value that goes beyond the commercial, a social value that is priceless.
Links at Pensamientos Despeinados about the conflict in Neuquen:
¿Lo que opina la gente en Neuquén? [ES]
Mi Argentina llora por Carlos Fuentealba [ES]
Movilización, dolor y repudio en Neuquén [ES]
Siguen las marchas en Neuquén [ES]
En memoria de Carlos Fuentealba [ES]
Así vivieron la semana los diarios regionales [ES]
La mañana, momento a momento [ES]
La historia se vuelve a repetir para mal [ES]

author: Jorge Gobbi


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China: Cartoon Channel Cancellation  · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Josie Liu from China in Transition reports about the mixed public reaction on Cartoon Channel Cancellation in Zhengzhou, Henan.


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Dubai: Jewellery Theft Gang Arrested  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Dubai-based blogger Seabee announces the arrest of the “gang responsible for the ram-raid at Wafi Mall.” “Congratulations are in order to Dubai Police. They said they'd catch the gang responsible for the ram-raid at Wafi Mall and they've been as good as their word. Three people are in jail, two caught in the UAE and one in Eastern Europe, and the stolen jewellery has been recovered,” he explains.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Former Soviet Union: Photos · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Scraps of Moscow posts a selection of black-and-whites that he submitted to a literary jouranal – many of them are from the former Soviet Union.


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Government campaign for “Beautiful Japan”   · Global Voices
Hanako Tokita

Blogger tokyodo-2005 came up with a rough estimate for the amount of money spent by the Japanese government (Ja) on an advertisement that recently appeared in major newspapers. The ad asks Japanese citizens to submit their ideas about what they think is “the essence of beautiful Japan”.


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Guadeloupe: Celebrating May Day · Global Voices
Alice Backer

For French Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, Convention pour une Nouvelle Guadeloupe writes [Fr]: “We … denounce the social model imposed by French authorities of the left and of the right  and we … want a new model rooted in Guadeloupean values and founded mostly on the end of welfare, on responsibility, on the participation of workers in management… on union representation in all enterprises regardless of size.”

author: Alice Backer


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Guadeloupe: Let’s Vote · Global Voices
Alice Backer

About the upcoming French presidential second round elections, Guadeloupe Attitude writes [Fr]: “Vote Saturday! Vote well! And let's roll up our sleeves Monday for the challenges that await us!”


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Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago:  Teachers & Students · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Living Guyana has some ideas about teacher training that may also benefit the Caribbean region.  And in Trinidad, The Manicou Report   shares his thoughts about student protests.

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Haiti: Happy to Be Home · Global Voices
Alice Backer

At Notedor.com, Nancy Chapoteau writes [Fr]: “After a couple of days away, I have just returned home. I received a warm welcome … I think the walls sang to celebrate my return. Where else can one be better off than home? … I refuse to believe that it is normal to surround oneself with ugliness and mediocrity under the pretext of poor luck. “


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India: Bhandari Street · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Mumbai Magic on a community after seeing it as part of a street name. “I was hanging around, saying goodbye to my guest, when I spotted this road sign – Bhandari Street. I knew that the Bhandaris were among the earliest settlers in Mumbai. Raja Bhimdev, who ruled this area in the 13th century, created a capital city at Mahim (Mahikawati). With him came the Bhandaris. The Bhandaris in Raja Bhimdev's employ were originally toddy tappers. “

author: Neha Viswanathan


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India: Fake encounters · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Kafila on fake encounters and people as trophies. “People who had a faint glimmer of hope about Kausar Bi’s whereabouts finally know that she is no more. As the counsel for the Gujarat government himself admitted before the Supreme Court, she was killed, burnt and her ashes were thrown in some field. But it does not throw light on the fact that who killed her ?”


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India: On MFIs and high rates of interest · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The Indian Economy Blog on why Micro Finance Institutions are successful despite high rates of interest. “So, even with these kind of rates, why do people still go to MFI’s? One, because the alternative, the village money lender typically charges a much larger interest rate. Second, the MFI is a more friendly “social” institution. It is a place that your friends- those who you know on a daily basis – are part of too.”


