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South Africa: Zapiro’s “Muhammad” Cartoon Controversy · Global Voices
Muhammad Karim

Zapiro, South Africa's premier cartoonist, known for his controversial style in picking on politicians and commenting on social inequalities, has come into the limelight in South Africa for jumping on the “Draw Muhammad Day” bandwagon. “Everybody Draw Muhammad Day” is a drawing event  inspired by a comment by Seattle cartoonist, Molly Norris  in a radio interview about Comedy Central's decision to censor a South Park episode that had depictions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Here's two articles from South Africa's premier newspaper, the Mail and Guardian on the issue:The cartoon, the prophet and suburban radicals and Uproar over M&G Prophet Muhammad cartoon.
From the Blogosphere, as you can imagine, two camps distinctly emerge… those in support and those against.
First, let's examine arguments against the cartoon simply because arguments in support have already been well represented in the mainstream media. To set the scene, we'll begin with a piece I posted on my own blog, Waiting in Transit:
I can’t understand why the media, the west and everyone else who engaged in the “Let’s Draw Muhammad” contest recently couldn’t, in all their secular intelligence, attempt to first UNDERSTAND and then to act instead of the other way round.  I am also extremely disappointed with Zapiro for simply “jumping on the bandwagon” which is very unlike him.  The Zapiro I’m used to has deep insight, sharp wit and gets to the heart of the issue at hand.  Zapiro’s cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) shows only deep ignorance… but I’ll analyse that later.
First, let’s get to the heart of the matter.  Why are Muslims going crazy when this happens?  Well, at the essence, we do not draw the Prophet Muhammad or represent him in any way or form even though we do have detailed, verified and ratified descriptions of him because it is mentioned in the Quraan not to fall into the trap of our Christian Brethren and end up worshipping the Prophet instead of God.  Secondly, Muslims believe in ALL of the prophet’s of God – Moses, Jesus, Noah, Jonah, Adam, etc. (peace be upon them all) and we don’t DRAW any of them.
But still… why is there so much passion in this issue? well look at the content.  The depictions are ignorant and horrible. There is no mistaking the intent behind them.  It more represents some Hard-line Iranian ‘Terrorist’ Mullah than have any insight into the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims LOVE the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), I mean truly love. For Muslims he is the ultimate example of what a human being is supposed to be.  We actually implement the idea that whenever we’re faced with any situation in life the question is automatically… “Well, what did the Prophet (pbuh) do?” You can’t underestimate this point, it leads to the next point in this issue.
Let’s make it personal.  Take someone you truly love and would do anything for… say it’s your mother.  Now, if someone was talking badly (or drawing nasty pictures) of your mother but did it amongst themselves and, obviously, they have a right to say what they want. It’s all absolutely fine.  But when someone comes up to you and waves it about in your face and swears your mother to your face, what would you do?  Yes, it is the ultimate example we need to follow to hold our peace and deal with it in an intelligent and civilised manner (in fact this is what the Prophet (pbuh) himself would have done. But being realistic…  Your first move would be a punch in the gut of the offending perpetrator.  This is the line between having the freedom  to say what you want, but respecting the people around you.
A blog post written by Khadija Patel  has garnered some media attention. Khadija is an editor of Al Huda, a community newspaper in South Africa. She appropriately entitled her post “Lest we become caricatures of ourselves”:
That message plays into the victim mentality so many in this community are handicapped by and it is disappointing that most Muslims, myself included, don’t batter an eyelash when other religions are made the butt of the cartoonist’s pencil. There certainly is a duplicity of values that needs to be addressed.
It is interesting too that on the two occasions publishing cartoons of the Prophet has been made an issue in South Africa, both times the judges deciding the matter were Muslims. A clear indication of how much more integrated Muslims in South Africa are. In the first case of the infamous Danish cartoon, the late Judge Mohamed Jajbhay decided that publishing it would amounted to hate speech. A reminder that even the most liberal constitution recognises limits to free speech but the ruling came under great scrutiny as it was felt the judge was ill qualified to hold an objective perspective in matters pertaining to his namesake.  This time the Judge was a Judge Mayet who insisted that her Muslim identity would not interfere with her ability to judge the matter.
I’m not sure if Zapiro’s cartoon can be judged a victory for free speech. As I conclude this a couple of friends are coyly tweeting admission they find the cartoon funny, that’s all. And that doesn’t make them any less Muslim. Nor does my disappointment in the cartoon make me any less South African.
It seems in one way or another there is some disappointment with Zapiro's drawing and it does prompt a lot of soul-searching amongst the more intelligent of the community and amongst the supporters and those against.
Undiagnosed ADHD points out in his post that the cartoon shows a total lack of respect some people have towards others:
The campaign to draw the holy Prophet (PBUH) has garnered all sorts of support and opposition. Personally I don’t care. Why? Because I am not the one doing it and secondly, it underline the ignorance and total lack of respect some people have towards others. Zapiro’s Cartoon was published by the Mail and Guardian. You can access it here. The argument is that Zapiro is exercising his right to expression and press freedom. Press Freedom is one of those tricky areas of democratic society that will never be settled in a Capitalist Democracy. Agreed that Press Freedom is vital for safeguarding the values of democracy, but its also used as a shield for sensationalist journalism. The people have the right to know and the media carrier has a right to make a profit. But consider this, what harm does exercising your right to press freedom cause when it insults the belief system of another group. In that case I would argue that the Mail and Guardian are acting in a deliberate manner with the aim of creating an unfair prejudice against the Muslim community. Could we call it incitement?
While press freedom is vital cog in the protection of human rights, it is also a self serving weapon. It cares not for the greater good or for other democratic values which protects every group within society from prejudice. For those people unable to understand, Islam specifically forbids the depiction of God, the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and other prophets. Muslims are to be blamed here as we have not stood up and voiced our disapproval of the various prophets in film, television and other media. But this is no excuse for the specific day set aside to, in effect insult the belief system of Muslims. Zapiro might call it not having a sense of humour but where a religious injunction exists, who of the believers would be brave enough to challenge that.
Here are the questions which you as the pretend judge have to ask yourself: Who will be harmed by my actions? Will harm occur? Is this harm justified in a civilised society? In other words, is it unfair discrimination?
The Voice in the Wilderness asks “Freedom of Expression or Freedom without Responsibility?”:
A cartoonist makes fun of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be on him) and a court rules in his favor citing ‘freedom of expression’. Welcome to our insane world and the new definition of the word ‘freedom’ which seeks to absolve the one who exercises that freedom from the consequences of his actions. Effectively what this means is that when we exercise our freedoms, the rest of the world can go to hell. How many of you want to live in such a world? If you don’t then you’d better consider doing something about those who seek to change your world for you. At the very least raise your voice and speak out against unbridled freedom without responsibility – which until now used to be called anarchy.
I don’t agree with the ruling of this court. I will continue to do what I can to show that freedom of expression does not mean freedom without responsibility and that when your freedom of expression hurts someone else it is not freedom but oppression. I’m sure we can think of many ways in which we can make fun of Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and other beliefs. Should we do this and claim this is our freedom of expression even though it would hurt people and insult their beliefs? I don’t share their beliefs but I still hold myself to the creed that I will not say or do anything that hurts the beliefs of others, even though I don’t share those beliefs. This is not a question of a sense of humor but of manners, being appropriate, being sensitive to others and being civilized.
…
Just ask yourself, ‘Which kind of world do I want to live in and leave behind? A world in which people are considerate to one another or a world in which each of us will do whatever we want in the name of freedom of expression’ and to hell with the rest? Ask yourself because we will have to lie in the bed we make.
MyUmmah blog has a piece written by a Muslim Scholar, Imam Suhaib Webb, during the first time the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) was drawn in Denmark.
Of course, there are those in support of the cartoon in South African Blogosphere such as Pessimist Incarnate who writes:
People need to learn that if you ignore this kind of thing it goes away but as a religion if you keep attacking all and sundry it won't go away in fact people will keep challenging you. However I think this religion likes the controversy as it is actually publicity even though it is negative and probably in the long term doing more harm to there cause than good
Synapses comments on public response to the cartoon:
If you are a believer who is not inclined to fanatical – and criminal – action, you certainly should feel aggrieved when cartoons like this are published. But the cause of your aggrievement should be your less civilised brothers and sisters, who make such comment necessary – not those who make the comments. The points made by Zapiro, as well as by past examples of this same issue, are a reminder to you to get your house in order, so that there is no longer any need to mock or ridicule. You do this most effectively from the inside, by persuading people who take faith as a way to justify paedophilia, homophobia, oppression, murder, censorship and all sorts of other social ills that they have lost their way, and that surely a god worth taking seriously would not want you to do those things.
MarkLives blogs about the support Zapiro has gotten from the Journalist association, ProJourn.  It is more of a press statement, but it does make its point:
The Professional Journalists’ Association supports the court ruling, made late last night, that has allowed the Mail & Guardian to publish a cartoon, drawn by Jonathan Shapiro/Zapiro, depicting Mohammed in today’s edition.
The Association supports the ruling on the grounds that it is an important ruling in support of the right of the media to comment on important issues without fear of intimidation.
In Islam it is forbidden to depict Mohammed, in any way, hence the objection to the cartoon, and while ProJourn supports the ruling, the Association notes that issues like these need to be dealt with with tolerance, respect and consideration for our fellow human beings. We are a country in transition, with very disparate communities, we’re still getting to know each other, and people need to be aware and mindful of each other’s differences.
ProJourn recognises that there is a need to balance the requirements of strengthening our democracy through vigorous debate and interrogation of social issues – even in a humorous or tongue-in-cheek fashion – and of strengthening it through the mutual appreciation of our differences and diverse beliefs. While we have constitutional restrictions relating to hate speech that do not exist in some other democracies, these have so far been interpreted in the courts, correctly in our view, in a narrow fashion so as not to unduly limit healthy public debate and engagement.
The balance between rigour and tolerance in the media’s coverage of socially sensitive matters needs to be read through the lens of the intent of the cartoonist, writer, or other media worker. In this case, we believe that fair comment and not insult was Shapiro’s intent so we welcome the court’s decision. However, we recognise that South Africa’s very diverse social landscape does make social commentary difficult, so we urge journalists to professionally apply their minds to these complexities in a way that is unbiased and respects the dignity of people adhering to differing creeds.
We take note of and salute leaders in the Muslim community who, although they do not agree with the judgement, have urged restraint by their community and respect for the law of the country.
Finally, I'd like to end with a quote from a friend, Ayesha Jacub, who had mentioned this in an email discussion around the topic of drawing the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “The Sacred is not so fragile that it NEEDS our vehement defence.  We feel thwarted, a little disappointed in Zapiro. But generally… we need to get over ourselves.”

author: Muhammad Karim


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Sri Lanka: Productivity Of The Ministers · Global Voices
Rezwan

Serendipity blog questions why the ministers of Sri Lanka are frequently summoned to the presidential secretariat and whether there could be more effective means of communication between the president and ministers in this electronic age.

