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Costa Rica Bloggers on CAFTA and other issues · Global Voices
Juliana Rincón Parra

The Tico Bloggers are posting on two main subjects this past week: the two day long Anti-CAFTA protests and the bill the government is writing which would ban weapon production in Costa Rican territory. Other topics are political corruption up high and the power of a musical request.
Let's begin with the bill.  The proposed bill would prohibit the fabrication of weapons in free trade zones and is geared mostly for handguns and gunpowder based weapons. A loving thought that goes hand in hand with Costa Rica's image as a peace loving company. However, the interesting aspect of the bill is what it doesn't mention:  it says nothing about making components for Raytheon Company, “an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business aviation and special mission aircraft.” (taken from their About Us page).
Why a peaceful country in Central America which abolished the army more than 50 years ago and has a Nobel Peace Price winner as a president would allow a company that builds missile systems and war planes is a mystery.
In her blog, Julia Ardón copies the official inscription record as it appeared on the national paper “La Gaceta” on October 19th 2006
She also brings out a good point that would make all the debate around this bill useless:
Además, sería muy bueno que también nos expliquen cómo harán para que esa nueva ley no sea superada por el TLC, cuando dice la Constitución que ninguna ley puede estar por encima de un tratado internacional.
In the comments for this post, a poster provides documentation produced by the opposition on mailing lists. The Partido de Acción Ciudadana  revealed that the representative for Raytheon Company donated more than 12 million colones to Oscar Arias’ political campaign and is also president for the AMCHAM (American Chamber of Commerce).
The fact that the CAFTA will overrule any laws against the fabrication and productions of weapons is of great concern, as it is feared that Costa Rica will have to yield to commercial pressure as was the case with Canada Vs. Ethyl Corporation, MetalCad in Mexico and Harken in Costa Rica and thus we will be making and producing war equipment.
This is one of the reasons Costa Rican's are protesting the CAFTA. A march and protest took place in San José on October 23rd and 24th. The march was a countrywide peaceful protest against the CAFTA.
Dorelia Barahona Riera in Por la Boca Muere el Pez explains the reasons to join the protest.
Los más habilitados para los discursos los proclaman con energía desde los podios y los canales de comunicación, los que escriben con buena pluma, expresan su inconformidad en los periódicos y revistas, los que trabajan como educadores, informan sobre el estado del país y las consecuencias de seguir por el camino propuesto por los generales, pero los que no tienen estas formas de expresar su malestar, su inconformidad, su hartazgo de no ser oídos ¿como lo hacen?
Caminando, acercándose al senado, mostrando sus cuerpos físicos de pueblo con voto y sin voz.
Manifestándose, uniéndose en una sola voz representativa en sí misma, totalmente válida dentro del sistema democrático.
By walking, getting close to the senate, being there, representing the body of people with vote but no voice.
Sirena posts her personal reasons for participating in the protest in desenCantos de Sirena:
Ya lo he dicho antes: cuando una es una simple ciudadana “mortal” y no pertenece a las cúpulas de poder que se reparten las ganancias, no puede llamar por teléfono a su diputado o diputada, tiene que ir a gritarle afuera de su oficina que recuerde el mandato que se le dio. Cuando la gente quiere mostrar su poder frente al estado, sólo puede hacerlo en la calle, en protesta, en grupo y ese poder se mide por cuánta gente se haya unido a la marcha.
She also points out:
Lo menos que puedo hacer y debo hacer, es ser parte de ese grupo que va a plantarse frente al gobierno a recordarle a los que viven a costas nuestras, que no queremos ese modelo de país que nos imponen, que no queremos ser tan sólo una maquila tecnológica, que no queremos depender de un único mercado que es de los más injustos del mundo, que no queremos un desarrollo para unos pocos y la miseria para unos muchos, que no nos tragamos las mentiras que nos cuentan y que estamos dispuestos y dispuestas a pelear hasta el final.
Joaquín Rodríguez Badilla in Por la Boca Vive el Pez:
Conozco muchos artistas, gente incluso joven que se está yendo de los Estados Unidos. No creen que puedan luchar, no saben cómo hacerlo. Es una posición un poco cobarde, pero no voy a juzgarlos, no es mi país…
Lo que sí sé es que no esperen aquí que nosotros salgamos huyendo ante las imposiciones de la “Dictadura democrática” y el control de Seguridad con el que nos quieren ir cercando solapadamente, a quienes no comulgamos con “sus maravillas” porque saben bien que nos opondremos. Aquí siempre se supo luchar, a pesar de ser un país pacifista.
What I do know is that it can't be expected that we'll flee from the Democratic Dictatorship and the Security controls they intend to use to covertly isolate all of us who don't believe in “their wonders” because they know full well that we will oppose them. We've always known how to fight here, in spite of being a peaceful country.
In Costa Rica: una opinión sobre los cambios sociales y políticos del presente, Carlos Castro is ambivalent about the protests today and the possible results:
Las universidades han realizado un gran esfuerzo en publicar materiales críticos sobre el TLC. Sin embargo no hay mayores esfuerzos por aclarar a los ciudadanos que pasará si no se aprueba el TLC y cuáles son las perspectivas concretas para la economía nacional si se cierra el principal mercado para sus exportaciones. Existen vagas y amplias referencias sobre el “modelo solidario e inclusivo”, sin embargo más allá de las declaraciones líricas no nos explican cuál es la alternativa.
Itzpapalotl  writes about her reasons not to walk in the protest although she is against the CAFTA:
Mi excusa es débil, ya se, pero he ido a más marchas que a misas y en ambas siempre me encuentro medio enferma, desconfiando sin remedio del mae del micrófono.
Jaguar del Platanar comments on the protest in San Carlos, and the interactions of the peaceful protesters with the police:
Un par de cosas que me sorprendieron gratamente:
1. Un policía se acercó a los manifestantes y dijo “¿quién es el líder?” a lo que contestaron “¡Todos! ¡Aquí nadie vale más que los demás!
2. El mismo policía les dijo después “necesitamos que dejen libre el paso, de lo contrario nos veremos obligados a actuar”, a lo que respondió uno de los manifestantes: “Oscar Arias cerró las calles de Ciudad Quesada, junto con ustedes y a él nadie lo amenazó”
1. A policeman came up to the protesters and asked: “Who is your leader” to which the crowd answered “Everyone! No one here is worth more than the rest!
2. The same policeman later told them “We need you to stop blocking the way, otherwise we'll see ourselves forced to act” To which one of the protesters replied: “Oscar Arias closed the streets of Ciudad Quesada along with you, and no one threatened him”.
Julia Ardón on the government's accusations on the vilifying the Anti CAFTA marches for blocking roadways:
¿ Impedir el libre tránsito?
Según ese “nuevo” criterio con el que se acusa ahora a las marchas que piden la no aprobación de este TLC, abría que suprimir también: procesiones, funerales, plazas públicas, visitas del presidente a zonas rurales, desfiles del 11 de abril y 15 de setiembre, carnavales de San José, Limón, Puntarenas, topes de San José, Liberia y Palmares, esos “bloqueos” con un mecate para donar plata para la escuela del pueblo o arreglar las calles aledañas…., festival de la luz, desfile de boyeros en diciembre, filmaciones de comerciales o películas…todo lo que cierra calles para que unos ciudadanos disfruten y otros pasen por otro lado ( por un rato y…como siempre…)
Ah…también, cuando hay un choque, debería entonces venir más rápido el tránsito y el INS a hacer las diligencias del caso, para no impedir el libre tránsito vehícular…
According to this new criteria that is being used against the protests against the approval of the CAFTA, we would also have to prohibit: religious processions, funerals, political rallies, visits of the president to rural areas, parades for April 11th and September 15, the San Jose Carnivals, as well as the ones in Limon and Puntarenas, the topes (horse shows) in San Jose, Liberia and Palmares, those “roadblocks” with rope in rural areas to donate money for the school in a small town or to fix the neighboring roads, the Light Festival, ox cart parade in December, filming for commercials or movies… anything that closes streets so that some citizens enjoy and others have to avoid by taking detours (for a short while, as it has always happened)
Oh! While we are at it, they should have the traffic police and the National Insurance Institute should arrive at the scene of a crash in a timely manner as to not block free vehicular transit.
Corruption high within the government is also a topic that has generated posts:
Amelia Rueda, an important journalist writes in her blog:
Un capo de la droga acusado de querer matar a un Presidente tiene nexos en el país con un abogado que resulta ser el hermano del Vicepresidente de la República. La historia se complica, porque Kevin Casas (nuestro segundo vicepresidente) llama al Fiscal para decir que su hermano Ciro está desaparecido, pero en la oficina de este último lo que aseguran es el que el jurista anda fuera del país y regresa mañana (miércoles 11 de octubre). Más preguntas que respuestas… Mientras, el capo (George Nayes) está arrestado en Estados Unidos y se le acusa no solo de haber sido el “tesorero” de Pablo Escobar sino también de querer matar al presidente de El Salvador, Antonio Saca. Nayes estuvo varias veces en el país y, dice el vicepresidente Casas, que departieron en la fiesta de cumpleaños de su hermano Ciro. ¿Qué relación tiene don Kevin con el señor Nayes? ¿Su hermano le pidió algún tipo de ayuda para su cliente? ¿Deben pedírsele cuentas al Vicepresidente por las amistades de su familia? ¿Cuánto afecta este escándalo al gobierno? ¿Qué debe hacer el presidente Arias? Más preguntas que respuestas…
On the cultural and entertainment front, Floriella comments on the power of entertainers: During a concert one of the musicians requested that smokers put out their cigarettes for a while, since one of the musicians was unable to see due to so much smoke. As if by magic, every single cigarrette was put out for the rest of the concert.
A mitad de la primera parte, Jaime se dirigió a todos con estas palabras:
-Voy a pedirles algo que nunca pedimos, sólo por esta vez, ahí disculpen ustedes. Nuestro compañero Tapao está teniendo un problemita, casi no puede ver nada por el humo. Queríamos pedirles que por favor, los que están fumando dejen de hacerlo o por lo menos se abstengan por un ratito. Gracias.
Silencio y fue como si una aspiradora gigante limpiara el smoky air de un tajo. ¡TODO EL MUNDO DEJÓ DE FUMAR! Eso es a lo que yo le llamo poder, simple y llano.
-I'm going to ask of you something we've never asked before, just this once, please forgive us. Our friend Tapao is having a slight problem, he can hardly see due to the smoke. We wish to kindly request that those who are smoking stop doing so or at least abstain for a little bit. Thank you.
Silence and then it was as if a giant vacuum cleaner had cleaned out the “smoky air” at once. EVERYONE STOPPED SMOKING! That's what I call true and simple power.

author: Juliana Rincón Parra


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Ecuador: Voting Problems are Universal · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ecuador Elige posts a recently uploaded video of voting in New York [ES] with the caption, “it goes to show that problems happen everywhere.

