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Bangladesh: Election schedule announced · Global Voices
Rezwan

An Ordinary Citizen reports that clearing all the confusion the schedule for general election in Bangladesh (on 18th December 2008) has been announced.


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Caribbean: Region Scores Big in Stanford 20/20 Cricket  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

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U.S. billionaire Allen Stanford is trying to remake the face of cricket in hopes of turning it into the number one spectator sport in the world, perhaps one day even surpassing the popularity of football and baseball in his home country.
To this end, he has opened a cricket-themed restaurant (The Sticky Wicket) in Antigua, made a point of honouring West Indian cricket greats via The Sticky Wicket Hall of Fame and built the Stanford Cricket Ground – the location for his latest “big idea” – a 20/20 contest in which the winning team walks away with US$20 million (that's US$1 million per man) and the loser gets…well, nothing.
It all happened this past weekend.  The Stanford Superstars roundly embarrassed the England team, winning the match by an astounding ten wickets and becoming overnight millionaires in the process.  West Indian bloggers put in their two cents’ worth…
From Trinidad and Tobago, This Beach Called Life says:
Whether people agree or not, 20/20 is the future of Cricket. I say this because in the real world of sports money talks louder than the traditionalist. 20/20 Cricket promoted by billionaire Sir Allen Stanford, has taken the gentleman’s game of cricket to a new commercial level very few sports enjoy.  20/20 may hardly resemble traditional test cricket and the limited 50 over game but it is intensely entertaining and may just be what the Americans will order if it is on the menu.
Caribbean Beat Blog was thrilled at the victory and thought it went a long way to firing up regional cricket fans who have had more than their fair share of disappointment over the last few years:
A few minutes ago, the West Indies’ Stanford Superstars seized a US$20 million victory in the Stanford 20/20 Super Series from tournament favourites England – without losing a wicket!
And it was a thrashing.
The future of the nascent Stanford 20/20 form of cricket, often maligned for being an American abbreviation of the game and for several peculiarities and controversies over the last week, seems to be secure. According to its creator, Sir Allen Stanford, ‘Caribbean cricket is back!  This programme is working!’
And whether playing for regional pride or the US$1 million-a-player purse, the team gave often-disappointed West Indies fans plenty to celebrate, and much to feel hopeful about.
Abeni, who was “not actively following the game” from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was “still very happy the team won”:
Given their performances as the West Indies team, I didn't really give them much of a chance but they sure rose to the occasion. My only wish is that the young men use it wisely. Too often we hear of persons who have made millions becoming destitute all because of poor financial decisions. So fellas, enjoy your windfall but live smart.
In the words of Caribbean Beat:
Congrats to our million dollar men!

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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China: Classroom Door Shut Against Peasant Children · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Draq from chinaSMACK translated a Tianya post about a little girl standing outside a classroom window for 20 days because of the primary school policy on shutting the door against peasant children.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Colombia: Shocking Way How Some Youth Get Drunk · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

When Juliana Rincón of Medea Material [es] read about a shocking way how youth in Barranquilla, Colombia became drunk as a way to avoid having alcohol on their breath, she took her doubts and asked the Colombian twittosphere whether it was true, and she learned from others that it is indeed common in other Colombian cities.

author: Eduardo Avila


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Cuba: Abortions · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez meets a young woman who has had four abortions in her twenty-three years: “I was rattled by her illusion of leaving all her problems—housing, love or immigration—in the operating room, and pointed out that they are no longer doing abortions in hospitals.  The reason is that the birth rate is falling and they want to try to increase it, even if it means forcing women to give birth.”


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Dominica: Creole Dress  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“The Wob Dwiyet is the centerpiece of Dominica’s National Wear and is worn in a variety of different styles”: Dominica Weekly posts some photos of the island's Creole Dress Parade.


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El Salvador: FMLN Leading in Latest Polls · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

The FMLN is leading in the presidential race in El Salvador scheduled for March 2009, and Hunnapuh [es] has two of the latest polls.


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Guatemala: The Fiambre and Other Foods for Day of the Dead · Global Voices
Renata Avila

Once upon a time, there were a convent in Antigua, Guatemala, where the nuns had been celebrating the All Saints Day, around the 16th of the month, and they had an uninvited, but important visitor.  They were really nervous because they did not have enough food to make a proper dinner for the priest, so they used their creativity instead. They collected and remixed all the leftovers from previous meals, from slices of cheese to potatoes. As a result, the Guatemalan Fiambre was born and the priest was delighted! Nowadays, it is a celebration for the entire family that begins on the night of October 31.  The complex recipe [es] has up to 150 ingredients, from vegetables to meats of all kinds, even fish!
Also you can enjoy camotes en miel (sweet potatoes) and jocotes en miel, as described by Antigua Daily Photo .
Jocotes (/hoe-ko-tes /) or red mombin are often eaten raw, but you can find them as often in tasty preserves. Jocotes en miel or red mombin in syrup (literal translation of miel would be honey, but in this instance it means syrup or almíbar  in Spanish) are prepared as dessert to take to the cemetery on Day of the Dead or Día de los difuntos . The idea is to take foods that are prepared in advance and that do not need heating up or that spoil quickly. That’s why you take fiambre , and whatever fruits are in season prepared as dessert.
For many Guatemalans, Fiambre is just too much for some tastes, so some families just order pizza, such as the family of the blogger from Fe de Rata [es] :
De noviembre. Día de los muertos. Día de Fiambre, el platillo tradicional guatemalteco por excelencia. Compuesto de carnes frías, vegetales curtidos, quesos, toda suerte de embutidos y cualquier cosa comestible para el ser humano. Gastronomía infernal a mi paladar. No me gusta, mátenme, lo sé. Ese día en la reunión familiar -para recordar a nuestros muertos-, como pizza con los niños y tomo vodka con los grandes.
November. Day of the Dead. Day of the Fiambre, the traditional Guatemalan Dish par excellence . It is made with meats, prepared vegetables, cheeses, all kinds of cold cuts and any food eatable for a human being. Gastronomy from hell, it is just not for me. I don´t like it. During the family festivities – to honor our dead – I eat pizza with the kids and drink vodka with the adults.
During the festivities of Day of the Dead, many places have other delicious culinary traditions besides Fiambre, such as pumpkins, sweets, drinks made of corn, as described by Quemar los Barcos [es]
Los habitantes de otras localidades del país practican diferentes costumbres. En Comalapa se prepara el cocimiento, hecho a base de elote, güicoy y güisquil hervidos, acompañados de atol de elote y cusha, una bebida embriagante. Elote, camote y güisquil asados son servidos en San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá. En Petén, los niños salen por la noche del 31 de octubre a pedir Ixpasá para la calavera. El Ixpasá es una bebida hecha de maíz negro, la cual acompaña los bollos y tamales peteneros. Se vacían toronjas y se les hace una carita similar a la de las calabazas y adentro se les pone una velita. También se come dulce de ayote, molletes y jocotes en dulce y, por supuesto, el fiambre.El Ixpasá es una bebida hecha de maíz negro, la cual acompaña los bollos y tamales peteneros. Se vacían toronjas y se les hace una carita similar a la de las calabazas y adentro se les pone una velita.
The residents from other local communities around the country have different traditions. In Comalapa they prepare “cocimiento,” made with corn, güicoy (native cabbage) and güisquil (known also as chayote) , boiled and served with a drink made by corn called cusha. Grilled corn, sweet potato and güisquil are also prepared in San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá .  In Petén, kids go out during the night of October 31, to ask for Ixpasa for their Calaveras. Ixpasa is a drink made with black corn, accompained with muffins and tamales  from Petén. You empty the contents of grapefruits and carve a face similar to the ones made on pumpkins , where you light a candle inside.
The Governor of Petén tells a story of different celebrations for children in San José, Petén, where they celebrate by eating Ixpelón Muffins made with corn and a drink called Atol the Ixpasa, as Rudel Alvarez explains with his post The Calaveras Tradition :
Consiste en sacar de la Iglesia, tres calaveras que dicen son de unos monjes españoles que sacrificaron los Itza, y hacer una procesion por todo el pueblo. … Las Calaveras salen en procesion desde las ocho de la noche luego de oficiar la misa, y regresan hasta el día siguiente al mediodía. Ahora como hay buena carretera son cientos de gentes del area central que van a ver esa procesion, y por supuesto comer bollitos gratis.
It involves going inside the Church to take out three Calaveras, some said that they belong to three monks sacrificed by Itza indigenous people, and process throughout the entire town. The Calaveras are taken out at 20:00 hrs after mass, and then are returned at noon on the next day. Since now we have a nice road, there are hundreds of people from the central area that attend the parade and go to get their free muffins.
Food in our culture and rituals such as Fiambre are powerful traditions that bring all the members of Guatemalan families together, and where you can see the cultural blending than enriches our places and our communities. I can't wait for next year!

author: Renata Avila


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Guyana: Remembering David de Caires · Global Voices
Nicholas Laughlin

David de Caires, the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent Guyanese newspaper the Stabroek News, and one of the Caribbean's strongest advocates for press freedom, died on Saturday 1 November. As the news spread across the Caribbean and the Guyanese diaspora, there was an outpouring of tributes to the man who led the way to the re-establishment of the independent press in 1980s Guyana and thereby contributed to the return of democracy in the following decade. As the Stabroek News reminded its readers in an editorial  yesterday, "the newspaper entered into a world where freedom of the press had been denied for ten years, and it played a major part in opening up the society."
Mr de Caires was clear from the beginning about the objectives of the newspaper, and while experience modified his style, he never deviated from its founding principles. From the very first issue the new editor committed the paper to espousing the cause of a free and open society in which the rule of law prevailed, and independent institutions were allowed to flourish. In 1986 that also included free and fair elections, and Stabroek News did not waste time in adding its considerable voice to the campaign for these.
Other tributes came from fellow journalists, politicians, and ordinary citizens — including, of course, bloggers. Many first heard the news of de Caires's death via the Living Guyana blog. One commentor there called de Caires "a true Son of the Soil". Another remarked: "The fact that [Stabroek News ] under De Caires's stewardship was roundly condemned as ‘biased’ by both sides of the political divide, while in power, speaks volumes about his, and the paper's, objectivity."
The New York-based Guyanese journalist Ryan Naraine made a poignant comment at Twitter: "the man who had the single biggest impact in my life as a writer passed away today in guyana." And the Media Blast blog posted a statement by the Guyana Press Association:
David's greatest contribution to Guyana's era of glasnost and perestroika … was the opening up of the media landscape after a period of considerable state-control and authoritarianism under various guises by the then administration.
At the Caribbean Beat blog, writer Jeremy Taylor reminded his readers of the risks de Caires faced when he launched the Stabroek News in 1986:
It's hard for many, especially in the younger generation, to grasp just how difficult things were in Guyana for an independent newspaper or a non-partisan journalist in those days. We take for granted freedom of speech and expression, the right of the press to publish and report. But in the Guyana of 25 years ago, that was a freedom that had to be struggled for, and that struggle was a very risky business.
Readers of one online Stabroek News article left a variety of comments. "I may not have always agreed with his newspaper’s editorials and thrust but admired his indomitable spirit and courage," wrote Aubrey W. Bonnett. "David deCaires was fearless, gracious and one of the few surviving gentleman," said Cautious. Shamir added: "Guyana, Caricom , and the World, has lost a true Patriot."
Antilles , the Caribbean Review of Books blog, posted a roundup of other tributes and reminiscences. And the young Guyanese writer Ruel Johnson made this simple statement: "David DeCaires is dead.  Long live David DeCaires."

author: Nicholas Laughlin


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Hong Kong: A Task Force to Save the Poor Rich  · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Alice Poon from Asia Sentinel commented on the setting up of a “Task Force” for tackling the financial tsunami. However, the focus of the task force was on the “poor rich”.


