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Taiwan: Conflict over Diaoyutai Islands · Global Voices
Portnoy Zheng

On  June 11, a Taiwanese recreational fishing boat United(聯合號) sank following a collision with a Japanese coastguard vessel 11km off the disputed Diaoyutai(釣魚台) (Japan: Senkaku) islands, an island chain simultaneously claimed by Taiwan, Japan and China. Passengers and crew on the sinking boat were picked up by Japan.
Shortly after, Taiwanese mainstream media covered the accident. Political talk shows and call-in programmes, in particular, ardently discussed the accident and the long-standing sovereign dispute over Diaoyutais. Meanwhile, issues of complicated sovereign claims and fishing rights challenged the newly elected Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou and his government.
In his youth, President Ma(馬英九) passionately defended Taiwan's claim to the Diaoyutais. He also blasted former Taiwanese President Chen shui-Bian(陳水扁) whose attitude, he felt, was not proactive enough on the issue of sovereignty claims. The accident, however, occurred in a sensitive time while talks between Taiwanese and China officials were taking place.
Although Taiwan, China and Japan all claim sovereignty over the Diaoyutais, it is recognized that Japan has jurisdiction. The handling of the accident intertwined these historical, political and economic issues, and made them more prickly. As a consequence for Taiwan, the sovereignty dispute is not only an inevitable task, but a pending problem.
Many Taiwanese politicians insisted on being harsh to Japan while dealing with the accident. Republic of China (ROC) Premier Liu Chao-shiuan said during an interpolation session in parliament that he would not rule out going to war with Japan, if Taipei and Tokyo fail to resolve the dispute over the Diaoyutai islands through diplomatic actions.
The tense situation between Taipei and Tokyo that suddenly arose shocked Taiwanese bloggers. From various ends of the political spectrum, bloggers expressed their opinions and comments on this accident.
Blogger, Da-Dou(大豆), cited coverage of this accident from Japanese media where the affair is simply being treated as an accident. Compared with the relatively balanced way in which Japanese media covered the collision, Taiwanese media quoted an overwhelming majority of statements from Taiwanese fishing boat crew and officials.
Da-Dou questioned, whether it was really the truth, as the fishing boat skipper claimed, that the fishing boat was deliberately rammed until it sunk by a Japanese coastguard vessel:
相較於日本媒體，台灣媒體並沒有對於另一方當事人的說詞作任何查證或基本的平衡報導。只是單方面強調船長的說法，並沒有作到客觀中立。 ………….
無論釣魚台是否為我國領土，聯合號的行為都「顯然違法」，根據「娛樂漁業管理辦法」第24條規定
娛樂漁業漁船活動時間全天二十四小時開放。但每航次以四十八小時為限。 娛樂漁業漁船活動區域以臺灣本島及澎湖週邊二十四浬內及彭佳嶼、綠島、蘭嶼週邊十二浬內為限。
也就是說，因為聯合號不是「漁船」，而是「娛樂(海釣)漁船」，照理說到釣魚台附近超過九十海浬的地方根本是違法的，並且根據出發前應繳交的娛樂漁業漁船航行計畫資料表，其「航行計畫」一欄也完全登載不實。而且聯合號違反法令航行顯然不是第一次了。
‘Activity scheduled for recreational fishing vessels is permitted 24-hours a day. The limit for each sequence of voyages, however, is 48 hours.’ And ‘The region of activity is limited to 24 miles surrounding Taiwan and Peng Hu, and within 12 miles around Pen Jia islet, Green island, and Lan Yu’.
That is to say, it is illegal for a ‘recreational’ fishing boat like the United to go as far as 90 nautical miles near the Diaoyutai islands. Further, according to fishery operator handed in to the authorities before the recreational fishing boat United set out, a data table of the recreational fishery craft's navigating plan matched what they actually did. So actually, this is not the first time the United did this against the law.
Another blogger, Pau, points out that regardless of who claims sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands, Japan has to take responsibility for the sunken boat following a collision with a Japanese coast guard patrol boat:
回頭來看這次聯合號事件，日方絕對沒有任何理由跟立場扣留船上任何人。聯合號上插的是中華民國國旗，不是日本國旗，船上所有人都 是中華民國國民。姑且不論釣魚台爭議，日方撞沉我方船隻就是侵犯我方主權，插著我方旗幟的船隻，就等於中華民國領土，豈能容日本人將之撞沉。撞沉我方船艦 扣留我方人員，視我方主權為何物？
Going over this unexpected incident, there is no excuse or ground for Japan to detain anyone from that fishing boat. The flag hanging on “United” is of the Republic of China, not of Japan, not to mention the fact that all passengers on the boat are citizens of ROC. Besides, a boat with our flag on it, is regarded as a part of the territory of the Republic of China. Aside from the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the islands, Japan offends our sovereignty by ramming the boat bearing our national flag. This is unacceptable! Did they ever consider sovereignty issues while ramming our boat and detaining our citizens?
Blogger, Yu-Wen Huan(宇文渙), is reminded of the Boxer rebellion in this event:
台灣民意代表們鋪排的抗日秀 真是精彩絕倫 從高呼不惜一戰 送霹靂幹員護漁 要國防部長開飛機去繞一圈 進而升高軍事對峙都有 兩位聲望最低的部長—外交部和國防部 這下好不容易找到可以翻身的機會 都是狠話、大話盡出 因為再沒有比愛國心 更便宜、更方便販賣的道具了 越遠離戰場 人就越好戰
The anti-Japan show arranged by those representatives is fantastic. Those actions include claiming, “War if necessary”, sending SWAT teams to protect fishers, asking the minister of National Defense to fly to the islands, and heightening the military situation. The ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, which have the lowest reputation, now have the opportunity to change the situation. Their tones are high-pitched and words are touchy, because nothing is cheaper and easier-to-sell than patriotism. People are more militant when they are away from the battlefield.
Xiao Ming(小明) in NanFangSao school appealed to everyone to face the music:
聯合號不是「漁船」，不是一般漁民去捕魚，是向釣客收錢載人出海釣魚去。這種攬客出海釣魚的營利船，居然可以到處走透透到處去享 受姜太公釣魚樂趣，怪也不怪？這次沒被日本修理，會不會哪一天他跑到北極去賞北極熊呀！！現在是怎樣？「四海一家」，你家就是我家嗎？？怎麼可以這麼自由 呀！什麼「海洋國家」，我棉的船老大早就這麼做了~>_<~ 釣魚台是台灣的？我的感覺，這種說法和「東起烏蘇里江、黑龍江…西到帕米爾高原噴赤河，南到增母暗砂……都是中華民國固有疆域」的說法，還真 的有異曲同工之妙。乾脆說月球、火星也是中華民國領土不是更好？？
The “United” is not a fishing boat and (the crew on the boat) are not normal fishers. Instead they make money from driving passengers out for fishing. This kind of boats goes everywhere to enjoy the fun of fishing. Don't you feel that is weird? If they were not rammed by a Japanese coast guard patrol boat this time, would they go to Arctic to see polar bears next time? Now what, “The world is one family”, and your home is mine as well? How could they be so free? When people call for “Taiwan is a country of ocean”,  I think those who are on “United” have already achieved that ~>_<~. For those who claim “Diaoyutai Islands belongs to Taiwan”, I think that is very similar to the saying that, “The territory of the Republic of China reaches east to Wusuli river and Heilongjiang River, west to the Pamirs and Panj River, south to TzengMoo sand…”. Why don't they just say that the moon and the Mars also belong Republic of China?
Meanwhile, Taiwanese blogger Walter argues that Taiwanese like to treat themselves as slaves. He feels sad for Taiwan's weakness and lacking of dignity:
我當然覺得上戰場打仗真是人生最大悲哀 可能一槍就被不知道哪來的流彈爆頭而死、也可能一顆炸彈就讓你灰飛煙滅？ Than? 所以台灣該把戰爭這個選項移除？ 我也怕死，我也想組美好家庭、簡簡單單到老。 但台灣人真的如此沒有尊嚴？ 別忘了，台灣對釣魚台在憲法上是劃為”國土”的。
Of course, in my opinion, going to war is the most sorrowful thing in a human's life. People could die just by a stray bomb or a bullet. For this reason, then, should Taiwan eliminate going to war as an opinion? I am afraid of losing my life. I just want to have an ordinary family and lead a simple life. But what about the dignity of Taiwan? Do bear in mind, according to the Constitution, that the Diaoyutai islands are part of our territory.
Katana from Hong Kong suspects the hidden reasons causing the accident are not that simple:
這一撞，可能是日本鷹派跟台灣那批不想眼見國民黨跟中共之熱擁情況的在野派，暗手出招，陷你馬英九 一個政治危機，小馬哥強則得罪日本，不強又跟不上中國對此事件的強烈回應。中國此次如此強和快反應向日本罵，明顯跟暖春時態度不統調，可見又是中國鷹派給 胡、溫的一個回馬槍。
This accidental collision could be a trap secretly set by Japanese war hawks and out-of-power politicians in Taiwan who are not willing to see KMT and CPP allied. It meant to drag President Ma Ying-Jeou into a political crisis. President Ma's attitude could not be too strong to rile Tokyo. However, if his attitude was not strong enough, he would fell behind Beijing's burning reactions to this accident. Beijing immediately and strongly condemned Tokyo on this accident, which is apparently different from the attitude showing on the ‘warm spring’ meeting. It is thus clear that Chinese war hawks attempt to give Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao a back thrust.
On the official website of Ma Ying-Jeou's presidential campaign, commenter wiixdhsu said we should  be harsh to Japan. Why not just set the Diaoyutai islands as a sightseeing spot officially recommended by the Taiwanese government, he says:
日本這國吃軟不吃硬，對於捍衛主權的做法應該在行動要更強硬一點，舉南韓為例，日本也宣稱獨(竹)島他們擁有主權，可是南 韓採取 強烈作法捍衛主權加派巡邏艦巡邏，最後甚至開放民眾遊客到獨(竹)島觀光，獲得人民一致支持，日本毫無辦法。我們政府應該規劃開放陸客來台並且也將釣魚台 納入旅遊景點，派巡邏艦巡邏，徹底捍衛釣魚台主權，我相信此舉一定能獲得兩岸三地的民眾全面支持。
Japan always yield to soft approaches but rejects force. However, we should apply even more get-tough actions to protect our sovereignty. Let's take South Korea as the best example. Both Japan and South Korea claimed sovereignty over the Liancourt Rocks (Japan: Takeshima, Korea: Dokdo). South Korea took tough actions, sending petrol vessels and even allowed tourists to visit. South Korean people generally supported these actions. Finally, Japan cannot do a thing about this. Our government should include the Diaoyutais as a recommended sightseeing spot while planning to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. Moreover, sending coastguard vessels patrolling territorial waters nearby the Diaoyutai islands is necessary. We have to firmly claim our sovereignty by taking these actions. I believe these actions must be supported by people from the greater China area.
Blogger BillyPan says politicians only have very short-term passions on the issue of the Diaoyutai islands:
愛田友，蒼井空，穗花，小澤瑪利亞，麻美來台灣當Show Girl，台灣人馬上就忘記釣魚台在那裏了。
If Japanese AV (adult video) actresses Yua Aida, Sora Aoi, Honoka, Maria Ozawa and Asami were invited to Taipei as show girls, the Taiwanese would immediately forget where the Daioyutai Islands are.
There is a funny prank photo of former ROC president and military dictator, Chiang Kai-shek(蔣介石), which is created and published by a user of the popular scrabbling website VeryXD. Chiang's bluesy emotional expression is somehow funny, and the added caption says, “The Diaoyutai Islands cannot be given to Japanese”.
In the end, I would like to conclude with blogger, Lovelvislate's helpless words and drawing. His post, I believe, also represents thoughts of many Taiwanese.
釣魚台不是台灣的，也不是中華民國的，因為我們從來沒有保衛過它， 馬總統也別再說屁話了，我們不可能保衛它，也不可能為它與日本一戰，不可能的。 ………………… 如果是別的國家的漁船靠近釣魚台，日本是不可能如此的，我們必須面對現實， 就是我們很好欺負，個性溫和，總是逆來順受。
Taiwan has never had sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands, neither has the Republic of China. President Ma, please do not say stupid shit anymore. We can impossibly protect the Diaoyutai, nor fight against Japan for these islands either. Impossible. …… If there was a fishing boat of a country's other than Taiwan approaching the Diaoyutai Islands, Japan would not have done the same. The reality we must to face, is that we are easily bullied – we always bear bullies for our moderate manner.
我們必須面對現實，我們所有的不安都是來自不面對現實，現實是—我們不是一個國家， 我們沒有主權獨立，只有內政獨立，我們的軍隊，是名符其實的自慰隊。 美國也不可能會保衛台灣，美國、日本與中國都不承認中華民國的存在。 別傻了，釣魚台從不是我們的，忘了它吧。
The fact leads to the reality, where all our agitations come from. The fact is that Taiwan is just a political entity dealing with domestic affairs independently, not an independent country holding sovereignty over itself. All our army can veritably do is self-consolation, not self-defense. The U.S. can definitely not send their troops to protect Taiwan, either. Anyhow, the U.S., Japan and the People’s Republic of China deny recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state. Therefore, don’t be silly – Taiwan has never had sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands. Forget it!
Translated From Chinese by Abstract and Pipperl. Reviewed by Solana Larson.

