Stories about English from June, 2009
Kazakhstan: KGB is back?
Adam writes that journalists, rights advocates and opposition leaders, express concern that Kazakhstan returns to the vicious practice of the Soviet times in treating the dissent.
Kazakhstan: Media Protest Against Crackdown
Arman reports on a silent action of protest in the downtown of Almaty, Kazakhstan, in which journalists of independent newspapers, media organizations and opposition politicians put on scarves on their mouths in a symbolic demand of more freedom of speech.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Remain Worst of the Worst
Musa reviews the “Worst of the Worst 2009″ report by Freedom House, which lists two Central Asian states – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan – among the world’s most repressive societies.
Kyrgyzstan: Terror Attack Registered
Joshua Foust reports that according to the Kyrgyzstan’s regional administration, five armed individuals killed by the Kyrgyz national security troops were members of the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.
Pakistan: A Minute Of Silence Honoring MJ At Sindh Assembly
Paksitani blog PKKH calls this a death of common sense: “Just when you think our so called ‘elected representatives’ can’t embarrass us anymore, they tend to prove us wrong. The Sindh Assembly has this morning held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to Michael Jackson, on his sad...
ISS: Photos and a Poem from Koichi Wakata
Astronaut Koichi Wakata on the International Space Station posted some photographs, including one of Sarychev Volcano while it was erupting (Also part of NASA's Image of the Day Gallery), and a tanka poem: “My home planet enwrapped / The blue light of the atmosphere shines”.
Pakistan: The Hunt For Baituallah Mehsud
Baitullah Mehsud, a Taliban leader, is currently the most wanted man in Pakistan and is responsible for many recent terrorist attacks in the country. The Pakistan army has recently started an operation against Baitullah Mehsud and his allies but the offensive threatens displacing more people from the region which can lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Iraq: Reflecting on Iran
Assuming my dear readers have not been living in a cave for the past couple of weeks, the developments after the recent Iranian elections need no introduction. Here I present, in their own words, the recent comments of Iraqi bloggers on the subject. So much has been said about the...
Japan: News Digest from Tokyo Art Beat Blog
William Andrews has posted this week's News Digest at the Tokyo Art Beat Blog. The series is a good mix of local and international art news stories.
Bahrain: What Does “Madrasah” Mean?
Bahraini blogger Cradle of Humanity is currently in the United States, and she recounts a misunderstanding that took place when she was asked if there are any madrasahs in Bahrain…
Israel/Palestine: Human Rights Activist Reports on Mission
Reporting from Israel, human rights activist Rae Abileah reflects on her recent Gaza solidarity mission. “It felt really powerful to be taking a stand against occupation in this very tangible way.” She adds, “While I know that we enjoy the privileges of these fun-filled actions, there is an ever-present awareness...
Palestine: Website Honors Memory of Fallen Daughters
Among the casualties of the Gaza war with Israel this winter were four young women of the Abuelaish family. Daughters For Life is Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish's tribute to their memory. Jewschool calls it: “A powerful endorsement of non-violence in the face of Palestinian extremism and Israeli belligerence.”
Hungary 20 years after rise of the Iron curtain
Hungarian Spectrum writes about the 1989 opening of the Austro-Hungarian border, eventually leading to the rise of the Iron Curtain, dividing Eastern and Western Europe.
China: Building collapsed in Shanghai
At around 5:30am on June 27, an unoccupied building still under construction at Lianhuanan Road in the Minxing district of Shanghai city toppled over. Want to see the amazing scene? via ESWN.
China: More Green Dam documents
Rebecca MacKinnon from Rconversation shared with her readers two Chinese government official documents on Green Dam technical requirement and testing.
Iraq: Remembering Michael Jackson
There was some comment in the Iraqi blogs on Michael Jackson. But first… If you read no other blog this week read this one: A little late in the posting but essential reading. Sunshine studies for her exams while braving constant explosions, shooting and poor electricity. She writes: I wish...
Palestine: “Free Gaza” Boats Waiting In Cyprus
The Free Gaza Movement have produced a video showing their attempts to leave Cyprus and sail to Gaza with medical and reconstruction supplies.
Eritrea: Owner of Asmarino.com receives award
Tesfaldet A. Meharenna owner of Asmarino .com received an award in recognition of his outstanding achievement and excellent services at the recent Eritrean Global Solidarity symposium in Washington D.C.
Liberia: Interruption brought to you by really cute kids
This interruption is brought to you by the department of really, really cute kids from Liberia!
Kenya: The plight of gays and lesbians in Kenya
As much as Nairobi is described as one of the more cosmopolitan cities in Africa where a lot of homosexuals find solace, homophobia is widespread. Kenyan bloggers discuss how homosexuals are named and shamed all over the Internet.
Nigeria: Good days with Nigerian telecoms sector are over
Jeremy discusses the latest trends in the telecoms sector in Nigeria: “The Nigerian telecoms sector has finally hit market forces and the mathematic of where supply and demand cross at a competitive pricing point.”