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Hungary: IMF Loan · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Edward Hugh of A Fistful of Euros writes about the details of the IMF/EU/World Bank loan package for Hungary.

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Iran: A former jailed blogger under pressure · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Mojtaba Saminejad, a former jailed blogger, writes that security forces threatened his wife and him because of his blog and political ideas. The blogger adds that his wife has been under pressure by security agents to complain against him.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Jamaica: Students Sex Orgy  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

As Jamaican police raid an alleged teen sex orgy, A Fe Me Page Dis Iyah comments: “I tell you from bad to worse, that is all I can say.”


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Jamaica, U.S.A.: The Right to Vote  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Jamaican diaspora blogger Geoffrey Philp wants the American electorate to remember “Esau Jenkins and all the civil rights leaders” who helped make it possible for them to vote tomorrow.


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Japan: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya · Global Voices
Chris Salzberg

In a post entitled “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”, Yasai-ＤＸ２ posts a picture of three guys [ja] dressed up as Japanese anime character Haruhi Suzumiya. “Well, they have nice legs, no?” one commenter responds.

author: Chris Salzberg


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Jordan: Meet the Foreigners, Arab Music, and Business Ideas · Global Voices
Mohammad Azraq

The number of young expatriates coming to Jordan for different purposes, commonly to learn Arabic, has become significant. Walking around Jabal Amman, you can notice them sitting in cafes and restaurants around the area. Jordandays.tv, a web television channel from Jordan came up with a programme for their website called “Meet the Foreigners”, hosted by American Emily Crawford, one of these young expats, in which she meets with her “countrymen” and asks them about the purpose of their visit to Jordan and how they perceive the country and culture.
This video is posted courtesy of Jordan Days
Carton cardboard for business, Saleem Ayoub Quna talks on 7iber about what he refers to as an ad-hoc successful small business project. He writes:
This is a picture of a cheap push-cart standing in the middle of the square in front of Al-Husseini Grand Mosque. The time is noon of the last Friday of Ramadan, the month of Fasting and piety which has left us few days ago.
It is the business of “selling or lending” a substitute for a prayer carpet that is offered to the worshippers who could not bring along their own colorful cloth prayer carpets from home. Each worshipper buys one piece of a cartoon, big enough to stand on while making the Friday prayers in the large square downtown Amman. Each piece is sold or rented, depending on the customer’s wish, for 100 Fils. I tried to count the number of those cartoons on the spot. They were in the hundreds.
So if there were at least 200 cartoons that would be good money for a time which does not exceed ten minutes. This is what I call the entrepreneurial spirit of the young generation in that bustling part of Amman.
Lina Ejeilat talks about Arabic music and a lecture she attended at the Manhattan School of Music:
I was in the midst of some google search, with at least 40 tabs open in my browser window – as usual – when I landed on the page of the Manhattan School of Music and found an announcement for a lecture on Arabic music with Simon Shaheen. I had found out recently that Shaheen lives in New York City and I was trying to find a way to get in touch with him for a project I’m working on.
Shaheen began talking about what distinguishes Arabic music – he explained the maqamat, and how they’re different from Western scales. He was demonstrating on his violin how the maqams allow for an abundance of modulations and melodic sounds, which makes Arabic music very melodically rich and different in that it does not rely on harmonic structures. Then he explained the rhythms and forms, and played his Oud and sang, all the while explaining the cultural and social context for these different forms.
Simon Shaheen has been doing an incredible job as an ambassador of Arabic music here. He organizes an annual Arabic music retreat in Massachusetts where students get an intensive session of Arabic music with ear-training, instrument and vocal lessons, and Arabic music theory. He recently composed a concerto for Oud that will premiere with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra soon and will be performed in Carnegie Hall next spring.
And Kinzi talks about a conference for Arab businesswomen she attended:
“Serve Your Way to the Top: The Secret of Great Women Leaders”. A conference designed to encourage and strengthen today’s leading business women, presented by LEAD International and sponsored by Eskadenia Software, the Business and Professional Women-Amman, and FrontRow Publishing magazines Living Well and Inti.
The main speaker is Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Jeanette and and Truett Cathy, the founder and CEO of Chik-fil-A, Inc. She is now telling us her father’s story of his first job as a newspaper boy at nine years old: too scared to speak to his customers, he left a card, but made sure he left the papers in a place most important for each of his customer’s needs. Later, not a brilliant student, not an athlete, without a college education, Truett Cathy began a restaurant chain that is now a family-run, 2.64 billion dollar business.

author: Mohammad Azraq


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Morocco: Disappointed in Australia · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

Vagabondeuse writes of a German family denied entry into Australia because their son has Down's Syndrome.

author: Jillian C. York


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Morocco: French Weekly Banned · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

A Moro in America reports that L'Express International, a popular French weekly magazine, has been banned in Morocco following alleged “blasphemy against Islam's prophet.”


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Morocco: Viewing the U.S. Elections · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

On the eve of the elections, the world is atwitter – and Morocco is no exception.  Bloggers based in Morocco – both Moroccan natives and foreign residents – are musing over potential election outcomes.  While Morocco is also no exception to the world's preference for Obama, bloggers have a lot more to say than “Yes we can!”  Here's a peek into Morocco.
Fulbrighter Morocco Road is anxious about being so far from the elections.  The blogger says:
And like many Americans both abroad and back in the States, this anxiety has translated into inactivity. Or a sort of constipated nervousness where I need the days to pass as quickly as possible. Larry David, the Seinfeld guy, says, “I can't take much more of this… I'm at the end of my rope. I can't work. I can eat, but mostly standing up. I'm anxious all the time and taking it out on my ex-wife, which, ironically, I'm finding enjoyable.”
It's the same for me here in Morocco, but I feel even more disconnected. And I especially miss the commentary of the media's talking heads. It has been so difficult for me to interpret the current state of world affairs without them!
Moroccan native allal-cinemagoer, whose blog discusses cinema and movies, has a message about the arts for the candidates:
However,because of the dangerous change that our world is going through especially America’s values and its famous civil rights are now at stake and most important we are going to have a new president who might again intensify war around the world, I just want to say that whoever win the battle to Washington Dc to become the president of The U S A ,Hollywood should reconsider its policy to produce movies of great talent based on dialog , love and especially altogetherness rather on discrimination,xenophobia,hate of Arabs,blacks,Hispanic,women,homosexuals etc.. .
Peace Corps volunteer Elizabeth of the blog adventures of a young twentysomething has found US politics to be meaningful to her Moroccan host family.  She shares an amusing anecdote:
Yesterday, it started snowing heavily. So I did what I usually do when I don't want to be in my house along; I went to my host family's. I sat around the fire and read a book. After a couple of hours, I turned on the TV. To my surprise and pleasure, the Daily Show came on. Ali, the now 15-month old, started pointing to the TV when the guest, Barack Obama, appeared. I wish my camera had been with me.
Just this week, Ali said his first word, ‘Baba,’ which is oh-so-close to ‘Obama.’ For about an hour, I practiced the word ‘Obama’ with Ali. But there was no luck. Maybe with more time, it will become his second word.
Author and blogger Laila Lalami shares a link to a story in the Guardian, explaining:
On the eve of Election Day, the Guardian newspaper has asked a few American writers what they think of the presidency of George W. Bush. As you might expect, none have anything good to say about him. There is outrage, there is anger, but there is also humor.  Here’s Tobias Wolff:”When I see someone being rude to a waiter, or blocking the road in a Ford Expedition, or yakking loudly on a cell phone in a crowded elevator, I naturally assume they voted for George W Bush.”
But the rhetoric of “change” is never far away.  Moonlight shares a simple image to highlight her feelings on the subject:
Originally posted on Voices without Votes.


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Poland: New Social Network For e-Members of Parliament · Global Voices
Sylwia Presley

After a huge success of Nasza-klasa.pl (“Our Class”), the most popular Polish social network similar to the British FriendsReunited, a new project is becoming well-known in Poland: Nasz-parlament.pl (“Our Parliament”) invites its users to become e-members of parliament and take part in e-voting to show the government the real opinions of the real citizens!
As of now, Nasz-parlament.pl has 636 members, and despite the fact that the first administrator joined the site at the end of April, it became popular only last month, with its 128 threads and 722 posts.
Apart form a discussion space, the portal provides insights into the currently discussed laws. Today, for example, one of the hot topics (POL) is a discussion of the new law on torture in special situations. According to Polish news site Dziennik.pl (POL), if the law is actually introduced, Poland will still have no right to torture at home, but will be able to exercise the right to stop terror suspects and “transfer them to countries like Egypt, where torture might be used.”
This piece of news has generated rather harsh comments on Dziennik.pl‘s forum. User Bożena, for example, is worried (POL):
I think it's time to deprive humanity of the basic freedoms using a dishonest excuse of terrorism. We've never had any terrorist attacks in Poland. God save us from the lies ruling the West, where people are losing their rights and freedom after every said-to-be terrorist attack.
Apart from linking to the current media stories, the Nasz-parlament.pl portal also gives space to politicians themselves to express their opinions and to specialists to share their reports relevant to current laws. (Here, for example, is more info on the consequences of a proposed act on earlier retirement.) All the current parliament members have their own sites on the portal.
As most other start-up portals, this one is looking for a sponsor, according to internetowo.eu blog (POL):
[…] Nasz-Parlament.pl is planning to live off ads or to find a sponsor in the future. […]
Like in any other social networks, users can create their profiles, use groups and forums, contact local representatives, and engage in discussion on-line.
And – let's not forget about the most important role of e-members of the parliament – voting! Nasz-Parlament.pl users can vote, and vote, and vote!
UPDATE: A reader has asked whether the site is available in English, but the answer is ‘no’ – Nasz-Parlament.pl is currently available only in Polish.

author: Sylwia Presley


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Nepal: Evaluation of OLPC Project · Global Voices
Rezwan

Open Learning Exchange Nepal (OLE Nepal) blog posts the summary of an evaluation of the OLPC Project in Nepal.

author: Rezwan


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Pakistan: The civil society movement · Global Voices
Rezwan

Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed at Pak Tea House discusses the scope and limitations of the civil society movement in Pakistan.