author: Portnoy Zheng


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Tajikistan: Tajik Instability · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Patrick Frost says that Tajikistan, already one of the world’s poorest nations, has suffered much this year with a harsh winter, continuing health concerns, and with rising food prices.

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Adil Nurmakov


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Turkmenistan: Another Dissident Jailed · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Peter reports on a spate of human rights infringements in Turkmenistan, just as an EU delegation arrives in Ashgabat to discuss the issue.


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Ukraine: Grassroots Activism · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

On May 12, the Los Angeles Times ran a story on illegal construction in Kyiv, “an epidemic” that is causing much harm to the city – but is also stirring numerous grassroots protests. One of the activists interviewed for the story was Artem Chapaye – aka LiveJournal (LJ) user chapeye:
[…] Like many of his peers, Chapeye took to the streets in 2004 demonstrations that captivated international imagination and ushered President Viktor Yushchenko into power. Today, he and his friends use that experience, with the help of the Internet, to stage demonstrations against deals cut by people they helped elevate into office.
“The state itself is destroying the city, so we have to fight with our own fists,” Chapeye said. “The bulldozers come and we fight.” […]
Chapeye re-posted the LA Times’ story on his blog, adding this sarcastic remark (UKR):
Yes, yes, yes, these damn activists are now ruining Ukraine's international reputation.
This, of course, is an overstatement. Ukraine's image abroad, boosted by the 2004 Orange Revolution, remains largely intact, as the Western media rarely focus on purely domestic matters, such as the vehement public opposition to Kyiv's illegal construction – even though, according to Chapaye, “all foreign journalists working here are perfectly aware of the issue.”
The publication of the LA Times’ story is nevertheless a victory for the activists, as well as a reflection of the fact that many ordinary Ukrainians, fed up with a culture of lawlessness that is flourishing in their country, are becoming increasingly involved in grassroots activism.
One of the latest rallies – Velonayizd (“Bicycle Attack”) – took place in Kyiv on June 21, when nearly 500 cyclists, bikers and pedestrians gathered in front of the municipal police headquarters for a Critical Mass-type event, prompted by the recent deaths of at least two cyclists and the authorities’ failure to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Velonayizd (“Bicycle Attack”), Kyiv, June 21, 2008 – photo by Alex Kleimenov
On June 7, Anatoly Perepadya, a prominent Ukrainian literary translator, was hit by a car as he was riding to the Writers’ Union in Kyiv; he died at a hospital two days later. Born in 1935, Perepadya was held in high esteem for his translations of the works of Marcel Proust, Albert Camus, Francesco Petrarca, François Rabelais, Michel de Montaigne, Antoine de Saint Exupéry and many others. An avid cyclist, in one of his interviews (RUS) Perepadya mentioned that his bicycle was something of an alternative office for him:
Every day, I tried to translate two sonnets [of Petrarca]. […] When things weren't going smoothly, I'd get on my bike and ride around for a long time, and the verses would then come together in my mind.
LJ user dnistrovyj posted a note (UKR) on Perepadya's death in the literatura_ua LJ community, and here's one of the comments (UKR) he received:
terrykoo:
Judging by the statistics and publications on high-profile traffic accidents, what's taking place on Ukrainian roads today is a total nightmare! I don't know anything about the circumstances of Anatoly Perepadya's accident, but a high-ranking official has to be found who will not only “take control” of the investigation, but will also make sure that it results in something; otherwise, WE will have to self-organize and seek justice!.. Because if we don't, our “young” culture may literally not survive into adulthood…
On June 9, Oleksiy (Alesha) Bashkirtsev – LJ user alesha-kiev, a 22-year-old Kyiv musician and performance artist – was killed by a 20-year-old drunk driver.
The following text (RUS) by LJ user arizona_ – about the tragedy and the outrageously inadequate police response – has been re-posted by many bloggers and online media outlets, making it into the Top 30 at Yandex Blogs portal at some point:
[…] While everyone is recovering from the shock and saying good-bye to [Alesha], the man who caused the tragedy is doing all he can to escape justice
[…]
The tragedy took place near Lukyanivska metro station, by the “Sekunda” store. [Alesha] was riding his bicycle, and was hit by an absolutely drunk driver. [Alesha]'s friend Fedor, who was riding together with him, witnessed it all. According to him, he heard the screeching of the wheels behind him, and, as he turned around, he saw a car driving at full speed right at them. It was moving very fast [as it hit Alesha].
[…]
The ambulance arrived 20 minutes later.
[Alesha] was still conscious for a while after being hit, he was in the state of pain shock. The car driver – Khomutovsky Stanislav Olegovych, b. 1988 – got out of the car and started yelling that he's gonna be killed for having ruined the car. According to witnesses, he was absolutely drunk. He never approached the victim of the crash.
The ambulance took [Alesha] to the Pechersk district hospital, where he died several hours later.
The car driver was also taken away by an ambulance, because he seemed to have something like a concussion. Under such circumstances, they usually do blood tests at hospitals, forcefully. It is known that the driver was given a paper ordering him to have a blood test, but, of course, he never did it. A medical conclusion certifying that the driver was drunk DOES NOT EXIST.
[…]
The driver was detained for three days, and then, in accordance with the prosecutor's decision, he was let go on bail. According to the investigator, they wanted to keep him longer, but they got orders from the prosecutor to let him out on bail for the time evidence is being gathered.
Also, according to the investigator, investigation will last for two months. And once they have the results of this investigation, they'll set a date for the trial.
Two months is enough time to prove that driver is not guilty and, moreover, is a victim himself. Knowing how the system works, it's not necessary to explain why it's so simple, right?
[…]
Omitted from the translation above are mentions of a video from the scene of the accident: it was made public somewhat later. Among other things, it features the driver of the BMW that killed Alesha Bashkirtsev. Taras of Ukrainiana, like many other Ukrainian bloggers, embedded the video (UKR) on his blog – and supplied it with a translated transcript:
In the comments section, Taras wrote about some of the recent deadly car accidents whose perpetrators have gone unpunished. One of the obvious conclusions:
[…] Riding a bike in a place where people who drive luxury cars kill with impunity can be very dangerous. […]
But this relative impunity of some inspires protest on the part of others.
Victor Zagreba (aka LJ user viktoza) wrote this (RUS) on his other, non-LJ, Russian-language Bicycle Blog:
[…] All this is forcing Kyiv residents to… no, not to take out their guns (not yet) – but to come out to protest rallies. […] Beginning this Saturday [June 21], we plan to hold street protests regularly, every week or every other week. Until complete victory. […]
Below are links to photo reports from the June 21 rally of Kyiv's cyclists:
- LJ user andriyko (20 photos)
- LJ user my-soul-rebel (14 photos)
- LJ user eagle_x (7 photos)

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Bahrain: Bloggers’ Code of Ethics Against Sectarianism · Global Voices
Ayesha Saldanha

With the political divide in Bahrain usually framed in sectarian terms, blogger Mahmood Al Yousif has posted a code of ethics aimed at stopping the propagation of hate online.
Mahmood explains:
I believe that in the current circumstances, it is time to…stand united together against sectarianism and discrimination in all their forms. Therefore, I propose the following code to be adopted and signed by all Electronic Publishers, be they bloggers, webmasters, forum moderators, etc. The code was the result of discussions with friend and journalist Ahmed Al-Aradi of Al-Waqt who wrote an excellent series of articles about the situation in Bahrain entitled “The Manufacture of Hatred”. … I suggest we review the following text and come to an agreement on the final code which I propose that we all sign physically and electronically on the International Blog Day which coincides with the 31st of August.
One of the precepts that owners of blogs, websites, and forums are asked to commit to is as follows:
We refuse any suggestion or writings including a sectarian concept or an incitement to hatred, an abuse of the freedom of religion, doctrine or belief.
The full text can be seen in both Arabic and English here.

author: Ayesha Saldanha


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Bahrain: Damaging reputations · Global Voices
Ayesha Saldanha

Cookie is furious because of a request to help destroy someone’s reputation.


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Bahrain: Traditional music · Global Voices
Ayesha Saldanha

Yagoob visits the Mohammed bin Faris House of Sut Music in Bahrain.


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Bangladesh: Gender, Work and Violence · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Unheard Voices on the issue of gender-violence that women face in the workplace in Bangladesh.

author: Neha Viswanathan


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Barbados: CARICOM at the Crossroads · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

As the CARICOM summit takes place, Barbados Underground discusses whether the region's leaders are up to the task of taking the Caribbean forward so that it could be competitive in the new world economy.

author: Skye Hernandez


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Bermuda: Mixed blessing · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

21 Square and Vexed Bermoothes wonder whether the high cost of the Bermuda Music Festival was justified.


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Bulgaria: Georgi Markov’s Murder Investigation · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Edward Lucas writes about the investigation of Georgi Markov's 1978 murder.