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: David Sasaki


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El Salvador: Vegetarianism · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Salvadoran blogger Ethel explains why she is not vegetarian.


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Fiji: Building a Traditional Underground Oven · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Peceli blogs about the tradition of building a “lovo” – the traditional underground oven used to cook communal meals in the South Pacific. “In Australia we can’t make a lovo in your back yard without permission from the local council and the Fire Prevention Officer. The ruling is if we have a small back yard you don’t make the lovo close to the fence – at least 2 metres away. It’s good manners to talk also to your neighbours because there will be smoke. Making a lovo early in the morning is a good idea.”

author: Preetam Rai


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Ghana: Ghanian currency available on international market · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Proudly African links us to a story in the Ghanian local newspaper about the Cedi, the Ghanian currency, “For the first time ever in this country’s history, and indeed in the history of any local currency in West Africa, the cedi, once rated among the most discredited currencies across the globe, is going to be traded publicly on the international market.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Hong Kong: protecting bloggers? · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

ESWN translates Sidekick's post pleading local media to protect the privacy of bloggers(zh); the recent case is a 12 years’ old girl saying in her blog that she wants to kill her father after being beaten. Florence thinks that sidekick's plead would be in vain as the mainstream has their own logic. And bloggers, eventhough they maybe young, have to learn how to protect themselves.(zh)

author: Oiwan Lam


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Hungary: 1956 Myths · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Further Ramblings of a N.Irish Magyar dispels the three myths about the 1956 uprising in Hungary. Pestiside.hu posts Adrian Courage's photos and text from the uprising anniversary rally that turned violent. Searching for Utopia writes on the history of the 1956 uprising. The beatroot, in the comments to this post, discusses the sorry role that Radio Free Europe and Voice of America played at the time of the uprising.

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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India: Going Nuclear · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The long dark tea time of the soul discusses going nuclear with respect to India and if it has helped at all. “We have achieved absolutely nothing by having nuclear weapons. And lost a lot. Nuclear war reduces the whole paradigm of war to a competition of which country can kill more number of oridinary people, and who can withstand more casualties of its citizens.”

author: Neha Viswanathan


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India: Rescuing Wildlife · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The Doodle Spot looks into the issues that come up when ordinary people rescue wildlife. “Handicapped by the lack of guidelines that prescribe how to rear, where to rehabilitate these animals and with little scientific background and usually nil post-rehab monitoring, it is difficult for rehabilitators to judge if their methods work and what percentage of released animals survive.”


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Iran:Photos & Mousavi Khoini · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Kosoof, a leading photo blogger has published photos of Mousavi Khoini's, human right activist and politician, after being released from jail. According to the blogger, Mousavi Khoini was arrested on June 12 2006 during a rally for women's rights in Tehran.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Japan: war crime confession · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Alexpappas in Japundit blogs about the confession of a 84 years old former Japanese military medic's confession of human torturing during the WWII.


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Kazakhstan: Electing Akims · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

KZBlog reports on local elections for executives in some parts of Kazakhstan, noting that some local media did not find the elections all that newsworthy.

author: Nathan Hamm


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Kenya: enlightening experience from beer fast · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Kenyan blogger, Bankele, took a month long beer fast. He writes about his enlightening experience, “Taken a (just ended) month long fast from beer which was very enlightening in terms of impact it has on life and business networking.”


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Laos: Luang Prabhang Night Market · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Vietnamese blogger Vietnamese God visits neighboring Lao city of Luang Prabhang and posts pictures of the night market. The blogger has some tips for a good bargain. “Most of the prices that those sellers give to you are up really high and the game starts from 70% off then stop about 40%. One tecnhique is a smile and walk away and then they will call you back to ask for a little bit more but if you are strict with that price then they will sell it.”


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Lebanon: Communities and Contradictions · Global Voices
Moussa Bashir

The Lebanese blogosphere is growing like crazy. This means that the following summary is not all inclusive. And in the attempt to cover as many new blogs or newly discovered blogs as possible, other interesting posts and/or blogs are missed. But you can always find links to worthy blogs in previous summaries or check back here every week.
The end of last week was the end of the fasting month of Ramadan or Eid al Fitr, and Amal commemorates the occasion with a not-so-smiley face reflecting the situation in the region: (the script in the photo is Arabic for “Happy Holiday”)
The issue of the Lebanese Jews is not a popular topic of discussion in Lebanon. The Jews of Lebanon is a blog tackling this topic in particular. In this post the author summarizes and critiques the book “Jews of Lebanon: between coexistence and conflict” and declares that the Lebanese Jews were pioneers in promoting nations independence.
There is a Palestinian community in Lebanon. Most of them are refugees since 1948. And Hilal has this to say about them:
We ,as Lebanese, are one of the reasons for Palestinian misery in Lebanon TODAY. This is a purely humanitarian issue. We must review our ethical priorities. Or else, please Lebanese, don't complain about “ignorance” and “extremism” in the camps, they are just the outcome of your “ethical” view.
Bottom line, Palestinians do not bite. You can go to the camps and see how they live and then return and tell me what do you think about it.
On a totally different note there is Carpet Techno who specializes in blogging Lebanese technological news. He has this very interesting project called LebPedia : the Lebanese Encyclopedia. It's a wiki about Lebanon editable by any visitor. And he is searching for enough volunteers to start adding content.
Going back to patriotism, Free Cedar writes a long list of ‘contradictory’ reasons that make Beirut so lovable:
I love Beirut for its opposites. I love Beirut because I see a girl in a Mini skirt and her sister in a Tchador. […]
I love Beirut because I'm the first to call my Muslim friends on Ramadan and they are the first to call me on Easter.
I love Beirut because on May 1st I see Muslims visiting Harissa (Virgin Mary) just like I see Christians.
I love Beirut because we can differentiate between a Jew and an Israeli.
I love Beirut because on the 22nd of every month I see Muslims going to St.Charbel and believing that a miracle will happen.
I love Beirut because as soon as I arrive at one of my friends houses his mom takes me to the kitchen & becomes the spokesperson of the refrigerator
I love Beirut because one can smell gardenia and jasmine. […]
I love Beirut because women go into the swimming pool with full make up.
I love Beirut because guys go in with their cigars.
I love Beirut because it has been destroyed 7 times in History and has risen.
But on the other hand, JoseyWales comes out as an example of a growing number of disenchanted Lebanese who are leaving the country with no intention of returning.
Thank you God. Thank you God a million times for taking me out and away from my original country of idiots.
I once swore I would never ever again put my safety and my family’s in the hands of the incompetent fools who run Lebanon and its security. And I get daily confirmation that I should stick, ever more strongly, to this stance.
Nevertheless Burned continues to post on the best places to visit in Lebanon. The latest is about the skiing resorts recommended with photos.
Stories of the aftermath of the war never ends. Especially with the uncovering of new facts everyday. Nisrine reminds the world that Israel has admitted its use of banned phosphorous weapons in July:
After agonising denial and media spinning, Israeli Officials admits to using phosphorous bombs in the infamous July war. Confessing in the ABC of legal logic is self-incriminating. So in the mind of any sensible human being following the disgusting attacks, Israel is guilty as confessed. Consequently, Israel should be punished as by international law.
Unfortunately Geneva and its conventions will not take action. No sanctions will be called. No premptive, punitive, or proactive measures will be even contemplated. The international community will turn a blind eye and a deaf ear and will allow Israel to place itself above all international law.
For Remarkz, it is the environmental reasons, rather than the political or ideological reasons, that are behind a post he titled “Anti-Americanism”.
Finally, how many different or contradictory hearts do you believe there is? Maya[at]NYC has an interesting collection of them:
There are hearts made of steel. They bend but never break. The scratch never appears. Rust however may take its toll. And one day they wake up with rust in their soul. Who wants to live with a heart of steel?
There are hearts made of rubber. They bounce back after each fall, may scratch at the surface, but the cut is never too deep. They make loud noises when bouncing, and tell everyone about their trip. Who wants to have a rubber heart?
There are hearts made of crystal. They look refined, they feel refined, they sound refined. And who said fragility is not refined? One strong shake and the heart is broken. Irreplaceably. Who wants to be with a crystal heart?
[…]

author: Moussa Bashir


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Malaysia: More Critisism from Former Prime Minister · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Earlier this week the feuding former prime minister of Malaysia mahatir met with the current prime minister Badawi to discuss their differences. The blogger at Cakap Tak Serupa Bikin writes that the meeting did not have the desired effect and criticised the former prime minister again  prime minister Badawi in his hari raya holiday message.


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Mexico: Secretary of Gobernación · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ana Maria Salazar has an entertaining post introducing readers to potential candidates for the Secretary of Gobernación. This is the first post in a series on upcoming cabinet candidates.


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Nepal: The key in India · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The peace process in Nepal might be routed via India says Nepali Netbook. “The reality that the key to our stalled peace process lies down south was apparent long before Ian Martin, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan special representative for Nepal, decided to take a pre-Tihar day trip to New Delhi.”


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Nigeria: restoring Nigerian image · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Grandiose Parlor on Nigeria's problems, “Now, some might ask, with such huge revenue from oil and gas why does the country not receive a proportionate and favorable coverage. Why are the people so poor in the land of plenty, and why all the negative distortions about Nigerians and Nigeria? To me the answer is tri-fold, namely Leadership, weak Institutions and Nigerians.”


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Nigeria: world-class Nigerian fashion magazine · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Dipotepede is humbled after finding out that the editor of Haute, a world-class fashion magazine featuring works of Nigerian designers all around the world, is only 21 years old, ” My dear, I was very humbled when I knew the editor of Haute Magazine was less than 21 years of age. For those that don’t know, Haute Magazine is the foremost Nigerian Fashion Magazine distributed mainly in United States and UK.”