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Russia: Social Benefits and Bureaucracy · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

The previous GV translation from Russia dealt with how a few committed St. Petersburg bloggers have partially succeeded in relieving the bureaucratic torture that the local elderly people with disabilities were subjected to by the state authorities. By way of a follow-up, here is a story of another bureaucratic ordeal (RUS), shared by LJ user smitrich (Moscow-based journalist Dmitry Sokolov-Mitrich):
My grandmother from [Elektrostal, a city near Moscow] has asked me to help her get a [state] subsidy. So that she could pay less for her apartment.
I told her: “Why do you need to put yourself through all this trouble? Let me transfer this money to your [savings account] myself – what difference does it make to you where this money is coming from?”
No, she doesn't want it. She desires a subsidy. It must feel nice when the state is taking care of you. Labor veterans, home front workers, [category II disability pensioners] – they are known for such a weakness.
We killed the whole day on this. Rode everywhere by car. Didn't manage to get everything done: I'll have to go to Elektrostal once more.
Conclusion: if an elderly person in Russia doesn't have a young relative with a car – or just a young relative – [he or she] will never succeed in getting [all the paperwork required for a subsidy done] by [himself/herself].
The person who invented this whole scheme was probably hanging cats as a child and enjoying it.
Some of the comments to this post further show how ubiquitous this bureaucratic system is and how it affects all groups of citizens, not just the elderly:
katranka:
Yes, it takes a couple of weeks and more to gather all the certificates and stand in lines in order to get any kind of benefits payment here… It is especially horrible to watch single mothers who are forced to move through all these circles of hell to get money for their newborns. Old women, they are taking it one step at a time, they are at least not tied to breastfeeding and the child's schedule, and they don't have to run up the stairs with baby carriages… […]
***
eli_prophet:
While you […] are talking about getting some benefits out of the bureaucratic apparatus, what amazes me is how much energy one has to spend on getting what seems like the simplest paperwork done. To change [propiska, “the record of place of residence”], for example. Even the young ones need to store up some energy for that.
***
b_braga:
Recall [the Stanford prison experiment]. Most normal people who find themselves in an environment where humiliating others is considered a norm, eventually give in to the influence of those who surround them and begin to behave like sadists, too. Alas.
***
alukin:
I don't agree with the original phrase, “Why do you need to put yourself through all this trouble, let me send the money to you.” No, if your country owes to you – let it pay! Because otherwise one will fail [to collect], and then another, and the third… – and then someone will built himself yet another yacht on the money saved on the pensioners.


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South Africa: New Political Party is Born · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

A new political party is born in South Africa: “Yesterday (Saturday 1 November), marked yet another historic day in the politics of South Africa. As many had anticipated, a new political party will be born in South AfricaÂ in the Free State on December 16.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Sri Lanka: An open letter to the president · Global Voices
Rezwan

Vinod Joseph at Desicritics writes an open Letter to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his government's fight against the Tamil rebels. An interesting debate followed in the comments section of the post.


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Trinidad & Tobago: All Souls Day  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“Lapeyrouse Cemetery has fallen into disrepair over the last half a century; a severe indictment on a society that allows its dead to languish in squalour.  But on this afternoon in November, all is well…a reassuring reminder that our dead live within us and not alone in the dusty vaults and crypts of a decaying cemetery”: Trinidadian blogger Sharon Millar observes All Souls Day.


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Africa: Top 45 Female African Bloggers · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Afrigator's list of top 45 female African bloggers: “Ever wondered who the top female bloggers are in Africa, or which women you should be following online? We did, so we compiled the following list. For us compiling this list was an interesting excercise as we didn’t explicity know which blogs are authored by woman but we went on a mission to find out.”


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Americans Vote. The World Speaks. · Global Voices
Solana Larsen

Political news junkies, listen up! Global Voices U.S. election weblog, Voices without Votes is working round the clock to provide you with constant fix of world opinion.
Today, on election day in the United States, African bloggers have offered solidarity to Obama, a Venezuelan blogger wrote a poem about the impossibility of a Black man winning the election, and in Paris bloggers are planning parties, parties, parties.
Hoa Quach on Voices without Votes, quotes Asian bloggers who shared their anxieties about the upcoming results before going to sleep in a distant time zone:
In Indonesia, Maman wrote that an “anxious feeling” was coming over her. And, despite the polls agreeing with her, she is preparing for a GOP win:
“I am really having a strange feeling about the US Election, it's a strange feeling I can't describe. The poll survey surely go to my favor, OBAMA will win, but I do believe that race will play in the final result. I try to scare myself with the reality IF GOP win this election, it will be a big POUNCH on only to my stomach, but to almost most of the average American.”
In South Korea, Expat Jane, writes that she’s also feeling “nerves and anxiety” but is excited to find out the results:
“I've been so very cool during most of this campaign. At least, when it comes to the discussion of Obama winning because I believe he will. By this time tomorrow, we'll know.”
Don't forget to visit Voices without Votes tomorrow for reactions to the winner of the most exciting election in recent memory…

author: Solana Larsen


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Azerbaijan: New, Traditional Media Concerns · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Caucasus New Media says that while the world is focused on today's U.S. elections, Azerbaijani bloggers are more concerned with moves to prohibit foreign media outlets from broadcasting on local frequencies. However, the blog says that the decision might be delayed by a year and isn't yet concerned that the authorities might try to control the Internet next. Instead, it argues that with prices falling, local businesses are beginning to take new media and the Internet seriously.

author: Onnik Krikorian


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Bangladesh: Bangladeshi designer in Bridal Asia 2008 · Global Voices
Rezwan

Aneeta's Style Notes writes on the recent show of bridal collections in New Delhi which displayed the works of the leading South Asian designers: “I applaud Maheen Khan for representing Bangladeshi fashion on a platform that has long been dominated by Indian designers. Its been high time!”


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Bomb blasts in south Thailand · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Three bomb blasts were reported in the southernmost province of Narathiwat, Thailand. More than 60 people were injured.

author: Mong Palatino


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Brazil: New Orleans is more dangerous than any Brazilian city · Global Voices
Paula Góes

“Though Rio certainly suffers from other forms of criminality, like armed robbery, kidnapping, and a favela drug war, it is actually safer than most people would assume, since the media constantly bombards both foreigners and Cariocas alike with scenes of blood and gore, even though most people go about their everyday lives without incident”. Rachel learns that New Orleans is actually more dangerous than Brazilian cities.

author: Paula Góes


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Costa Rica: Calling on Congressman to Resign for His Role in Accident · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Juan Carlos Hidalgo is calling on Costa Rican Congressman Ovidio Agüero to resign for his role in the death of a cyclist [es]. Agüero was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.


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Costa Rica: Citizen Journalism Has Yet To Reach Its Full Potential · Global Voices
Jenny Cascante Gonzalez

From local bloggers to professional journalists to those that simply follow the media, everybody is waiting for the The First International Encounter of Citizen Journalism sponsored by Periodismo Ciudadano [es] and the Department of Collective Communication Studies at the Costa Rican University.  The event will take place in San José on November 17th.  Despite the fact that a considerable percentage of Costa Ricans have access to internet and related communication tools, citizen journalism is still not being developed at its highest and most desirable level.
Cristian Cambronero offers a quick description of the event in his site Fusil de Chispas [es]:
Entre los participantes como panelistas, habrá periodistas, bloggers, investigadores sociales y por supuesto: periodistas ciudadanos que han puesto en marcha emprendedores proyectos en línea.  La asistencia estará limitada a 100 participantes, no se cobrará nada, pero las inscripciones estarán sujetas a aprobación.
Amongt the panel participants, there will be professional journalists, bloggers, social investigators and of course: citizen journalists that have been working on online projects of their own.  Attendance is limited to 100 participants, there is no cost, but the registrations are subject to approval.
The official site of the event shows a complete view of the activities, with the event's objectives and other important details. According to Manuel Maqueda at Periodismo Ciudadano [es]:
La información ha dejado de ser vertical y está adoptando un modelo conversacional a escala global, con efectos inmediatos sobre la inteligencia colectiva, la formación de opinión, la libertad de información, la transparencia democrática y la participación popular en el devenir social y político.
The information is no longer vertical and it is adopting a conversational model on a global scale, and the immediate effects will be reflected on the collective intelligence, the shaping of opinions, the freedom of information, democratic transparency, and popular participation on social and political matters.
The site also offers a video-invitation with Maqueda, one of the organizers, who said:
El primer evento se celebrará el domingo 16 de noviembre en el Cuartel de la Boca del Monte en San José. Lo hemos denominado Red y Cervezas 2.0 y como el nombre sugiere es un encuentro informal para conocerse para intercambiar ideas y para establecer relación con otras personas. El día siguiente, lunes 17 de noviembre es el Primer Encuentro Internacional de Periodismo Ciudadano en Costa Rica. Es una agenda muy interesante e intensa llena de ponencias y debates.
The first celebration will be on November the 16th. We are calling it Networks and Beers 2.0 and as the name suggests, it is an informal encounter to meet one another and exchange ideas by establishing connection with other people. The next day, on November the 17th is the First International Gathering of Citizen Journalism in Costa Rica.  The agenda is really interesting and intense, full of debates and experiences.
Although journalism is still primarily considered a trained profession, there are other alternative activities that can be powered using citizen journalism principles.  Journalist and professor Gabriela Mayorga points out her plans and thoughts regarding education and Citizen Journalism on her blog Lo Imaginado [es]:
Tengo planeado un curso de extensión docente en la UCR (Universidad de Costa Rica) para facilitar a profesores el uso de algunas herramientas web para sus lecciones.
I am planning an extension course at the UCR (Universidad de Costa Rica) for professors to promote the use of some web tools for use in their lessons.
Gabriela also makes a little research on Citizen Journalism and finds some good examples on how news coverage can be reached by any one.
Los profesores también están pensando en cómo utilizar los dispositivos móviles que los estudiantes ya llevan con ellos -uso del celular para grabar el audio, o uso de la función de vídeo de una cámara fotográfica digital.
Teachers are also thinking about the utilization of mobile gadgets that students are already carrying with them –cellphones for audio recording, or using the video function of a digital camera.
Modern citizen journalism evokes the engagement of traditional media with networking investigation, which surely may improve, not only the processing of information, but material distribution.  By including members of the community through feedback through communication, expectations will grow, but knowledge will also be enriched.

