Stories about English from December, 2016
Malaysians Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too Inside McDonald's — But Only If It's Halal
"Has halal political correctness gone overboard? Will we one day see moral police invading houses to ensure that we are eating only halal food? When will common sense prevail?"
Russia's Five Most Memorable Censorship Moments of 2016
As 2016 comes to a close, RuNet Echo looks back at the five most controversial, infamous, and even ironic actions this year by Russia's federal censors.
Bangladesh Blocks 560 Porn Sites
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, where many people have expressed concerns about the spread and consumption of online pornography. But it is also a democracy.
In 2016, a Toxic Political Smog Spread Over China and Hong Kong
What's worse? Environmental smog or political smog?
A Year of Violence in Bangladesh
Groups linked to ISIS, Ansar Al Islam or Ansarullah Bangla Team have claimed responsibility for violent attacks on intellectuals and regular citizens. What does this mean for the future?
In the Social Media Age, How Should Jamaica’s Head of Government Communicate?
"Jamaica’s Prime Minister [uses] social media. To imply that the press is asking hard-hitting questions that only they are capable of asking, is negating the opinions of the public."
‘Painting on Death': One Syrian Artist's Mission Under Siege in Douma
"We will make a Christmas tree from your shells and bombs, and light it for peace in our wounded Ghouta."
In 2016, These YouTube Channels From India Offered Meaningful Content
YouTube India is not all songs, pranks or cat videos.
What We're Wishing for in 2017
Please consider making a donation to help us continue to combat the forces of hatred and intolerance that threaten to make our world a more dangerous place.
Classic Christmas Carols, Satirically Reimagined as Songs About Hong Kong Politics
To the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas: "Causeway Bay’s boss bought a banned book. He was then arrested, convicted, forced to apologize and escorted to the Shenzhen police station."
Vietnamese Mother Goddesses Religion Receives UN Recognition
"The worshipping of the Mother Goddesses also contributes to the appreciation of women and their roles in society.”
Myanmar's Most Memorable Moments in 2016
As 2016 comes to an end, The Irrawaddy showcases the best photographs that capture Myanmar’s most iconic moments.
Macedonia's Pollution Is So Bad That Activists Have Installed ‘Mountain Air Breathing Booths’ in Protest
Other unhappy citizens have resorted to parody. A piece of graffiti recently circulated on Twitter pokes fun a government inaction: "Recommendation: Don't die from cancer!"
Russia's Top Ten Memes in 2016
In the spirit of 2016, RuNet Echo risks spoiling everything in an effort to make sense of Russia's hottest Internet memes over the past year.
Syria's War May be the Most Documented Ever—And Yet We Know So Little.
With the end of the devastating siege of eastern Aleppo, the world watches, parses and argues over the meaning of the media messages being shared by those remaining within it.
For a Limited Time, Croatians Get Free Access to a Digital Library of 100,000 Books
Not in Croatia? The Croatia Reads app also offers people outside the country Croatian books free of charge.
Saudi Arabia Promises to Stop Using British-Made Cluster Bombs in Yemen
Saudi Arabia has promised to stop using British-made cluster bombs, which are prohibited by the Convention on Cluster Munitions, in its air strikes in Yemen.
China's Glass Tycoon Cao Dewang ‘Escapes’ to the US for Cheaper Taxes
"Who dares to invest when investment costs are so high and profit isn't guaranteed?"
Empathy Was All Around in 2016 for the French-Speaking World, Too
It would be a shame to ignore 2016's less publicized, but still important events, so here goes our look back at the good stuff this year in the French-speaking world.
American Hockey Through Ukrainian Eyes: ‘Like Interrupted Sex’
A young Ukrainian man visits the wild world of American hockey, where he was treated to a show he didn’t expect (or entirely enjoy).
Google Mapping of Public Toilets Is the Latest Effort to Stop Open Defecation in India
"It would be naive to think Google’s efforts will change attitudes and rectify India’s sanitation troubles altogether, especially since nearly 900 million Indians don’t have access to the internet..."