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Pakistan: When do we celebrate Eid? · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The world over there seems to be some element of difference in opinion on when Eid should be celebrated. All Things Pakistan speaks on the issue “Some of our readers suggest this is yet another sign of a society divided and forever seeking new ways to become even more divided. Another way to look at it is that we so love having Eid that we want to enjoy it thrice; or that some so like fasting that they want to fast even more. “


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Pakistan: Why people blog · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

It is write compiles responses from bloggers on issue of .. well, blogging. “Why do you blog? I asked bloggers this question. First, I posted the question on my own blog Light Within and then emailed the post to bloggers soliciting their comments on the post. Earlier, I have been scouting blogsphere in an effort to find out different motives for blogging.”


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Paraguay: Bush Family and Troop Immunity · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Adam Isacson gathers a confluence of unusual events surrounding the United States and Paraguay and asks what it all means. Here on Planet Earth asks the same questions.


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Peru: Oktoberfest in Lima · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Alejandro introduces readers to the recent phenomenon of Oktoberfest in Lima, Peru: “Five years ago, a group of German expats living in Peru decided to celebrate the traditional Oktoberfest. Little did they know that this would turn into an event of such magnitude that in 2005, 10,000 revelers consumed over 8,000 liters of beer, as well as 1,500 kilos of German sausages, 5,000 pretzels, 600 kilos of potato salad, and 400 kilos of sauerkraut.”


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Poland: Election Sausage · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Our Man in Gdansk writes about the “Election Sausage” season in Poland.


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Poland: Homophobia and Politics · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

The beatroot writes about homophobia and politics in Poland.


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South Korea: interview with George Soros · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Citizen reporters in Ohmynews has an interview with George Soros. The interview has touched upon many issues including economy, new media, and the recent nuclear test.


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South Korea: the passing of former president · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Matt summarizes the life of South Korea former president, Choi Gyu-ha, who passed away last Sunday.


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St. Lucia, Venezuela: UN Security Council Seat · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

While he's not against supporting Venezuela for a seat on the UN Security Council, St. Lucian blogger Matthew Hunte cautions against not factoring self-interest into that and similar arguments.

author: Georgia Popplewell


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St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Rewriting the anthem · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

St. Vincent & the Grenadines blogger Abeni wonders whether her country's national anthem could be re-written: “It's clear that verse was written from the perspective of the main island-St Vincent. So,what do the people of the Grenadines do when it gets to verse 3?“


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Tajikistan: Energy & Tension with Uzbekistan · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Alexander Sadikov explains how Tajikistan's plans to become an energy exporter are causing problems in relations with Uzbekistan.


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Tajikistan: Roundup · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Vadim reports on the latest buzz in the Tajik blogosphere.


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Tajikistan: Why are you running? · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

At neweurasia, Vadim reports that Tajik presidential candidates are rather reluctant to take on the incumbent, leading him to conclude that they are indeed window dressing to make the election look more democratic than it is.


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Tanzania: no praises for Tanzania’s president · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Tanzania In Focus is not tempted to sing praises to the current President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, “The first case in point is the electricity saga. Lets bring some objective arguments and facts here. NO COUNTRY can ever make any economic strides without setting up good and reliable power supply and infrastructure. You don’t need a Harvard degree to know that, common sense can suffice. Power rationing has been in Bongoland as long as I can remember. Power rates in Tanzania are the highest in East Africa. So this is nothing new. Wouldn’t it be a priority, as a matter of common sense, to make power supply our priority, given its importance to productivity and economic growth? Hello, Vision 2025 anyone?”


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Thailand: Attracting Arabic Speaking People · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Enda Nasution links to a website launched by Thailand to attract business and tourists from the countries in the Middle East.


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Trinidad & Tobago: Anti-smelter movement gains momentum · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

The movement protesting the establishment of an aluminium smelter in a community in south-western Trinidad gains momentum with the setting up of a protest camp in the north of the island, reports the Rights Action T&T blog. The camp will be launched on Friday to coincide with a demonstration in London on Friday jointly staged by anti-smelter activists from Iceland and Trinidad and Tobago.


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Trinidad & Tobago, UK: Review of “Londonistan” · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Trinidad blogger Jeremy Taylor reviews the book Londonistan by British journalist Melanie Phillips: “What causes intelligent people to slither across the political spectrum from left to right (and sometimes the other way) as they get older? When she was a young journalist, Melanie Phillips used to write outstandingly sensible and readable pieces for the (London) Guardian.“


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Zimbabwe: are you mad?, UNDP asked · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Kubatana Blog writes about the initiative by the UNDP in Zimbabwe to broker meetings between the government and the civil society organizations, “In response to this initiative, a few civic and human rights organisations have asked, “are you mad?” – you want us to speak with a Government that brutally suppresses freedom of assembly and expression? A Government that displaced 700 000 people during a mass eviction campaign in 2005.”


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Africa: using soccer to fight AIDS · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

All African Bazaar writes about a non-profit organization, which uses soccer to fight AIDS in Africa, “Founded by Tommy Clark,MD, Grassroot Soccer became a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization in 2002. Dr. Clark conceived of the idea after having played soccer professionally in Zimbabwe. During that time he witnessed first hand both the power of soccer and the tragedy of HIV. He enlisted a group of friends who had similar experiences, and with the help of co-founders Methembe Ndlovu, Ethan Zohn and Kirk Friedrich created Grassroot Soccer.”


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Albania, Italy, Turkey: “My First Hijacking” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Our Man In Tirana links to the story of a man who was a passenger on the hijacked Tirana-Istanbul flight – over at The Chronicles of Chris: Travel Recollections, written by a member of the U.S. Foreign Service, who served in Pakistan, and is now based in Israel, and was in Albania on vacation.


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Argentina, Brazil: Spreading Conversations · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Argentine anglophone blogger Ana Toniolli has translated [ES] a piece by Global Voices Lusophone Editor Jose Murilo Junior into Spanish at Voces Latinas.


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Argentina: Covering the Dirty War, 30 Years Later · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Ian Mount gives some more context to a recent exchange of journalistic jabs in the coverage of reopened trials for crimes committed during Argentina's “Dirty War.”


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Armenia: Foreigner Friendly · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Blogrel applauds Yerevan for making itself more friendly to foreigners and tourists by putting up bilingual signs and maps.


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Armenia: Healthcare · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Onnik Krikorian recounts some horror stories from the Armenian medical system, saying that seeking medical care in Armenia might be more dangerous than Russian roulette.


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Armenia: Yerevan Traffic · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

At ArmYouth Blog, Pradafreak complains about traffic and transportation in Yerevan.


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Bangladesh: Press Freedom · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

A discussion in the comments space at Drishtipat on the RSF Press Freedom Index which places Bangladesh at 137.”The major obstacle to press freedom in BD is the lawless street and democracy of elections. If someone publishes cartoons depicting Muhammad, there will be street violence, act of coercion and eventually govt (irrespective of party in power) will ban that issue for fear of election reprisal.”


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Chile: Hair Cut Realizations · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Chile from Within covers issues of class, language, emigration, and history all during one trip to the barber's.


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China: error in arrest · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The China Media project reports that Chongqing police admit error in arresting author of satirical poem.


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China: Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)  · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Shang dan at Shanghaiist advises the readers not to travel to Beijing early Novemeber as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be taking place, and the traffic will be in total chaos.


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China: real name registration · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

DANWEI has translated Wang Xiao Feng's post on “The paradox of registering bloggers’ real names”(zh).


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Ethiopia: human rights lawyer arrested · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

“Yalemzewd Bekele, a prominent human rights activist and a lawyer working for the European Commission in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, was arrested on the morning of 19 October by the Ethiopian authorities, while trying to cross the border to Kenya with another Ethiopian,” reports Ethiopian Life, Politics, Culture and Arts.


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France, Togo: Koffi Yamagne’s 12 Years in French Public Office · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Togolese-origined politician Kofi Yamgnane posts a pamphlet about his 12 years in elected public office in Finistere, France. Says the pamphlet (Fr): “All the work accomplished was done with incessant dialogue with your mayors and your elected officials. but also with you through your citizen groups.”

author: Alice Backer


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Global Voices Delhi Summit: Join us in December! · Global Voices
Rebecca MacKinnon

Please join us for the Global Voices 2006 Summit, December 16th in New Delhi, India!
The Global Voices Summit, on December 16th, will be our annual opportunity to take stock, come together and explore our central question: How can we use the Internet to build a more democratic, participatory global discourse?  How can we create a more inclusive conversation about what is happening on our planet, and how human beings in different parts of the world are impacting each other in countless ways we don't realize every day?
This year we also hope to address two further questions:
WHO WILL BE ATTENDING?
Global Voices editors, contributors, community members, interested bloggers and journalists. Basically, anybody who is interested in what it means for media, geopolitics, and global society when the whole world starts talking online.
PAST GLOBAL VOICES SUMMITS
Global Voices 2005 London Summit:
Here is our summary of last year's meeting in London. Read articles about it in the Guardian and openDemocracy, an academic paper about us by the Center for Social Media, and a video titled “Many to Many” which includes footage from our London Summit.
where Global Voices was born! Click here for an MP3 audio report about the 2004 meeting. Or read this report at Personal Democracy Forum: International Bloggers Start Connecting the Dots
HOW TO JOIN US
If you are able to join us (i.e., if you are committed to coming), please add your name to the sign-up wiki here. Click here to see who is already committed to attend. We have limited space. Slots will be first-come, first-served. Please only sign up if you truly plan to attend.
WHEN EXACTLY?
9am-5:30pm IST, Saturday December 16th, 2006
(A smaller private planning meeting will be held for GV editors and authors only on Sunday the 17th.)
WHERE?
At the Indian Habitat Centre (Please note that space is very limited, so you'll want to sign up well in advance if you wish to attend – first come, first served.)
OR JOIN US ONLINE
If you can't make it in person, please join us online via webcast and live chat. We shall be posting more information about how to do so as the time approaches
SHOW OFF!
With our cool badges. Available in general and “I'm Attending” flavors!
(Photo of India Gate, Delhi by ramkrsna)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

author: Rebecca MacKinnon


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Honduras: Maradona’s Visit · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Boby's Blog is excited by the fact that football star Diego Maradona is visiting Honduras [ES], but embarrassed by the behavior of the press: “Does anyone here in Honduras know how to organize a press conference? All of the journalists were asking questions at the same time … and the stupidities they would ask him … like someone who asked if he'd be interested in coaching Honduras’ team … what a question! … someone with the ego of Maradona would be interested in coaching a country like ours!” On a related note, Ian Mount has an entertaining post on a bronze sculpture [ES] of Maradona.