author: Jenny Cascante Gonzalez


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Debate over Integration of Guerillas with Nepal Army  · Global Voices
Bhumika Ghimire

After taking break to celebrate Dashain and Tihar, politicians in Nepal are back at their old game of playing hard-ball politics. Bickering, trading accusations over the question of whether and how to integrate former Maoist guerrillas, popularly known as People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into the country’s national army.
The Maoists, who hold majority in the Constituent Assembly of Nepal and lead the current government, want to bring in their fighters into the mainstream instead of holding them in camps monitored by the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). But two major political parties are not sure this is the right move. Nepali Congress has clearly stated that it opposes the Maoist’s plan. The Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist and Leninist -UML) has said that the government is violating terms of previous agreement to push this measure through. Regional parties are coming up with their own plans on how to integrate the Army effectively. In all, a very confusing situation.
Debate on this issue in the blogs is largely tame. Very few are actually talking sides, most are analyzing the problem from the bench and offering their observation.
IRIN highlights the challenges Nepal faces in rehabilitating former Maoist fighters and how the process could affect the structure and stability of the national army. Their report indicates that integration could cause problems for the national army’s unity.
“There is a danger of mutiny inside the Nepal Army if the former rebels are integrated,” said one analyst, who asked not to be identified. The PLA combatants and army were sworn enemies during the conflict and often engaged in bloody combats, said the experts.”
Mike Dunham also points to the resistance facing the integration effort, focusing mostly on the moves Nepali Congress is making-publicly and in private-to attack the Maoist proposal:
“Behind the scenes, it is rumored that Koirala (Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Girija Koirala) is using the holidays to resolve his differences with another Nepali Congress leader and ex-prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in a meeting taking place in Biratnagar, Koirala’s ancestral home. Internal disputes within the party have kept Nepali Congress a hobbled foil to Maoist goals.”
While majority of bloggers are staying focused on being just observers, there are some passionately taking sides. BlogDai  (Dai-a Nepali word for elder brother) says that he has had a “change of heart” and now supports integrating the army. But he says that instead of blanket inclusion of former Maoist fighters, there should be some standards imposed:
“I say, “let em’ in!” Draw them out of the woods and villages and offer pay, training and discipline. Follow it up with a stern law against armed groups terrorizing villagers. After integration, no extortion, armed bullying or coercion by any group claiming to be Maoist would be deemed lawful, as there would be no need for such groups– only the Nepal Army.”
On the opposite side of BlogDai is Red Nepal who strongly opposes integration. The blogger protests “say no to politically indoctrinated soldiers!” and questions the motivation of the former fighters and their commitment to the nation:
“How can you have politically indoctrinated army as the national army? Will they be more responsible to the nation or to the partisan interests of CPN Maoists? The latter is inevitable – the way they have been trained.”

author: Bhumika Ghimire


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D.R. of Congo: Life at the Ranger Refugee Campa · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Description of life in a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “Yesterday afternoon I was at the camp with Diddy, checking on our Rangers and their families. The water situation is now under control, and we have not had another outbreak of cholera since Friday.”


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DR of Congo: No Rangers Reported Dead · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

It seems all rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are safe: “There is still a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding our Rangers who were at Rumangabo HQ 8 days ago who we have not yet managed to locate. Some remained at Rumangabo, some fled to Goma, and some traveled north towards Rutshuru and Kiwanja.”


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DR of Congo: Staff Evacuated From War Zone · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Latest report from the Democratic Republic of Congo: “Staff of the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) have been evacuated from DR Congo, as things remain tense between the Congolese army and rebel militia.”


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Ecuador: Abolish Mandatory Social Security Contributions · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Libertad Ecuador [es] states that mandatory contributions to social security should be abolished, and writes that this will ensure that the funds are out of the hands of politicians, as is the case in the current system.

author: Eduardo Avila


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India: Obama anywhere? · Global Voices
Rezwan

John Elliott at Riding the Elephant discusses whether India has a unifying politician like Obama.


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Jamaica: Accidental Shooting  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

YardFlex.com and A Fe Me Page Dis Iyah blog about the untimely death of a Jamaican schoolgirl who was accidentally shot by her father while he was trying to defend the family from bandits.

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Japan: Halloween party train · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Joe Jones from Mutantfrog posted a youtube video on the Halloween party train.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Kenya: I feel like an american · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Kenyan blogger, Abantu, feels like an American: “AMERICA VOTES! i have never been an American, probably never will be, but this morning i feel like an American.”


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Kenya: Morality, Obama and Kenya · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

An analysis of Kenya political and social landscape through Obama's candidacy: “This is Kenya; and yet, with no sense of the irony, we celebrate Obama. We declare him a victory over racism and oppression. We say that he can only lose the election if Americans confirm their chauvinistic essence. We forget in our analyses that Obama is only where he is today because millions of white Americans have supported his candidature. We neglect that in supporting Obama in spite of our often violent opposition to what he stands for; it is we who are paying primary allegiance to race.”


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Kenya: Obama be thy name · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Kenyan reggae video for Obama: “Obama Be Thy Name.”


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Maldives: Priviledges for the former president · Global Voices
Rezwan

Think Maldives’ blog discusses about a proposed bill in the Maldives parliament which will fix the immunities and privileges of the former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who lost in the recently concluded presidential election.


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Martinique: California’s Proposition 8 ‘a violation of civil rights.  Period.’ · Global Voices
Jennifer Brea

From Martinique, le blog de [moi] discusses Proposition 8[Fr], a proposed amendment to the California constitution that would prohibit same-sex marriage and is expected to pass in a referendum on Tuesday.  She writes that denying gays and lesbians the right to marry is a “violation of civil rights.  Period,”  and points out that California recognized marriage as a fundamental human right when, in 1948, it became the first state to legalize interracial marriage.

author: Jennifer Brea


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Montenegro: Dependency on Russia · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Central Europe Activ reports that “the Russian aluminum king” Oleg Deripaska may close down his Podgorica aluminum plant, “which gives a half of Montenegro’s export capacity.”

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Myanmar: Traditional medicine · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Myat Thura uploads an e-book about Myanmar's traditional medicine practices.


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North Caucasus: Circassian girls · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

The Tbilisi Blues pays homage to Circassian girls, apparently among the world's most beautiful women. The blog posts some early photographs of what it calls Moss-haired Girls and says that many were to be found in the harems of Turkish sultans.


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Obamamaniacs in Cote d’Ivoire Anxiously Await Election Results · Global Voices
Jennifer Brea

Read Le Blog de Yoro [Fr], and you'll get the sense that the American presidential election has completely taken over Abidjan, the capital city of Cote d'Ivoire.
Not to mention Yoro's blog, which in recent days has sported a new title (Elections Americaines 2008, Vues d'Abidjan), a new banner (Obama, McCain, the White House, and the Red, White and Blue), and an audio recording of the U.S. national anthem.
Yoro describes the excitement of this election for a country and a continent:
C'est le jour-J ! Les Américains vont dans quelques heures décider de qui sera leur futur président.
Le monde entier regarde avec attention ce scrutin électoral qui est certainement le plus suivi de toutes les élections américaines. La raison: Un “homme de couleur” est dans la course. Et selon les sondages, il pourrait être désigné vainqueur.
L'Afrique retient son souffle avec le Kenya en tête. Un de ses fils est dans la bataille.
La Côte d'Ivoire n'entend pas être en reste de cette ferveur électorale qui a embrasé le monde entier.
It's D-Day!  In a few hours, Americans are going to decide who will be their future president.
The entire world is watching attentively this vote which is most certainly the most-watched of all the American elections.  The reason: a “man of color” is in the race.  And according to the polls, he could be the winner.
Africa is holding its breath, especially Kenya.  One of its sons is in the flight.
Cote d'Ivoire has no intention of being left out of this election fever that has set the whole world on fire.
Yoro has photographs of an election-watching party at a hotel in Abidjan, where a a big-screen television, an American flag, and a room of empty red chairs await the guests who will pour in when night falls in America.
Les préparatifs vont bon train pour offrir aux “amoureux d'Obama” la possibilité de voir se dérouler en live cette nuit historique.
Décor aux couleurs américaines, musique “Gospel”, tee-shirt et casquette Obama… tout y est à l'hôtel ivoire (le plus grand hôtel de la capitale) pour que la soirée soit explosive…
Preparations are well underway to give “Obama lovers” a chance to watch, live, as this historic night unfolds.
Decorations in American colors, “Gospel” music, Obama hats and t-shirts…all this at the Hotel Ivoire (the grandest hotel in the capital) so that the evening will be a smash…
And on the Obamamania that's gripped the capital this week:
Les Ivoiriens semblent avoir choisi leur candidat (comme plusieurs Africains d’ailleurs) : Barak Obama!…
…Dans certains commerces, des articles à l’effigie du candidat démocrate s'arrachent comme des petits pains. Tee-shirts, chemises, casquettes, porte-clé etc…
De nombreuses petites entreprises ont elles aussi décidé de porter le nom du sénateur de l’Illinois. A l’exemple de “Obama Business Center”, spécialisée dans les «services internet (appels internationaux, photo numérique, tous travaux informatiques)»…
En effet, de plus en plus de nombreuses structures voient le jour pour soutenir la candidature de Barak Obama. C’est le cas “Comité de soutien de la campagne de Barack Obama en Côte d`Ivoire”, dirigé par Alain Gaoussou Diabaté.
Au cours d’un point de presse, ce dernier affirme que «le comité Afrique pour Barack Obama est un groupe de lobby constitué de libres penseurs de toutes nationalités et origines et de toutes confessions. Le comité a pour vocation de s`implanter sur tout le continent africain et dans toute la diaspora pour faire connaître le sénateur de l`Illinois».
Ivorians seem to have chosen their candidate (like many Africans elsewhere) Barack Obama!…
In certain shops, articles bearing the image of the Democratic candidate are selling like hot cakes.  T-shirts, baseball hats, keychains, etc…
Numerous small businesses have also decided to carry the name of the Senator from Illinois.  For example, the “Obama Business Center,” specializing in “internet services (international calls, digital photos, all your informationa needs)”…
In fact, more and more groups of have sprung up in support of Barack Obama.  Like the “Committee for the Barack Obama campaign in Cote d'Ivoire,” headed by Alain Gaoussou Diabaté.
During a press conference, [Diabaté] explained “the African Committee for Barack Obama is a lobbying group comprising free-thinkers of all nationalities, origins, and religions.  The committee's mission is to establish itself throughout the African continent and the Diaspora to make known the senator from Illinois.”
Yoro promises to continue to report on the American election from Abidjan throughout the day and in the days to come.
This post originally appeared on Voices Without Votes.


