Stories about English from December, 2011
Bermuda: rethinking ties with Britain?
The British government is reviewing its relationship with its overseas territories, writes Catch a Fire, and inviting Bermudans to share their perspectives. “I think we need a new Constitutional Convention to modernise and reform our relationship with the UK … and I would like each Overseas Territory to have a...
Cuba: on writer Achy Obejas
Montague Kobbe profiles Achy Obejas, a Cuban-American writer who “constantly challenging her readers to (re)think their positions in relation to the most basic principles that govern our attitudes towards each other.”
Jamaica: missing children
Where are the more than 500 children reported missing in Jamaica this year, asks Petchary — and why are more people not paying attention to “a serious issue which, at the best of times, is brushed aside as if it is nothing of great importance”? “How many are alone, hopeless,...
Pakistan: Some Observations On the Recent Political Rally in Karachi
On 25th December, Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), held a rally in Karachi. Kalsoom at Chup! – Changing Up Pakistan makes some observations about the event.
Sri Lanka: Learning Lessons By Counting Costs
Mahesan Niranjan at Groundviews writes a satire, with hard-hitting underpinnings, on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) set up by the Sri Lankan government – to look into the events of the Sri Lankan Civil War during the period between February 2002 and May 2009.
Ethiopia: Swedish Journalists Handed 11-Year Prison Sentence
An Ethiopian court handed prison sentences of 11 years on Tuesday 27 December to Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson, two Swedish journalists accused of supporting terrorism in the country.
India: A Blogger's Travel Tales – via Images
Charukesi looks back on 2011 and shares stories of her travels – through some vibrant photographs.
India:The Need to Look Beyond the Middle Class
Supriyo Chaudhury argues that in order to re-define it's future and grow to the next level, India must look beyond it's Middle Class and create a more inclusive, broad-based society.
India:Wannabe Trends of 2011
Greatbong takes a tongue-in-cheek dig at some of the ‘most infuriating’, wannabe trends of 2011.
Russia: Social Network In-Between Security Services and Free Market
As social networks in Russia like Vkontakte play an ever increasing role in communication between post-election protesters, so too grows the interest of the security services to limit them. This conflict leads to a hard choice: whether Vkontakte should respond to security service requests, or allow its users uncontrolled protest activity.
Lebanon: Electric Xmas Decorations
From Lebanon, Habib Battah draws our attention to Christmas decorations in Lebanon, where the decorations are lit and and the electricity in the street lamps is switched off during the night, and on during the day. Check out the photographs accompanying the post.
Libya: Celebrating Xmas now that Gaddafi is Gone
Libyan blogger Highlander, at From the Rock, shares some observations on Christmas in Libya, now that Gaddafi is gone.
Egypt: FAQ about the political situation in Egypt
Blogger KarShaf, from Egypt, shares this quick FAQ about the political situation in Egypt.
Mauritania: Earth's Bulls Eye
Algerian-American Kal, or The Moor Next Door, shares this interesting geographical tidbit about Mauritania: “f readers ever get into space, they may find themselves looking for Mauritania, or its enormous Richat Structure, sometimes called ‘Earth’s Bulls-Eye.’”
Algeria: What Independence means
Algerian algerianna, at Patriots on Fire, asks readers to share their views on the true meaning of their country's independence.
Bahrain: Message to Netizens
Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif shares this message with fellow netizens: “[T]emper your attacks and choose your battles wisely. Refrain from childish attacks on the very bridge who can help your cause. The last thing we want .. is to continue to shout at each other, rather than find the...
Syria: What it deserves
Yazan, on KABOBfest, tells us what Syria deserves in this must read post. “This is not, and should not become, a sectarian war. The state is controlled by a family and their friends, which goes beyond sectarian lines, and those who are challenging or supporting them are not defined purely...
Philippines: Blog of Detained Cultural Worker
Jailhouse Blog is the online prison diary of Ericson Acosta, an artist and activist who was arrested by the Philippine Army while conducting human rights documentation in Samar province. He faces charges of illegal possession of explosives.
Cambodia: One Province, One Product Trade and Exhibit
Sreisaat blogs about the One Province, One Product Trade and Exhibit in Koh Pich, Cambodia. Some of the featured products were giant cassava crops and squash from Kampong Speu, assorted gemstones from the mine pits of Pailin, and mixed spices from Siem Reap.
Cambodia: Impact of Organic Farming
Maylee Thavat studies the impact of organic rice farming and fair trade production in Cambodia. The author warns that it could ‘impose First World consumer ideals and tastes that are out of step with the larger realities of agrarian transition’ in the country
Cambodia: Petition to Withdraw Pardon of Convicted Pedophile
A petition is being circulated urging the Cambodian government to withdraw the pardon given to convicted pedophile Alexander Trofimov who had been serving an eight-year sentence for sex crimes against 17 under-age girls.