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Rezwan


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Argentina: Celebrating the Bicentennial on the Web · Global Voices
Jorge Gobbi

Argentina has been celebrating 200th anniversary of the beginning of the process of emancipation from Spain, which started back on May 25, 1810. At the time, a local committee decided to remove the Spanish viceroy and to begin the process of creating and independent government. As part of the celebrations, between May 21-25, there will be multiple activities, stands from the different Argentinean Provinces, shows, and the reopening of the Colón Theater. Hundreds of thousands of people are participating of the activities, which will take place until next Tuesday where people will gather at 9 de Julio Avenue near the Obelisk in the capital, Buenos Aires.
Photo of the Obelisk in Buenos Aires by nscap and used under a Creative Commons license.
To cover the festivities using online tools, a group of bloggers created the site Tu Bicentenario [es] (Your Bicentennial), where they combine different web services to create real-time coverage, with the hashtag #bicentenarioarg [es]. In this short interview, Vanina Berghella [es], Nicolás Piccoli, and Alvaro Liuzzi [es] spoke about the project's goals.
Global Voices: What are going to be the main differences that Tu Bicentenario will have in the type of coverage compared to traditional media? These will most likely appeal to “social media” too.
It's true, this year the media is starting to use these tools, but they will not be their main focus, but a complement. Our idea is to approach the user who is more aware of the Web and “social media” tools. We we will focus on those who are interested in “real time” and those who observe the details.
GV: What were the main difficulties in integrating so many tools? What kind of challenges did you find? What things did you want to add that will not be on the site?
The first challenge was to think about and draft how the homepage of the site would look like. We wanted to have all applications be visible, so that users could navigate to the applications of their choice. We were lucky to count on the interactive agency Genes who was interested in the project and they helped with the development and integration of all the tools. They worked really well with all chosen applications (Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, YouTube, Flickr and WordPress).
GV: What kind of coverage do you have in mind for May 24 and 25?
The coverage in the area of festivities starts on Saturday 22nd until the 25th. The agenda [es] is full of events and activities, that's why our idea is to divide the areas of coverage and schedules. We will mostly use Twitter and Facebook from there. Our idea is to take advantage of mobile applications and to share what we observe from every place where we'll be located.
GV: Once the Bicentennial event is over, do you have something in mind for all the gathered material? Some kind of product maybe?
We already decided we'll be creating content during the entire year of the Bicentennial. There will be more ceremonies and commemorations and we believe the project deserves to go on.
GV: This year will be the Bicentennial of the Independence of several Latin American countries. Do you know of any similar initiative in other countries?
We haven't found similar projects in Latin America. We were somewhat inspired by The Berlin Project, which covered the anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in November 2009.

author: Jorge Gobbi


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Armenia-Azerbaijan: Conflict transformation · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

This post is part of our special coverage Caucasus Conflict Voices.
For the past two years Global Voices has covered the use of new and social media to overcome differences between Armenians and Azerbaijanis still locked in conflict over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh. Most recently, Global Voices presented on the use of new online tools in conflict resolution and transformation at conferences in Romania, Macedonia, Georgia and Chile.
Since then, some civil society organizations have embraced such tools as part of their own work in this area, as the American University's Micael Bogar hoped during an interview with Global Voices last year. More recently, BBC Azeri contacted Global Voices to contribute three pieces on the use of new and social media in bringing the two sides together [Part I, Part II, and Part III].
Now, as part of a new online journal dealing with the conflict, Caucasus Edition features a blog section. On it, several Armenian and Azerbaijani bloggers share their thoughts on the conflict and its possible resolution. Armenian blogger Edgar Khachatryan, for example, takes a slightly academic look at how the process of reconciliation between the two estranged neighboring countries can finally start.
People involved in peace activism may at times during their work encounter the problem of a lack of demand for peace activities and peace building in societies of countries involved in conflicts. This situation is the norm in the Caucasus. […]
[…]
Only after understanding the needs of our society toward peace can we demand that they be active in peace work, and only after understanding their needs can we declare that our work fits the needs of our societies and challenges toward creating peace.
As mentioned in a post on the Frontline Club where Skype was used to bridge the communication divide between Yerevan and Baku, Sirun Gharagyozyan, another Armenian contributor, remembers her first contact with someone from Azerbaijan.
Armenians and Azerbaijanis, representing conflicting countries, have long been denied the chance of mere communication, which unfortunately has resulted in two-sided hostility during confrontation anywhere on the globe. In fact, this confrontation occurs occasionally only within the frames of joint European or American projects outside the countries in conflict. […]
As an Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program alumna, I spent one academic year sharing a short-term lifetime with an Azerbaijani girl within the scopes of the same program. However, I am grateful that “Muskie” brought us together, otherwise the stereotypes I held against the Azeri people would have remained unbroken forever.
[…]
I have shared my most precious times with Leyla, my “Muskie” sister. We have gone through everything together. We traveled, we shared a bed, we shared food, we shared a wonderful piece of life together. Now when I look back on where we started and where we are now, I am amazed by the magic of friendship, love and peace we have created. I feel so proud we were courageous enough to have broken the ice and got the ball rolling. Leyla is the greatest friend of mine, and I hope many other Armenians will have such a precious friend as she.
For her part, Jamila Mammadova, an Azerbaijani contributor, remembers meeting her first Armenian.
I am an Azerbaijani who has been living in the U.S. A few months ago, I was invited to participate in an Azerbaijani–Armenian workshop. It was a 12-day event, and it was conducted between Armenians and Azerbaijanis in an isolated house in nature.
The beginning of that venture was difficult for me, as I faced a dilemma: Do I attend a workshop with Armenians, come face to face, eat, sleep, and spend 12 long days together? Or do I reject the invitation right now and forget about the existence of such a dialogue? For me, it was either I decide now or refuse to be broken in the middle and leave the dialogue by showing my weakness. […]
[…]
After few days I became a good friend with [an] Armenian participant.  […] Not only are we neighboring states, we have always been confused because of our physical appearances that looked so much alike. […]
Fatalin, another Azerbaijani blogger, also notes the same similarities between the two nations, although explains that this is not necessarily always in the right areas. In particular, she notes, both sides continue to see themselves as the sole victim in the conflict while overlooking other issues relating to their future.
There are many common things between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Culture, mentality, temper and drama are only some of them. But for me, the main thing that proves the presence of genetic likeness between these two nations is the maniacal obsessiveness they suffer from.
While reading this article and especially the first comment under it, I couldn’t stop thinking about processes we have going on this side of the border.
“Genocide,” say Armenians, “is our tragedy and it has to be recognized.”
“Khojali,” we reply, “and our losses are what matters.”
[…]
For some unknown reason we don’t find building democracy, educating people, fixing economy or actually implementing dusted laws as important as the recognition of some issues and preventing the recognition of others.
[…]
Recognition of past tragedies and losses, the return of Karabakh or it’s recognition as an independent republic will make us prove ourselves right, rise up and look around. But what are we going to see? The mess we forgot to clean while protesting in front of the embassies, writing articles, proving each other’s lies, looking through uncountable amount of photos of murdered children. Will any of that show us the way to fix things or give us a chance to start over? That’s the question we should ask ourselves.
Ethnic Azeri child, Karajala, Georgia © Onnik Krikorian
Global Voices will continue to monitor posts relating to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict as well as the possible use of new and social media in facilitating objective reporting as well as informed discussion and debate.
Most recently, those same online tools even brought Armenians and Azerbaijanis together in Tbilisi to cooperate on joint social media projects.
Global Voices’ special coverage of another conflict in the region between Russia and Georgia is here while a paper, Digital Media in Conflict-Prone Societies by Global Voices Executive Director Ivan Sigal, is also available here.
This post is part of our special coverage Caucasus Conflict Voices.

author: Onnik Krikorian


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Bahrain: The Nazi is Coming  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

The Nazi is coming … to Bahrain. Check out Mahmood's Den to see what the furor is all about.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Bangladesh: The First Bangladeshi Conquers Everest · Global Voices
Rezwan

Gurumia.com reports that Musa Ibrahim has become the first Bangladeshi to conquer the Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth.


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Bermuda: Happy Bermuda Day! · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Vexed Bermoothes wishes everyone a Happy Bermuda Day.

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Bhutan: Why Is It Important For A Politician To Blog? · Global Voices
Rezwan

Indian blogger Jabberwock quotes Tshering Tobgay, blogger and the leader of the opposition Party in the Bhutanese parliament answering the question ‘why is it important for a politician to blog': “because that forces you to pause and introspect and think about things, which is something politicians don’t always feel the need to do”.


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Caucasus: Eurovision girl power · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Ianyan comments on this week's Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Oslo, Norway. Noting the often cheesy nature of the international music competition, the blog takes a look at the two female acts from Armenia and Azerbaijan, currently among the main entrants considered to have a chance to win.