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Pakistan: Overpopulation · Global Voices
Rezwan

Pak Tea House analyzes and finds that overpopulation is the root of many current problems in Pakistan.


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Peru: The Passing of Yma Sumac · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Blogging Somnio [es] writes about the passing of Peruvian sorpano singer Yma Sumac.


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Philippines: Cebu bloggers · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Cebu-based bloggers have set-up the Cebu Bloggers Society. Cebu island is located in central Philippines.


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Russia: Zhirinovsky for Obama · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Ukrainiana reports that Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the notorious vice speaker of the Russian Duma, supports Barack Obama.


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Singapore: School facilities during the 1960s · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Times of my life posts pictures of classrooms, school desks and other school facilities of Singapore during the 1960s and 1970s.


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Sri Lanka: Anti Aircraft System · Global Voices
Rezwan

Cerno writes about a recent speculation in Sri Lanka that the country is procuring Anti Aircraft System from Czech Republic to destroy the small aircrafts of the Tamil Tiger air wing.


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Thailand: Interview with opposition leader · Global Voices
David Reid

Thai Blogs has a two part interview with Ajarn Nimit Somboonwit of the opposition group, PAD: Part 1 and Part 2. The interview provides some insight into the thinking and motivation of the PAD.

author: David Reid


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Trinidad & Tobago: Gingerbread House  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“Trinidad's vernacular architecture is a reflection of its patchwork history”: My Chutney Garden blogs about “the most beloved of all the local architectural styles…The Gingerbread House design with its extensive fretwork and high ceilings.”


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Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: Impossible is Nothing · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Trinidadian blogger Attillah Springer speaks to students in a disadvantaged area of Port of Spain, encouraging them to “defy the expectations this society has of them…because if a man called Barrack Hussein Obama can have a reasonable shot at being the President of the United States of America then by ShangoAllahShivaJesus, anything is possible.”


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Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: That’s a Wrap!  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Blogging from Trinidad and Tobago, This Beach Called Life thinks that one of the first things the new US President should pay attention to is Wrap Rage.


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U.S.: “Weighing Obama versus McCain” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Marko Attila Hoare of Greater Surbiton is “weighing Obama versus McCain.”


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Vietnam: Saigon Development and Construction · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

A blog was set-up to document the new infrastructure projects in Ho Chi Minh City.


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Who Would Iraq Elect, Obama or McCain? · Global Voices
Salam Adil

Is the question Alive in Baghdad asks in a video roundup of public opinion, Correspondents Nabeel Kamal and Ali Al-Le’abiy interview Iraqi's on the streets of Baghdad. AiB writes:
Our sampling was done in a short timeframe and by no means represents a statistically accurate cross-section of the Iraqi public. However, we do feel that you will hear an array of different opinions, and begin to gain a little insight into how the Iraqi public views the American government and electorate, more than five and years after the invasion.
[display_podcast]
As Nibras Kazimi says, “Perhaps no other country in the world sees itself as directly affected by Tuesday’s outcome as much as Iraq… If any case could be made that non-Americans should be allowed to vote for either Obama or McCain, then Iraqis would get the first go.” So who would Iraqi bloggers vote for? There is a very wide range of opinions to choose from. Nibras himself gives his whole hearted support to McCain. He writes:
History can be made on someone else’s time, not when there’s a crises afoot; Iraqis need to be vigilant and practical in their choice… Who will be a better president for them? Who will help them defeat the terrorists, curb Iran and stabilize the region?
The clear answer is McCain.
Another Iraqi living in the US, Iraqi Mojo would have supported McCain but was put off by the choice of vice president:
I like McCain. I appreciate his efforts to help Iraq defend itself against terrorists. He has criticized the Bush administration's blunders in Iraq. But when it came time to choose a running mate, McCain chose poorly, in my opinion. I found her comments about “real” America to be strange – they reminded me of Arabs who cling to “real” Iraqis. Palin mocked community organizers and implied they don't have actual responsibilities.
Neurotic Wife, an Iraqi who worked in the Green Zone, is not impressed with the argument that American troops needs to remain to keep Iraq secure. She writes about a conversation with her husband and discloses a hint of bitterness towards the current Iraqi government:
Looks like Obama will win, he said. What do you think Neurotica? Wow, I was actually impressed he asked my opinion, for in the past few days he has been pretty sick and not really conversive. I wish Obama wins, I typed. I wish he wins and withdraws all the troops by end of the year. HUBBY was shocked at my answer. How come Neurotica? If the US leaves there will be chaos and Iran will jump in. We cant let that happen.
I Lol’ed so much, for Iran is ALREADY in. The government of Iraq is nothing but Iran’s puppet. “Neighbouring countries should respect the sovereignty of Iraq” is ALL BS. I really really want the troops to leave, and Im serious…
I want chaos to break. YES. I DO. This is the only solution. The only solution to the current Iraqi govt. They are useless, and will continue to be so because even though they say they want the forces to leave, they know it wont happen, and so every night when they go to bed, they're confident that a soft cushion awaits their empty heads. They depend on the forces. I get really angry when I talk about this subject. I get really upset, that such a rich, resourceful country has ended up in such filthy hands. Filthy, corrupt and no loyalty. No loyalty to the earth they are walking on. I want them to suffer…
Yes, Obama, please win. Win and withdraw the troops. Personally I believe the US is wasting its time. Its time, money and effort. Try and save the fallen economy instead with the money you will be wasting on Iraq. Iraq has enough money. Iraq is rich. Unfortunately the wealth is going into Ammar al Hakeem’s pockets, and his repulsive likes. Do you know that he bought properties here in the Emirates worth millions of dollars? No you don’t know that fact. He spends millions while the children of Iraq die of starvation, cholera, typhoid, abuse, rape and torture. WELL DONE Ammar!!! Lets see what happens to you when the forces leave? I want to see you torn apart, exactly the same way a lion preys on his victim. Is what Im saying vicious? I really hope so.
The reply McCain gave when one of his supporters accused Obama of being an “Arab” dismayed several bloggers. Treasure of Baghdad wrote:
I'm sure all of you saw this ignorant American woman rallying for McCain saying she doesn't trust Obama and that she has “read about him and found out he's an Arab.” At first, I thought she said “he's an error” which is why I accepted McCain saying, “No, Madam. He's a decent family man…” But when I realized she meant an “Arab” and connected it to what McCain said, I felt very offended. It appeared as if he was saying, “No, Madam. He's is decent, not Arab.” I wonder if he said that deliberately to convey that Arabs are not decent and that since Obama is not an Arab, he's decent!
In all cases, I'm not surprised that this came from a McCain supporter and from McCain himself. I wonder what would the Arab Americans feel when they heard this ignorant woman. What would they think when they see the country they built along with their Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, atheist and Hindu countrymen intolerant like this.
Hammorabi puts his outrage more bluntly:
this indicates the hatreds and racial discriminatory attitude that JM [John McCain] harbors toward the others especially Arabs and Muslims.
If JM is going to be the next US president he will never be able to remove the stigma of being racially discriminating against the Arabs neither any one Muslim including the American Muslims will forget for him such nauseating comments. He will be nothing but a failure. In fact whether he is elected or not the American Muslims and American Arabs should lawsuit him for his racial insult against them.
And Finally
Given the obvious embarrassment Barak Obama has shown about his middle name, Hussein, I wonder how the Republicans will take Nibras Kazimi's compliments when he compares John McCain to that great Muslim leader:
‘Hussein’ is a popular name in the Muslim world, in both the Sunni and Shia components of it, because it was the name of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. There are only two male bloodlines that go back to Muhammad, through the brothers Hassan and Hussein… But Hussein is made more unique because he led a desperate rebellion against a dynasty that had usurped the leadership of Islam. Hussein was led to believe that he enjoyed overwhelming support in the battleground state of Kufa, and he barnstormed his way over there only to find that his get-out-the-vote machine was busted, while that of his enemies had managed to raise an army of several thousand…
Hussein found himself on the plains of Karbala surrounded by a rebel band of a few dozen kinsmen and womenfolk, the mavericks of Islam. All around them were the fluttering banners and ranks of the enemy, thousands and thousands of them, hemming in the rebels from the riverside of the Euphrates…
I will spare you the details of the epic battle… The last man standing was old Hussein. He had just watched his cousins, his brothers, and his sons get cut down one after the other… The story ends with Hussein making his last stand, and the rest is history…
John McCain though, fights in the same spirit as Imam Hussein. Faced with incredible odds, he marches on towards battle. There’s honor in his cause, and that keeps him strong, unwavering.
And I guess that’s also where I draw my own strength and commitment in this bleak final stretch.
“Every day is Election Day. Every land is a battleground state.”
Here’s to fighting the good fight!

author: Salam Adil


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Armenia: I am American · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Unzipped celebrates the victory of Barack Obama in yesterday's U.S. presidential election. The blogger says that this November is a historic month, but notes that as much as expectations are high of the president-elect, the possibility for disappointment is high as well.