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Internet Use Shaping Cambodia · Global Voices
Tharum Bun

With more than 50% of the population of almost 15 million people younger than 25, the future of Cambodia's internet as well as the youth lifestyle looks vibrant.
Thousands of people – Internet users, IT professionals, computer enthusiasts and bloggers will gather at an event taking place at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the premier hotel in the Cambodian capital on 19th and 20th May. In cooperation with Mobile Phone Magazine, Internet solution provider Manich Enterprise expects to host about 5000 attendees for an exhibition on all things Information Technology. The exhibition is called ‘Internet Party and this is the second time the event is being organised. The organizers are offering participants some exciting and entertaining sessions including an Internet Queen contest. Like previous year, vibrant Phnom Penhers are hoping to enjoy the social networking event.
In schools, talking about the latest mobile phone, fashion, or even car is a now a trend. The excitement is not because they are catching up with the rest of the world but they are glad to embrace and use what they can afford. Many Phnom Penh residents know too well that they were left behind some other nations in the region in terms of living a trendy life. However, after the rapid change in last couple of years, globalization and the nation's free market has made its effect felt, particularly among those who are living in the urban areas.
Some years earlier, doing business in IT sector was a challenge due to small consumer market and low demand etc. In 1997 when the Internet just arrived in Cambodia, sending a message cost $0.15 per kilobyte(about 150 characters of text). It cost a news reporter US$160 to receive an email with a 400K graphic file attachment from his friend at that time.
In early 2003, the Asia Foundation partnered with USAID and Microsoft and established a network of Community Information Centers in 22 provinces and municipalities across Cambodia. The Internet-enabled Information Centers across the country provided greater access to news and information for provincial citizens. And that led to the first-ever blogging training in some provinces of this small South East Asian nation.
A practice session after an Introduction to Blogging workshop at a computer lab of Pannasastra University of Cambodia. Image from Chantra's Flickr.
Following the first large-scale effort to bridge the digital divide through the establishment of Community Information Centres, on April 24, GTZ (the German Technical Cooperation) working in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the German software firm net-Com AG and the Royal Government of Cambodia launched two Khmer-language web sites. The sites provide business information on Siem Reap, the country's most popular tourist destination and Battambang, the second-largest city of Cambodia. The sites also hope to offer local citizens useful information on the work and organisation of the district administration. Other offering is the One Window Service Office that includes services like fees, processing times, downloadable forms, etc. The site also serve as a source of information for local and foreign visitors and investors. Local businessmen can advertise on the site to increase visibility and to develop new clients.
Several key players are creating new markets with the support of government agencies. In April, Phnom Penh hosted the Digital & Electronics World Expo 2007. This event was supported by the Office of the Council of Ministers, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication, Ministry of Commerce Phnom Penh, Municipality of Phnom Penh, and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia. The three-day event saw resellers, distributors, and dealers of big-names brads promoting their products to a large number of potential users.
Last year the country also saw the arrival of WiMAX, a broadband wireless service. Media Ring, a Singapore-based VoIP company, officially launched its Angkor Net ISP in Cambodia. Angkor Net is the first ISP in the country to offer WiMAX wireless broadband services. WIMAX allows the new-startup Internet Service Provider to offer broadband internet speeds without installing telecoms infrastructure.
In many Phnom Penh Internet cafés one can find foreign tourists behind flat screen monitors and sitting next to them are Cambodian university students spending half a dollar for an hour for the net access. The next big thing for many Phnom Penhers is probably accessing internet at home.
As part of its Information and Communication Technologies policy, the Cambodian government hopes to embrace and exploit ICTs to increase the quality of peoples’ lives and also to fight poverty, disease and illiteracy in the country.

author: Tharum Bun


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Iraq: US Death Toll Passes 100 · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Palestinian Pundit – Tony – reports that last month's American death toll exceeded 100.


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Israel Confiscates Land North of the Jordan Valley  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

‘Receiving the notices of confiscating 238.6 dunums by the Israeli authority yesterday was painful for the residents of Bardala in the north of the Jordan Valley, especially for those who own agricultural land. The notice said, “According to my authority as commander in the Israeli Defense Force in the area of Judea and Samaria, and since I believe the matter is necessary for military reasons … I announce confiscating these lands for military reasons to build the Security Wall.”’ notes blogger Jameel .


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Israel: The Best Blogs · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

New York-based blogger Sholom  discusses the on going battle to figure out the best Israeli blogs here.