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Colombia: Making Up for Lost Time · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Tienen Huevo [es] celebrates the freedom of FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia. He writes that “we are waiting to make up for lost time,” and previews her possible return to politics.

author: Eduardo Avila


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Czech Republic: The Prague Spring · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Dr Sean's Diary writes about the meaning of the Prague Spring.


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George Bush insulted Filipinos? · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Lily Pad believes US President George Bush insulted Filipinos when he issued this remark to visiting Philippine President Gloria Arroyo at the White House: “First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that — in which there's a lot of Philippine-Americans. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.”

author: Mong Palatino


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India: Fooling the Media · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

A grand hoax saw a majority of the Indian newspaper media being fooled by the claim that a Nazi war criminal was caught in Goa. More at nanopolitan.


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India: Pride and Gay · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

To Each Its Own on the gay pride parades in various Indian cities, and the strange absence of participants in Mumbai.


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Indonesia out of OPEC · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Nivell’s blog believes Indonesia's resignation from OPEC is a blessing in disguise.


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Iran: Hardliners mull death penalty for Internet crimes · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

According to several news sites Iran's parliament is set to debate a draft bill which could see the death penalty used for those deemed to promote corruption, prostitution and apostasy on the Internet. According to this draft bill bloggers can face the death penalty too.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Israel: Palestinians and Israelis Found Internet Start-Up · Global Voices
Maya Norton

“When Israelis and Palestinian put away the fumes of mistrust and fear and create a reasonable environment of normality and flowing reciprocal good feelings, then the heaven is the limit,” writes Shlomo    of the Korzacsol blog. Palestinians and Israelis from the respective towns of Ramallah and Modiin have teamed up to found G.ho.st (short for Global Host Operating System).

author: Maya Norton


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Israel: Earth-Friendly Middle East  · Global Voices
Maya Norton

Help Karen Chernick build a list of environmentally friendly blogs in the Middle East. In “Green News from the Blogosphere,”, this Green Prophet author opines: “The truth is that although borders may physically and ideologically separate us, one of the things that we all share is that we are citizens of the earth. And caring about the environment is a concern that can unite us.”


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Jamaica: Biblical concerns · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

A project of the Bible Society of the West Indies to translate The Bible into “Patois” and have it published, is getting much attention in Jamaica. Living in Barbados joins the debate.


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Jamaica: Plastic pests · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Long Bench addresses some aspects of the issue of pollution, and thinks Jamaicans should start by getting rid of the ubiquitous plastic bag—whether they like that idea or not.


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Kosovo: “Recognizers” and Non-“Recognizers” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

A Fistful of Euros writes about the 43 states that recognize Kosovo's independence and categorizes the rest by their reasons not to. Also, there's an earlier post on Kosovo and the UN Security Council.


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Pakistan: Fuel and Subsidies · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

CHUP! on the rising prices of fuel in Pakistan and the government's plan to phase out subsidies.


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Poland: Stanisław Lem · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Polandian writes about Stanisław Lem.


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Puerto Rico: Number Two · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Gil the Jenius takes a light-hearted look at the news that Puerto Rico has fallen to second place in a world happiness survey.


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Rising oil prices in Cambodia · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

ZJ mentions the impact of rising oil and gas prices in Cambodia


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Russia: Documentary About Anna Politkovskaya · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

LJ user tapirr posts Masha Novikova's documentary about Anna Politkovskaya: “Anna, Seven Years on the Frontline” (RUS, with English subtitles).


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Slovenia: PM’s Speech; Referendum · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Sleeping with Pengovsky writes about the referendum in Slovenia – here and here, and compares Slovene PM Janez Janša's speech delivered on Statehood Day two years ago to the one given by Tony Blair in 1997.


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Southeast Asia: Alternative sources of energy · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Due to skyrocketing oil prices, many Southeast Asian countries are intensifying efforts to tap alternative sources of energy. Even oil producing countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei are investing on renewable energy.
Use of alternative energy is expected and necessary. Recent fuel hikes have caused widespread protests in Malaysia and Indonesia. Expensive oil is also exacerbating the economic crisis in the region, which is still burdened by rising food prices.
Lifestyles are changing since people are now more aware about the oil price crisis. Tree Maple reports that a green complex will soon rise in Singapore. The eco-complex will make good use of alternative energy sources. Tumelor writes about the plan of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to use wind turbines for the electricity requirement of public park lights.
The largest company of consumer products of Thailand has announced its plan to reduce oil consumption by 1 percent this year, using solar energy. Rambling Librarian hopes some day solar energy (through energy-efficient batteries) will power some of the household appliances.
Asiabiofuels’s Weblog notes that state-owned plantation firms have jointly set up a consortium for the construction of a biodiesel plant in Indonesia. While opposition to the use of biofuels is growing in the world, blogger The Poisoned is supporting it. In a related issue, Orangutan Outreach points out that the palm oil industry in Indonesia is causing of local conflicts, displacement, homelessness and morbidity.
Geothermal energy has a lot of potential in the region, especially in the Philippines and Indonesia. A study explains that “both countries are in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area peppered with volcanoes and home to the world’s biggest reservoir of geothermal power.”
The Asia Tomorrow warns of possible obstacles in promoting geothermal energy:
“Some obstacles are affecting other potential new projects in any location. A fairly extensive amount of drilling is involved to drill deep enough in the earth to reach hot water or steam so that turbines can be powered. Furthermore, the legal formalities needed to organize and carry out these projects is also hindering progress. Active volcanoes are associated with high acidity, as thus cause the corrosion of pipes involved in geothermal power projects.”
But the writer insists geothermal plants are less expensive to operate:
“Although drilling and plant construction, not to mention exploration, costs are high in comparison to other alternatives, the maintenance and operation costs of a geothermal plant are significantly lower in comparison. Typically it takes 7 to 8 years for a geothermal project to go from an exploration to production stage. Road costs to remote areas are also a factor. Carbon credit eligibility would make investments in these projects more likely, as well as help with some of the initial project cost.”
Use of nuclear energy is now being considered by Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. A regional cooperation on nuclear safety issue was recently initiated by these countries with China, South Korea, and Japan. But nomad4ever opposes the building of nuclear plants in Indonesia:
“Due to its growing economy, there is demand for an additional 5.000 megawatts of electricity, building nuclear plants is said to make the country less dependent on fossils like oil or coal, while providing the necessary power at ease. The question is: why build nuclear reactors in an area plastered with volcanoes and prone to earthquakes, flooding and tsunamis? Aren’t there any alternatives? Geothermal Energy can be a valid green alternative, which could help satisfy Indonesia’s rising energy demands and boosting its reputation for Global Warming topics beyond the ‘warm words’ of the Bali Climate Conference.”
Bellamy Budiman also opposes the construction of nuclear plants, for another reason. Instead, the blogger is promoting wind power.
“If the government is really that concerned about the energy crisis, they should take approximate steps to develop greener energy. Take wind power for example, we have plenty of wind down here. If the government put some effort to install residential-grade turbines on every few blocks or so in the city, I’m sure some of that power consumption need could be taken care of.
“The idea of building a nuclear power plant. Well this just sucks monkey balls. If our country can’t even take care of simple matters such as garbage or traffic, I don’t see why we SHOULD build a nuclear power plant. I can envision the comeback of Chernobyl, or the second coming of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Without the bombs, of course. We won’t need them as it would probably explode on its own. Even developed countries are now moving away from nuclear power plants.”
Blog of Bobby from Brunei proposes the following:
“A hopeful alternative is the use of novel methods, which are being researched but are not commercially viable. My favorites include Fusion, Cold fusion, and zero point energy. Nuclear Fusion is a huge contender, but it has yet to produce more energy than it consumes.”
Sarawak Headhunter on the potential of natural gas:
“Sarawak has a wealth of alternative energy resources such as natural gas. According to the Bintulu Development Authority, the state has a total known gas reserve of about 50 trillion standard cubic feet.”
moglie's recycled ramblings emphasizes the importance of energy conservation:
“Perhaps we should learn by now that these are not renewable energy and if we failed with our conservation then that could spell our pitfall.  I’m not being overly pessimistic but we got to change our mentality that easy oil is thing of the past.  We’re already struggling with secondary oil/gas extractions and our next best source would be from deep water exploration.”


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The Balkans: Travelogue, Part II · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Lots of photos, text and comments on Michael J. Totten's second installment from his travels in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.


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Ukraine: Philanthropic Causes · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Dan McMinn of Orange Ukraine posts a list of philanthropic causes in Ukraine and asks for help in updating it.


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Americas: Region Celebrates Rescue of Betancourt and Other Hostages · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