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Caucasus: Eurovision Social Media · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

With the first semi-final in this year's Eurovision Song Contest due to take place tomorrow, activity on blogs, social media networks and micro-blogging sites in support of entrants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the three countries making up the South Caucasus, is naturally increasing.
However, their use also sometimes reflects the geopolitical and technical realities of the region. The use of Facebook was to be expected, but their also seems to be greater use of Twitter, especially by Azerbaijan's Safura Alizadeh, currently the favorite to win the international music competition. Even so, the number of followers reflects the minor use of the micro-blogging tool in general in the region.
A few days ago, as reported on Global Voices, Safura Alizadeh had 338 followers while Georgia's Sofia Nizharadze had 217, and Armenia's Eva Rivas 110. Since then, the number of followers has hardly gone up with each now having 351, 221, and 117 respectively.
The use of Twitter has also been very different, with Azerbaijan's entry sending out significantly more tweets than her rivals. @SafuraMusic has sent 222 tweets at time of writing and is actively engaging her fans, while @SofiaNizharadze has sent out 164 and used TwitPic and TwitVid extensively.
In contrast, @EvaRivas2010 has sent out only 17 tweets and seems to be targeting supporters and votes from the large Armenia Diaspora through direct mention of estranged neighbors and regional foes, Azerbaijan and Turkey instead of reaching out to fans in general.
The same also appears to be true on Facebook.
Nevertheless, if all countries have been no strangers to controversy in the past, with Georgia pulling out of last year's Eurovision, while Armenia and Azerbaijan raised tensions even higher, there are some signs of hope. Azerbaijan's Safura Alizade is not only communicating with her fans, but that also includes those from Armenia.
Indeed, one Armenian commented on a forum that Azerbaijan's choice of entrant as well as her team's use of new and social media was exemplary.
You know, matter of fact is, Azerbaidjan and Armenia DO have a lot of political issues and the people don't get along so well.
But when it comes to participating at Eurovision we should take a page from their book because they are doing everything PERFECT.
First of all, their selective.. a 17 year old, 5ft 11, pretty, light skinned and brown haired girl, with a quite good voice with the will to be famous.
[…]
She does a lot of promotion, like appearing on a lot of international talk shows, like Twittering, Facebook, she posts blogs and Vlogs on Youtube. […] You can do everything to she chats with her fans.
True, comments from some Armenians and Azerbaijanis on the videos of each posted on YouTube can be vitriolic to say the least, but that so far does not seem to have entered onto the Eurovision stage itself. The final will be held on 29 May in Oslo, Norway.
In the meantime, below are the official videos for each of the three acts from the South Caucasus.


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China: Dying young in FoxConn · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

SACOM, a NGO in Hong Kong which concerns about labour rights issue, posted an investigative report on the 10 consecutive suicide cases in FoxConn, one of the I-phone subcontractor in China.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Egypt: Fat7enha Forga Launched · Global Voices
Eman AbdElRahman

Mahmoud Saber announced the launch of Fat7enha Forga, which is a new idea to share movies and independent video projects on the Internet. The debut is a video named “ Let’s Hope”.

author: Eman AbdElRahman


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Eto’o’s Success Lifting Cameroon ‘s Hope  · Global Voices
Lova Rakotomalala

After the success of his Italian club Inter Milan in the UEFA European Champions League,  Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto'o is the toast of the town and his country. This is Eto'o third success in the competition that is referred to as the Super bowl of European Football, making him the only player with Clarence Seedorf to have won the cup with three different teams. Cameroonian bloggers are proud of the accomplishment of their star player and hope that the momentum of his success can carry on for Cameroon at the World Cup.
Gef , blogging about football in Cameroon, certainly hopes so:
After a few days of recess, Eto’o will join his team-mates of the national team who have already started preparations for the FIFA World Cup that opens in South Africa on 11 June.
Many fans hope he will be an inspiration to lead the team to glory on African soil and  expect to see the Eto’o who is a free-scoring lead striker although he has been used on the left of a three-man forward line-up.
Femmes En Ligne is happy for Eto'o and for Cameroon (fr):
Le drapeau vert – rouge – jaune du Cameroun a flotté au stade Santiago Bernabeu de Madrid en Espagne grâce à Samuel Eto’o qui a revêtu le drapeau national autour de ses épaules [..] Il devient le premier footballeur à avoir gagné deux années successives le triplé championnat, coupe nationale et ligue des champions respectivement avec Barcelone et l’Inter de Milan
Camer-Sport says that emotion were running high for Cameroonians when Eto'o wore the flag for the whole world to see (fr):
Lorsque Samy a accroché le drapeau vert-rouge-jaune à son cou, certains de ces fans non pas pu retenir leurs larmes à Darmstadt. Tous ont déclaré s’identifier dans ce geste patriotique qui porte le Cameroun très haut sur la planète football. L’Inter a gagné un trophée continental. Eto’o a écrit l’histoire d’une nation africaine sur le sol du vieux continent.
Screenshot of Eto'o hugging Inter Milan first lady Mrs Moratti
Mohamed at Afrique foot  notes that Eto'o's maturation since his days in Barcelona were on full display in Milan (fr):
Loin de l’image du joueur vantard qui lui collait en Catalogne, le Camerounais a montré sous les ordres de Mourinho qu’il était un attaquant intelligent, capable de s’adapter à n’importe quel système de jeu, quitte à jouer défenseur latéral.
Bernard Molino thinks that Eto'o is overdue for winning the best football player award for 2010 (fr):
Que doit faire Samuel Eto’o pour gagner le Ballon d’Or ? Samuel Eto’o mérite largement le Ballon d’or. Cette saison, ni Messi, ni Rooney, ni Drogba n’ont réussi à remporter la Champions League
Interview of Eto'o after the champions league final, courtesy of blogger Allain Jules
On Le Blog de Samuel Eto'o fils, Marc shares the following  interview with Eto'o in Milan in which  he hopes for Cameroon to  go far at the World Cup (fr):
Still, Cameroonians are skeptical about the chances of Cameroon to go far in the competition because of their up and down performances this year. Christophe breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the national team (fr). However, the most stern critique of the team might just be African football legend Roger Milla. Milla is world renown for leading Cameroon to the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup and scoring 4 goals in the process at the age of 38, the most famous ones against Colombian goal keeper Rene Higueta:
Milla is pessimistic about Cameroon's chances. Asked by Frank Salin of Afrik.com, Milla thinks the team needs to remember that what makes it great is its unity (fr):
Il faut qu’ils oublient les différences qu’il y a entre eux : qu’untel est champion d’Europe, qu’untel est le plus payé, qu’untel joue dans telle grande équipe… Le peuple camerounais n’en a rien à cirer de tout cela.
Hermann Oswald G'nowa at Camer-Sport might just disagree with Milla. He writes that the players's passion for  Cameroon is symbolized by Joel Job Matip, a young player who chose to represent Cameroon ( his father's country) over Germany ( his country of birth). G'nowa writes about Matip's tough decision (fr):
ll justifiait également son amour pour le Cameroun, le pays d'origine de papa: “Je n’ai pas fait ce choix à la légère, j’ai bien réfléchi à la question. Mais je me suis fié à mon instinct, c’est ce qui a déterminé ma décision.”

author: Lova Rakotomalala


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Georgia: The Tehran-Tbilisi Connection · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Matthew Collin in Georgia comments on news that the government of the former Soviet republic has entered into an agreement with Iran on cooperation in the media sphere. The Frontline Club blogger says that given the situation with freedom of the press in Iran, the move hardly fits in with Georgia's stated aim of becoming a European liberal democracy.


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Guinea-Bissau: Political Situation still Unstable · Global Voices
Sara Moreira

With the imminent approval of a law which will determine major reforms in the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Blog Pessôa [pt] reflects on the political instability in the country eight weeks after the military unrest of April.

author: Sara Moreira


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India: River Bath Festivals · Global Voices
Rezwan

Ram Banshal at India in Peril writes about the Indian tradition of river bath festivals and the high risk of exposing to viral infections via polluted river water.


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Iran: “We are unemployed” · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Several Iranian protesters at an outdoor speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday shouted their concerns about unemployment in Khoramshahr. Here is a video film where we can hear ” we are unemployed, we are unemployed” shouts.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Jamaica: Don’t Worry  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Jamaica's Annie Paul tweets breaking news about the country's state of emergency.


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Jamaica: State of Emergency  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Things are starting to unravel in Jamaica, as the drug money link between dons and politicians, starts to get the media attention it deserves.
The United States want Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke – the notorious don man of Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston for trafficking drugs and guns.  But will the ruling Jamaica Labour Party give him up?
These were the words of blogger Jamaica Salt, posted way back in September 2009.  A little over 8 months later, after what seemed like many attempts to delay the inevitable, Prime Minister Bruce Golding “informed the nation that Justice Minister, Dorothy Lightbourne, [would] sign the extradition request for Tivoli strongman, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.”
From the moment the warrant was signed, it appeared that law and order began to unravel.  Blogger Annie Paul, who has been following the extradition case with great interest, explained it this way on Twitter this morning:
The pact between the criminals and the state has been broken, we are being shown the consequences of that rupture…
Home-made barricades in West Kingston. By bbcworldservice, used under a Creative Commons Licence.
The country's capital, Kingston, is under a state of emergency that is expected to last for at least a month; updates on Twitter speak of instances looting and shootouts with police:
@marxshields: DownTown Kgn. Shops & businesses attacked & looted. Owners and security companies complaining that JCF/JDF presence not there. Whats goinon?
@ChrysalisCEO: Attack on State – Police stations set ablaze Cop shot, civilian slain http://bit.ly/c2SbFb (RT @JamaicaGleaner) #jamaica #stateofemergency
@ChrysalisCEO: @nikkirich61 it was just reported on CVM that 2 cops have died; 6 injured – Same said Nationwide.
Some Jamaicans can hardly believe the violence that is happening around them.  @wadablood tweets:
Jah kno wake up to the sounds of gunshot and hellicopter a weh mi deh middle east cuz a cnt jamaica this
Stunner says:
As the pursu[it] of the wanted Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke intensifies, the tension and resulting seemingly inevitable civil unrest and bloodshed seems more of a reality. As I type this post I can even hear the sounds of helicopters flying in the distance, a surreal confirmation of the reality gripping this city, this country.
Army vehicle on the streets of West Kingston. By bbcworldservice, used under a Creative Commons Licence.
At the same time, Jamaicans are appealing to their compatriots to avoid rumour-mongering, since making the situation appear worse than it is could affect the country's international reputation:
@kelliemagnus: Thumbs up to citizen journalism. Thumbs down to reckless gossip. Spreading panic does not help. Please tweet responsibly.
@SiliconCaribe: One thing I ask all my Jamaicans on Twitter to do, be responsible when retweeting info. Let's not add any fuel to the fire. #jamaica
@SiliconCaribe: @ONTHEGROUNDREPORT-WISH you wud not broadcast UNCONFIRMED REPORTS.This leads to unnecessary panic! Country first or just building a fan base
The community at the center of the violence is the Dudus-controlled Tivoli Gardens, which Letter From Jamaica describes as:
…an extraordinary place: on one hand the community is home to probably Jamaica's most secure street party in ‘Passa Passa'; and on the other hand there is its fearsome reputation as the ‘Mother of all Garrisons’.
Tivoli long ago become uncomfortably powerful for the politicians who, working hand-in-hand with the gangs, socially engineered Jamaica's garrison communities: votes and power for the Members of Parliament; guns, patronage and immunity for the dons.
But despite police appeals for cooperation, certain “criminal elements” from the area first began blocking roads as a sign of protest; the violence escalated from there.  Long Bench puts it plainly: “Tivoli Gardens has declared war against the state”, but also lays blame squarely at the feet of the government, commenting on the situation in Jamaican dialect:
dem bun dung police station..
helicopter and all a dem fufool police an’ souljah a run go a Tivoli fi meet dem Waterloo…
Crime Minister Golding come pon TV a twis’ up im mout’ an a talk like seh im nuh responsible fi wha’ deh gwa’an…
What an embarassment!
What  a spectacle of incompetence and sheggery!
But, if ah so it fi go so di whole na’asy govament bwile can bus, den a so it affi go…
Twitter users also commented on the role politicians from both parties have played in creating the current impasse:
@catx82: Its not enough2call #Dudus a drug baron then ppl who don't know the situation underestimate the problem #Jamaica It's a politcal problem too
@strudelcuddy: I want #Dudus to give himself up and rat out all the criminals infesting Gordon House [official meeting place of Jamaica's government]. Mass resignation ftw!
@melissajon: …Some level of stability and security that the #Jamaican gov't has not provided for them. To some #Dudus has more power than PM Golding
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding addresses the nation. By bbcworldservice, used under a Creative Commons Licence.
Still, the government attempted to assuage the situation by appealing for calm – Girl With a Purpose posts the main points of last night's Prime Ministerial address to the nation here.  She adds as an update:
The buses that have been sent to pick up the law-abiding residents of Western Kingston are reportedly empty.
(There is serious doubt that these people would have been able to escape from Western Kingston).
There is reportedly no light (power) in Western Kingston.
Gunfire has reportedly spread to Cross Roads.
While bloggers around the region long to see peace restored in Jamaica, diaspora blogger Labrish muses:
The problems go way back. If you arm ghettos with guns for decades, using them to be the deliverers of votes in your pursuit of political power, then you will have generations growing up knowing nothing other than the gun. You will have what is happening in Jamaica today. This cartoon today in the Observer shows a sad reality of who is partly responsible for this. Sadly, this news overshadows some positive news of peace being made between some formerly rival communities.