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Hong Kong: “zero-charge” tours · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The “zero-charge” tours scandal is a distinctive “free-meal” feature in Chinese capitalist society. It happens in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, targeting at Mainland China tourists.
How does this “zero-charge” tours come into being? Chong interlocals.net gives some background on the issue:
Incredibly low fees or “zero-charge” tours are strategies to lure people to join tours and the travel agencies make money by forcing tourists to buy souvenirs from shops who offer commissions to tour guides and travel agencies. In order to reduce cost to minimum, accomodation and meal are certainly low quality. In some cases, the tour guides only lead the tourists to designated shops rather than any tourist attractions.
Suggestion coming from the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong that the industry should set the lowest charge for the tours. Knowledge workshop points out that price control wouldn't work:
雖然不少被劏的旅行團團費也很低，但亦有一些收費不低的「豪華團」也有類似遭遇。因此，可行建議可以是要求接待旅行社必須提供書面的行程說明供團友，並需保存記錄供有關監管機構查閱。接待旅行社亦不可隨意修改行程，所有修改必須有書面記錄。
Apart from monitoring the tourist routes, knowledge workshop also suggests to monitor the commissions:
雖然有人認為回佣是自由商業行為的一部份，亦存在於各地旅遊業，實在不宜作過度干預。但是，如果回佣達到傳聞的50%-60%，實在成為了一種暴利，政府便有了干預的必要…
Ngai, who is about to get the license as professional tourist guide, explains the difficult situation of tourist guide in Hong Kong:
導遊的生存空間很窄狹, 沒有固定底薪, 生活只靠佣金和少量的服務費, 人客不購物, 也就是取得車馬費的義務工作…..而旅行社更要從導遊這份”人工”當中, 收取部份來作旅行團的雜費, 而且有時候還是導遊預先支付, 就是說, 人客不購物到一能金額, 導遊也就是給錢來替人工作……這能想像到導遊為什麼會冒著停牌的危險來逼人客來買東西…..所謂”逼虎跳牆”….
Ryan felt that it was wrong for the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to address the issue as a moral problem, it is a pure economic issue:
國內辦這些旅行團的旅行社是渾蛋，但香港旅行社絕對是自找，零團費的旅行團根本不應該接，接，除了砍團友外，根本不可能賺錢，而且如此殺雞取卵，能殺多少次？難道中國１３億的人都會親自來被宰一次才會醒悟麻？破壞了香港的旅遊業，做臭了香港的名聲，對誰有好處？香港旅遊業開甚麼會，甚麼研究導遊操守，都是屁話。


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India: Going Nuclear · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The long dark tea time of the soul discusses going nuclear with respect to India and if it has helped at all. “We have achieved absolutely nothing by having nuclear weapons. And lost a lot. Nuclear war reduces the whole paradigm of war to a competition of which country can kill more number of oridinary people, and who can withstand more casualties of its citizens.”


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India: Terrorism, Freedom Fighters etc. · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The Delhicate Constitution on terrorism, freedom fighters and such terms. “For example, is there a difference between, say, the aims of Hamas and Kashmiri-based organisations, on the one hand, and Al-Qaeda and the like, on the other? You could say that the former type has liberation/freedom from external rule as its explicit aim, while the latter type has less explicit aims.”


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Indonesia: Blog Search Engine · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Indonesian blogger Enda Nasution has set up a blog search engine for Indonesian blogs. Enda is inviting submissions to the search engine.


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Iran: The end of Ramadan · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Angus McDowall is a correspondent for Middle East Economic Digest and reporter for The Independent in Iran and he is blogging. About the end of Ramadan he says for a journalist, it can be a good time of year to check the social temperature. Some years the police hassle people who break the fast and crack down more heavily over parties and Islamic dress. This year things seem pretty relaxed. It's common to see people smoking in cars or on mopeds, confident nobody will say anything. In meetings, you are still sometimes offered a cup of tea or a plate of fruit, with your host tucking in too. And in Tehran parks, it is not unusual to see people eating a surreptitious sandwich.


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Jamaica: Chutzpah and politics · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Jamaica-based Linguist Ria Bacon uses the example of the Jamaican Minister of Information's statements about a recent political scandal to demonstrate the meaning of the Yiddish word “chutzpah”.


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Jamaica, Dominica: Jean Rhys’s “remarkably screwed up life” · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

After seeing a play based on Dominican writer Jean Rhys's “remarkably screwed up life”, Jamaican novelist Marlon James wonders: “Must every great artist have a self hating streak? Didn't Jean Rhys transfer hers to writing and Naipaul to everybody just like him? Is happiness a false goal for an artist?“


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Kazakhstan: No Thanks! · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Ben Paarmann notes that Kazakhstan's president has declined nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.


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Kenya: badge of endorsement for MPs · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Alexcia has a simple proposal for Mzalendo, “My proposal is simple enough. Why don’t you introduce a badge of endorsement/ recommendation that you would include with the biographies of MPs that have signed up to some 5 or so core values?”


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Kenya: how to beat the stock market in Kenya · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Odegle Nyang Investment knows how last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai, can help you beat the stock market, “a friend of mine has just told me how the great lady can help you beat the NSE fair and square. here is the deal….”


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Kyrgyzstan: Joining the Russian Federation · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Yulia of neweurasia notes that a Kyrgyz politician recently said that Kyrgyzstan should become part of the Russian Federation and she explains why this might make sense.


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Latin America: Authors and Translators · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Liz Henry just got back from the American Literary Translators Association conference (which she liveblogged) and introduces readers to some of the Latin American & Spanish-speaking authors and translators she met there.


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Malaysia: Human Capital Development in Ottoman Empire · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Nik Nazmi in Malaysia reads a book on Ottoman ruler Suleiman and discovers the Ottoman people's desire to develop the talents of any exceptional person they encounter.


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Martinique/Guadeloupe/Guyane: Voting One Day Early · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Le [Blog de Moi] announces (Fr) that Martiniquans, Guadeloupeans and other overseas French departments will vote one day early in the upcoming French presidential election taking place June 10 and 17, 2007  in mainland France. Explains the blogger “The point is to take into account the time difference and to make sure we don't vote after the results are known.. … To those who are complaining because ‘they have things to do on Saturdays': no comment”


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Mexico: Photos from 1974 · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Flickr user Dristis-Mudra has a gorgeous set of black and white photos from a 1974 trip to Mexico.


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Mexico, USA, EU: Open Borders · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Argentine-Spanish blogger Martin Varsavsky wonders if one day more Americans will be moving to Mexico than vice versa.


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Nepal: Diwali, calendars and rituals · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Feringhee on being in Nepal during Diwali celebrations. “I love the tradition of jamara, which is (as far as I know) unique to Nepal. On the first day of Dasain, the lady of the house plants seeds of barley, rice or corn, in a bed of sand, in a special niche inside the home. The seeds are then covered and allowed to sprout secretly in warmth and darkness.”


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Nepal: Langtang National Park and the Maoists · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

kathman.org on going to Nepal's Langtang National Park. “While the Maoist’s People’s War had ravaged Nepal’s countryside for over ten-years and I’ve lived and visited various placed across the country, I hadn’t really every met a Maoist. I’d seen there banners, received orders not to go to certain destinations under Maoist fiat, and been banned from buying a pressure rice cooker under suspicion that I’d build a bomb on Army fiat, but never had a face-to-face encounter.”


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New Round of Violence in East Timor  · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

In her latest post from East Timor, blogger Timorsunshine writes about the latest incident in Dili.
Apparently the gang war ranging in the airport area has become so bad that the Comoro bridge was blocked off and the airport actually shut down, and attacked by the people living in the camp nearby. The AirNorth flight was cancelled and apparently 2 international soldiers were hurt in the fray, and that real bullets (not GNR rubber ones) were flying about.
The perpetual cycle of violence has the blogger frustrated
I'm really quite disappointed with the state of affairs here. Just last week, things were still quite calm but now the #$%%^^&* are out making trouble again. And with the airport closed – it's bad bad bad PR in the world man! It's like Lebanon being attacked by Israel except our airport got attacked by angry disenfranchised locals.
The blogger at Dili-gence writing from Dili, the capital of East Timor was shopping last Sunday
Mid-afternoon I went to Landmark supermarket and noticed the streets extremely quiet if not deserted.  There were a couple of police vehicles with small crowds around them but otherwise nothing.  I thought something must be “going down” (a phrase often used here) when I saw (& heard) the Blackhawk doing quite small circling in an area of Fatuhada only a couple of hundred metres away.
After the violence earlier in April/May that involved a faction of the army and local gangs, East Timor is being policed by UN forces and things on the ground were relatively quieter. The blogger continues
Later in the day, Radio Australia reported trouble following the discovery of 2 human torsos in the Comorro market area.  RA reported that 100 foreign police were called in.
Comment left by Dilidweller on the post illustrates the lack of concrete information on the incident. Rumours and lack of information in the past have help fuel violence
Yes, we are hearing the same. Security officials for a variety of organizations around town (embassies, ngo’s, etc.) are all unable to comfirm anything about mutilated bodies being found in sacks. Assumption is someone is trying to stir up trouble through misinformation–though still anything is possible.
On a comment about the security situation in Dili, the blogger responds
During the day, I tend to think things are OK but most people are wary from dusk onwards. There is not much movement at night and by 4WD vehicle only. Most expats do not tend to live in the real problem areas although the Fatuhada and Bebonuk areas have tended to be both trouble spots and some expats do live in that area.
In general, the guarded residence compounds are fine. Guns have not been used for quite some time and the UN police do respond quickly to trouble. They advise that if you see either a large group of locals or a police roadblock, to simply turn around and consider a route change. A mobile phone with the UN police number on hand is advisable.