The entire Latin American region celebrated with the people of Colombia upon hearing the news that ex-Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages were rescued. In the operation named “Jaque,” Betancourt, 3 U.S. citizens and 11 members of the Colombian forces were freed after the rescue attempt. Bloggers from many countries throughout Latin America shared the excitement and wrote their own personal reflections.
– Cronica Cero [es] writes about the icon that Betancourt became:
LIBRE. Así, con mayúsculas. (…) Betancourt alcanzó una imagen mundial, universal. (…) Abrimos periódico con ella y nos regocijamos con su liberación, nos hermanamos con los colombianos, con aquellos que buscan la paz antes que la confrontación. Betancourt es un ícono de la lucha contra el secuestro. Hoy, Colombia amanece diferente. Creo que el mundo, el que se relacionó y conmovió con su historia, también
FREE.  Just like that with capital letters. (…) Betancourt became a universal global image. (…) We opened the newspaper and found her liberation, we are in solidarity with our Colombian brothers, those who have searched for peace before confrontation. Betancourt is a symbol of the struggle against kidnapping. Today, Colombian wakes up differently. I think the world, who related and was moved by their story, does too.
– Carlos Gustavo Machicado Salas of Guccio's [es] comments on the words spoken by Betancourt upon her release:
para mi lo más importante es el mensaje de amor y perdón que nos dio Ingrid, que rezo por los muertos y por los guerrilleros y además les ofreció su perdón. Después de las penurias y los maltratos que tuvo que vivir uno pensaría que solo tendría odio y rencor en su alma, pero no al contrario irradia una paz espiritual y un apego a Dios increíble. Realmente algo muy lindo y que a todos nos debería hacer reflexionar en relación a cual debe ser nuestra actitud frente a la vida.
For me, the most important was Ingrid's message of love and forgiveness, that she prayed for the dead and for the guerrillas and in addition, she offered her forgiveness.  After the hardships and the mistreatment that she had to endure, one would think that she would only have hate and resentment in her soul, but on the contrary, she radiated a spiritual peace and an incredible attachment to God. It was something truly beautiful and should make us reflect upon our thoughts on life.
– Marian B of Miscellaneous, Nonsensical and Unnecessary Ramblings [es] also highlights the speech given by Betancourt:
Estoy escuchando su discurso en el aeropuerto y le tengo envidia a los colombianos por contar nuevamente con una política excelente, excepcional e
increíble como ella. A Colombia le va a ir increíblemente bien si se presenta para las elecciones y la eligen.
I am listening to her speech at the aiport and I am envious that the Colombians can once again count on an excellent, exceptional and incredible politican like her. It will be beneficial for Colombia if she runs for president and is elected.
– Prensa Negra [es] is pleased that President Hugo Chávez of neighboring Venezuela had very little to do with the rescue:
Se logro el rescate de Betancourt, sin duda alguna, el secuestro mas controversial de los ultimos años de las FARC, y lo mejor de todo sin la ayuda de Chavez por que si hubiera tenido algo que ver con esto quien le oyera la trompa ahora al pizado!.
Betancourt's rescue was, without a doubt, the most controversial kidnapping by the FARC en recent years.  And best of all it was done without the help of Chavez, because if he did have something to do with it, we would have heard all about it!
– Menoscanas [es] writes about what this might mean for the FARC guerrilla group.
Sonrisas de los ex rehenes evidencian uno de los golpes más duros a las FARC debido a que todos los ojos del mundo se encuentran sobre Colombia en este momento. El caso de Ingrid Betancourt es el más reconocido y las sonrisas y abrazos entre los ex rehenes y el reencuentro con sus seres queridos nos muestra como luego de largas pesadillas, uno puede despertar.
The smiles from the ex-hostages shows that this is one of the strongest blows to the FARC due to all of the eyes are now on Colombia. Ingrid Betancourt's case is the most recognizable and the smiles and hugs among the ex-hostages and the reuniting with their loved ones shows us that after long nightmares, one can wake up.
Diana Zorrilla of Morena Escribe [es] writes:
Ella se convirtió en el ícono del flagelo que han infligido las FARC al pueblo colombiano y su liberación junto con la de los otros catorce es una importante victoria moral para Colombia
She became the symbol of the whipping that the FARC has inflicted on the Colombian people and her liberation with the other 14 is an important moral victory for Colombia.
— Edwin Britez of Derecho Viejo [es] wrote about Betancourt earlier in December, and returns with the good news spread throughout the country:
Me reconforta saber que hoy mucha gente salió a las calles de Asunción, por lo menos a expresar su contento con bocinazos, por la libertad de Ingrid. Muchas de ellas son mujeres. Hoy, todos somos de alguna manera, un poco más libres que antes.
I am comforted knowing that today many people went out into the streets of Asunción, and expressed their joy with car horns, for Ingrid's freedom.  Many of them were women.  Today, we are all, in some way, a little more free than before.


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Angola: Videos show daily life 34 years ago · Global Voices
Paula Góes

Antero Paiva [pt] uploads a few videos from Dailymontion user mariusangol showing Angola 34 years ago.

author: Paula Góes


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Armenia: Contrasting Posters · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Unzipped: Gay Armenia posts two entries about two very different sets of posters on display in Yerevan. In the first, the blog translates signs visible in one of the capital's parks prohibiting lovemaking. In the second, the blog comments on two posters designed to raise awareness of violence against women, but says that a more mainstream approach would be appropriate in order to reach a wider audience.

author: Onnik Krikorian


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Bangladesh: On GV Summit in Budapest · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The 3rd World View reflects on the various reactions from participants at the GV Summit in Budapest.


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Barbados: Lonely Death · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Barbados Underground draws attention to the plight of a woman who died at a US hospital this week. 49 year-old Esmin Green collapsed and died on the floor of a New York City hospital after waiting over an hour without receiving any help. BU asks whether this could happen in Barbados?


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Beijing Announces Traffic Rules to Combat Air Pollution · Global Voices
Kelly Proctor

Danwei says Beijing recently announced traffic rules that will be in effect during the Olympics. The rules dictate that from July 20th to September 20th 2008, only cars with license plates ending in odd numbers can drive, among other rules. Authorities estimate the new rules will cut down on Beijing's traffic by 70 percent [zh]. Richard Brubaker at All Roads Lead to China blog worries that traffic disruptions are inevitable.
China's netizens weighed in on the new rules. GeLaDanDong complained:
随着北京奥运会的日益临近，奥运对我们的生活的影响也开始越来越大了：禁烟令、禁塑令、坐飞机不能带洗发水、打火机、坐经济舱只能带一件随身行李……，听说以后地铁也要这样；坐火车也不让带水果刀了……，应该还有很多很多。 还有就是从7月20日开始直道9月20日的单双号限行！由于住地距离单位有30多公里的距离，所以早早开始考虑如何解决这个问题。 首先想到的是再买一辆车…无论是买新车还是二手车似乎都不太理想。 那么，乘公交车吧！好，至少要换乘三次。而且换乘站点距离较远，全程大约需要2.5小时.
An English translation of the comments would be:
As the Beijing Olympics comes closer with every passing day, the Games’ influence on our lives is also increasing: commands to stop smoking and a ban on free plastic bags; when taking planes you can't bring shampoo, or lighters; when sitting in economy rows you can only bring one piece of carry-on luggage….I hear that these rules will soon apply to subways, too: on the trains, you can't even bring a fruit knife…there will probably be more and more rules. And now there's this temporary regulation that will alternative driving days according to cars’ even and odd-numbered license plates, from July 20 to September 20! Since my residence is more than 30 kilometers from my workplace, I'm going to have to start thinking soon about how to solve this problem. First I thought about buying another car (with a different license plate)…but no matter if I buy a new or a second-hand car this isn't ideal. Alright, then, take the bus! Well, I have to change buses at least three times. Furthermore, the place to change the bus is far, and the whole process will probably take about 2.5 hours.
And another, at RenXin Blog:
这虽然在意料之中，但也感觉时间有点太长了，会给人们出行带来很大的不便。没有办法，为了奥运，我们要做好充分的思想准备，克服一切困难，确保奥运圆满成功。
The comments’ English translation is:
Although it's being anticipated, I still feel the (two-month) period is a little too long, and it will bring a lot of inconvenience to the people. There's no way out, (because) for the Olympics, we want to the fullest amount of thought preparation (and) get around all difficulties, to ensure satisfactory success.

author: Kelly Proctor


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China and Singapore: Illegal Baby · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Will blogs about his experience in getting his new born baby a Singaporean passport.

author: Oiwan Lam


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China: Being Suicided · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Wei tang wrote a poem to memorize the 15 years girl who “were suicided” by the Weng'an police report. ESWN has the background about the Weng'an mass incident, thousands of people went out to protest against the police's investigation of the suspected rape and murder case.


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China: Free Facebook · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Soon after the facebook launched its Chinese version, it is blocked. Onemanbandwidth wrote, “Free facebook!“


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China: Olympics reporter barred entry · Global Voices
John Kennedy

Roland Soong at EastSouthWestNorth translates articles from two Hong Kong dailies of opposing views on the news that one of those newspapers’ Olympic beat reporters has been refused entry and sent home.

author: John Kennedy


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China: Shanghai Police Assault Incident · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

For Chinese legal development posted in chinacourt.org about the recent Shanghai police assault incident (6 policemen were killed by Yeung Jia). Yeung were abused by the polices last October and decided to take revenge after reading about the Akiba Massacre in Japan.


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China: Tiger Photogate Part II · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The Shaanxi government has finally finished the investigative report on the Souther Tiger photogate and the farmer photographer is to take up all the blame for cheating the public. ESWN translated two follow up discussions on the scandal: Why Didn't “Tiger Photo Gate” Wake Officials Up? and Tiger Zhou and the Reporters.


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China: U.S and China Economies · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Xueyong compares the U.S and China economic performance and pointed out that even though China has much higher GDP, its price economy is without solid base and thus results in a serious bubble economy.


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Colombia: Íngrid Betancourt and Other Hostages Rescued · Global Voices
Carlos Raúl van der Weyden Velásquez