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Japan: 1300 years in the making, celebration in Nara · Global Voices
Matt Holland

While both culturally and physically a long ways from the modern capital of Tokyo, tracing back well over a thousand years into Japanese history one comes across Nara, a quiet, highly rural area which was established as the capital in 710. In doing so, a more centralized national administration was formed, stimulating Japan as a nation towards a significant amount of economic and cultural development. Doing a bit of calculation, this year is the 1300th anniversary of the original capital establishment in Nara, and festivities are aplenty (en/jp)!
Aplenty is perhaps not a sufficiently inclusive word. Planning has been ongoing since as early as 1998, with the formal establishment of a prefecture-operated working committee being ironed out in mid-2005. With the restoration of key historical sites, effective promotion via advertisements in every conceivable medium, a nice anniversary theme (はじまりの奈良、めぐり感動, or roughly “Experience the depth of Nara, Japan's beginning”) and of course the beloved mascot characters, in terms of scale, historical celebrations do not get much bigger than this.
Crowds wait for the Kintetsu line trains, Suzakumon (朱雀門) in the distance
First a quick briefing on the words utilized in advertisements and such. While geographically located in Nara (奈良), historically the capital (while in Nara) was referred to as “Heijō-kyō” (平城京). Moving of the capital from one region to another has a specific word, “sento” (遷都), and thus the formal celebration name we are left with is 平城遷都1300年祭 – the 1300th anniversary celebration of the moving of the capital to Nara (or Heijō)!
Let's take a look at exactly what's going on over there. There are three main initiatives constituting the celebration as a whole – from the anniversary working group:
「平城宮跡事業」では、我が国が世界に誇る歴史文化遺産「平城宮跡」（特別史跡・世界遺産・国営歴史公園）を舞台に、半世紀にわたる「発掘と研究」「保存と復原」の成果を踏まえ、平城京の建設と国づくりにかけた人々の情熱と知恵に触れ合う特別な展示・催事を展開します。また、本格的なフィールド・ミュージアムとしての魅力と価値を備えた特別な体験・楽習ツアーを提案します。
「巡る奈良事業」では、平城京を誕生させた県内各地の歴史文化力に新たな光をあてた「巡礼」「周遊」型の行催事を展開します。これまでの「賑わい・伝統行催事」に加えて、「社寺・国宝を巡る」「古道を巡る」「花と自然を巡る」。そして「遣唐使」や「正倉院」や「万葉集」などを素材とした「歴史・文化を巡る」。新たな魅力を備えた歴史探訪ツアーです。
Through our “Experience Nara” initiatives, we have designated a number of pilgrimage and excursion-type events and activities throughout Nara prefecture as a means in which to shed new light on the historical and cultural importance of the regions which contributed to the birth of the new capital.
In addition to previous events highlighting historical prosperity and tradition, themes centralized around nature, shrines and temples, national artifacts, and ancient roads and paths are being promoted.
Finally, we have the “seek out history” tours. Charging Nara's history and culture with a new appeal, exhibits revolving around such themes as Japan's diplomatic missions to Tang China, Shōsōin (ancient imperial treasure storehouse), or the Man'yōshū (historic poem compilation text) form the core content of this initiative.
「特別行事」では、唐との交流を通じて本格的な国づくりをすすめた平城京に想いをはせながら、奈良と世界に新たな交流を産み出す多彩なコンベンション事業を用意しました。
遣唐使船： Recreation of ships sent on diplomatic missions to Tang China.
Essentially, the reconstructed Heijō palace area is the central site for this anniversary celebration. The festivities began on April 24, and will run until November 7 of this year. There is a tremendous amount of information online (en/jp) regarding the activities carried out there. A short bus ride from either Kintetsu or JR Nara station is the typical access route, though Kintetsu Saidai-ji station (近鉄西大寺駅) is also very close by.
Unbelievably, (while predominantly in Japanese) there's even more information online for the “Experience Nara” events (en/jp), which are running from January 1 until December 31 of 2010. I placed links to the Japanese sub-sections in the above translations.
The earliest events have been going on since January, but the real hub of activity only just opened up in late April, so reactions are still fresh. The author at Syuhari Design posted a write-up of their visit.
今月、２４日より奈良県西大寺を中心に平城遷都1300年祭が開かれました。
奈良といえば以前、４年ほど住んでいたことがあったので、道を運転するには自信があったのですが、
いざ行ってみると、開発がすすんでいたのでなかなか目的地にたどり着くことができませんでした。
まあ、なんだかんだで迷いながらもナビなしで到着しました。
まずはメイン会場である西大寺の平城宮跡へ・・・
めざすは目玉である　「大極殿」
Centralized in the Saidai-ji area of Nara prefecture, the 1300th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Heijō-kyō capital kicked off on the 24th of this month (April). As a matter of fact I lived in Nara for about four years, so I was feeling pretty confident in navigating the roads. That said, due to the development that's taken place over there in the meantime, I did not arrive as smoothly as anticipated, only arriving (without the use of car navigation) after a fair amount of wandering.
First, over to the Heijō palace ruins site… sights were set on the site's key landmark, the Imperial Audience Hall.
瓦の色の不揃いなところがいい味をだしているように思えます。
内部へ・・・
帝のみに座ることが許される玉座というべき椅子・・・
内壁に描かれた絵は奈良県在住の日本画家、上村　敦之画伯による直筆画！
天井にもひとつひとつ丁寧に描かれています。
It feels as if the uneven coloration of the roof tiles really make for an interesting overall building style. Inside we go…
First we have a throne assuredly fit for none other than the emperor himself. The illustrations on the inner walls were drawn at the skilled hands of artist Atsushi Uemura, a resident of Nara prefecture no less! Countless intricate designs are also painted on the ceiling.
大極殿の向かいには、朱雀門・・・
かなり遠かったのと、何度も行ったことがあったので、今回は行かず・・・
続いてイベント会場の様子です。
にぎやかな舞台が上演されていました。
On the opposite side from the Imperial Audience Hall, stands the suzakumon (the main southern gate). It's quite a ways away, and having visited a number of times already, this time we'll pass. As for the main event area, lively stage performances were ongoing.
Besides the exhibits and displays, there have been a number of large-scale events held at the palace site in the weeks since opening. Via the celebration committee's staff blog, we have a report on the evening light-up of the main Imperial Audience building.
平城宮跡の夜、普段は真っ暗です。
広い夜空に、月と星。
何もないところが魅力でもあります。
闇の世界に、今までは朱雀門がライトアップされいて、ひときわ目をひいていました。
ですが、4月24日から5月9日までは、第一次大極殿も光を浴びることになりました！
24日は点灯式が行われました。
照明を担当されたのは、東京タワー・横浜ベイブリッジなどを手掛けられた石井幹子さん。
ドキドキしながら、点灯を見守りました。
｢５・４・３・２・１｣
アレ？まっくらのまま？！
と思ったら、じわじわと下の方から緑の光が。
環境に優しいライトを使っているからだそう。
緑の光が、オレンジから白く明るい光へと変化していきました。
That special event has finished, but the staff noted their excitement about the evening events to come in the summer fair (August 20-27). Golden week was especially packed with events, and there seems to be focus on a certain numerical theme in these events… for a bit of historical fashion:
花と緑のフェア最終日の今日。
総勢1300人の天平行列が行われました！
子供から大人まで、そして色んな身分の方々の衣装が再現されていましたよ。
こんな感じです← ここをクリック
平城京の頃は、服の色が位で決められていたとのこと。
On May 3, the site saw a record 69,000 visitors, perhaps drawn in by the day's activities:
今日は「平城遷都祭2010」の催しで“1300人のボディドラム”が、第一次大極殿前庭にて行われました。
プロのダンサーやパフォーマーの方と共に、子供から大人までの総勢1300人の参加者が、和太鼓やパーカッションのリズムにのって、手をたたき、踊るというこのボディドラム！
北野武監督の｢座頭市｣のタップシーンを振り付けしたという、タップダンサーHIDEBOHさんも参加。
平城宮跡の広い空に、1300人の奏でる音が響きわたりました。
ノリのいいリズムに、見ている方も思わず体が動いちゃう♪
There are naturally festivals of all sorts which take place annually in Japan, but this celebration has both the financial backing and support of local residents and visitors alike to make it really a truly outstanding event.
A final tip to foreign residents of (or visitors to) Japan: since this is a prefecturally-run operation, access to many admission-based areas is made free to non-Japanese citizens. I've ran into this government policy elsewhere in Nara, and while I naturally never carry my passport around with me, in the past my ID has been sufficient!

author: Matt Holland


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Lebanon: Nationality problem · Global Voices
Eman AbdElRahman

Farfahinne Kob expressed [Ar] her anger from a contradicting piece of news – where a Lebanese man married to an Israeli woman was able to transfer his nationality to his children, while Lebanese women can not do the same – no matter what the nationality of their husband.