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Russia: Thoughts on LiveJournal/ZheZhe · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

The Second Blog War continues in Russia.
Brad Fitzpatrick, the LiveJournal's creator, has now joined the discussion over at sup_ru LJ community: in English, he offers some explanations and apologies here (and receives 248 comments so far) and lists the bloggers’ most common questions and concerns here (123 comments so far).
Stepping aside for a moment, away from politics and the general noise, here are a few notes on what the Russian LJ represents for some bloggers – and why it would be such a pity to lose it.
LJ user kmaka (wife of LJ user nl, one of the best-known Russian bloggers) attended the party held for Brad Fitzpatrick during his visit to Moscow last week – Fitzvecherinka, the Fitz-Party, as she called it. She writes (RUS):
[…] I didn't see Fitzpatrick in person. I only heard him. But I was happy to see a whole bunch of people. This, in general, seems to be the essence of LJ to me – it's a major tusovka [hangout place]. And everything works according to the laws of tusovka. It'd be good to remember this. The panic attack has moved past me somehow. First, because for a long time I've been following the principle once formulated to me by nl – I write what I think, but I think with caution. Second, I believe in common sense. And third, there'll always be time to escape. And by the way, if Sup's first step would be to introduce a possibility of a journal backup, it'd be nice. […]
Oleg Kuvaev – LJ user samoleg, creator of the popular cartoon Masyanya – records two hilarious video parodies (RUS) of random LJ entries by apolitical female bloggers. He explains:
Anyway, I've created this fun game: everybody knows that video blogs are the coolest and most progressive thing on the web now. Like, broadcast yourself! It has reached us, too, I guess. […] I've also wanted to experiment with this for a long time, but I'm somehow better at written posts… I don't know what's there to say in front of the camera… and why… But into my silly head came an idiotic idea of such an experiment: we pick a random user and create a video blog for him… we transform his [blog] into the video format… I read a lot of [LJ] friends, even though I rarely comment… I'm digging more like an explorer, sort of… [Don't read most popular blogs except for two of them.] It's a lot more interesting to read ordinary, and especially female, blogs… Sometimes it's absolutely impossible to understand what they're talking about… :) But it's clear they are writing genuinely… And I hope this is gonna show in my experiments… :)) The mind of a female is [a mystery]… :)
[…]
For this experiment, I've taken two posts from my [LJ] friends and I REALLY HOPE that these people have a healthy sense of humor… Because, needless to say, I haven't been too gentle with their texts and I didn't ask permission… Well, what can I do, I had this urge to do something naughty… :) The texts of the posts have not been altered at all, I didn't add or take anything out! I won't say who authored the originals, it doesn't matter, there are plenty of posts like this in LJ…
These are more like the typical samples of posts by females – charming, naive, confusing and a little funny…
If the authors ask me to, I'll erase this right away… I've made comedy out of it, of course, but so what – was I supposed to turn it into drama? take it easy… its just fun.. [sic]
[Two YouTube videos of samoleg posing as female bloggers; topics include: catching cold; having one's mood ruined; being accused by men of acting childish; feeling sleepy all the time; not getting what's being said, even when it's in Russian; being driven nuts by dumb co-workers; craving and eating red caviar; being allergic to pollen.]
LJ user nikadubrovsky writes this (RUS) about samoleg‘s exercise in video-blogging:
The hero of our times (again)
Oleg Kuvaev has come up with the funniest joke: he's posted a video voiceover of the posts of anonymous female LJ users.
The result is Masyanya in a new format.
The face of the LJ generation of 2006-2007 is perplexed, folklorish and poignant. And Kuvaev himself is so popular (no matter what he sets out doing) exactly because he is not afraid to be a loser.
His heroes, all of them, are the characters that [don't belong].
I've been saying this for a long time: the Hero of Our Times is a loser. Because to be a selebritya [celebrity] (a word out of Kuvaev's LJ) is extremely idiotic.
[…]
By the way, changes that have occurred in LJ this past year – re-sales, abuses, departures – they'll result in the Real Ones leaving, but the fake ones, the numerous selebritya, staying.
They'll speak/write exactly like Oleg depicts it.
Only they'll MEAN IT.


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Serbia: Belgrade 2.0 · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Belgrade Inside Out merges with Belgrade Blog – and we now have Belgrade 2.0, equipped with a number of new features.


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Slovakia: Anti-Soviet Joke · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Lemuel of Deleted By Tomorrow shares an old anti-Soviet joke.


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Slovenia: Dairy Products of Former Yugoslavia · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Visit The Glory of Carniola to see what dairy products of the former Yugoslavia looked like and to read the memories of some readers.


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Slovenia: Local Election · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Even though Michael M. of The Glory of Carniola is a foreigner in Slovenia, he gets to vote in the local elections this coming Sunday.


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South Africa: using web 2.0 to sell jobs · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Vincent Maher writes about a new South African employment site, which uses web 2.0 to sell jobs, “You’d think in South Africa, where there is so much unemployment, it wouldn’t take a Web 2.0 approach to attract job applicants. I guess when the number of highly skilled candidates is low and there is an abundance of employment agencies it takes a little something extra, in this case Web2.0 features.”


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Sri Lanka: Future of the Internet · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

ICT for Peacebuilding on the “Future of the Internet”. “Given that many respondents argue that violence arising from conflicts over religion, economics, and politics, will be more prevalent, the future of the internet is in one way or another deeply entwined with violence and conflict.”


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The Week that Was – Bolivian Blogs · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

What to do with the precious reserves of natural gas has been on the minds of Bolivians ever since their discovery.  Recently, the governments of Bolivia and Argentina arrived at an agreement for Bolivia to sell gas to their neighbor to the south for the next twenty years at a price of $5 per million BTU, which would mean significant revenues for the country.  Carlos Gustavo Machicado Salas of Guccio’s World [ES] said that the new deal was very effective from a political point of view after the disappointing halt to the hydrocarbons nationalization.  Even though those on both sides of the political spectrum applaud the deal, there are still certain cautionary details to monitor, such as the supposed role of a foreign state company, Energía Argentina Sociedad Anónima (ENARSA).
Martin Gutierrez, a Bolivian studying in Argentina thinks the new deal was good for both President Evo Morales and President Nestor Kirchner.  Both have been on the receiving end of rumblings in their respective countries, but Gutierrez wrote that this gas deal allowed both to take a breath. His blog is called Vitrina de la Realidad Boliviana [ES].
Es por eso que la firma del nuevo contrato de gas, les dio un respiro a ambos presidentes: primero por que ambos necesitaban esa foto que pueda darse como buena noticia. Segundo, por que el apoyo mutuo sirvió para que en ambos países la temperatura política baje y tercero, poder darle a los medios titulares donde la incapacidad de manejar a las bases sindicales no sea tema del día.
This new gas contract gave both presidents a chance to take a breath: both needed that photograph as a bit of good news.  Second, the mutual support served both countries so that the political temperature lowered and third, it gave a bit of news to the media so that the governments’ incapacity to control the syndical movements was no longer the top story.
Many have wondered whether it might be possible, even with stipulations that exist, that Argentina could turn around and sell the Bolivian gas to their neighbor, Chile.  Many Bolivians do not want to sell gas to Chile based on the long-standing conflict over the access to the sea.  La Columna Robada’s [ES] Sergio Molina Monasterios, a Bolivian blogger, who has spent time in Chile links to a new poll that states that only 1/3 of Chileans do not want to provide sovereign access to Bolivia.  However, 47% believe that some sort of economic benefit should be given to Bolivia to export their goods, yet only 13% believe that a piece of territory with access to the sea should be given to Bolivia.
Up next on the docket will be the renegotiation of contracts with Bolivia’s largest investor Brazil.  The deadline to renegotiate these contracts falls on October 30 and is fast approaching.  Even though Petrobras has threatened to pull out altogether, there is still a need for Bolivia’s gas.  Many are looking at the new price that was signed between the countries of Bolivia and Argentina as a reference point for the sale to Brazil.  However, the upcoming elections in Brazil have made this dispute part of the political campaigns.  It has also affected how some Brazilians look at some Bolivian immigrants.  Sergio Asturizaga currently lives in Sampa, Brazil and says that there are generally two types of Bolivian immigrants in Brazil, as he writes in his blog, Así Como Me Ves Me Tienes [ES]: “One type is the health professionals, such as doctors or dentists, which there are many of, the other are the ones that sew.”  The latter are the ones that are often exploited and suffer at the hands of others.
los otros que son itinerantes, ósea van y vienen, trabajan en faenas casi explotadas por ellos mismos, son los que mas sufren pues no tienen ningún tipo de seguridad industrial adecuada, ni ninguna norma de trabajo, son totalmente explotados por coreanos y lo mas lamentable por bolivianos, ahora bien, estos últimos son los que además de sufrir tanto, son los mas visualizados como bolivianos y son los que mas agresiones sufren en las calles de san pablo, y a los que mas se atacaron en la época de la nacionalización de los hidrocarburos.
(They) are itinerant, they come and go, and work in tasks and often exploited by others like them.  They are the ones that suffer the most because they do not count on appropriate industrial security or work regulations.  They are often exploited by Koreans and the saddest part is that now they, in addition to suffering a lot, they are the ones most seen as Bolivians and are the ones that suffer aggressions in the streets of Sao Paulo.  They are the ones that were attacked during the time of the nationalization of hydrocarbons.
The decisions on the future of the hydrocarbons of Bolivia are not necessarily limited to the decisions of one country, and as we can see involves the opinions and actions of many of its neighbors.

author: Eduardo Avila


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Trinidad & Tobago: Crime comes home · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Trinidadian blogger Jonathan Ali receives a stark reminder that the country's deep-seated crime problem affects everybody.


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Trinidad & Tobago: Farewell, Basdeo Panday · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

The Manicou says an offhand good-bye to Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition of Trinidad & Tobago, who vacated his seat in parliament after being convicted of fraud.