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Australia: Positive About the new President · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Rubenerd writes “It is just such a great feeling to finally have someone in charge of the Western world who is intelligent and who I can talk about in positive tones for the first time. That is really a great thing!”

author: Preetam Rai


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Azerbaijan: Good Morning, Mr. President · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

The View From Baku posts an account and video from the Hyatt Regency where the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan invited American citizens to watch the election returns from yesterday's presidential vote. The bloggers says the emotion was surprising and that many Azerbaijanis congratulated him on Barrack Obama's victory.


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Bangladesh: Cloud of uncertainty over election · Global Voices
Rezwan

An Ordinary Citizen writes on the steps of BNP, one of the major political party in Bangladesh to delay the impending parliament election: “BNP will make a unforgivable mistake if it does not join election.”


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Bhutan: Crowning of a new King · Global Voices
Rezwan

Cigay at Kuzu-Bhutan weblog writes a poem as a tribute to the coronation celebrations of the King Fifth Druk Gyalpo to be held tomorrow in Thimphu, Bhutan.


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Brunei: Health projects · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Climbing the Concrete Hills is happy over the several health-related projects in Brunei.


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Brunei: Old Mosques · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

The Daily Brunei Resources writes about old mosques in Brunei.


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Bulgaria, U.S.: “Political Action” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

How to Marry a Bulgarian spent three hours at an Obama campaign office this past weekend, “making calls to Pennsylvanian voters, encouraging them to turn out and vote” – and during that time, she “really felt that there was hope and that we were all contributing to bringing about change. That is not a feeling I get when considering political action in my native Bulgaria. Alas.”


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Central & Eastern Europe, U.S.: “Cloudy Vision” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Leopolis discusses the possible impact of “a McCain or Obama presidency” for Central Europe.


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China and Hong Kong: Voting Rights, Changes and Ending Cold War · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The world is waiting for the U.S presidential election result. According to the Xinhua internet poll, 85% of the mainland Chinese netizens believe Obama will win the election (9pm Nov 4). Another commercial site Sohu.com shows that more than 240 thousands Chinese netizens support Obama, while only 90 thousands support McCain (7:30pm Nov 4). In Hong Kong, some Chinese American bloggers openly expressed their supports for Obama.
Obama or McCain?
Spring onion is a mainland Chinese Obama supporter even though s/he doesn't have voting right:
美国大选，正紧张进行中，我比较喜欢奥巴马，希望他会赢！
什么时候，我们也能像USA那样，来个选举，投个票。长这么大，我好像从来没有选举投票过，（除了2005年春春的比赛）。看到美国人排队投票的样子，很羡慕哦。他们在行使公民的权利，他们感受并感觉到了。我说这几句话，不知道算不算反动啊？？没问题吧，言论自由。我只是小小的羡慕一下。
I wonder when we can have such kind of election in China. I have never voted before (except for a competition in 2005). I really envy seeing the American lining up for voting and excising their civic rights. I wonder if I would be labelled as reactionary by expressing this? It shouldn't be a problem under the principle of freedom of speech… I just express my little envious feeling…
ZGB believes that Obama will win, but he supports McCain:
我的感觉：奥巴马会获胜。
在奥巴马和麦凯恩之间，我是倾向麦凯恩的。
为什么？因为奥巴马年轻、黑人、民主党，
他有热情，有冲劲，想要改变！
但现在的美国被布什弄得乱七八糟，
再上一个奥巴马，会给世界更充满不确定性。
邓小平说，稳定是压倒一切的！
Ending Cold War Myth
SJXW quoted a more sophisticated analysis from local newspapers written by Chen Gui-bing about Obama's mission in ending the Cold War rationality in the U.S:
冷战已经以美国所希望的那种结果而结束，最新的世界体系中也只剩下美国一极，美国因此需要经历又一次重大转折。遗憾的是，大多数美国人似乎不能很好地适应这一巨大转变，他们的思维模式仍然沉迷于冷战神话以及支撑其存在的道德优越感中不能自拔。照我的看法，这才是当今这个一团糟的世界的根源。
首先，冷战神话的核心是势均力敌的对抗，冷战思维要得以成立，就必须存在一个一心想要并且拥有足够实力威胁美国乃至整个西方世界的强大敌人。在后冷战时代，我们诧异地看到，美国为了寻找到一个新苏联，经常无端地夸大和指责潜在的竞争对手，有时甚至到了歇斯底里的程度。美国人似乎怎么都不愿意相信，当今世界已经没有了足以挑战和威胁到美国霸权地位的力量。谙熟人情世故的人都知道，所谓“敌人”，很多时候并不是必然的，而是自己“制造”出来的。今天的美国，正在世界各地到处“寻找”并“制造”着自己的敌人，这里面显然存在一种恶性循环关系。
The core of Cold War Myth is based on a dichotomatic relation of two powers, which called for a strong enemy figure that could threaten the U.S and the World. In the post Cold War era, in order to look for a new USSR, the U.S has been exaggerating the threat of its competitors. Sometimes the reaction is hysterical. It seems that American don't want to believe that no other countries in this world can challenge and threaten the hegemonic position of the U.S.. Political observers with clear mind know that the so-called enemies are “manufactured”. And the U.S has been “seeking” and “manufacturing” its enemies all over the world and it has created a vicious circle.
美国确实需要“Change”，但这可能并非奥巴马所能想到和主张的改变。面对这个后冷战时代的纷乱世界，美国必须以一个新的神话来代替已经过时的冷战神话，就像它半个世纪前以冷战神话代替孤立主义神话一样。然而，这只能由美国自己来完成，我们所能做的非常有限。
Changes
In Hong Kong, some Chinese-Americans show their support to Obama. Sun rise posts a Chinese American committee's open letter that lists out 5 reasons for supporting Obama , including his background, foreign policy, health care, migrant and economic policy:
親愛的華人選民，作為一個偉大歷史轉折時刻的見證人和參與者，我們誠摯地期望您能同我們一起，為了我們的子孫後代，支持奧巴馬參議員。讓我們 一同重振美國的建國理想，一同書寫美國歷史的新篇章。
Ki is among one of the HK-American voting for Obama:
相反美國於七年前開始，花盡金錢去反恐，結果怎樣？  為了表示不滿，奇決定盡公民權利去投票。
奇以前讀書時從沒想過會有黑人可當總統的，現在可以有黑人選總統，這表示時代的進步了。希望奧巴馬可以真真正正的實行他的經濟綱領，創造新的工作機會和應對經濟下滑。 這世界的和平和經濟都交給他手了！希望不會信錯人啦！
We Need Change!
In my school days, I never thought that an African American can be a president, now we have this possibility. It means the history has been progressing. I hope that Obama can really carry out his economic policy, create more jobs and tackle the economic downfall. The world peace and economy is at his hand now. I hope I have made a right choice. We need Change!
Where's our voting rights?
Most of the HK-ers of course don't have the vote and can only express frustration like thosewerethedays:
回看香港，特首，我們沒有權選擇；立法會呢？有一半議員是普羅市民無權選擇的、甚至連區議員中，有五分一委任議員，也是選民無權置喙。究竟，香港人何時可以有權選擇改變？雖然改變未必一定變好、甚至可能變壞，可是，連選擇改變的權也沒有，又怎能叫香港人學懂承擔社會責任、更負責任地去看待大大小小政治和社會議題？沒有選擇改變的權利，又怎能期望市民對社會、對政府負責、有所承擔？因為政府不是他們選出來的呀！


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Costa Rica: Rise in Telemarketing Calls · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Opinion 3ccv is fed up with the increasing number of “spam” telephone calls [es] being received at home.  The majority are from travel agencies offering packages and from credit card companies.


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Egypt: ‘Obama’s Win was Obvious’  · Global Voices
Tarek Amr

It's official now, Obama is the 44th president of the United States, and for sure the Egyptian bloggers have mixed opinions about the new president of the world … ehm … USA.
Ahmed Doreiny wrote here how Obama's victory was so obvious.
Also Sara – One Long Road – wrote here welcoming Obama:
I hope he's sincere and honest and true.
Being the first African-American President, he should have a lot of eyes watching him and a lot of pressure which I think he shouldn't give in to.
While Mohaly wrote here:
I am not dreaming that US president will care about us, coz it is all about benefits in politics. But I am really happy that Obama won the presidency because he is a symbol of someone who challenged everyone, came over taboos and granted stuff, and was persistent enough to plan and reach his goals.
I respect the American people who had the guts to know that they were wrong for the last 8 years and it is about time to fix their mistake (67% of states voted for change)!
Obama is a really an international president, born in Hawaii, has african father, had his childhood in Asia, and is an American citizen…. black father, white mother…. Muslim father, secular mother, and Christian child… it is rare to find all these stuff in one person.
And finally “An Egyptian” has a different opinion here:
I wish Obama you drop dead before you become the US president.

author: Tarek Amr


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Egypt: The Struggle to Wear Hijab on TV · Global Voices
Eman AbdElRahman

Faith tackled the story published by BCC, about Ghada El-Tawil who recently returned to television, after she was sacked from her job as anchorwoman in the Egyptian National Television six years ago when she began wearing a headscarf or Hijab.

author: Eman AbdElRahman


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EU, US: Local Interests First · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Dr. Filomena writes: “I certainly hope all Europeans so involved with the issues surrounding the US elections will be as active next year during EU’s elections. Not to mention the ones in their own individual countries. Those might indeed affect us.”


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Hungary, U.S.: Election Coverage · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Hungarian Spectrum writes about the coverage of the U.S. election in the Hungarian media.