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Nepal: Why Not To Fear The Maoists? · Global Voices
Rezwan

“Nepal is scheduled to have coalition governments for a long, long time to come, just like India. That might be a good reason to not fear the Maoists,” comments Democracy For Nepal.


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Peru: Schoolgirl Questions US First Lady About Immigration Reform · Global Voices
Gabriela García Calderón

On May 19, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama and Ms. Margarita Zavala, wife of Mexican President, Felipe Calderón, visited an elementary school in Silver Spring, Maryland. At one point in the visit, a 7-year-old second-grader named Daisy, who is of Peruvian descent asked Ms. Obama a question that was captured on video by the news media. As detailed by the Washington Post, the girl wanted to know why the president was “taking everybody away that doesn't have papers”. And Ms. Obama, with the first lady of Mexico by her side, told the girl: “That's something that we have to work on, right? To make sure that people can be here with the right kind of papers”. And then the girl replied that her “mom doesn't have any papers”.
The girl has prompted Peruvian bloggers to talk about her and about some immigration issues facing their community in the United States.
The blog Holismo Planetario en la Web [es] calls Daisy “The face of immigration in the United States”:
[…], la niña de 7 años que le preguntó a la primera dama de Estados Unidos, Michelle Obama, qué se podía hacer para evitar el temor de su mamá a ser deportada al Perú por ser indocumentada, es considerada la “vocera” de más de 12 millones de inmigrantes que viven de manera ilegal en el país. Su inocente comportamiento ha despertado un interés inusitado en la prensa estadounidense por el espinoso tema.
The blog Libretita de Notas [es] has another perspective of the development:
Para algunos es una heroína, para otros la hija de una pareja de peruanos que ingresaron ilegalmente a Estados Unidos y que, sin permisos de extranjería suficientes, deberán ser deportados cuanto antes. Lo cierto es que la pequeña Daisy Cuevas también ha puesto en debate una regla de oro del periodismo: aquella que señala que la identidad de los menores de edad no puede revelarse, ni siquiera cuando estos se convierten en protagonistas de la noticia.
[…]
¿Sin embargo, qué pasa cuándo la protagonista pone en aprietos a la esposa del presidente de Estados Unidos al preguntarle si es cierto que su esposo no quiere aprobar la reforma migratoria que permitiría a sus padres quedarse en Norteamérica y no ser deportación por indocumentados?
To some people, she is a heroine, to others, the daughter of a Peruvian couple that entered the United States illegally, and without residence permits, must be deported as soon as possible. The thing is little Daisy Cuevas has also opened up the debate about a golden rule in journalism: the one that says that the identity of minors cannot disclosed, not even when they become the spotlight of the news.
[…]
However, what happens when the main figure puts the wife of the President of the United States in a tight corner by asking her if it is true that her husband does not want to approve the immigration reform that would allow her parents to stay in the US and not being deported for [being] undocumented?
Photo of Immigration Rally by Señor Adventure and used under a Creative Commons license.
In a blog post at ABC News, there are various comments against the situation of Daisy's parents:
PBW said: Hi!! I am an American and my husband is British. He came here legally. I think all immigrants should follow the rules like my husband did. It's not fair to children but that is how it is.
Kim said: As far as the little girl goes, Her mother has been here illegally for 7 years, why didn't she file her papers.
A Wanderer said: If we did not hire them at depressed wages, they would stop coming.
According to DePeru.com [es], about 3 million Peruvian citizens live abroad: 52% of them in the United States, 27% in other countries of South America, 13% in Europe and 8% in Asia. The same site states that most of the Peruvian citizens living in the United States are there illegally working in manual labor jobs.
As Herberth Castro Infantas [es] concludes his most recent post in his blog:
Todos esparamos que este clamor no sirva de pretexto para tomar represalias con su familia ni con los millones de indocumentados.

author: Gabriela García Calderón


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Russia: Moscow Government Abandons Social Media · Global Voices
Alexey Sidorenko

Moscow mayor's office prepared a draft bill on access to the information with no mention of blogs or any kind of social media, gzt.ru reported [RUS]. Gzt.ru suggests the reason of the absence of Web 2.0 is the inability of the city's telecommunications committee to provide an effective information policy.

author: Alexey Sidorenko


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Spain: Humorous Video Warning for TV Series LOST’s last Episode · Global Voices
Juliana Rincón Parra

This fan made video (in Spanish with English subtitles)  reflects the worry many fans of the TV Series LOST have: that after 6 seasons, the series finale airing tonight in many parts of the world,  will disappoint.

author: Juliana Rincón Parra


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Taiwan: Rising income inequality · Global Voices
David Reid

Michael Turton blogs about income inequality in Taiwan and analyses some of the factors causing rising inequality.

author: David Reid


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Trinidad & Tobago: Election Graffiti · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Copy Book Page posts photos of Trinidad and Tobago's election graffiti, adding: “Apparently Graffiti is only legal and accepted around election time.”


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Trinidad & Tobago: People’s Party Position · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Afra Raymond thinks that in the context of today's national elections, “with the distinct probability of a victory by the united PP…it is timely to consider the way in which that group might handle the bailout [of the CL Financial group].”


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Trinidad & Tobago: Ways of Voting · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“YOU COULD vote based on race…You can vote about party and not people…You can vote people…You could vote issues…”, all of which, says Tattoo, “leads us to another method of voting. You can vote to make a point.”  Coffeewallah, meanwhile, doesn't care how you vote; she simply wants you to do it: “The single most important thing you will do today is vote. So no excuses, go do it.”


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Africa: Africa “Retrogressive” Report 2010 · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Phillip comments on the launch of Africa Progress Report 2010: “If only the Africa Progress Report 2010 could be called a retrogressive report on Africa…that way, African leaders will not be lulled into thinking they are making any significant progress. They’d rather wake up from their centuries of slumber.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Africa: Celebrating Africa Day · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

South African blogger Zamo Nkatshu  writes a post in celebration of Africa Day: “This year’s theme focuses on building and maintaining peace in Africa through sport. So let us then celebrate and rally behind the six African teams (The Six Pack) which will represent the continent during the World Cup.”


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Africa: Salesforce Foundation funds Maneno blogging platform · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Miquel announces funding for African-focused blogging platform, Maneno: “We are very pleased to announced that the Salesforce.com Foundation has agreed to help fund a portion of the general operating costs of Maneno for the next year.”


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Africa: The ultimate challenge for African magicians at World Cup · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

“More than 6.175 grams of gold: that’s what it weighs, the prize that the African jujus are aiming to claim this summer in South Africa. Africa has a reputation for being the continent where black magic is an inseparable part of sport, certainly where the sport of sports is concerned,” writes Espera of Twenty Ten.


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Armenia: LGBT rights abroad, homophobia at home · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Posting news of a Armenian LGBT conference in the U.S., Unzipped: Gay Armenia also posts a photograph and comments on homophobic leaflets and posters from an ultra-nationalist group appearing in Yerevan, the Armenian capital.


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Azerbaijan: Live tweeting Eurovision from Oslo, Norway · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Complimenting the already relatively impressive of social media by Safura Alizadeh, Azerbaijan's entry into this year's Eurovision Song Contest, jazz singer Ulviyya Rahimova will be live-tweeting updates as part of the national delegation. Also blogging at the girl in jazz, she can be followed on Twitter at @UlviyyaRahimova.


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Bahrain: YouTube Blocked in Turkey  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif is surprised to find out that YouTube is blocked in Turkey – following a court order.


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Cape Verde: Using an Online Tool to Fight Dengue · Global Voices
Debora Baldelli

The Government of Cape Verde is using the internet as a powerful tool to fight dengue [pt]. By creating an epidemiological watch online through which it is possible to insert every new case on a database as soon as it is discovered, they are able to assist and help areas where the disease is more subject to happen, enabling the extinction of death cases.

author: Debora Baldelli


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China: Baidu vs. Google: in search of accessible, useful results · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Joel Martinsen from DANWEI translated a blog post from Oh My Media which compared the search result of “CPU, temperature, software” in Google and Baidu.


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Egypt: 30 Days of Blogging · Global Voices
Tarek Amr

Egyptian blogger Shayun Biqalbi – Something in my Heart – wrote about a campaign called “30 Days of Blogging”. It is originally Dalia Younis’ idea and she wrote about the it here [Ar]. People who participate in the campaign should write a new blog post every day for one whole month. It is somehow similar to the “365 Project“, but this time it is for blog posts instead of photographs.
Shayun Biqalbi  the reasons behind starting such campaign here;
.
The initiative's rules are as follows:
.
I guess we should wait to see how many bloggers have joined such campaign. Also some have been wondering if they can just start their own “30 Days of Blogging” any time, and not be committed to having started it on May 1.
Finally, we don't know if the idea of “30 Days of Blogging” challenge is really an Egyptian idea, as it isn't new. People like Mary Beth Mills and Flights of Whimsy have been calling for a very similar challenge way before Dalia Younis.

author: Tarek Amr


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Egypt: Crackdown on the Egyptian Da Vinci Code · Global Voices
Marwa Rakha