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Trinidad, UK: Between two worlds · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Trinidad blogger Jeremy Taylor returns to the “quiet corner of the mudder country” (England) where he grew up: “There ought to be a name for this state of mind. (Perhaps there is.) When your head is split between two worlds.“


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Afghanistan-Tajikistan: Crossing Over · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Sanjar Qiam writes about crossing over from Afghanistan to Tajikistan.


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Africa: $5 Million for the Best Head of State  · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Sanaga Peregrinations  writes (Fr): “A $5 million prize for the best African head of state. The prize was created by Sudanese billionaire Mo Ibrahim … The winning head of state will have to leave power democratically, will have to have managed his country properly when it comes to security, health, education and economic development … Some [including Transparency International] criticize the measure for resting responsibility for the bad governance of a country on the shoulders of a single man.”


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Africa: mud-brick building should be standardized · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

African Architecture believes that there is a need to standardize the mud-brick building in Africa, “The abundance of this material “Clay” makes it very popular and affordable for low income people living in hot dry climates of Africa to use as versatile building material, Hence there is a need to have accurate building standards when building with this material.”


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Africa: will India compete with China in Africa? · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Africabeat on India's investment in Africa,”Well it may not be as big of a story (India is democratic and English-speaking. China is everyone's favorite whipping boy), India is clearly looking to expand its business presence in Africa.”


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Arabisc: Rebellious Behaviour and the Quest for Intellectuals · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

With the festive season wrapping up in the Arab world, Egyptian blogger Kareem Amer has decided to ‘come out of the closet’ and drop a bombshell – making some of his readers happy and others not so!
The Alexandria law student doesn't mince his words when he announces to his readers that the Holy Month of Ramadhan was the month of hypocrisy.
Unhappy with the practise, he says he decided and successfully managed to stay away from the Islamic ritual of not eating and drinking from dawn to sunset for a good month for the first time in his life.
While many Muslims may frown upon the public announcement, Kareem seems at ease with it.
ولقد خرجت من هذه التجربة الناجحة بتصورات جديدة عن مجتمع الفاترينات الذى نعيش فيه والذى يحتم على المرء أن يبدى قدرا من من النفاق للمجتمع الذى يعيش فيه حتى يحظى برضا من حوله حتى وإن كان من داخله مختلفا معه تمام الإختلاف .
Also from Egypt, Bint Masreya (Egyptian Girl), is drumming up support for readers to vote for a blog on Torture in Egypt for the Reporters Without Borders Award.
صوتوا لصالح مدونة نهى.. مش عشان كل اللى انا قلته ده.. لكن لأن التعذيب فى مصر قضية محتاجة نلقى عليها الضوء.. .. ودا هيشجع نهى تستمر لما تلاقى مننا رد فعل او صدى للى هيا بقالها شهور بتعمله
فى كمان اصدقائنا المدونين فى قسم “افضل مدونة بالعربى” هتلاقوا مدونين عرب ومصريين جامدين اوى.. ادخلوا صوتوا لهم.. بصراحة الاختيار بينهم صعب اوى :) ربنا معانا ومعاهم
Away from the Nile and to the heart of Green Tunisia, where Subzero Blue has an interesting post about how people in his country swear.
The hilarious post starts with swearing by the Almighty, down to the Prophet, people and even fruit! Variations include “By Allah,” “By the head of Prophet Mohammed” and “By the head of this fruit.”
Humour aside, Batir Wardam from Jordan, is compiling a list of the 100 most influencing intellectuals, researchers and writers in the Arab world in the last 25 years. So far, his list has 90 names and he is desperate for the remaining 10 names. But to become part of the club, Batir has strict criteria.
1-   لم يدعم اي نظام دكتاتوري عربي.
2-   لم يدعم السياسة الأميركية أو ينغمس في التطبيع مع إسرائيل.
3-   لم يدعم نشأة الفكر الأصولي الإرهابي التكفيري.
4-   لم تؤدي كتاباته إلى إثارة النعرات الطائفية والدينية والعرقية.
5-   حقق تأثيرا بحثيا وفكريا إيجابيا في العقل العربي
Good luck Batir!
At last but not least I will leave you with a post by Palestinian Osama Alessa, who has uploaded amazing pictures of a river making its way from the mountains, across the desert, to the Dead Sea.
الاحتلال الاسرائيلي يسيطر على المنطقة التي اقام عليها المستوطنات والمعسكرات

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Bermuda: Island-specific search engine · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Mark Carey announces a Bermuda-specific search engine that he built using Google's new Co-op platform.


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Bosnia & Herzegovina: Exploring the Pyramid · Global Voices
Ljubisa Bojic

“Bosnian Pyramid? – Visocica Hill” – by sjareb
It's been over a year since the whole Bosnian pyramid media fuss started. Still, many talk about the possible discovery of Europe’s first step pyramid complex. The event is significant for Bosnia & Herzegovina's recovery, as it brings positive media attention and money into this poor and wounded country. Some disagree that the pyramid exploration followed by unique Balkan patriotism could be positive. After the findings proving that the structures below the hills had been made by humans, this part of the globe received additional media attention. Just 30 kilometers northwest of the capital city Sarajevo, in Visoko area, an archeological park has been set up. Founder of the whole undertaking, Semir Osmanagic, says the pyramid is at least 2,500 years old and may even date to the last ice age.
Sean Markey of the National Geographic began his report by saying this about Osmanagic:
He's been called a Balkan Indiana Jones. Others label him a dreamer, or worse, a pyramid buff with loony ideas.
Genijalci narrate the beginning of the story that shook the whole Bosnia (BIH):
Long time ago people at Visoko built the pyramids. The pyramid of the Sun is located at Visocica hill while the pyramid of the Moon is placed below Plesevica hill and the third pyramide of Bosnian Dragon is on the right side. Research aiming to prove the theory is being carried out at the moment. […] Detailed examination started on April 14, 2006. In April 2005, Semir Osmanagic, a US-based [businessman] and explorer paid a visit to the Visoko museum. Professor Senad Hodovic explained everything concerning the medieval Bosnia. He told him about the rocky remains of the old Visoko town and the legend about the three thrones of kings; the hill has a rare pyramidal shape which is an atypical phenomenon. Semir Osmanagic got interested in the affair. As an explorer, Osmanagic visited many locations throughout the world with similar sets of pyramids. He then acquired a license to conduct drills. He saw numerous anomalies pointing there might be a pyramid below the surface of the hill.
On the other side, Jahuthinks the story is yet another fraud presented to the public (BIH):
[…] Those “pyramid people” are skillfully serving us a huge dose of patriotism. The beleif in a factless thesis is ofthen connected to the struggle for better tomorrow of the country. A common person understands that the combination of blind fate, sci fi ideas, stupid lies and patriotism is more than harmful. Osmanagic and his crew don't think about possible consequences to our pockets […], peace and reputation of the state. It comes to “green patriotism” and putting up shows with businessmen, majors and other officials who visit. All these won't bring good, it just makes [confusion] faster. There is only the question of when the pyramidal vehicle will hit the concrete wall of deception [firstly intended to establish social peace in the country][…].
Kami favors the effort (BIH):
[…] The fourth day of the world’s greatest geo-archeological exploration has been completed. Exciting news is coming from the top of the Bosnian pyramid of the Sun. The scientific information is favoring the thesis, thus this will be a very special spring and summer time for our country and the world. Identical stone blocks have been found just one meter below the ground as the experts started their research by creating two wells at northeast side of the structure. The blocks were undoubtedly created by hands of human beings. […] This definitely throws down the assumption that the big rock was treated by people. It is absolutely clear, huge stones were carved in the first Bosnian quarry, transported to the location and built by men. […] All are invited to join this unique effort of history restoration.
MayaTitan of Mysterie World posts pictures and writes:
Here I am going to present more details about hill Visocica and the other two that are considered to be pyramids. Last weekend our expedition went to Visoko to make more shots. It was sunny and [the] pictures are good. First, let me say that the excavation began yesterday. […] [Later that day at the press conference they presented] a lot of details, including […] reports of pyramidally-shaped hills. Those reports tell us that eroding is not like on other [similar] or vulcanic hills, THAT HAVE PYRAMIDAL SHAPE, too. There are cases in South America and England where hills of pyramidal shape [exist] but further evidence differs from what they got on Visocica hill. Besides those reports, computer graphics model of pyramid was presented. Each side of the pyramid (hill) is 365 meters long. This figure is weird because it is also the number of days in year. Enough said…
Anonymous replies:
365 isn't a strange number – it only comes out to that value if you measure it in meters. What number do you get if you measure it in feet? Cubits? Yards? Furlongs? See? There's nothing magic about 365. Besides the number of days in a year is more like 365.25…
MayaTitan:
It is magic because experts obtained similar results […] when they measured […] some pyramids in Mexico. They got 365. It doesn't matter whether it is a coincidence [or not] but other proofs show that those objects are not formed by nature.
Bosnian expatriate Amir plans to visit his country because of the exciting news. He writes a letter-like post at the blog dedicated to Banja Luka (BIH):
[…] Regards to you, my best man. I am not sure if you are familiar with the pyramid situation, thus I am sending you a short insight, just because I don’t have anything clever to write about. […] I am getting ready to head towards the Visoko area in June, not sure about the date yet because I am awaiting response from my cousin Ajla who would like to join me. Sharing all the action with her would be neat. […] Everybody who wants to give us a hand is welcome. It's crazy down there in Visoko now as the place became the biggest archeological park globally. Many have passed through the town, including the CNN. As I write these passages, the scenes from the spot are rolling on my TV (a special CNN documentary). Radio Q broadcasts the program non–stop; the repetitor is set up at the peak of the Bosian pyramid of the Sun.
Co replies:
It’s nice. I see many interested people allowing the business to flourish. Topics of our conversations switched from day-to-day issues to something else. Bosnia needs something like this even if it’s far from the truth.
Muris:
Jon Stewart, host of popular fake news on comedy channel, dedicated few minutes last night to Bosnian pyramids […] …
Nera:
[…] I think this provides our youth with an opportunity to gather again from all parts of the world. Greetings to all young people taking part in the project.
Amir:
[…] If it is a natural phenomenon we got to thank mother earth for the gift of having a hill with four equal sides [365 meters long] matching the cosmic north […]. And the tunnels leading deep below earth… The same pyramid makes up a triangle together with two other. […] The pyramid is there, whether artificial or genuine, it's there just [steps away]. Semir might be as they call him “an amateur”, but he is the only individual [from Bosnia & Herzegovina] to visit all the Latin American pyramids, and much more. Thus [Semir] is the greatest pyramid expert we have got in the country. Although an “amateur” he knows much more about [the great ancient constructions] than any of our archeologists.  His hard work is exposed as the pyramid is being revealed. Therefore [all the theory experts] got terrified of losing current position. […] We would be lucky to have more [rookie] experts ready to tackle the issues [in a real way]. The citizens haven’t obtained any benefit from the so-called experts. […]
Co:
[…] This is great, especially for Bosnia youngsters. As I can notice, the working actions are conducted again there, like during the [good old] times [of socialism]. Young people are jobless either way, so the event gives them an opportunity to relax, socialize and forget the usual daily troubles. […] Abdullah Berekat, doctor of geology and one of the leading experts on Egyptian pyramids, verified yesterday that the stone blocks found on sides of Visocica hill weren’t laid out by the [forces] of nature but by the hands of humans […] Bekret needed just one day only to announce the stone objects were handmade. He also proclaimed the additives used to connect the stone blocks match those used on the Egyptian pyramids. [..]
Some bloggers joke. Raka says:
[…] An authentic witness appeared [this day]. Mr. [Abdullah] owns the records made during Cheops pyramid research; it was written that the Pharaoh mummy was wearing a trendy leather jacked with a label attached: “Visoko leather industry from Visoko.” […]
Rako:
[…] Not so long ago, two mummies got out of the pyramid at Visoko to spontaneously look out around the town. One mummy asks another: “Do you understand whether time goes forwards or backwards here?”
Tai says:
[…] “Once upon a time, there were two brothers Ramzes and Ramzo. Ramzes went to Egypt, and Ramzo stayed in Visoko.”
At Zenica city news blog, Adan Dzonlic quotes Semir Osmanagic's response to the accusations made by professor of history from a nearby university. Among other things, Semir states (BIH):
[…] In the meantime, those who don’t want to climb the walls of the pyramid will be able sit and [and chill down in one of the coffee shops] at Duboko downtown and view the northern and eastern parts of the pyramid's walls as early as June this year. The Pyramide will keep on with positive aura creating waves of reality-based optimism affecting the planet with affirmative news concerning [Bosnia & Herzegovina] […].