At 14:00 local time (19:00 UTC) in a press conference, Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos announced that former presidential candidate Íngrid Betancourt, American contractors Thomas Howes, Marc Gonçalves, and Keith Stansell, Colombian National Army soldiers Juan Carlos Bermeo, Raimundo Malagón Castellanos, José Ricardo Marulanda, William Pérez, Erasmo Romero, José Miguel Arteaga, and Armando Flórez; and Colombian National Police members Julio César Buitrago, Armando Castellanos, Vianey Rodríguez Porras, and John Jairo Durán had been rescued from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas in an audacious operation (“without firing a shot”) known as Jaque (“check” as in “checkmate” in Spanish). Hours later, the former hostages were taken to a military airport in Bogotá, later joining President Álvaro Uribe Vélez in a press conference which ended minutes before midnight. Of course, most Colombians, including myself, celebrated, as well as a lot of people in the region.  It was some of the biggest news in Colombia in years. It was so big news that even widely popular gossip blogs “reported” it.
There is no doubt that 2008 has been one of the worst year for the Marxist guerrilla founded in 1964. Just 5 weeks ago it was confirmed that Pedro Antonio Marín, aka Manuel Marulanda Vélez or Tirofijo (“Sureshot”), its top commander, had died on March. The death of FARC's number 2, Édgar Devia, aka Raúl Reyes, unleashed a diplomatic crisis which caused the breaking of diplomatic relations with Ecuador and Nicaragua (the latter restored since). Other top bosses have been captured, killed or delivered themselves. On February 4 a huge demonstration against FARC was held.
Adam Isacson, from Plan Colombia and Beyond, writes about the “anti-FARC strategies” that have and have not worked:
[W]hat has worked over the past few years?
What is interesting about these strategies is that, with the exception of increasing manpower and protective presence, they are relatively inexpensive. Compared to big-ticket items like fumigation and “Plan Patriota”-style military offensives, these efforts make up only a sliver of Colombia’s defense budget (and only a sliver of U.S. assistance). Planners of future aid packages to Colombia should take note.
Journalist Jaime Restrepo writes on Atrabilioso [es]:
Sin duda, el rescate militar de 15 secuestrados en poder de la estructura militar de las FARC es el más duro golpe propinado a los áulicos y servidores del totalitarismo “humanitario” en Colombia. La operación Jaque demostró con hechos que un rescate militar exitoso es posible y que las cacareadas justificaciones, según las cuales eso equivalía a condenar a muerte a los secuestrados, eran solo arengas que buscaban que las FARC, y sobre todo sus socios políticos, obtuvieran ganancias del secuestro. Quedaron sin argumentos aquellos servidores de las FARC que cada día se consagraban a presionar al Gobierno para que cediera a las condiciones que imponían los terroristas para liberar a los secuestrados: son 15 seres humanos que han sido rescatados sin despejes que dejarían a miles de colombianos a merced de los terroristas por cuenta de los intereses de los “humanitarios”.
Undoubtedly, the military rescue of the 15 kidnapped held by FARC's military structure is the hardest blow given to the aulics and servants of the “humanitarian” totalitarism in Colombia. Operation Jaque demonstrated that a successful military rescue is possible and that the widespread justifications, of those claiming that it was a death sentence for those kidnapped, were just harangues seeking that the FARC, and above all their political partners, wanted to profit from kidnapping. Those FARC servants who everyday pressured the Goverment to give in to the conditions imposed by the terrorists to release the kidnapped ended without arguments: there are 15 human beings rescued without safe havens which would have let thousands of Colombians at the mercy of the terrorists because of the interests of the “humanitarians”.
Ricardo Buitrago Consuegra praises President Álvaro Uribe and his administration [es]. He writes that the rescue raises the possibility that Uribe will be reelected as president.  However, the rescue also draws attention to the role of Colombia's neighbors.
Alejandro Peláez attacks [es] the “Bolivarian coalition”:
El Ministro de Defensa ecuatoriano celebra el rescate, pero se lamenta que no fuera realizado dentro de un proceso de paz y, como cereza del postre, la maquinaria de propaganda chavista empieza a circular la versión de que a Ingrid la libretió el Gobierno colombiano. Estuve buscando la reacción de los “comités de solidaridad con Ingrid” y no dicen nada. Se quedaron sin jueguito ahora que la liberaron y van a tener que encontrar una nueva causa para subir al Mont Blanc. Paradójicamente, las palabras de Ingrid fueron el más duro golpe para los opositores que usaban su imagen y dolor para mover una agenda política.
The Ecuadorian Defence Minister celebrates the rescue, but regrets it was not carried out within a peace process and, as the cherry on the top, the Chavista propaganda machine begins to pass around the theory that Íngrid was “scripted” by the Colombian government. I was searching for the reaction of the “support committees for Íngrid” and they say nothing. They were left without nothing to play now that she was released and they will have to find a new cause to climb Mont Blanc. Ironically, Íngrid's words were the hardest blow for the opposition leaders and supporters which used her image and her pain to promote a political agenda.
Italian blogger Doppiafila gives his two cents [it]:
Da questa gioia deve nascere qualcosa di buono. Il 2 Luglio del 2008 é un grande giorno. Chissá che Ingrid Betancourt non possa essere per la Colombia come Nelson Mandela per il Sudafrica: ha pagato il prezzo della credibilitá ed a quanto pare é riuscita a mantenere la luciditá; chissa.
Le FARC hanno perso una grande occasione, e si staranno mangiando le mani. Il loro ciclo é finito, non saranno loro a cambiare il futuro del Paese. Speriamo non puntino al “colpo di coda”, magari con qualche attentato urbano da centinaia di morti – sarebbe inutile. Per Uribe, Santos, i Generali e compagnia una grande vittoria: hanno mantenuto la promessa della “mano dura”, e questo la gente lo capisce – e lo premia. Ora devono solo decidere come “passare all'incasso”.
From this joy something good should be born. July 2, 2008 is a big day. Maybe Íngrid Betancourt could not represent for Colombia the same thing Nelson Mandela for South Africa: she has paid the price of credibility and from what it seems she has achieved her lucidity; maybe.
The FARC lost a big chance, and they must be eating their hands. Their cycle is over, they will not be the ones who will change the future of the country. We hope they don't aim a “last attempt” -probably with an urban attack with hundreds of victims – would be useless. For Uribe, Santos, the generals and company it's a great victory: they have kept their promise of “hard hand”, and this is understood -and rewarded- by the people. Now they just should decide how to “to charge for it.”
Meanwhile, journalist Víctor Solano states that Ms Betancourt necessarily “overshadows” the others’ rescue [es]:
Haciendo un barrido por todos varios medios de comunicación vemos con ‘alborozo’ la noticia del rescate producto de una astucia de los cuerpos de inteligencia de Colombia para ‘robarse’ a los secuestrados y llevarlos a la libertad. En prácticamente todos los medios se establecen tres niveles de importancia y hasta se señala textualmente: “Ha sido rescatada Ingrid Betancourt; también los tres norteamericanos y 11 militares”. La forma en que se revela la información a la opinión pública es normal, mas no significa que sea la forma ideal. A la hora de la verdad, cualquiera de los 15 rescatados tiene tanta importancia como ser humano. Pero resulta absolutamente normal dadas las formas de la noticiabilidad/espectacularidad con que se ha cubierto este drama. Para muchos, el drama del secuestro en Colombia y otras partes del mundo solo ha tenido un rostro: el de Ingrid.
Doing a quick check through all the mass media we see the ‘rejoice’ for the news of the rescue with the shrewdness of Colombian intelligence agents to ‘steal’ the kidnapped taking them to freedom. Practically all the media have established three levels of importance and even textually headlining: “Íngrid Betancourt has been rescued; as well as the three Americans and 11 soldiers.” The way the information is revealed to the public opinion is the usual one, but it does not mean it is the ideal one. Actually, any of the 15 rescued has the same importance as a human being. But it turns absolutely normal given the forms of noticeability / spectacularity this drama has been covered. For a lot of people, the drama of kidnapping in Colombia and other parts of the world has only had one face: Íngrid.
Paola Vargas, a new blogger at equinoXio [es], writes, among other things, about the media coverage of the arrival of the released to Bogotá [es] (she also does not seem very convinced by the rescue operation):
El cubrimiento mediático  no podía desligarse del sentimentalismo que mueve este país desde  hace unos años. Noticias Caracol no resistió  la  tentación  de hacer sonar las letras de nuestro himno nacional, el segundo mejor  del mundo después del francés según el mito urbano (¡qué ironía!),  cuando Íngrid (y solo ella) salió del avión que transportaba a los  otros once uniformados. El canal RCN, por su parte, lucía orgulloso la  bandera colombiana. Sin embargo, unos y otros convencían con el mismo  discurso: las fuerzas militares han triunfado gracias a la pericia  del presidente Uribe y del ministro de defensa, la guerra se acabará  pronto, etc.
The media coverage couldn't separate itself from the sentimentalism that has been part of this country over the past few years. Noticias Caracol couldn't resist the temptation to play the lyrics of our national anthem, the second best of the world after the French one according to the urban legend (what an irony!),  when Íngrid (and just her) came out from the plane carrying the other 11 soldiers and policemen. RCN TV, on the other hand, was proudly wearing the Colombian flag. Nevertheless, both were convinced with the same discourse: the military forces have prevailed thanks to President Uribe's and Minister of Defense's skillfulness, and that the war will soon be over, etc.
The blog Colombia Hoy [es] comments [es]:
Las FARC reciben un nuevo golpe político y militar. Si es cierta la versión oficial, lo que hay detrás de la liberación  es una operación de inteligencia impecable. Inteligencia militar habría manejado el engaño con gran maestría. Está por verse cuál fue el papel jugado por los emisarios de Francia y Suiza que llegaron al país hace dos días, y si estos gobiernos formaron parte del engaño. Como sea, lo cierto es que queda en evidencia una vez más la fragilidad militar de las FARC y su vulnerabilidad frente a las infiltraciones y el engaño.  Pareciera más que una coincidencia que tanto en el bombardeo al campamento de Reyes como en este caso, existe el antecedente de la visita de un agente de inteligencia francés a los campamentos guerrilleros.
FARC received a new political and military blow. If the official version is true, what lies behind the release is an impeccable intelligence operation. [Colombia's] Military intelligence handled the plot with great mastery. It remains to be seen the role of the French and Swiss envoys who arrived two days ago, and if these governments took part on the plot. Anyway, the truth is again FARC's military fragility and its vulnerability toward infiltrations and deceptions have become evident. It seems more than a coincidence that both in the bombing of Raúl Reyes camp and this case, there's the precedent of the visit of a French intelligence agent to the guerrilla camps.
There are still around 3,000 kidnapped people in Colombia, around 700 of them being held by FARC. We want all of them free and safe.

author: Carlos Raúl van der Weyden Velásquez


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Colombia: Reactions to the Hostage Rescue from the Bogotá Airport · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Juliana Rincón of Medea Material [es] writes about finding out about the new of the rescue of the Colombian hostages through Twitter, and also the reaction of the people in the Bogotá airport, “The people at the El Dorado airport in Bogotá applauded, cried, and said hooray with the news.”


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Croatia: Demise of Feral Tribune · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Anegdote reports that Croatia's Feral Tribune “is no more.”


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Cuba: A FARC Cry · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Cuban blogger Machetera questions the timing of the rescue of French/Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt. And, she says, the comments of this high profile hostage show Ms Betancourt's experiences with the FARC guerillas, “left her with no greater understanding of the Colombian conflict than when she was seized on her presidential campaign tour seven years ago.”


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Cuba: Oh joy! · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Cuban blogger Ninety miles away….in another country and Why does the glass have to be half empty or half full?, from Trinidad, both find good reasons to delight in their world.


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India: Web 2.0 and other annoyances · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Blue Screen of Duds on the lack of user engagement online in India.


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Iran: Death Penalty for Blogging? · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

On Wednesday, Iranian members of parliament voted to discuss a draft bill that seeks to “toughen punishment for disturbing mental security in society.” The text of the bill would add, “establishing websites and weblogs promoting corruption, prostitution and apostasy,” to the list of crimes punishable by death.
In recent years, some Iranian bloggers have been sent to jail and many have had their sites filtered. If the Iranian parliament approves this draft bill, bloggers fear they could be legally executed as criminals. No one has defined what it means to “disturb mental security in society”.
Such discussion concerning blogs has not been unique to Iran. It shows that many authorities do not only wish to filter blogs, but also to eliminate bloggers!
A state policy to control blogs
About a year and a half ago, the Iranian government demanded that bloggers should register and provide their names and addresses on a site called Samandehi. Many people believed such a process would facilitate legal action against them.
Bloggers resisted and many published an “I do not register my blog/site” banner on their blogs. The Government then realised it cannot have real control of the situation, or force bloggers to register.
In the footsteps of Yemen?
Unfortunately, the Iranian case is not unique to the Middle East and to the world. In April, MidEastYouth talked about new repressive measures adopted by Yemen, quoting Walid Al-Saqaf, YemenPortal.net's administrator:
“This week, the government’s Minister of Information threatened to file lawsuits against news websites on the justification of ‘inciting hatred’ or ‘harming national interests’ and the other usual excuse they often use to prosecute journalists. The threat is even more severe for websites because the government would use the penal code instead of the press law. This means that website owners could receive even death penalties.”
“Don’t be upset, we'll execute you legally”
Nikahang, a leading Iranian online cartoonist and blogger, says [Fa]:
if this draft bill becomes law, everything will be based on interpretation and a simple blogger will be considered a center to destroy people’s religion! What can I say? Only people who disturb people’s mental security could support such a thing.
Mirza Kasra Bakhtyari writes [Fa] that Ali Larijani, the Iranian Parliament's President, supported discussing this draft bill and added that they have talked for hours with the Judiciary about it.
Ghomarashegahneh says [Fa]:
Mentioning ‘blogging’ among crimes such as kidnapping, raping, armed robbery makes accusing bloggers easier than before… Such a law will harm the mental security of society more than the poor bloggers, who do not know what awaits them.
The blogger adds that the real causes of mental security problems are the economic crisis and repressive government policies.
Bazri warns [Fa]: “We should do our best to stop members of parliament from approving this draft bill. Tomorrow it will be too late. It is easy to accuse a blogger of apostasy and corruption. Let's tell the Parliament that to think differently is not a crime that should be punishable by death.”
Balocuh has published a cartoon where a cleric tells a woman about to be executed: “Don’t be upset, we'll execute you legally.”
Nikahang, a leading cartoonist and blogger, has published another cartoon where Ali Larijani,parliament speaker, is “executing a blogger.”
Credit: Nikahang


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Jamaica: Just a Cartoon? · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

A caricature depicting Robert Mugabe as King Kong gets the attention of Jamaican blogger My View of JamDown from Up So. Is it just a harmless political cartoon, he asks, or a racist portrayal of the Zimbabwe President?