Published in 2008, Dr Youssef Zidane‘s Azazeel (Beelzebub) created a stir, followed by resentment. Today – in 2010 – he is being accused of blasphemy and defaming Christianity and as insulting any of the ‘heavenly faiths’ is illegal in Egypt, Zidane could face up to five years behind bars.
Back in 2008, Zeinobia described the novel saying:
We got our own Da Vinci Code and our own Dan Brown whom the Church is currently fighting. Our Da Vinci Code is Azazel and our Dan Brown is Dr.Youssef Zidane, the historical researcher and the director of Manuscripts Department; as well as Supervisor of Acquisitions at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
The novel is about Christianity in Egypt in the fifth century and the fight between the new religion and its believers from one side and the old pagan religions and its believers from another side. The hero of the novel is “Hiba”, the Egyptian monk whose mother, the Christian conspired with other Christians to kill his pagan father. “Hiba” had these conversations with his own Azazel inside him.The novel covers historical events that took place like the tragic death of Hypatia of Alexandria by the hands of the Egyptian radical Christians along with other events mostly theological ones based on real manuscripts from early centuries.
This made the church angry and accuse Zidane of using biased and false resources as I read for instance “The Holy blood and holy grail” and some of the catharses beliefs beside fabrication of manuscripts “The novel starts with acknowledgment that it was based upon real historical manuscripts found in Syria”
Nermeen Edrees reported that he won the Booker prize in 2009:
Dr Youssef Zidane's controversial novel Azazeel has won the Arab Booker Prize for 2009. This is the second year in a row for an Egyptian to win this prestigious prize. Last year's winner was Bahaa Taher's Sunset Oasis.
Juka - an avid reader – wrote a review saying:
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Zidane in person and can assure you he is nothing short of remarkably fascinating. True to his background and education he was an interesting conversationalist who could cite evidence to support his claims from holy books and literature across the ages in multiple languages. When asked about the title, he responded that religions since the dawn of time had offered versions of God’s or deities who represent the higher power and embody all that is good or righteous. With the rise of Judaism; man sought the other end of the spectrum, a higher entity which embodied all that is evil, for otherwise man himself would have had to bare responsibility for his evil actions, hence the birth of Azazeel.
And Whispers from the Sea wrote:
by shedding light on a historical period in Egypt and the Middle East and on the 5th century theological differences regarding the nature of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, underlines how religions – all religions – are often manipulated for wordly purposes/interests and how countless injustices and cruelties have been committed in the name of God. It is a message relevant to all religions whether Christianity, Islam, Judaism or other faiths and it is relevant to our present times as much as it was 16 centuries ago. History is evidence enough that no religion/faith can claim the upper moral ground when it comes to what its followers have sadly perpetuated in its name throughout the centuries. And it is the average man/humanity at the end that has paid a high price for this.
Criticizing fanaticism, The Chronikler wrote a post titled: Following the lead of Islamists, Egyptian Christians are trying to ban an award-winning novel because it ‘insults’ Christianity. In this post, the blogger wrote:
in recent weeks when a group calling itself (without a hint of irony) Lawyers Without Shackles tried to shackle the reading choices of Egyptians by calling for a ban of a newly released version of the classic One thousand and one nights saga, with its ensemble of popular and ageless characters, including Aladdin, Ali Baba and Sindbad. Their reason? The centuries-old collection is “obscene” and could lead people to “vice and sin”.
Luckily, Egyptian intellectuals have rallied to defend the classic tales, warning against the increasing “Bedouinisation” of Egyptian culture. This is, perhaps, the most ridiculous example of the recent trend towards, what I call, the retroactive condemnation of published works.
Not to be left out of the banning fad, Christians have also joined the fray. A group of Copts in Egypt and abroad have filed a complaint with the public prosecutor against the controversial novel Azazeel (Beelzebub) by Youssef Zidane, which won the 2009 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, an award backed by the Booker Prize Foundation. As insulting any of the ‘heavenly faiths’ is illegal in Egypt, Ziedan could face up to five years behind bars.
The exact charges are:
“He insulted priests and bishops and said many things with no proof or evidence from books or history,” said Mamdouh Ramzi, a Coptic lawyer involved in the action, adding that Ziedan was “not a Christian man, what does he know about the Church?”.
And The Chronikler still does not see where Dr Zidane went wrong:
But even if it were insulting to the Christian clergy, my natural reaction is: “So what?” Not only do we all have differing definitions of what constitutes an insult, everyone is free to express insulting views, if they so wish, and if you don't like it, then don't read it and, by all means, encourage others not to.
As to Ramzi's second assertion, is he seriously suggesting that, in order to write about a faith, you need to belong to it? This is nonsense on so many levels, not least because it stifles freedom of inquiry and speech, and also because most religions do not require their followers to be knowledgeable of the history and philosophy of their faith. Besides, Zidane is a renowned professor of philosophy and the director of the manuscript centre at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
So, what in Zidane's award-winning novel has specifically irked the Coptic establishment?
Bikya Masr said that:
The complaint was singed by each of the following organizations:
Coptic Organization of the United Kingdom, the Egyptian-American Friendship Organization, Canadian Egyptian Organization for Human Rights, Youth Organization of the Copts in Australia, , the Copts of Austria , the Coptic Dutch Organization, French Coptic Organization, the Organization of Copts in Kuwait, Kelma center for human rights.
Despite the assault on freedom of expression, there are a handful of Christians speaking out against what they call “misled” sentiments.
Bikya Masr reported :
“Sure, there is something to be said about the statements and things in the book, but at the end of the day it is a book, a good one at that, and if they don’t want to read it then they don’t have to,” said Hani Fahmy, a 32-year-old pharmacist in Cairo who has said much of the conversation in recent weeks has been surrounding the novel. “I just find it hypocritical that they can say these things and at the same time there are Coptic leaders who say Muslims are the problem. We need some tolerance.”
In solidarity with the author of the controversial novel, Sherif El Sakka wrote:

author: Marwa Rakha


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Egypt: On Street Activists and Citizen Journalists · Global Voices
Marwa Rakha

Between online activists, citizen journalists, and street demonstrators, it seems that the cause lost it's purpose and the Internet turned into a soundproof room for cursing and cussing.
Sami Ben Gharbia was among the first to cover Egypt's Facebook activism.
Banners from Egyptian Facebook groups calling for Strikes.
After little less than a month following the April 6 strike in support of the textile workers in Mahalla City, during which a number of prominent Egyptian bloggers and internet activists were arrested, preparations for the next round of a planned general strike to mark the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, on May 4, 2008, are currently spreading all over the blogosphere and the Internet. And like the preparation for the April 6 strike, the internet has a vital role to play in mobilizing for the upcoming protest. SMS, email, blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter: almost all of these outlets are used by Egyptian Internet activists in their campaign the May 4 event. We've even seen a Facebookist Movement to Overthrow Mubarak being created. Another group entitled “We don't want Muslim Brothers” is calling for the strike but without participation of the Muslim Brotherhood, who recently decided to join May 4 protest.
Eman AbdElRahman highlighted Three Key Moments of Egyptian Citizen Media:
1- Circulating videos showing group sexual harassment downtown [Ar], November 2006, which although strongly denied via officials, yet the continuous talks about the incident online was able to attract attention to the phenomena, and hence proved the incident creditability. It also resulted in the emergence of many campaigns against harassment in Egyptian streets.
2- Publishing another video showing the brutality practiced in police offices, for a microbus driver Emad El-Kebir being sodomized with a stick by Captain Islam Nabih, who was later convicted of torture and sexual abuse in November 2007 and was sentenced to three years in prison.
3- in 2008, the calls for the first civil disobedience started on a Facebook group, which later on resulted in extreme riots in ElMahala governate, and other strikes in 6th of April each year, and a new youth movement titled “6th of April” as well.
Ramy Raouf blogged about how Online Media & Digital Devices are used to Release Detainees:
Earlier this month, the April 6 Youth Movement staged a protest in front of the Egyptian Peoples Assembly calling for more political freedoms and an end to Egypt's restrictive “emergency law”, which might be renewed this year, and might be enforced as well by a new “Counter-Terrorism law” which is expected to be extremely repressive. The Egyptian security forces responded to the protesting citizens with a brutal violence, making a score of arrests and convictions.
A few days before the protest, more than 30 human rights and legal NGOs in Egypt announced The Front to Defend Egypt Protestors (FDEP) which aims to provide legal and informative support to the participants in peaceful demonstrations.
On April 6th 2010, EmanAbdElRahman wrote about the crackdown on Peaceful Pro-democracy Protests:
On the second anniversary of the first call for civil disobedience in the history of modern Egypt, new protests broke out through out the country. Egyptian police violently beat and randomly detained people to disperse protests calling for constitutional reform – especially downtown in front of thePeople's Assembly and the Shura Council.
But blogger Ahmed Naje does not see citizen journalism the way those activists see it; he shared his experience when he was trying to write an op-ed about the May 2 strike for Wasla:
He goes on to say:
As for the strike itself:
One question is left unanswered:


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Egypt: Parliament Votes to Extend Emergency Law · Global Voices
J. Khaled

The Egyptian Parliament voted to extend state-sanctioned emergency rule for another two years, a state of martial law that has been in place since President Anwar El-Sadat’s assassination in 1981. The decision has garnered international criticism and domestic backlash, as this has been the third renewal of the law since President Hosni Mubarak’s promise to repeal it on the eve of the 2005 election. The law gives exclusive right to the Ministry of the Interior to detain suspects without charge, monitor communications and wiretap contact networks, restrict newspaper content and impede political assembly and demonstration.
Advocates of the law argue that the detention without charge is only permitted in drug-trafficking and terror cases. However, ethics boards and human rights watchdogs have reported on a variety of cases in which emergency law has been invoked in cases involving media and freedom of speech. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch reported on the case of blogger Hany Nazeer, held under emergency law in Egypt since 2008 after posting a controversial link on his blog, Karz El Hob. Human Rights Watch has officially condemned the Egyptian government’s decision to extend use of the law:
“President Mubarak has again breached his promise of five years ago to end emergency rule. The cosmetic changes announced this week don’t change the fact that the state of emergency perpetuates official lawlessness and contempt for basic civil and political rights.”
Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director
Reactions in the blogosphere have had a strongly anti-government sentiment, with many Middle Eastern bloggers frustrated by the stagnation in the country’s politics:
Egyptian blogger Baheyya opposes the law, and believes that the powers claimed by the sitting leadership are inappropriate and unjust. She writes:
“Debating who should rule Egypt cuts across this conventional and no longer salient ideological ordering. All those who advocate parliamentary rule do so out of the bitter experience of being governed by a president with unlimited powers. Naturally they differ about what type of parliamentary system they have in mind, but they agree that
Bloggers at TruthOut.Org react with criticism of President Hosni Mubarak’s regime and the intent of the law:
These days, the government increasingly uses the “war on terrorism” to justify its political repression. At the same time, Egypt has successfully promoted its image as one of the “moderate Arab states. Human rights advocates say there is nothing moderate about current-day Egypt. The country has a well-documented history of torture and death in detention and a full panoply of other human rights abuses.
On the day the law was passed, the Socialist Students organization at Cairo University urged students to reject the limits on freedom of assembly that are upheld by the law, writing that:
“Abuses by state and university authorities against academic freedom are not uncommon in Egyptian universities. Both students and professors suffer them.Activists among Egyptian students are routinely subjected to various repressive measures aimed at deterring students from participating in any political activity. In fact students are discouraged from organizing any autonomous activity whatsoever.This year, because Egypt is shortly to hold elections, both protest and repression have escalated around the country, and the universities have been no exception. What is exceptional however, is the blatant participation of academics in positions of authority in these measures aimed at intimidating their students.“
The government is claiming that the Emergency Rules are meant mainly for fighting drugs trafficking, and terrorism. And this made Raafatology wonder if we really suffer that much from drugs trafficking as they claim:
Armaar asks since Egypt is not in a state of war, and does not suffer from any terrorist threats, then why should it have such laws:
Also Badawiaa mocks the extension of the  Emergency Rule, and the claims of the government that it needs to be applied:
Despite restrictions, there has been a wave of demonstration in the past two years—earlier this month, hundreds gathered in protest of minimum wage law, and since 2008, several pro-democracy protests have been quashed in the capital. Observers are waiting to see whether the resurgence of this law in its altered form will influence these growing expressions of dissent.
contributed links and helped translate blog excerpts for this article.