author: Ljubisa Bojic


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Chilean Cycling Bloggers · Global Voices
Rosario Lizana

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is one of the most polluted cities in the World (of which we are not proud). In this scenario a group of bike lovers, have developed a way to promote cycling in the city.
“Arriba de la Chanca” (ES) (the translation is “over the pig.” in Chile we call bikes “pigs”), was born in 2001 with the goal of promoting safe cycling in the city. They also work with CONASET (ES), National Committee for safe traffic, in training at universities and working on traffic laws. Throughout the year they organise cycling events and, in fact, they have one on the first of November. The same activities are also carried through in another movement, called “Ciclistas furiosos” (ES) ( furious cyclists). You can check out their cyclo path in Google earth and also read cycling jokes. In some activities the two groups work together.
Other cyclists that on the net share concerns, such as lights and bikes, include Claudio (ES) who explains:
Las luces nos permiten ser visibles en condiciones de ausencia o escasés de luz. Durante nuetros viajes de noche o en túneles, permiten que otros vehículos sepan de nuestra presencia en la ruta, además de nuestra dirección.
Bicivilizate (ES) has posted about cycling concerns since 2003. From fashion to federal law, news can be found all about cycling. It’s a complete record of Chilean cycling.
In Talca, city outside of the capital, Pablo Abarca (ES) posts photos about the “International Day Without Car” where hundreds of people cycled as a way to promote non-pollution.

author: Rosario Lizana


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Dominica: Independence · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

On the occasion of Dominica's independence, Kenny Green affirms the strength of the island's culture while sounding a warning: “Dominica has some major questions to ask itself about independence. Most of our income was from a protected relationship with Europe which we scream to regain, brokered by England. Our current dependence is on Cuba, China and venezuela. Our macro economy is being run by the IMF and World Bank. And our major export is people.”


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D.R of Congo: election photos · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

“In honor of the next-to-last stage in DR Congo's efforts to elect a new president (Inauguration of the president-elect is scheduled for early December), I bring you three photos from my time tooling around Kinshasa in my friend's car,” writes Congo Girl.


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DRC, Belgium: Anti-Kabila Demonstration · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Congolese demonstrating in Brussels last weekend. Photo by Etienne Ngandu.
In anticipation of the presidential runoff taking place this Sunday, October 29 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, opposing Jean-Pierre Bemba to incumbent Joseph Kabila, a demonstration took place in Brussels, Belgium last weekend in qualified support of Bemba but mostly in opposition to Kabila.
Belgium-based opposition party blog UDPS Liege –whose leader Etienne Tshisekedi refused to participate in this year's presidential election–  writes (Fr):
Les congolais de Bruxelles dans une détermination implacable ont encore perturbé la circulation à Bruxelles pour apporter leur soutien aux élections apaisées en RDC.
Malgré leurs positions divergentes,ils se sont mobilisé pour rester en communion avec le Congo profond par les actions de la rue en apportant leur soutien au candidat de l'UN JPB GOMBO aux élections présidentielles qui auront lieu le 29/10/2006 au CONGO.
Hier si les congolais pouvaient voter,c'est le candidat JPB GOMBO qui allait sortir vainqueur parmi tous les congolais habitant le royaume de Belgique. Mais par mauvaise stratégie d'éliminer les sympathisants de l'UDPS à l'étranger voila que JPB GOMBO vient de se priver aussi d'un électorat favorable à la cause nationale face l'imposteur KANAMBE.
Despite their diverse positions, they mobilized to remain in communion with the deep Congo  by bringing their suppor on the streets to the candidate of [political party] UN, JPB GOMBO [a.k.a. Jean-Pierre Bemba] in the presidential election taking place 10/29/2006 in the Congo.
Yesterday, if the Congolese in Belgium could have voted they would have chosen Bemba. But because of a misguided strategy seeking to eliminate UDPS sympathizers abroad, Bemba just deprived himself of voters who are favorable to the national cause against the imposter Kanambe [a.k.a Joseph Kabila].
Etienne Ngandu at Le Renouveau Congolais  adds:
Des centaines  de Congolais de Belgique et des environs sont descendus nombreux sur les rues de Bruxelles pour dénonnoncer l'Humiliation de notre peuple par l'imposteur Kabila placé au pouvoir  pour affamer et tuer les Congolais il a fait preuve de sa criminalité les 20, 21 et 22 août 06.
…
Pour les manifestants, c'était l'occasion  de donner un consigne clair aux parents et amis restés au pays de ne pas voter pour kabila si non ils vont se mordre les doigts, la misère va s'accentuer, il y aura beaucoup de tueries organisées par le pouvoir de Kabila,  ils  disent avoir plusieurs preuves que Kabila n'est pas Congolais.


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Egypt:Hijab in Australia · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

The more Shobrawy hear about Australia and their attitude towards Islamic extremism the more he wants to move there. Find out why!

author: Haitham Sabbah


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Ethiopia: comedy in parliament, abuse of human rights · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Ethiopian Life, Politics, Culture and Arts writes about comedy in the Ethiopian parliament and reports that the family of the jailed human rights lawyer, Yalemzewd Bekele, has been denied access to him.


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Ethiopia: this was a massacre · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

The Sub-Saharan Africa Roundtable declares, “This was a massacre,”: “Ethiopia struck me as a story of crucial importance. Parliamentary elections had just been held on May 15, and the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy charged fraud upon the announcement of the results. Anti-government demonstrations transformed into riots, which Ethiopian security forces used live fire to quash.”


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Guyane: Anti-Violence Demonstration  · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Blada.com  posts  (Fr) a reminder of a day of protest taking place in Kourou tomorrow October 27th to force  the town's authorities to address crime.


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India: Domestice Violence Act · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

To Each Its Own on the Domestic Violence Act in India. “The highlighting point of this Act is that it not only provides protection to women who are legally married but also those who are in live-in relationship, women who are sisters, widows or mother. The new law also addresses sexual abuse of children, or forcing girls to marry against their wishes as well. This certainly proves that the new Act has been formed keeping the current relationship culture in India and the irregularities in previous Domestic Violence Laws, in mind.” Together We Bond has more.


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Indonesia: Rise of Democracy · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Adam's Gecko in Bangkok looks at the rise of democracy and de-centralisation of power in Indonesia. The blogger has interesting perspectives from a trip to Indonesia in 1992, just after a pro-democracy movement in Thailand.


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Iran:Kianoosh Sanjari, a new blogger in jail · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

We read in Sos Sanjari blog that Mehdi ( Kianoosh) Sanjari, blogger and human rights activist was arrested during disturbances in Tehran. He was there to report about the event. There is also an online petition in English to demand his urgent release.


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Jamaica: Firefox party · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

There'll be “Firefox parties” taking place throughout the world this weekend, reports Leon Robinson, including Jamaica.


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Jamaica: When Prime Ministers doodle. . . . · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Ria Bacon offers an update to an earlier post in which she discussed the matter of a close-up photograph of the Prime Minister's notepad taken during a debate on a no-confidence motion, and run on the front page of one of Jamaica's news dailies: “The upshot is that journalists will no longer be allowed to sit in the gallery above the members, but will be limited to a 6 x 6 foot press box.“


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Japan: American celebrity in Japan · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Marie Mockett poses a question in Japundit:  Is it true that every American celebrity can find instant success (in Japan)?


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Jordan: Marriage tips · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Getting married soon? Khalidah has 48 tips for a happy marriage. Don't miss them!


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Kazakhstan: Angry in Atyrau · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

The Atyrau Informant explains the sources of anger in the recent outburst of violence between Kazakh and Turkish workers in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.


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Kazakhstan: Astana’s Two Sides · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

KZBlog notes that a couple articles on the the Palace of World Peace, a pyramid designed by UK architect Lord Foster, in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Featured in these stories, the blogger says, is the story of the country's new capital itself.