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Morocco: No death or rape in Sidi Ifni · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

Crazy Moor reports that the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) has determined that there were no death or rape cases in Sidi Ifni; television station Al Jazeera had claimed that there were, leading to controversy.

author: Jillian C. York


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Pakistan: Working Children · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Development Industry on the large number of children working in hazardous conditions in Pakistan.


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Serbia: Business Success · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

LimbicNutrition Weblog writes about “two perfect examples of run-away success stories involving returnee Serbs building world-class businesses right here in Serbia.”


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Serbia, U.S.: Miladin Kovacevic · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

LimbicNutrition Weblog writes about the case of Miladin Kovacevic: “‘Who the hell is Miladin Kovacevic,’ you might ask, ‘A war criminal?’ Not quite, he is a Serb college basketball player involved in the horrific beating of a fellow student in a New York State town who was then helped to escape the USA and return to Serbia by a Serbian diplomat.”


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Slovenia: Former Border Photos · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Borut Peterlin posts photos from the former border between Slovenia and Italy in Nova Gorica.


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Trinidad & Tobago: Through the Mill · Global Voices
Skye Hernandez

Four Fingers and a Thumb 2.0 shares a bird's eye view of an area in Trinidad where a steel mill is to be built and which, she says, has become the “epicenter of environmental protest” on the island.


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Tunisia: Muslim While Flying · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

Blogger Tunisianbelle shares a horrific story of being searched, her clothes being torn, and subsequently missing her flight, all due to the way she was dressed.


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Ukraine: More Foreign Workers? · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Buffalo Expat writes about Ukraine's demographics, migrant labor and xenophobia.


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Ukraine: Photos of Crimean Tatars and Crimea · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Marusia of My Simferopol Home posts an update on her life in Crimea and links to Alison Cartwright's photographs of Crimean Tatars, their land and their homes – here, here, here, and here.


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Ukraine: Questions to President and PM · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Taras Kuzio poses ten questions to president Victor Yushchenko – and ten more to PM Yulia Tymoshenko.


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Armenia: Foreign Policy Failure · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Unzipped comments on recent statements made by newly-elected Russian president Dmitry Medvedev as well as the Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) reaffirming the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The blog asks its readers somewhat rhetorically if the statements represent the failure of Armenian foreign policy.


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Armenia: Lost Cause? · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

The Armenian Observer posts a video with English subtitles and comments on yesterday's rally by the radical opposition in Armenia. The blog says the movement led by the country's first president seems to be slowly turning into a lost cause.


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Brazil: On the ill-treatment for migrant workers · Global Voices
Paula Góes

“We are imperialists and prejudiced, but faced with other nations’ prejudice, we forget our own. We turn our backs to Latin America and Africa, despite sharing with them the same history of colonization.” Sakamoto [pt] reflects on the way Brazilians treats its migrant workers and dreams about it as country which would allow the free movement of workers.


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China: AI’s Human Rights Beijing 2008 campaign · Global Voices
John Kennedy

Red.CBGB at Bullog.cn has posted several of the images from Amnesty International's Beijing Olympics human rights campaign in a photo post, ‘Olympic project’. ‘It feels like a little too much,’ writes one reader. ‘This is no exaggeration at all,’ writes another, ‘but the truth is always hard for anyone to take.’


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China: Shutting down for the Olympics · Global Voices
John Kennedy

Just over a month until the big games, Fons Tuinstra at China Herald takes a look around Beijing as the city prepares itself in ‘Olympic shutdown gets into places’.


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Colombia: Hostage Rescue Raises Concerns · Global Voices
Juliana Rincón Parra

After the rescue dubbed as “perfect” by liberated former Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, who was rescued by the Colombian army on Wednesday July 2nd along with 14 other hostages being held captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) for up to 10 years in some cases. The Colombian community has been voicing concerns about the repercussions the rescue might have, and what interests might have been behind it.
Blogger Victor Solano reports on a news article in French found in Radio Suisse Romande [fr]and one in Spanish on Spain's elpais.com [es] saying that the US army gave 20 million dollars to the FARC for the liberation of the 15 hostages .
In micro blogging website Twitter, Jerome Sutter [es] suggests that this economic exchange might be the cause of the few official reactions Sarkozy has had.
Also from Twitter, Gerente [es] quotes a famous radio anchor, Julito, from a popular radio show in W radio station, who reported that polemic Colombian writer Fernando Vallejo had said that “the liberation of the hostages was manipulative, roguish and horrible.”… turns out to be that what Vallejo really said [es] was that Ingrid Betancourt herself is those things,and the way that the media is concentrating only on her and not on all the other hundreds of hostages is scandalous.
Marsares from equinoXio [es] online magazine writes that the operation has been so perfect, people are now doubting it. He doesn't share this perception so then he proceeds to establish counterpoint arguments for their criticisms. However, he does make an allowance, admitting that the fact that the “Trojan  horse” [en] strategy was used, by pretending to be a humanitarian mission and could make it harder for other hostages to receive any kind of humanitarian aid in the future.
Journalist and blogger Anastasia Moloney writes that some families fear that guerrillas will strike back at remaining hostages, killing them or hurting their families, and that now that Ingrid is freed along with the three North American citizens, that international pressure to free the remaining hostages will disappear.

author: Juliana Rincón Parra


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Iran:Persian Gulf’s ancient history evoked  · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Kourosh Ziabari writes that in a two day conference Durham University in UK has studied the Persian Gulf and the ancient trading habits of the seafaring Persians.


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Russia: Farewell to “Khrushchevki” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Earlier this week, LJ user drugoi, one of the most popular and prolific Russian bloggers, posted 17 photos from a Moscow neighborhood of Khrushchev-era apartment blocks, commonly known as khrushchevki, pyatietazhki, or khrushchoby. The neighborhood is about to disappear, to make room for more up-to-date residential high-rises.
Here's some of the text that accompanies drugoi‘s photo report (RUS), which has generated 331 comments:
Khrushchevki of the early 1960s are being demolished in south-western Moscow. Five-story buildings, with no balconies, with tiny kitchens, [box-like toilet-and-bathroom spaces], thin walls separating the apartments, allowing residents to hear everything that's going on in their neighbors’ places – their time is up. Whole blocks of pyatietazhki [five-story buildings] have been deserted by their former owners and are left face to face with powerful machinery that's methodically taking down one house after another. When excavators and bulldozers [are done with their job], nothing but a flat, empty site remains where people still lived quite recently. My contemporaries were born and grew up in these pyatietazhki, they had their children there, and these children have had the time to produce grandchildren for [their parents]. Several generations have spent their lives in khrushchoba-houses [khrushchoba derives from trushchoba, a slum, and can be loosely translated as “Khrushchev slums”]. With their help, Muscovites were rescued from factory barracks and the horrible Soviet kommunalki [communal apartments], they provided young families with their first housing and gave old people peace and hot water in their own, albeit small, bathroom. All in all, thank you, pyatietazhki.
[…]
Resettling residents of such pyatietazhki is quite an ordeal. In the years they've spent here, they've managed to assemble numerous relatives around them, close and not so, everything is intertwined in a monstrous kind of way, every family has its own history of relationships, while the number of apartments provided by the city authorities for free isn't endless. Commissions dealing with the cases of the “resettlers” constantly run into problems: some don't like the new housing, others try to get themselves bigger apartments, try to move away from their children, grandparents, ex-wives and ex-husbands with whom they share the same living space.
[…]
Andrei is the last resident of this pyatietazhka. He's been in a legal battle with the local authorities for a year now. According to him, the situation is crazy: for the past five years, he's been sharing a small two-room apartment with his ex-wife, her new husband and their five dogs. He was asking to be resettled into two rooms, at least, in communal apartments, in different locations. But the resettlement commission is offering the former spouses one two-room apartment in a new building. City court has reinforced the commission's decision. Gas has already been turned off in the [old] building, but there's still water and electricity. No one knows what to do next.
Andrei says that nearly everyone in their building had problems with resettlement. On the one hand, it's understandable that people would like to solve the most difficult of all issues – housing – in one blow, but on the other hand, the state is basically giving them living space worth hundreds of thousands dollars for free, so the battles that are raging are indeed deadly.
[…]
[photo of a woman standing by the half-demolished building, talking to another one inside the building]
- Sveta, have you by any chance seen my old sneakers somewhere around here?
[…]
They aren't resettling people from pyatietazhki to [remote areas] anymore, but are giving them apartments right here, two blocks away from their old houses.
[…]
[last photo, of a newly-built high-rise]
In this building, people from khrushchevki are starting their new lives.
Here are some of the responses to drugoi‘s photo report; a few are from bloggers living in other former Soviet states – Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania:
danatjan:
Old Soviet wallpaper is the most poignant thing about the pictures of the houses being demolished.
***
el_finik:
Strange that khrushchevki in Minsk [Belarus] looked totally different – with balconies, etc. – and no one is tearing them down :)
cheremis:
A different series. In Moscow, there are pyatietazhki that aren't up for demolition – normally, they are made of bricks and have balconies. The ones in the photos were intended to be used for 40 years, and [Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov] is, in a way, fulfilling the plans of the Soviet government ))
***
zlena:
It's even sad somehow… I was also born and grew up in a similar khrushchevka. It's my home. Though my khrushchevka is in Kyiv, and it's probably gonna be there for a long time still.
***
4lynch:
Some photos are as if they were taken in Chernobyl… Beautiful!
***
katerinishe:
Would be great to leave one building intact and create a museum of interior and everyday life in it. To be able, later, to recognize things that surrounded you as a child or stuff that your grandmother had.
***
nito_os:
I grew up in a khrushchevka, too, and I live in it still. But here in Lithuania they aren't demolishing them, quite the opposite: they are repairing them and build an extra story on top, to pay less for repairs. Khrushchevki will survive us all!