author: J. Khaled


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Fiji backs down on suspending Parliamentary pensions · Global Voices
Michael Hartsell

Fiji's government has overturned the practice of suspending pensions to former Parliamentary leaders who have been critical of the present regime. This announcement “is the sort of forward-looking conciliatory acts we need to see more of,” says blogger Crosbie Walsh. Coup Four And A Half says the government has “done a u-turn.”

author: Michael Hartsell


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France : At Cannes Film Festival, Hors-La-Loi Addresses Taboo, Raises Controversy · Global Voices
Suzanne Lehn

On  May 21st, the film “Hors La Loi” (“Outside the Law“) directed by by award-winning director Rachid Bouchareb for “Indigènes” (“Days of Glory“) rounded off  the official competition at Cannes International Film Festival.  Meanwhile, away from the Palais des Festivals, amidst a large police presence, about 1,500 demonstrators -composed of French veterans from the Algerian independence war, representatives from groups of Harkis and Pieds-Noirs,  some UMP (government party) MPs,  Cannes’ mayor and a few supporters of far-right Front National party- marched in protest against what they felt  was a sullying of the French army and French actions in Algeria fifty years ago.
Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962, after a six year long conflict  soaked in blood, which toppled the local French regime and left  both countries with deep, unhealed scars.  50 years after the events and in spite of many efforts from historians, the topic is still taboo in French society and politics .
Blog Impôts utiles expressed  the feelings of right-wing supporters, most of them having refused to watch the movie (fr):
Dernier scandale, le film de Rachid Bouchareb, Hors la loi , qui raconte de façon partiale une part de l'histoire de l’ Algérie.
Ce film a été co-financé par la France (par les impôts des français) par l’ Algérie et la Tunisie.
Away from political agenda, some reviews are enthusiastic. For isntance, Bouillon de culture from Morocco, writes (Fr):
Rachid Bouchareb signe, ici, sans complaisance ou autre flagornerie, une œuvre majeure d’excellente facture, surtout au niveau de la mise en scène.
From France, Sandra.M of In the mood for cinema, writes (Fr):
Une mise en scène ample, lyrique, inspirée, rythmée d'un cinéphile dont on sent les multiples et prestigieuses influences (du “Parrain” de Coppola au cinéma de Scorsese en passant par celui de Melville). Des comédiens une nouvelle fois remarquables. Des questionnements et un sujet passionnants et qui dépassent le cadre de la guerre d'Algérie. Pour moi, un des meilleurs films de cette édition 2010.
From Quebec, Le Blogue des arts du soleil calls the controversy a “tempest in a teapot” about a film set out by some as the Algerian Once Upon a Time in America (Fr):
Avec son intrigue qui peine à trouver sa voie, ses incessants allers-retours dans le temps, ses personnages qui laissent de marbre, Hors-la-loi est à des années-lumière du chef-d’oeuvre de Leone.
Will “Hors la Loi”, due to open in theatres on sept. 22, help France confront its history in a soothed atmosphere ?
Laterna magica is optimistic (Fr):
(…) En  2010,  il n’y a pas de raisons que Français et Algériens ne s’entendent pas.  En l’occurrence,  Bouchareb ne cherche pas à monter les uns contres les autres.  Il prend le parti de ceux qui ont contribué à l’indépendance de l’Algérie,  en représentant objectivant leurs actions,  en montrant le FLN s’organiser selon une logique terroriste plutôt que démocratique,  mais il ne juge personne,  pas non plus le comportement de la police Française.  Certes Bouchareb a choisit son camp,  certes la France est l’ennemi dans le film et représenté en tant que tel,  mais Hors la loi ne triche pas,  ne semble pas s’arranger avec les faits historiques établis,  ne diabolise personne non plus.
Le quotidien qui mark jokes about France staying “hors du temps” (outdated), pointing out at an everlasting French failing (Fr):
Que, « Hors-la-loi », le film de Rachid Bouchareb qui a suscité plusieurs polémiques tant sur les massacres de Sétif que sur le rôle du FLN, n’ait pas été consacré par le palmarès du festival de Cannes ne devrait pas trop surprendre les cinéphiles. En revanche, le bruit qu’il a fait sur la Croisette et ailleurs illustre, comme les lois mémorielles, le malaise que la France entretient avec son histoire. Un paradoxe pour une nation qui peut légitimement se targuer d’être au firmament de cette discipline depuis près d’un siècle mais qui est incapable de regarder en arrière sans s’enflammer. Le problème c’est que les Français se réfèrent à Michelet lorsqu’ils parlent d’eux. Du coup, ils se voient comme ils aimeraient être et ignorent que le passé les montre souvent bien différents.
The trailer of the film can be seen here. And for a cartoonist's view of the shared French-Algerian history, go to Large's blog.

author: Suzanne Lehn


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Iran: Economic problems and Green Movement · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Culturallogic writes  [fa] that Green Movement should learn lesson from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's humiliation in Khoramshar where protesters chanted “we are unemployed” during his speech. The blogger asks Green Movement talks about Iran's economic problems.


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Iran: Student activist started hunger strike · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Majid Tavakoli, Iranian student actvist, started his hunegr strike in prison in Tehran. Sight  writes [fa] “Tavakoli is not only a name. He is a legned. He started his hunger strike but the world does not pay attention.”


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Jamaica: Citizen Media Follows the Standoff  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

A study in extremes is perhaps how the last 24 hours in the Caribbean region could be adequately described: As Trinidad and Tobago peacefully went to the polls and elected its first female Prime Minister, Jamaica was facing more violent unrest.
On Day 3 of the crisis, diaspora blogger Labrish finds it difficult to separate rumour from fact:
It’s hard to find out how many people have died, and whether the security’s forces efforts are gaining the upper hand. Unconfirmed reports I’m seeing on Twitter indicate that over 80 men, women and children were killed in Tivoli yesterday. There have been reports of people trapped, and bodies in the street. More reports of gunfire today and more downtown roads being blocked. All Kingston schools closed until further notice. Several offices in Kingston and Spanish Town are closed. Not a lot of hard information is coming from official sources. The Gleaner and Observer have some reports but the best sources for info seem to be Twitter and Facebook.
Citizen media is, in fact, reporting in the most timely fashion on the situation as it develops, particularly via Twitter.  Last night, there was speculation that ‘Dudus’ had been captured, but the reports turned out to be unconfirmed.  On the Ground News Reports, a Facebook group, noted in an update at 6:55 pm yesterday that:
Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson says up to one hour ago intended target Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke was not captured. He also said Coke's brother known by the moniker of Livity was not dead according to his knowledge. He said some men have been detained and are being processed by the police. Security forces have control of elements of Tivoli Gardens.
The group also posted the update on Twitter.  It has received some flak for publishing unsubstantiated reports, but defends its position by saying:
Why do we post unconfirmed news? Our vision is to bring together those who hear the truth with those who know the truth. We are a community of reporters, and you are just as much a part of making the news as we are.
Meanwhile, Air Jamaica has suspended certain flights, businesses and banks are reportedly closed and the national Blood Bank was asking the public to donate blood “to meet expected demand with the intensification of violence in downtown Kingston.” Indeed, the casualties appear to be piling up and bloggers are already weary:
@anniepaul: Yesterday was emotionally draining, gingerly trying to find out what this new day has brought for Jamaica…
Unfortunately, today seems to have brought more of the same…
@anniepaul: Nationwide playing 12 pm news from yday. Not a good sign. means the streets are still impassable and their reporters can't get to home base?
@TriniLikeSalt: Just heard from a Trini in Jamaica she's hearing gunfire and says it's now in areas outside of Tivoli, and around Kingston. Total assness.
…plus news of an astounding development: local mainstream media is reporting that gangs, allegedly on the payroll of the country's opposition party, are supposedly being paid to contribute to the unrest, a development about which @anniepaul comments:
If the criminals can forge a coalition why can't our leaders? http://bit.ly/bQcbhR #Jamaica
The country's leaders are assuring the citizenry “that the threats that have emerged against the safety of the Jamaican people will be driven back, with strong and decisive action by the country's security forces.”  Despite assurances from the Prime Minister that schools would be in full session today, Girl With a Purpose reports that:
All infant, basic, primary and high schools in the parish of Kingston are closed…
This comes as no surprise, given the reported levels of violence and attacks on state security forces.  Netizens, however, seem proud of the response by the constabulary:
RT @drewonline: Big up the Jamaica Constabulary Force our flawed yet fearless heroes… Jamaica's finest mi seh!!!
There was some speculation about an alleged meeting yesterday between Dudus’ attorney and the US embassy, which the latter has denied.  The implications of the current situation for international relations cannot be overlooked; Jamaican diaspora blogger Living in Barbados sums it up:
The immediate outcome from the state of emergency in Kingston and St. Andrews and the actions to try to extradite Mr. Coke will have an obviously impact of how Jamaica goes forward, but it may raise again how Jamaica is perceived and dealt with by both its Caricom and north American neighbours. Its one thing when citizens lose faith, trust and belief in their elected officials, but it's something very different if those losses are felt by other national governments.
A few months ago, Jamaica was riding the crest of a wave as it secured a new financial support package from the IMF to help it deal with a crippling set of longstanding economic woes. Now, it stands crestfallen as one of its other longstanding woes–a rampant tolerance for crime–shows that its head is considerably bigger.
West indians understand what's at stake here, but even in the face of such a grave situation – or perhaps because of it – they are able to consider the humourous side.  As Fake Patrick Manning posted on Twitter shortly after the PNM's defeat in the Trinidad and Tobago elections yesterday:
Hey, things could be worse. I could be Bruce Golding. #silverlining  #trinidad #election

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Jamaica: Women of Tivoli Gardens  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“If these women pass on this attitude of craven gratitude and dependence on a don to their children, how will the cycle ever be broken?”: Islandista looks at the role of women in the Jamaica crisis.


