Stories about English from January, 2015
Grindr in the Kremlin: Gay and Online in Putin's Russia
Russia's "balanced" anti-homosexual legislation has turned the Internet from a safe haven into a battleground in Kremlin’s assault on the Russian LGBT community.
As a Drone Captures Global Voices at 10, a Few Thoughts from Cebu
I was blogging and tweeting frenetically, trying to capture the conversations in panels and halls, soaking up as much news and perspective as I could from friends around the world.
How Putin Secretly Conquered Russia's Social Media Over the Past 3 Years
In a special column for RuNet Echo, TV Rain's online chief editor, Ilya Klishin, discusses the Kremlin's slow but steady capture of online social media in Russia.
Kurds of Kobane Declare Victory Over ISIS
After 133 days of bloody war against ISIS, the Revolutionary Kurds of Kobane have finally declared victory.
Language Politics Back in the Spotlight in Afghanistan
Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan's two most widely-spoken languages, are also the country's two official languages. In parliament, the two tongues vie for power.
The Khabarovsk Airport Logo Is a Viral Sensation. It's Also a Flying Bear.
Given the excitement the logo has generated on the RuNet social media, it will probably bear the public relations fruit the airport had hoped for.
Trinidad & Tobago Journalist Marcia Henville's Murder Shocks the Nation
A popular journalist dies in a fire, but autopsy results confirm that she was murdered. Netizens want justice in what many assume to be a domestic violence case.
Citizens Refuse to See India's Garden City Reduced to Waste
Rather than trash the authorities' handling of Bangalore's garbage problem, residents are finding innovative ways in which to deal with the massive amounts of waste generated by the city.
Nepal's #SmashChairChallenge Pressures the Constituent Assembly to Draft the Constitution
By satirising the infamous incident in which Constituent Assembly members threw chairs in protest over a new national constitution, the Nepali blogosphere is having a smashing time on Twitter.
Yemen, a Country Without a President and Government
Yemen, often described as a “failed state”, has become a country without a president and a government. Even Yemenis living inside the country are perplexed by the latest dramatic developments.
36 Killed, Internet Shut Down Briefly in DR Congo as Protests Flare Against President Kabila
Violent clashes between police and protesters against Kabila's electoral reform have resulted in 36 deaths in DR Congo over the past few days.
Tajikistan's President Talks About Problems, Parliament Applauds?
Tajikistan's outgoing parliament is good at cheering the president and rubber-stamping his decisions. Don't expect any changes when a new one arrives in March.
A Tajik Bazaar Director Accused of Beating an Orphan to Death Faces Public Fury
People in Tajikistan are questioning human life's worth after a 17-year-old orphan was seemingly beaten to death for stealing just over $70 and some food.
Thailand's Military-Appointed Legislature Impeaches Ousted Prime Minister
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was impeached for implementing a rice pledging program which critics decried as anomalous and disastrous.
Hong Kongers Should Have the Right To Be Forgotten, Says HK Privacy Commissioner
Commissioner Chiang argues that concerns about the policy infringing on freedom of expression are "overblown".
World Leaders’ Paris March Participation Provokes Wave of Criticism
Internet users responding to images of world leaders at the Paris march against terrorism earlier this month displayed what might be called a "consensus of mockery."
Israel's Arab Sector on Strike Over Alleged Police Brutality
The "unintentional" deaths of two men from the Bedouin city of Rahat has brought to the fore tensions over "the conduct of the police in confronting Arab citizens."
Saudi King Abdulla Dies at the Age of 90; Succeeded by Salman, 79
After weeks of speculation, Saudi Arabia today [January 23, 2015] announced the death of King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz, 90. He is now succeeded by his other brother Salman, 79.
Russian Politician Tells Public to ‘Eat Less,’ As Food Prices Rise
“If you’re short on money,” Gaffner said, “just remember that we’re all Russian citizens. We just need to give some thought to our health and eat a bit less.”
Caribbean Perspectives on the Charlie Hebdo Free Speech vs. Intolerance Debate
Two Caribbean bloggers discuss religious fundamentalism in the context of the Charlie Hebdo attack and wonder if the tragedy can be used as an opportunity to change the idealogical narrative.
Myanmar's Nationalist Monk Attacks UN Envoy in His Speech
The Buddhist nationalist monk is not happy over the UN rapporteur's statement concerning the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.