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Russia: Blogger’s Trial · Global Voices
Vilhelm Konnander

Russian Cyberspace posts an update about a Russian blogger on trial and internet censorship.

author: Vilhelm Konnander


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USA: Al Jazeera Blackout? · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

When Al Jazeera announced its plans to release English-language channel in 2005, the announcement was met with both support and protest in the United States.  And so, although the US government doesn't prevent access to the channel, many cable companies are reluctant to carry it; after all, Donald Rumsfeld had accused the channel of “inciting terrorism”.  On the other side of things, the U.S. cable market experiences a strong competition for bandwidth, and simply cannot carry every channel.
Subsequently, the channel has remained largely unavailable in the United States.  In order to access the channel from most places within the country, Americans must pay upwards of $45 per month in addition to their usual subscription fee (on the DishTV network) – prohibitively expensive for many.
Recently, however, Burlington Telecom, owned by the small city of Burlington, Vermont (population 39,000), decided to carry Al Jazeera English, sparking debate amongst its residents and leading some groups to protest for its removal.  Bloggers in the city and around the world jumped on the story.  KABOBfest‘s Will (Palestine/US) explains the debate and concludes:
As we approach the end of the Bush presidency, it should be apparent to everyone that the the old thinking of “us good, them bad” is failing and having destructive repercussions. It is time Americans engage the world and expose themselves to voices beyond our borders. Al-Jazeera, English represents just that. Burlington, VT is exceptionally progressive, but these questions should be raised in every community around the country — most of which do not have televised access to Al-Jazeera, English.
Hanaan, also from KABOBfest, introduces a video (from Al Jazeera English itself) on the story, saying:
Despite its reputation for open-mindedness, there are more than a few idiots in Burlington, with the Israel Center of Vermont and the Defenders Council of Vermont leading the way:
From Burlington itself, two letter-writers are quoted in the Burlington Free Press‘ blog section.  The first, Scott Baker, argues that to drop Al Jazeera from Burlington Telecom would amount to censorship:
Part of the very problem in relations between the U.S. and the Middle East is that their citizens don’t know enough about each other. Our relationship is defined by government policies, not open communication and understanding of different perspectives. Yes, Al Jazeera discusses Al Qaeda, because it’s a very real issue on its home turf. Yet, if you read and listen extensively, most Arabs and Muslims are just as angry at Al Qaeda as most Americans are.
In the same post Steve Flemer argues against Burlington Telecom's choice to host Al Jazeera English:
…It would seem to me that this fledgling city-owned outfit, already struggling with customer subscriptions far below expectations, would want to provide a varied cable menu without having to feel like they needed to make potentially self-harming political statements.
A comment on the website of Seven Days, a popular local newspaper, sums up the sentiments best, saying:
Forget conservatives versus liberals – the real debate over Al Jazeera in Burlington and elsewhere is increasingly turning into a debate between those who have watched the channel and those who have not. Those who have watched Al Jazeera on air will benefit from its strong global perspective on international news and affairs. On the flipside, most of the sections of society insisting Al Jazeera be dropped have never even watched it. Even when sets aside the fact that one group should not be allowed to impose itself on the other, the question of whose views are more credible is easy to answer.
This article also appears on Voices without Votes.


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Venezuela: Bloggers Pay Tribute to Eugenio Montejo · Global Voices
Laura Vidal

Photo by Rußen and used under a Creative Commons license.
Venezuelans say goodbye to another of their poets in times when they need them the most. On June 6th, enthusiasts of literature and arts in Venezuela received the sad news of the death of one of the most important and influential writers in the last years: Eugenio Montejo.
Montejo's poetry is well recognized for its rich texture. He was also published in numerous books in Spanish and participated in numerous editorial works devoted to Venezuelan literature. He won the national prize of literature and the international prize Octavio Paz. He has been seen as the most important poet of the last years. Numerous groups, pages, blogs and even Facebook groups [es] have been dedicated to him and his poetry. The day after his death the discussion board was filled with comments about the importance of his poetry and how he will be eternally remembered.
Bloggers share opinions and feelings while they remember and thank all the beautiful words which so many of them identified themselves with.
Another interesting fact is that through González Iñárritu’s film, 21 Grams, Montejo gained more attention when Sean Penn's character quoted a line from one of his poems…
“The earth turned to bring us closer. It turned on itself and in us, until it finally brought us together in this dream.”
Jorge, in his blog Letralia [es] wrote:
Anoche se fue Eugenio Montejo, dejándonos con esto encendido, no sin antes
despedirse de su siglo vertical y lleno de teorías. En 2002 había revelado las bases de su credo: La poesía es la última religión que nos queda. Si hay un juicio final, será ante ella.
Last night, Eugenio Montejo [es] left us, leaving us with all this still on, not without saying goodbye to his vertical theory filled with theories. In 2002 he had revealed the basis of his creed [es]: poetry is the last religion we have. If there is to be a final judgment, it will be before it.
From Peru, Moleskine Literario [es] writes:
Al parecer, los poetas nunca mueren solos. Unas semanas después de la muerte de nuestro Alejandro Romualdo Valle, el duelo le toca ahora a Venezuela. A los 70 años murió Eugenio Montejo, considerado el mayor poeta de ese país.
It seems that poets never die alone. A few weeks after the death of our Alejandro Romualdo Valle, it is now time for Venezuela to mourn. Eugenio Montejo died at 70. He was considered the greatest poet of that country.
Juliana Boersner of Papel en Blanco [es], says:
¿Cómo escribir desde la tristeza? ¿Cómo teclear a través de las lágrimas de impotencia por ver apagarse tan raudamente una de las mejores voces de la poesía del mundo hispano, aún con tanto por ofrecernos?
How do you describe the sadness? How is it possible to type through tears of helplessness when one of the best voices in Hispanic poetry goes away so suddenly with still so much to offer?
Rostro de Viento's [es] José Urriola says:
Al poeta Eugenio Montejo lo habré visto si acaso tres veces en la vida. La primera fue de niño en los pasillos del Edificio de Estudios Generales de la Universidad Simón Bolívar. En esa oportunidad yo iba de la mano de mi padre que se detuvo a saludar a un hombre de lentes de pasta, mostacho negro y saco beige a cuadros. Papá me dijo: “Hijo, conozca a uno de los grandes poetas de este país, Eugenio Montejo”. A lo que el bigotón respondió con un acento que me pareció andino: “Amigo, no le crea a su padre. Yo no soy poeta, soy bombero”.
Anoche murió Eugenio Montejo. Se murió uno de los nuestros, uno de los grandes, uno de los buenos. Se murió alguien que a ningún venezolano debería serle indiferente.
I saw poet Eugenio Montejo three times in my life or so. First time I was a kid standing at the halls of Simón Bolivar University. In that opportunity I was holding my father’s hand who stopped to greet a man with thick glasses, black mustache and a beige coat with squares. My dad told me “son, meet one of the greatest poets of this country, Eugenio Montejo”. To that, the man with the mustache answered with an accent that sounded from the Andes: “my friend, don’t believe what your father says. I’m not a poet, I’m a fireman”.
Eugenio Montejo died last night. One of our own died, one of the greats, one of the good ones.Someone to whom no Venezuelan should be indifferent has died.
Argonauticas [es] adds:
Eugenio Montejo escribió algunos de los poemas más hermosos que se han escrito en lengua castellana. Después de realizar ese portento, el suceso de su muerte el pasado viernes es, acaso, apenas un episodio en la vastedad del tiempo.
Eugenio Montejo wrote some of the most beautiful poems ever written in the Spanish language. After achieving this, his death last Friday is, if anything, just a brief chapter in the immensity of time.Eugenio Montejo wrote some of the most beautiful poems ever written in the Spanish language.
Argonauticas also gives a very interesting link to The Trees: Selected Poems 1967-2004

author: Laura Vidal


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Western Sahara: A new Sahrawi satellite TV station · Global Voices
Yazan Badran

This will be our first attempt to cover the Sahrawi blogsphere. I, alongside Jillian York and Renata Avila will try to shed light on what the Sahrawi bloggers are saying each week, in Arabic, English and Spanish. The topic of Western Sahara is one of a very complex background, and emotions tend to run high whenever it is under discussion. We will try to cover the Sahrawi side with as much objectivity as it is humanly possible.
This week's pick comes from the Western Sahara blog, writing about the new Sahrawi satellite TV station, R.A.S.D. TV (Democratic Sahrawi Arab Republic Television):
لا أخفيكم سرا كم انتظرت شخصيا كما الكثيرين بالمناطق المحتلة خروج هذا المولود الجديد الى النور بعد طول انتظار، نعم أخيرا  لنا تلفزاتنا الفضائية
I have to tell you how much I've personally waited, like many others in the occupied areas, for this newborn baby to see light. And after a long wait, yes, we now have our own satellite television station.
The blogger says that the most important mission for the station should be to advance the Sahrawi case among other Arab countries:
لعل أهم دور لها آن تعرف بالقضية الوطنية لأخوتنا العرب في ظل صمت الجامعة العربية والذي نتمنى أن تتمكن القناة من كسر جدار الصمت هذا وان تجعل منها منتدى للنقاش البناء وللتفاعل مع الأشقاء العرب ، وهو اكبر تحدي للتلفزة نظرا لامتناع المسؤوليين عن الأقمار الصناعية العربية عن إعطاء تردد لها.
The most important role [for the station] is to shed light on our national cause to our Arab brothers. As the Arab League has remained silent over the issue, we hope the station will be able to break this silence barrier and to be a forum for constructive and interactive discussion with our Arab brothers, which will be the biggest challenge facing the channel, considering that the officials at the Arab TV Satellites have refused to host the channel on their frequencies.
He adds:
وأخيرا نتمنى أن تميط القناة اللثام عن واقع المناطق المحتلة من خلال بث أشرطة متلفزة تظهر فيها الصحراء الغربية من الداخل وان تؤرخ هذه الحقبة والمنعطف الهام في مسيرة قضيتنا الوطنية العادلة،
And finally, we hope the channel will also uncover the realities in the occupied areas by airing footage showing the Sahara from the inside, and to document this era and this important juncture in the history of our just national cause.

author: Yazan Badran


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Armenia: Education Blogs · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