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Russia: Hosting Providers Sign Charter Against Illegal Content · Global Voices
Alexey Sidorenko

Five hosting providers that allegedly control more than 25 percent of the Russian hosting market plan to sign a charter against ‘illegal content’, Vedomosti newspaper reported [RUS]. The charter implies more active involvement of hosting providers in filtering and blocking child porn, materials that break copyright or ignite hatred as well as sites considered ‘extremist’.


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Russia: Video of a Man With a ‘Little Blue Bucket’ Attacking Government Car Raises Controversy · Global Voices
Gregory Asmolov

A viral video [RUS] of a man with a little blue bucket [EN] on his head attacking a government car near Kremlin has been distributed recently in the Russian blogosphere. The action is considered to be a part of the protests against government cars using emergency vehicle lighting [EN] (“migalki”). However, the official community ru_vederko condemned [RUS] the actions.

author: Gregory Asmolov


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Russian DST Group Will Increase Investment in Foreign Internet Companies · Global Voices
Gregory Asmolov

Yuri Milner [EN], chief executive of the Moscow-based Digital Sky Technologies [EN] (DST) investment group, revealed [ENG] The Guardian his plans to continue investing in major foreign Internet companies. One of them might be Twitter. DST had already invested in Facebook, Zynga and ICQ.


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Slovenia, Croatia: More on the Border Dispute · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Sleeping With Pengovsky posts The Definitive Guide to the Arbitrage Agreement Between Slovenia and Croatia – Part 1 and Part 2. Borut Peterlin posts this comment: “The border dispute with Croatia is the most important tool for manipulation with voters emotions, so no doubt [Janša, Podobnik and Jelinčič] would do a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. to keep status quo and keep the dispute unsolved for another 20 years!”

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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South Africa: Julius Malema Wants to Kiss and Make Up! · Global Voices
Prisha Bhoola

Julius Malema, the President of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) is no stranger to controversy. In fact, many would argue it is what he thrives on. He is regarded by some as the voice of impoverished youth in South Africa. By others, he is the personification of the failings of black economic empowerment and the man that will ultimately turn South Africa into Zimbabwe. Whatever Julius represents, one fact remains – he sells! Every time Julius Malema speaks or acts – the media (mainstream or otherwise) erupt.
May 19th was no different. After surviving a disciplinary hearing by the ANC, being coerced into making an apology to the nation and being made to attend anger management classes,Julius Malema seems to have turned over a new leaf. On that day, Julius attended an ANCYL conference in KwaZulu Natal and instead of singing his trademark “Shoot the Boer”, which was banned by the South Gauteng High Court, he sang “Kiss the Boer”. Delegates sang along as Malema danced around the stage, repeating the lyric “kiss the boer”.
I kept a watchful eye on the blogosphere and twittersphere thereafter and as usual, it did not disappoint.
XcellenceKasie asked,
julius malema is now singing kiss the boer kiss the farmer….who is being fooled here…?
AlexKlusman has another.
Julius Malema overheard singing ‘Kiss the boer’ at ANC YL conference in KZN. Is this what anger management lessons do to you?
Tokyogrooveband takes Julius’s new song in a positive light:
Good on you Julius Malema Kiss The Boer
The satire was not lost on hayibo who amused:
A day after Julius Malema sang “Kiss the boer, kiss the farmer”, panic-stricken ultra-straight macho South African farmers say the prospect of being snogged by Julius Malema is worse than death.
“Murder is murder but moffies (heterosexuals) are Satan's handmaidens,” said a spokesman, urging farmers to hide cyanide capsules under their tongues “in case he tries Frenching us”.
The ANC Youth League president is appearing increasingly desperate as he fades from the headlines and meets increasing resistance both from his organisation and his elasticated trousers.
Julius Malema’s motives may be questionable but Khaya Dlanga sums it up best:
I really don’t think that you have been any more or less outrageous than the previous presidents. The only difference is that they lived in a different time, an era before Instant News — before the era of the internet, Facebook and Twitter. The news is more instant than instant coffee now.
Finally, what does Google think of Julius Malema?

author: Prisha Bhoola


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Southeast Asia: Reactions to Thailand protests · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

For two months, Red Shirt protesters occupied the streets of Bangkok demanding the resignation of the prime minister. The protest camps have been dismantled already but the city is still reeling from the political crisis.
The violent confrontations between the heavily armed soldiers and protesters in the past week have stunned the world. What are the reactions of bloggers from neighbouring Southeast Asian nations?
A few days ago, the Thailand government revealed that Cambodian “mercenaries” were hired by the Red Shirts to sow violence in the city. This accusation elicited strong reactions in Cambodia. Khmerization reminds the Thailand government that there are many ethnic Khmers in Thailand who are already Thai citizens.
Many red shirt protesters were mainly made up of ethnic Khmers and Laotians living in the northeastern provinces of Thailand who are Thai citizens. We need to remember also that the Thai media owned by the Red Shirt Movement also accused the Abhisit government of dressing up Khmer prisoners in military uniform and sent them to crackdown on the red shirt recently. How true are these rumours? Nobody knows.
The Son of the Khmer Empire believes the motive for spreading this rumor is to demonize Cambodians
I believe the rumour is circulated intentionally and politically in order to…make the Khmer as scapegaot to appease Thai anger against each other and turn the revenge/hatred towards Khmers and esp. the bloody Thai elite and royal family will not be held responsible for the bloodshed.
A political cartoon about the Red Shirt protest crackdown in Bangkok. Cartoon created by Cambodian artist Bun Heang Ung
Filipino journalist Joe Torres visited a Red Shirt protest site
It was like our EDSA “revolutions.” There were raw emotions, spontaneous actions and a lot of fun. The people, many of them from the countryside, wanted the ruling party out. They wanted “change,” something we hear in our politicians campaign sorties these days.
Kopisusu2 from Indonesia was also visiting Bangkok when the Red Shirts were still in the streets
Many analysts agree the protesters have a point. But as long as the demonstration lasts, the Red Shirts are cutting off the supply of joy to businesses in the Red Zone and impeding its flow to the entire economy.
Our old hotel, the VIP Golden House, is inside the zone. It will stay closed until the protesters leave, said the woman behind the desk with a stoic smile.
i eat padek, who blogs about Laos, reacts
wow. red shirts, yellow shirts, thaksin vs. vejjajivait, it's all really confusing… most people have already heard about the recent violence consuming bangkok, thailand and killing it's land-of-smiles-and-etc tourism industry
Southeast Asian Archaeology newsblog warns that the protests are affecting attendance in museums near the protest zones
Most of you would be familiar with the protests going on in Bangkok, which have recently claimed lives due to clashes between the protesters and the authorities. The Fine Arts Department also report that museum visitorships have suffered greatly because of the protests, as the majority of the museums in Bangkok are located near the protest areas, and in some cases protesters have mistakenly stormed the museums!
Musings from the Lion City, a Singapore blogger, analyzes Thailand’s political situation
Even if he wants to call fresh elections, Abhisit most probably can’t as the Bangkok elite that support him and put him in power will not allow it. They will probably also know that any elections will be won by the rural “Red Shirts”. Mistakes have been made by both sides in this conflict and I’m afraid the mistakes has piled up to such an extent that there’s no longer an easy way out for anyone.
Twitter and Facebook were extensively used to monitor the situation in Bangkok. Jonathan Russell provides a better and clearer context about the usage of social media in relation to the Red Shirt protests
While I do agree Twitter, and more prominently Facebook, amplified hateful comments, many of the vitriol online (though worrying itself) can be put down to extreme opinions which do not represent the popular opinion.
A minority of Thais use Facebook (around 3 million) and Twitter (less than a million), and of these the comments came from a small percentage. For example, an vitriolic Facebook Group with 1,000 is  large number but, in the bigger picture, is 0.03% of Thai Facebook members and clearly not representative of any kind of majority.
I agree that the manner in which social networks can legitimize vitriolic groups which grew in Thailand during the protests is worrying. As the average Facebook users is more likely in Bangkok, middle class or affluent, and not a red shirt, much of comments and rage were against the UDD and its protest.

author: Mong Palatino


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Taiwan: Heavy metal and death penalty · Global Voices
Portnoy Zheng

One of the top public issues in Taiwan blogosphere recently is whether Taiwan should abolish death penalty or not. Thus, The Ball Music sorts out and introduces several heavy metal songs that are about death penalty(zht). “…You don't have to support the abolishment of death penalty just because you are a fan of Metallica or Iron Maiden, yet you can understand their viewpoints about death penalty from their songs.“, says the blogger.

author: Portnoy Zheng


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Trinidad & Tobago: Indian Arrival Day  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 30th May, commemorates the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers from India to Trinidad, in May 1845, on the ship Fatel Razack”: TriniGourmet.com will be commemorating the occasion with a few tasty Indian dishes.


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Ukraine: Medvedev in Kyiv; Yanukovych & the Wreath · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Reactions to the Russian president's visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, last week (which included the Ukrainian president being hit by a wreath during a commemoration ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument) – at Kyiv Scoop, Ukrainiana (here and here), and Leopolis.


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Zimbabwe: Employees of Gay and Lesbian of Zimbabwe detained · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Sokari writes about the arrest of two employees of Gay and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) by officers from the Central Intelligent Department.


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Bahamas: Waiting on the Budget  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“The Prime Minister has hinted at some austerity measures or belt tightening, but, on top of that we're told additional taxes are on the way”: Weblog Bahamas is waiting to see what the country's 2010-11 Budget, due to be presented today, will hold.


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Bahrain: Time Flies  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

From Bahrain, ammar456 observes on Twitter: “The days just seem to fly by. Things didn't move this fast when we were kids.”

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Bangladesh: What To Miss About The Country · Global Voices
Rezwan

Amanda Ferrandino, an US Fullbright scholar, is finishing her study in Bangladesh and lists 14 things she will miss about Bangladesh when she goes back home.

author: Rezwan