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Indonesia: Execution of Bali bombers · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Indonesia is waiting for two events this month of November: the victory of Barack Obama (who lived in Jakarta for five years); and the execution of three Bali bombers – Imam Samudra, Amrozi Nurhasyim and Ali Ghufron.
The Bali bombing in 2002 killed 202 people – 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians. The bomb attack was supposedly a form of protest against the US-led invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The three bombers were sentenced to death five years ago. No date has been announced for the day of execution but it is expected to take place this week. The family of one of the bombers will file a complaint if the execution will push through.
The case has dragged on for so long because of legal issues. Spruiked: djak style explains:
“The Bali bombers have been a thorn in the side of the Indonesian Government for many reasons, not only the rather dramatic annihilation of 202 partying bules and the Indonesians serving them. Their lawyers have tested the patience of the Attorney-General. They have tried everything from accusations of corruption, to challenging the law under which the bombers were charged and convicted. When that didn’t work, they took the unprecedented step of challenging the means of execution – death by firing squad – as unconstitutional. They’re not finished yet: this week they threatened to take the Government to the International Court of Justice.”
In light of the imminent execution, police is on heightened alert today. SMS bomb threats are spreading. Wazeen's blog observes:
“On my way to the Blitz Megaplex at Grand Indonesia Plaza, I saw some police “bomb dociler”car at the the lobby of the plaza, and on my way home to Ciputat my taxi was stopped, and I was investigated by the police near Pondok Indah Mall, and the police sniffed some metal stuffs in my macbook's charger, they were very suspicious to all wires in my backpack, and they also took a look to my pack of rice that I brought.
“The taxi driver complained that during the day he got only a few guests, and in the mall and other shopping centers there were only a few people.”
The embassies of the United States and Australia both received serious threats. Australia has issued a travel warning advising residents about the security threats in Indonesia. It also raised a terror alert.
Authorities have a reason to fear. The bombers have written an open letter encouraging their supporters to retaliate after they are executed. Excerpts from the open letter:
“You, the little people, will be easy to ‘smack down’ by the mujahideen.”
“You will be defeated in this world and will be taken to hell.”
“Who doesn't know that the toothless giant, the US infidel and their allies, are now dying.
“You think, if you execute the three of us, you can walk freely, there's no way.”
“Remember: there's not one free Muslim blood drop!”
Hardship Posting also quotes from the letter:
“It says that if Allah destines them to die from the bullets of police then it will be a savage action.
“To all Islamic people, especially Mujahidin wherever they are, it is your obligation to claim war and kill the persons involved in the execution, like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, (the President) Jusuf Kalla,(vice-president) Andi Mattalatta (Justice Minister), Hendarman Supandji (AG), AH Ritonga (special crimes prosecutor), all the Judges and prosecutors, Hindus, Kaffir and hypocrite Christians and all the execution team, American's slaves etc,” the letter says.
“They further call for all supporters of their execution to also be killed.
“And they say that for Mujahidin everywhere, including Osama bin Laden, to ‘get revenge, blood with blood, life with life.”
The bombers claim they are ready for the execution. See video below:
A Jihadi Cemetery is being proposed where all Jihadists who sacrificed their lives can be buried. Some Indonesians are even donating their land for this burial ground. The RAB Experience comments:
“It is almost comical in a sense the competition that is being generated with regards to signing up the families of the soon to be dead killers to a burial spot.”
Treespotter criticizes the exaggerated media coverage of the issue:
“The over-coverage and over-scrutiny in the media circus turned these three convicted bombers to instant bumper stickers for an entire new generation of poor Javanese children.
“A few hundred thousand kids in Java would be named after the three convicted murderers. They are now stuff of legends. Bookies are now placing national odds. They will appear before the names of people they killed on Google search.
“The television coverage disgusted me. The whole thing just disturbs me. I don’t think they deserve it.”
The bombers want a “painless death.” My Busy Brain reacts:
“Whatta..f&$K?!  They should’ve been stoned to death like in the Arab country, if they are ‘real moslems’.
“So, bombing Kuta didn’t cause any pain for the 202 people? Didn’t cause pain for the families? Didn’t cause pain for the Balinese because of the low tourism? Didn’t cause pain for the whole Indonesians? I have seen people, good people, die of cancer in agony.  So why would they deserve a humane execution?
“An eye for an eye. Pick your bullet yourself.  That’s the most that I would have told them.  Which, makes me think of what kind of really good death penalty that will not waste the flesh of a human being are good for the convicts.”
terlambat 6 bulan on the lesson to be learned from the issue:
“If I can wish something from this execution is that let’s just make it as a lesson, enough stubbornest about the idea that terrorism is a way to make a better world, at least three persons prove it wrong. I hope that there will be no other person being executed for this foolish idea but more importantly that there will not be any other victim of terrorism.”
Maruscha does not support a death sentence for the bombers:
“I know they have done such a bad thing, they ruined Indonesia's dignity in front of other countries. What is sad though, none of them regretted doing such thing. They were proud and felt like celebrities because all the attentions were on them. One of them even titled as “The Smiling Bomber.” Sad.
“But my question is, do they deserve to die? I believe none in this world deserve to die, all of us have a right to live, even though we did such a bad thing, we still deserve a chance.
“A lot of people are opposing the execution, even some groups in Australia whose citizens are the most killed are now opposing the execution.
“I think it is already happened and executing them will not bring anything back. How much I hate their sins, I don't think they deserve to die. Sooner or later they will be executed anyway.
“I am just wondering what they are thinking at the moment, do they finally regret doing that or do they still think that they have done a good deed and now ready to be taken to ‘heaven'?”


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Iraq: OBAMAAAAAAA!!!! woooohooooo. Wow!!! · Global Voices
Salam Adil

So says Neurotic Iraqi Wife. Overall Iraqi blogs were positive toward president elect Obama, but not all bloggers were happy.
Layla Anwar only foresees doom for Iraq during Obama's presidency:
So Obama, the booma, won the elections. [Booma means owl, but in Iraqi dialect it also means someone very stupid]…
the vice president for the booma Obama is none other than J.Biden. J.Biden, the Zionist, is an ardent supporter of the partition of Iraq into three statelets. No wonder Maliki and Co were also backing the booma along with Iran… I am glad that the evil, bastard Bush is out. No doubt about it. But I shall not congratulate you on your 44th president. He will simply finish off what the other Zionists had started — The final partition of my country.
To hell with all of you and all of your presidents.
To say that Neurotic Wife is pleased with the US presidential election would be an understatement. She writes:
Change, change, change. Change is on its way. Change to the vicious Bush administration. The Bush administration that lied, tricked, conned the world, and most of all conned the Iraqis. … For me, this is not just about history, this is about someone who was able to bring down the very people that broke my country. It’s a great punch to the very people that destroyed the individual Iraqi. And that to me is an enough victory.
I will only have to say to Mr Obama, don’t let us down. You came thus far, and as an Iraqi Im depending on you. Don’t let dirty politics break your promises. … I learnt a few lessons in life, and that is to never ever over expect things from individuals, but in this instance I am. I am expecting many things from Obama. And disappointment is NOT one of them. As for all the red neck extremists out there, for all you people who cannot fathom how a black American can be your president, Tough luck. Live with it…
It’s a beautiful clear sky today. A BLUE sky. The start of a new era. The Obama Era…
And Fatima, an Iraqi American is at last proud. She declares:
For me, I am so proud of America right now. Proud of it for overcoming so much, and showing us what it is capable of.
And for me, I really hope that Obama does not disappoint. I hope that he leads this nation to justice and equality for all, and that he stays away from aggression, wherever it may be. I hope that he does not become just another one of them presidents.
And finally, I really do salute John McCain on his work and his speech last night. It was chivalrous, and I hope he rests after his long years of service.
GOOOBAMA! Long Live Justice, Equality and all this is good in this world!
And Finally
I end with messages of congratulations from Iraqis to America.
Iraqi Mojo:
Americans have elected an African American man named Barack Hussein Obama as their next President. God bless America!
Sahar:
Am I happy for Iraq? I don't know. I don't know what will happen and I'm afraid.
Will he pull out the troops?
Will he care enough to reach a good compromise – fair to the Iraqi people?
But in spite of all my fears, I am so happy for America – You have come such a long way. You had the strength, the will to elect this man of change. And with all my heart I hope he puts America on the path to recovery.
To see America again on the pedestal of freedom and democracy, a benign force that heals instead of hurts, unites instead of divides – soon inshalla.
I wish to congratulate you all.
Iraq Pundit:
Over the years I have often found myself defending Americans from such critics as the French or Arabs, who charge the people of the U.S. are ignorant racist idiots. I have tried to talk to those critics, but naturally I got nowhere. Maybe the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States will tell them how wrong they are. Only the heartless were not moved last night when Obama was announced the winner of the presidency. … So congratulations to Barack Obama. Let no one say this is not an amazing country.
And from Baghdad, Marshmallow26:
Congratulations dear Americans on the elections and the new US president. no matter how the results came out, you hope and we hope that the new president will bring a brighter future to the USA and Iraq.
More than 130 million Americans have been voted. That is a massive number.
What I like the most about Americans is that they didn't put ” race” on top priorities while voting, the majority of white people had elected Obama who is an African descent, because they don't believe in colors or religions but principles towards the country and its people…
Once again Mabrook :)


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Israel: Is Obama good for Israel? · Global Voices
Gilad Lotan

