Stories about English from October, 2015
Video Blog Provides In-Depth Insights Into How Japanese Politics Work
Japan specialist Tim Langley provide in-depth insights into Japanese politics not normally covered in mainstream media in his engaging video blog.
Execution of Palestinian Fadi Alloun, 19, in Occupied East Jerusalem Causes Nationwide Outrage
The horrifying video, showing how Alloun was killed, is being widely shared online, prompting Mondoweiss to call it the video that 'shocked global audience'.
Say Goodbye to the Biodiversity at Europe's Oldest Lake?
New construction plans in Macedonia's Galichica National Park threaten the existence of more than a hundred rare and endemic species, jeopardizing the ecosystem of Europe's oldest lake.
Political Cartoons Defy Censorship to Expose Thai-Style ‘Democracy’
A political cartoonist who criticized Thailand's military-backed government has become the latest journalist to be summoned by the army for "attitude-adjustment."
Belarus Catches Up to Russia With Its Own Pro-government ‘Troll Factory’
Leaked emails published on ElectBy suggest pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union directs its local chapters to leave negative comments on articles about recent opposition rallies.
Angolan Activist's Health in Danger After Nearly Three Weeks of Hunger Strike in Prison
Luaty Beirao, reportedly in critical condition, was arrested in June with 14 others on accusations of plotting a coup. He and the others maintain they were merely discussing peaceful protest.
Will Prayers Help Zambia's Currency Gain Value? President Lungu Thinks They Might
"Praying for a currency to improve means you don’t understand economics. The depreciation of the Kwacha is not the devils work."
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Tunisians are over the moon their democratic progress was recognised by awarding the National Dialogue Quartet the Nobel Peace Prize today.
‘Doubles’ Price Increase Sends Trinidad & Tobago Foodies Into Tailspin
Sellers of doubles, the nation's most beloved breakfast food, caused outrage when they announced a one dollar price increase, despite the fact that the raw materials cost has remained the same.
The Dark Side of Hydropower in Bhutan
Bhutan depends heavily on its hydroelectric industry, but some bloggers worry that the country may be getting carried away with this industry.
Arrest and Prison Time for Journalists and Bloggers over Facebook Posts in Lebanon
Two Lebanese Facebook users found themselves sentenced to prison for posts they wrote on the social networking site.
Belarusian Author and Journalist Svetlana Alexievich Wins 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature
Alexievich is the 14th woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature, and the first Russian-language author to be granted the honor since 1987, when Joseph Brodsky received the prize.
‘Running on Fumes'—Trinidad & Tobago Faces $8.5 Billion Deficit
Trinidad and Tobago's new government delivered its maiden budget speech in parliament this week. While many feared the news wouldn't be good, they didn't quite expect this...
One of the Russian Internet's Founding Fathers Wants to ‘Erase Syria From the Map,’ and Here's Why the US Is Being Blamed
Moscow’s intervention in Syria is having some funny consequences back home in Russia. One of the strangest episodes in this story is Anton Nossik’s fervent support for the new airstrikes.
Undercover Israeli Soldiers Infiltrate Palestinian Protesters Before Turning Their Guns at Them
Footage showing Israeli soldiers dressed as Palestinians in a protest has surfaced online. First, the infiltrators throw rocks at the Israeli soldiers. Then, they turn their guns at the Palestinians.
Cambodian Monks Are Protesting Against Destruction of the Prey Lang Forest
"Monks cannot remain silent on the issue given the alarming rate of deforestation."
Chinese Women Spend Their Holiday Protesting Botched Cosmetic Surgery in South Korea
The majority of Chinese netizens weren't sympathetic to the women's protest. "Why have people in this land become so vain?" one commenter wrote.
Syrian Refugees? Get Your Facts Straight Before You Share Their Stories
Photographs of struggling Syrian refugees escaping death are plastered all over the Internet. Here's our pick of some photographs which are not what they seem. Rami Alhames explains.
Steps On the Journey
“The seas are not only the graveyard of our bodies. . . but also of our memories—of our belongings and the small things we brought to remind us of home.”
Solar Power Is Booming in India, But Will It Reach Those Who Need It Most?
As renewable energy ramps up, entrepreneurs work to bring its benefits to the 300 million citizens who lack electricity.
Belarusians Protest Against Russian Military Bases Inside Their Borders
With a 500-strong rally in the capital Minsk and more action on social media, Belarusians spoke out against the planned Russian military aviation base on Belarusian soil.