While blogs undoubtedly came of age during the recent post-election state of emergency when the traditional media was effectively muzzled for 20 days, that is not to say that politics is the main focus of every blog. Indeed, it might even be argued that such blogs do little more than duplicate the same kind of polarized views voiced by a myriad of politically partisan newspapers.
Instead, now that post-election tensions are dying down in Armenia, there is a huge potential for blogs to cover more specific issues which are either ignored or left undiscussed by the media and society in general. One of those subjects is education, an area which is particularly tainted by corruption in the post-Soviet space.
According to Transitions Online's education blog, Chalkboard, Armenia is no exception when it comes to the slow pace of reform.
While authorities tout Bologna reforms as creating a modern, competitive education system in Armenia, many feel that the transition is only exacerbating existing problems. In spite of the Ministry of Education’s lofty plans, Armenian schools continue to grapple with a critical shortage of resources and qualified teachers, especially in rural areas, due to persistent low public spending on education – only 3.2 percent of GDP according to the most recent figures from the World Bank.
Education has also become the focus of other specialist blogs dealing with Armenia and the South Caucasus. The Armenian Economist, for example, is critical of government plans to fund students to study abroad. The blog argues that the money would be better spent on improving the education system at home.
The prime minister recently announced that the government will fund the education of a number of students in foreign countries. Undoubtedly this is a confirmation of the country’s dramatic need for capacity building, as well as a reflection of the slow progress in advancing the state of graduate education in the country.
[…]
[…] The limited resources should instead be employed in attracting educators to the country. Here, a much larger pool of students would get training. More importantly, current faculty would also get training, and upgrade their academic skills.
[…]
At the end of the day, it is the academic institutions in the country that need to be shored up. Otherwise, capacity building will continue to be a long slow process.
Armenia Higher Education & Sciences, a blog by lecturer and consultant Aryana Petrova, is also unhappy with the government's policies. Already wondering if the new Minister of Education and Sciences will be able to “implement long overdue reforms […] [in] one of the most inefficient and ineffective state administrations,” Petrova laments the conditions in which scientists have to work.
We are occasionally told that if Armenia’s neighbors have abundant natural resources, Armenia is lucky to have its people. […]
The problem with intellectual potential or capital is that, unlike other resources, it is extremely mobile and if it is not protected, supported and nurtured, it can easily relocate. There are countries that seek foreign talent to boost their own economy in detriment of those that experience loss of talent or so-called brain drain.
Armenia is in the latter situation; it is currently subject to brain drain. […]
It is true that the migration has sharply declined in recent years but it has not stopped. The country’s research and innovation capacity shrinks year after year, and this will certainly continue as long as serious measures in favor of the country’s education and research are not taken.
Meanwhile, Social Science in the Caucasus examines Armenia's standing in the international Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). However, the blog wonders if the scores reported accurately reflect the real situation and uses its blog to solicit responses and further research on the matter.
Some alternative studies conducted in Armenia suggest that TIMSS sample may not be representative of the overall population. If we understand the argument correctly, the authors of this study argue that students included in the sample in Armenia are from middle-upper classes. Effectively this could mean that the poorest remain underrepresented. This may be an interesting topic for research (any potential fellows out there?).
Assuming that subjects such as education continue to be covered, specialist blogs such as these might well prove excellent mediums through which to discuss the issues at hand. They might also prove instrumental in providing transparency in the arduous task of reforming a corrupt and inefficient educational system in countries such as Armenia.
In 2006, for example, international students at Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) set up their own blog following demonstrations staged after the controversial death of an Indian course mate. Although it has since been deleted, the precedent for blogs to empower students and push for accountability in the education system was set.


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Brazil: The Rent-a-Blog debate heats the blogosphere · Global Voices
Paula Góes

The highly sensitive Brazilian blogosphere is fizzing after a famous brand of beverage decided to invest in blogs as the main vehicle to market its latest product. Nine prominent bloggers were cherry picked and received a fancy USB mini fridge with a new product to be tested – and obviously to be blogged about. Soon blogs [pt] and the twittorsphere [pt] were happily bubbling with comments about the innovative marketing strategy, until the story was picked up by BlueBus [pt], another no less prominent site with an impressive 13 years on the blogosphere, which introduced a new term to refer to the picked blogs: “blogs-de-aluguel” in Portuguese or “rent-a-blog”. Needless to say, this nickname didn't go down very well and the bloggers quickly got together to react and put up a “I am not a rent-a-blog blogger” [pt] manifesto:
Blog é página pessoal, é registro de tempo, é expressão, é alguém falando o que pensa/acha/acredita para quem quiser ler. Blogueiros não têm sindicato, salário, férias, mas fazem muita, muita hora extra. Blogueiro não é jornalista nem publicitário: poder ser tudo e nada, teenager ou mãe de família, cabeleireiro ou alto executivo. Cada um tem a audiência que merece, a credibilidade que conquistou.
A blog is a personal page, is a time logbook, is expression, is someone saying what they think/reckon/believe for those who want to read it. There aren't bloggers’ union, wages, holidays, but we do lots of overtime. A blogger is not a journalist or an advertising agent: they can be everything and nothing, teenager or mother, hairdresser or CEO. Each one has the audience they deserve, the credibility they have conquered.
For many bloggers, like Prix [pt], BlueBus staff just suffered a jealousy attack because all the nine bloggers chosen were much younger than them, both in age and in experience as bloggers:
Egos cutucados ou não, quem dirige o BB deve ter pensado, “Por que eu não ganhei um presentinho desse ? estou na internet desde desde, e quem ganha são esses moleques ?” […] Tudo ficou com cara de ser inveja por parte do BlueBus pelo que esses blogs tem produzido e pelo destaque conquistado.
Bruised egos or not, whoever runs the BB [BlueBus] must have thought: “Why wasn't it me who got this little gift? I've been on the Internet since the beginning, and those kids are the ones who get it?” […] It looks like it is BlueBus’ jealousy because of what these blogs have produced and the prominence they have achieved.
Rafael Ziggy [pt], one of the bloggers linked to by BlueBus as a “rent-a-blog”, demanded clarification. In answer to him, the site publisher, Julio Hungria [pt], explains the choice of words:
Rafael, a expressao nao tem sentido pejorativo. Se vc tiver uma sugestao melhor, estou aceitando. Mas em jornalismo (blog nao é um formato moderno de jornalismo?) nao aceitamos geladeiras ou quaisquer outros tipos de coisas que envolvam valor que nos comprometa com comentarios positivos sobre produtos ou pessoas. Nao desdenho com a expressao ‘blogs de aluguel’. Acho que o teu formato é legitimo. Pra mim seria uma forma normal de comunicaçao, uma midia a serviço de 1 cliente. No inicio chamavam de ‘blogs corporativos’ mas nao é isso – ‘corporativo’ supoe 1 blog de propriedade da empresa para veicular declaradamente assuntos de interesse dela (normalmente deveriam ser geridos por assessorias de imprensa)
Rafael, the expression doesn't have such a pejorative meaning. If you have a better suggestion, I'll accept it. But in journalism (isn't blog a modern form of journalism?) we don't accept fridges or anything else which would compromise our values with positive comments about products or people. I don't despise you with the expression “rent-a-blog”. I think your format is a legitimate one. To me it would be a normal form of communication, a medium serving 1 customer. In the beginning it was called ‘corporate blogs’ but this is not it – ‘corporate’ assumes a blog owned by a company to run openly topics of their interest (which usually should be handled by PR)
Cardoso [pt] thinks this explanation given by BlueBus was rather cynical. He publishes the picture below and answers to Julio Hungria:
Primeiro, Júlio, jornalista que se preza escreve em português correto. Passe a usar acentos como gente grande. Assim você parece mais jornaleiro. Sem sentido pejorativo. Segundo, eu lamento MUITO que a sua integridade e Credibilidade seja algo tão barato que possa ser comprometida por uma geladeira USB. Gostaria de te informar que ao mesmo tempo em que há sim, blogs que se vendem por qualquer merreca e falam que gostam de Passport, os blogs sérios são feitos por gente SÉRIA e de caráter, que não precisa “fugir da tentação” para não ceder ao pecado. E mesmo que cedêssemos, não sei se a geladeira USB é o preço médio de um jornalista, mas um blogueiro custa bem mais caro.
First, Julio, a self-respecting journalist writes in correct Portuguese. Start to use accents as a grown-up. Otherwise you look more like a paperboy. No pejorative overtone here. Second, I regret VERY MUCH that your integrity and credibility are something so cheap that they can be compromised by a USB fridge. I would like to inform you that at the same time that there are, indeed, blogs that are sold by any shit money to say they like Passport, serious blogs are kept by serious people who have character, who don't need to “resist the temptation” in order not to commit a sin. And even if we did commit one, I don't know if a USB fridge is the average price of a journalist, but a blogger is much more expensive.
Fail Bus – It doesn't need to be blue to be a disaster. But it helps.
Change is in the air
As someone who is on the other side of the debate, Roberto Cassano [pt] sees blogs and social media as advertising opportunities, and says that receiving testing products is a sign that the blogger's social role as opinion makers is being well met. The problem is to label the whole of the blogosphere as “rent-a-blog” and “release lines” when a few make inappropriate use of the opportunities they get:
Mas isso só acontece porque estamos no meio de um processo, em um mercado imaturo ainda, que tem muito a crescer. As mídias geradas por usuários e as redes sociais são o fantástico e inevitável caminho da propaganda. Não fosse não teria eu mesmo migrado para uma empresa especializada nisso, e não distribuiria produtos a blogueiros (sim, eu faço isso) na esperança de que blogueiros gostem dos produtos que enviamos e resolvam falar bem deles. Ou que falem mal. Ou que não falem nada.
But this only happens because we are in the midst of a process, in a still immature market, which has much growing to do. The user generated medias and social networks are fantastic and an inevitable means for advertising. If this wasn't true I would not have migrated to a company specialized in this, and would not give away products to bloggers (yes, I do this) in the hope that bloggers will enjoy the products we send and decide to talk nicely about them. Or talk badly. Or just not say anything.
Michel Lent [pt] gives his two cents worth saying that the way the Brazilian blogging community usually reacts to any kind of criticism is very exaggerated and agrees that we are the witnesses of the end of an era:
Não se trata de uma guerra jornalistas x blogueiros. Ainda mais neste caso, onde o estopim parece ter sido o BlueBus, na minha opinião, o primeiro blog influente do Brasil. Se trata de um novo momento da comunicação onde os papéis antigos estão sendo revistos e os novos, inventados. Acho que o protesto deve ser feito sim, mas não em forma de agressão bruta e sim em forma de argumentação. Acredito que a única forma de amadurecer é através do debate.
This is not a journalists versus bloggers war. Even more in this case, where the gasket seems to have been blown by BlueBus which is, in my opinion, the first influential blog in Brazil. This is a new communication era where the old roles are being reviewed and the new ones invented. I think the protest should be made, but not in an aggressive and brutal way but as an argument. I believe that the only way to mature is through discussion.
The “monetization” debate is never out of fashion on the Brazilian blogosphere, with heated opinions both for and against the fact that bloggers may use blogs to make some money or even a living out of writing. However, this is a debate that deserves a post of its own. More to follow soon.


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China: August moon over Beijing · Global Voices
John Kennedy

Veteran China pundit Philip J Cunningham looks back at the phases of the moon leading up to the Tiananmen student protest in 1989 and forward to the August moon as it will be when the Olympics begin next month as possible justification for tightened security leading up to the Games in his post, ‘August Moon Over Beijing‘.


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China: Senstive Push-Up · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

In the Weng'an mass incident investigation, the murder suspect claimed that he was doing press-up in the bridge when the 15-years old girl jumped down to the river. Many netizens started to spoof about the term “push-up”, and now it has become a sensitive term in may portal websites according to lipuman.