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Kenya: website in memory of Dr. Wanjiru Kihoro · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Mental Acrobatics announces that there is a site dedicated to the Kenyan political and social activist, Dr. Wanjiru Kihoro, who passed away recently, “The tribute website for Dr. Wanjiru Kihoro is now up. Thanks to Mshairi and Mich.”


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Kuwait: Kuwait Teens · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Mark links to a video which he said it shows how some Kuwaiti teenagers are different and have different interests.


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Lebanon: Brammertz and Syria · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

Abu Kais says that Serge Brammertz will submit his report to Kofi Annan today, and in it, he will implicate the Assad regime for the first time since he took over investigation of the Hariri murder. Abu Kais has put together an archive of posts related to the Hariri investigation.


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Madagascar: Among the Top Third for Freedom of the Press · Global Voices
Alice Backer

Blogin'i Harinjaka writes (Fr): ” Madagascar is 66th in the global ranking of freedom of the press established by international non-governmental organization Reporters without Borders. … 66th is not among the very first but it is not bad considering the country iis ranked in the first third.”


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Mexico: Monterrey Yesterday and Today · Global Voices
David Sasaki

After discovering several old black and white photographs of Monterrey, Mexico, Hipocratico of RegioBlogs took to the streets with his camera and photographed those same locations. Here are the side-by-side comparisons. Several Regio Bloggers also made their way into the El Norte newspaper [ES] for their participation in “Blog to be Wild.“

author: David Sasaki


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Nepal: Misplaced Optimism · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

United We Blog! on misplaced optimism in Nepal “The behavior of neo-libertarians often suggests ‘their-way-or-no-way’ mentality which is against the principle of democracy they aver about. Trying to silence dissident voices and smearing any person or any idea that does not match with own perception is not known democratic virtue.”


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Pakistan: Press Freedom  · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

The Glasshouse on Pakistan's rank in the RSF Press Freedom Index. “At times the regime moves swiftly to prevent ‘harmful’ news from spreading, as was the case in late 2005 when it closed a local FM Radio relaying a BBC World Service Programme, which began providing independent news on the earthquake relief efforts.”


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Romania: 1956 in Csikszereda · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Csikszereda Musings writes about the events of 1956 in a Romanian town with a sizable Hungarian community.


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Russia: Anastas Mikoyan · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Russian Marketing Blog writes about Anastas Mikoyam, “the People's Commissar for external and internal trade from 1926 till 1939″ – and the man who “wanted hamburgers to become popular Russian fast food.”


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Russia: Rice on Politkovskaya · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Sean's Russia Blog writes about Anna Politkovskaya, the Russian and US media, the war in Iraq and Condoleezza Rice's visit to Moscow.


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Russia: Tap Water · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Copydude writes about tap water in Russia: “As everyone knows, if you invite a plumber to your Soviet apartment, he will invariably ask you to close either the brown or white tap, depending where the problem lies. Hot water is always brown in Russia while cold water is an opaque, high chlorine white – actually perfect for the indoor swimming pools many Russians have. Tak. Red and blue taps are a confusing irrelevance for Russians.”


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Singapore: Leave the Blogger Alone · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Kway Teow Man has a balanced look at what Singaporeans call the Wee Shu Min fiasco. Wee Shu Min, a teenager wrote a sharp response to another Singaporean blogger's post about government assistance to help ease life in an increasingly globalised world. The teenager was ridiculed for her “elitist” views on several Singaporean blogs. Kway Teow Man urges restrain “However, people may wish to remember that at the end of the day, we're talking about an 18-year-old girl. If her birthdate falls in December, even if she commits murder, we cannot hang her.”

author: Preetam Rai


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South Korea: expatriate experience on screen · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Robert Koehler at Marmot Hole introduces a film, “Expats”,  in Pusan film festival. The director Wonsuk Chin's goal is to introduce Korea to Amercian audience: Korean Wave films are doing well in Asia, but there hasn’t been a substantial American movie filmed here in decades.


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Sri Lanka: Agendas of warring parties · Global Voices
Neha Viswanathan

Lankawatch on a reality check on the peace process and talks. “If you stop kidding around and analyze the true underlining agendas of the warring parties in the ethnic conflict, you can determine the outcome of the peace talks.”


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Tajikistan: Journalists’ Paradise · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Vadim notes that Tajikistan is ranked the most favorable environment for journalists in Central Asia by Reporters Without Borders, though he says he does not agree with that determination.


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Torture in Gambia, “Militocracy” in Africa, Press Freedom and Dirty Water and Gold · Global Voices
Oluniyi D. Ajao

We begin this week's West African blogs round-up with a post in a Gambian blog, Home of the mandinmories, about a Gambian soldier being “Coerced, and tortured” over an alleged coup plot:
Browsing through the Point today, a story on the court martial of Captain Yahya Darbo caught my eye. I wish I can say I told you so, but the abuse and indignity suffered by the victims will make your blood boil. This was what I wrote in march when these guys were paraded on national television and forced (in my opinion) to make confessions:
The Daily Observer ( here and here) has a run down of confessionals that the “alleged” coup plotters in the Gambia made. Yep thats right “alleged”. For all we know these people could've been tortured or threaten with torture to make those statements. Their confessionals in my opinion lend credence to my suspicion. All roads in this convoluted affair leads to Ndure Cham. Everyone keep harking back to what he told them. And since he is not around to refute them and the government is hellbent on punishing someone, they parade these people on television to narrate some scheme that they were supposedly part of…confessions
Cameroonian blog Ngwane highlights The Military And African Politics:
The reasons for military interventions (militocracy) in Africa are as varied as they are complex. They range from personal grievances of civilian regimes to the political and economic kleptocracy of civilian regimes.
In a struggle to cope with this predicament between the devil of tyranny (as in one-party system) and the deep blue sea of anarchy (as in multiparty systems) military rule has often been invoked. The balance sheet has largely been negative, with very few being benign, that is serving the interests of the people whether in a short or long political life span.
Still in Cameroon, Scribbles from the Den blogs about a recent Reporters Without Borders report about Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2006: Africa a Mixed Bag:
Reporters without Boarders has released its Worldwide Press Freedom Indexfor 2006. Find below parts of the report that focus on the state of press freedom in Africa:
Press freedom is genuine is Benin (23rd), Namibia (26th), Mauritius (32nd), Ghana (34th), Mali (35th), South Africa (44th) and Cape Verde (45th) and comparable to that in Western democracies.
It does not exist or is constantly under attack in Eritrea (166th), Gambia (149th), Somalia (144th), Democratic Republic of Congo (142nd), Zimbabwe (140th) and Equatorial Guinea (137th). The same African countries have featured at the top and bottom of the Index for several years.
Ghana (34th) rose 32 places to become fourth in Africa behind the continent’s three traditional leaders – Benin (23rd), Namibia (26th) and Mauritius (32nd). Economic conditions are still difficult for the Ghanaian media but it is no longer threatened by the authorities.
Niger Watch highlights a recent international report: Dirty water ‘kills 1.5m children’:
More than 1.5m children under five die each year because they lack access to safe water and proper sanitation, says the United Nations children's agency.
In the report, Unicef says that despite some successes, a billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water from protected sources.
More than 1.2 billion people have gained access to safe water since 1990.
But sub-Saharan Africa remains a major area of concern, especially countries affected by conflict.
The Trials & Tribulations of a Freshly-Arrived Denizen…of Ghana blogs about the incessant power crisis in Ghana, and declares that “Accra is in the Dark Ages”:
Ever since the load-shedding started, the country’s electricity provider ECG, has decided to ride on the back of the “load management programme” by continuing to deliver increasingly execrable service.
Yesterday, on an evening that was not supposed to experience load-shedding at 6pm, the lights went out, eliciting a collective sigh of resignation and frustration all-rolled-in-one. Calls were made, and it transpired that there was “a fault” in one of the stations near the motorway of Tema. Later, I found out that it wasn’t quite near the motorway, but somewhere around Tema. Not to mention the lack of consistency in the lies (you don’t even know where the genesis of the so-called fault is?) but to buttress all that is the frustration associated with feeling the lights will come on soon when you call, only to find out that the problem has not finished being worked on!
Finally, Under the Acacias brings News from Burkina Faso, about privatization of gold mining:
Gold is the third largest export of Burkina Faso. However, most gold is hand-mined by locals (artisanal mining), who sell the gold at 5p/gram to the government. It is a dangerous and unhealthy process, which nevertheless provides much needed income for up to 200,000 Burkinabe. The dangers were highlighted by the collapse of a mine at Poura in August, killing 10 people. The government is now trying to privatise the mines, in an attempt to manage them better for the alleviation of poverty and boost employment, and Canadian and Australian companies in particular are moving into the country. Reuters reports: “This year, the government expects to receive 1.3 billion CFA (US $2.5 million) in annual taxes from mining companies, and foresees the creation of 800 new jobs every year for the next eight years. It also stipulated in its new mining code that companies must invest in community development projects, such as the building of schools, housing and wells.” However, critics say that many more people will lose out by being driven from their traditional mining, and that the companies are unlikely to uphold their social responsibilities.

author: Oluniyi D. Ajao


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Trinidad & Tobago: Rock band offers free downloads · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Christopher Yee Mon reports that Trinidadian rock band Tripped and Fallen is offering their latest album as a free download.


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Uganda: five interesting Ugandan blogs · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

White African writes about five interesting blogs from Uganda, “For some reason I got on a kick looking into different blogs from around Africa. I was looking into Uganda recently… not for any particular reason. I don’t know any of these bloggers, but found them all compelling reads in their own way.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Ukraine: Helping the Ailing Teen · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Petro Rondiak of Petro's Jotter posts an update on the ongoing effort to save a Ukrainian teenager diagnosed with leukemia.

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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United Arab Emirates: eBook and Education · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

UAE students are now receiving their curriculums in e-books saved on a flash memory disk usable in any laptop or computer. The student can order any number of subjects taught in public schools to be included in the hand-held device. The current product includes only the Grade 12 curriculum of public schools. The objective is to ease the burden of carrying heavy books to school and to develop the e-project to widen its scope to include other curricula, Fahad reports.


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Vietnam: Hanoi Pavements · Global Voices
Preetam Rai

Vietnamese God takes us on a trip through the pavements in Hanoi and posts pictures of the attractions.