As America elects its next president, Israeli bloggers ponder which candidate is best for their country. Below are several perspectives on the topic:
Orit Kamir writes
Daniel Yanai writes:
בדיקת העבר תגלה בבירור כי ג`ון מק`קיין הוא אוהד ישראל לאורך שנים רבות ואילו אובאמה אינו בולט ככזה. עובדה זו גרמה לרבים להכריע כי ג`ון מק`קיין הוא המועמד הטוב לישראל. מק`קיין אף הצהיר כי יעביר את שגרירות ארצו מתל אביב לירושלים, למהלך זה משמעות מדינית חשובה.
לעומתו ברק אובאמה הצהיר ומצהיר על מחוייבות עמוקה לבטחון ישראל וסגנו ג`ו ביידן הידוע כתומך נלהב בישראל מבטיח את המשך היחסים החמים בין ישראל לארצות הברית. אך התחושה היא שברק אובאמה טרם הצליח לקעקע את תדמיתו המפחידה, ויחס היהודים הפרו ישראלים כלפיו חשדני.
…
ישראל צריכה אמריקה חזקה. מדינת ישראל איתנה כלכלית, בטחונית ומדינית בזכות אמריקה. ההישגים הכבירים שלנו והתמורות שחוללנו בארץ ישראל היו ניכרים בשטח רק בעוד שנים רבות בלבד לולא עמדה לנו אמריקה. ובכלל סביר להניח שלולא תמיכת הנשיא טרומן כלל לא הייתה קמה מדינת ישראל.
השיקול הישראלי בבחירות בארצות הברית חייב להיות השיקול האמריקאי, כלומר מי מהמועמדים יעשה אמריקה חזקה יותר, מי מהמועמדים יחזיר לאמריקה את זוהרה ואת הרתיעה העולמית מפניה. ככל שמעמדה וחוסנה של אמריקה יגבר, כן ייטב לנו.
אינני בטוח שג`ון מק`קיין הוא האיש שיביא לשינוי באמריקה, אינני יודע אם הוא יוכל לבצר את הכלכלה האמריקאית, אינני בטוח שהוא המועמד הטוב לישראל על אף היותו ידיד נאמן לנו.
Looking at the past, it is clear that John McCain has been a supporter of Israel which Obama is not prominent at that. This fact caused many to conclude that John McCain is the best candidate for Israel. McCain even declared that he will move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a politically substantial move.
On the other hand, Barack Obama claims to have deep obligation towards the security of Israel and his VP, Joe Biden, is known to be an enthusiastic supporter of Israel, promising the continuation of the warm relations between Israel and the US. But the feeling is that Obama has not grounded his scary image, and the pro-Israeli Jew lobby is still hesitant in their support.
The Israeli consideration in these elections needs to be the US consideration, meaning, which candidate will make America strongest. Which candidate will bring America's radiance back. As America's standing and might rises, our standing will be better.
I am unsure if John McCain is the person that will bring change to America. I don't know if he can strengthen the US economy. I am unsure he is the best candidate for Israel, even if he is loyal to us.
moni writes
I don't know if Obama is suitable to be president, but in Israel we have all learned that even an experienced leader who served top military and political roles, can fail as prime minister. A good leader is measured upon his capability to make choices, his intellectual sincerety and ability to be a solid leader. The fact that someone was commander in chief or governer does not necessarily point to a good presidential fit.
I have no clue if Obama can be a good president, but the thing that bothers me is the campaign of de-legitimization against him, which in my opinion, hurts us. Suddently you hear more and more analyses from Israelis and Jews explaining why Obama is bad for Israel, and on the other hand, Obama is forced to refer to the issue in his speeches, promising that “he has no sister” and that he has no Islamic roots.
Above the racist scent that the opposing campaign has, there is substantial harm for Israel and the Jews. The need for Obama to justify his views creates antagonism and strengthens the accusations against wide involvement of the Jewish lobby in American politics.
American Jews account for a small percetange of the population in the US, but their political influence has been substantial throughout American history. Their representation in the house and senate is rising, even though demographically Jewish community is growing smaller…
Perhaps it is time to loosen up this connection between Israel and the US. It has strategic importance to the existance of Israel, but it also obstructs Israeli economic-political development.
I do not think that Israel needs to be involved in the US democratic processes, including Israeli politicians. American communities should decide whom to support, but the Jews need to be careful or their viewpoint will act as a boomerang against them.
Check out a highly viewed professional video clip of Israeli artists and politicians supporting and endorsing Barack Obama's plead for change!

author: Gilad Lotan


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Jamaica: Farewell to the Dragon – Byron Lee · Global Voices
Bianca Welds

Despite earlier rumours of his death, Jamaica awoke this morning to the news of the passing of the legendary Byron Lee. Lee, bandleader of the Dragonaires, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies yesterday, November 4, 2008, after a two year battle with cancer.
Although the news was received in the shadow of the historic US elections, the tributes began pouring forth for a man whose career spanned more than 50 years and is credited with being one of the leading musicians to bring Jamaican music to the world.
Lee was recently awarded with the Order of Jamaica during a special ceremony at the hospital. He was given the award by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and the Prime Minister for his contribution to Jamaican music. The Order of Jamaica is the nation's fourth-highest honour. Lee was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer class) in 1982. That honour was upgraded to Commander class in 2007.
On hearing of Lee's death, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, was quoted as saying:
Jamaica, and indeed the world, have lost another great music pioneer with the passing this morning of Byron Lee, one of the greatest bandleaders ever to grace the entertainment stages of the world.
For those less familiar with the work of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Iriegyal of A Fe Me Page Dis Iyah, shared two videos from YouTube.
At the Caribbean Beat blog, writer Caroline Neisha reflected on an article written by Garry Steckles in a 2003 issue of the Caribbean Beat magazine, in which Steckles described a performance he witnessed in England:
…Lee, bandleader and musical opportunist extraordinary, had chalked up another in a long line of successes at doing what he does best — getting a crowd, any crowd, anywhere, any time, on its collective feet and dancing.
YardFlex.com extended condolences “to the entire family and all who loved this great man who has made his country Jamaica extremely proud”:
Old folk say the time eventually comes when many memorial services become the order of the day. Well for Jamaican music veterans, it appears to be that appointed time these days.
And this is how the Honourable Byron Lee Sr., OJ will be remembered – not just as a musician, bandleader, promoter, label owner, studio owner, icon, legend, musical pioneer, but as a man who, as his daughter said,  “was always working to use music to unite persons of all ages, races and people from all walks of life.”
Byron's Lee's music did indeed touch people from all walks of life – and from all parts of the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Free Radio posted a photo of Lee in his element – on stage – along with a simple but heartfelt headline:
Farewell, Byron Lee…

author: Bianca Welds


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Maldives: Change for good or for worse? · Global Voices
Rezwan

Footstep of dreamer from Maldives reacts to the news of Obama winning the US presidency: “2008 has definitely been a year of change..to the Maldives and to the world! But would it come as a good change?”

author: Rezwan


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Mexico: Dangers With Peseros · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Daniel Manrique of Tome Chango Su Banana [es] writes about the some of the dangers of the public buses in Mexico City.  “Peseros” have been involved in accidents, often due to inexperienced young drivers and writes, “why do they hire 18-year-olds with no experience and entrust them with the lives of up to 50 passeners?“


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Mexico: Plane Crash Carrying Top Government Officials Leaves Doubts · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

With much of the world's eyes watching their television screens with the results of the U.S. elections, many televisions in Mexico were tuned to images of the aftermath of a tragic plane accident in the capital city. On Tuesday evening, a small plane carrying 8 people including two important members of the Mexican government's fight against crime and drug-trafficking crashed into rush-hour traffic in a Chapultepec neighborhood and left at least 13 people dead, including all on board and some victims on the ground.  Included in the casualties was Juan Camilo Mouriño, who was the 2nd most powerful member of the executive branch after President Felipe Calderón, who expressed his sympathies and spoke to Mouriño's children saying that “their father worked until the end working towards leaving them a better country.“
Mex Files writes about who Mouriño was within the government:
This is a huge issue, with both national security, political and international implications. Mouriño, who was only 37 years old, but was the second most powerful figure in the Mexican executive branch. Secretaria de Gobernacion has no real equivalent in English. His title is sometimes translated as “Interior Minister” or “Home Secretary” but the closest U.S. counterpart would be the Secretary of Homeland Security … as well as Director of National Security, and the closest thing Mexico has to a Vice-President.
His selection last March, as a replacement for President Calderon’s original Secretaria de Gobernacion, Francisco Ramírez Acuña, was highly controversial. Ramírez was widely despised even in his own party for his alleged ties to narcotics dealers, and accused of being AWOL — or at least negligent — in the anti-narco war, on top of his tolerance of human rights abuse during his tenure as Governor of Jalisco. Mouriño, though seen as a young, fresh face came with his own baggage.
Also in the plane was former anti-drug prosecutor Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, who had been a target of an attempted assassination in the past.  As a result, the presence of both men onboard has led to some theories that this was not an accident, and rather a deliberate attempt on their lives.  Speculation has shown up in many Mexican blogs by many who are used to stories of public officials and security authorities that had been killed in recent months.  Even though the Mexican government recently held a press conference and released tapes and video that indicate that there was no explosion, which would have scattered debris everywhere, it would still continue the investigation, although many see it as an uphill public relations effort.
RBD Boy of Blog.com.mx [es] thinks that no matter what there will be speculation and theories that it was related to the occupants’ role in fighting drug-trafficking:
Personalmente, creo que será una tarea muy difícil para el Gobierno Federal explicar este tragico suceso y convencer a todo el país que no fue un atentado; ya que esto podría ser (y recalco, “podría ser“) una represalia del narco por la purga que se esta dando en la SIEDO.
Personally, I think it will be difficult for the Federal Government to explain this tragic event and convince the entire country that it was not an attack; as this could be (and I want to emphasize “could be” retaliation by the narcos for the purge being carried out by the SIEDO (crime-fighting organization).
What will this all mean for the Mexican society? Daniel Manrique of Tome Chango Su Banana [es] writes sees things both on a personal and political level:
Let me be cold-hearted for a while and state this: Mouriño’s death will not have a great impact for Mexico or even for president Felipe Calderón’s team, his plans or aspirations. Because for all the power his position brought, Mouriño himself was a rather grey politician. So yes, let the president give speeches about how we lost a “great mexican” (he was born in Spain so even that is debatable). But the truth is, Mouriño will get replaced by someone else, with similar political prowess, capabilities, aspirations and a similar position to further Calderón’s plans, whatever they are. And in the public eye, Mouriño will fade and then disappear, to become a footnote like Ramón Martín Huerta (whose name, incidentally, has resurfaced in connection with the Mouriño tragedy).
He will disappear, that is, in the eyes of everybody but his family and friends: these people didn’t just witness the death of a high-ranking government officer; they lost a friend, a father, a husband, and a son. To them, and to all the relatives of the deceased, the tragedy has a very personal feel. This is the level at which us normal people can empathize and understand the magnitude of what happened, for any loss of human life is to be regretted. So indeed, let our prayers (for those who pray) and our condolences and best wishes be with mr. Mouriño’s family, as well as with those of all the others who lost their lives or were injured in the tragedy.


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Nepal: Learning from US election · Global Voices
Rezwan

Kumar Paudel at Nepaleon writes on the US election: “Will Nepali leaders learn from this event? Do they have courage to accept their failures in election and congratulate the winners? I doubt. But, they need to learn.”


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Nigeria: Fulani Woman on oil on canvas · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Ajilo's oil on canvas painting of a Fulani woman: “This is a famous representation of African art. Virtually all artists from West Africa have one time or the other being inspired to create a painting from this concept of  the Fulani women north of the Niger. The reason for this is not far fetched. It is embedded in the culture of African tradition of load carrying on the head. From logs of wood, to basins of water, calabashes etc…”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Nigeria: Obama Made Me Cry · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Obama made Nigerian blogger, Oluniyi, cry: “I couldn’t stop the tears of joy streaming down my black face as I watched Senator Barack Obama give his thanksgiving speech this dawn, live on CNN.”