· August, 2011

Stories about Breaking News from August, 2011

Saudi Arabia: A Special Twitter Hashtag for the King!

A Saudi hashtag entitled #tal3mrak which literary translates into “May god prolong your life” or “your majesty” if translated into a Western context, took Twitter by storm today. The hashtag came as a surprise to those who never thought Saudi netizens would have the courage to address their authorities via social media.

28 August 2011

Nepal: A New Prime Minister

United We Blog! for a Democratic Nepal reports that Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has been elected the 35th Prime Minister of Nepal. The previous...

28 August 2011

Puerto Rico: Tropical Storm Irene Leaves Heavy Rain and Damages

Tropical storm Irene hit Puerto Rico on August 21st leaving wind damage, floods, constant rain, and the evacuation of entire communities. This is the same storm, now a hurricane, that is hitting the United States east coast. The online community has posted videos of the aftermath of tropical storm Irene in Puerto Rico.

27 August 2011

Libya: The Liberation of Tripoli

The Internet is back on in the Libyan capital Tripoli, after a blackout that lasted about six months. One by one bloggers and tweeps from Tripoli are coming online, sharing their feelings, emotions and hopes after months of absence and turmoil. Fozia Mohamed brings us their feedback.

27 August 2011

Trinidad and Tobago: State of Emergency, Day 4

With a national state of emergency — declared by the government to combat rising crime — now in its fourth day, bloggers and other social media users in Trinidad and Tobago express doubts about the effects of the emergency measures and respond with humour to the inconvenience of a nighttime curfew.

25 August 2011

Bahamas: Riding Out Hurricane Irene

As Hurricane Irene, the first of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, continues to move through the Bahamas, bloggers have been sharing their experiences. Netizens reported very strong winds, extensive damage to property, felled trees and downed power lines. Several roofs were blown off and there were reports of flooding in certain areas.

25 August 2011

Trinidad and Tobago: Debating a State of Emergency

On Sunday 21 August, the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a national state of emergency to deal with the violent crime that has afflicted the Caribbean nation in recent years. This legal move — which affects citizens' civil rights — triggered debate and concern among Trinidadians online.

22 August 2011

Libya: Libya State TV Broadcast Disrupted

With the fast-paced news coming out of Tripoli, social media enthusiasts are weeding information coming out of Libya to keep us abreast with what is really happening there. Stay tuned for the latest details.

21 August 2011

Libya: Game Over Gaddafi

Libyan revolutionaries are in Tripoli, the country's capital. The thrill is evident online, with Twitter abuzz with joy and jubilation as tweeps countdown the hours in which Gaddafi will leave power. Reports are already circulating that the battalion responsible for his protection has surrendered and decided to lay down arms.

21 August 2011

Lebanon: Smoking Banned

“The Lebanese Parliament endorsed a law that bans smoking in public or closed spaces. The law also bans any sort of tobacco advertising and promotions….” reports Moudz, who added that...

21 August 2011

Spain: Brutal Police Repression Against Journalists Covering “Secular March”

Pope Benedicto XVI's recent visit to Spain sparked a civil "Secular March" in protest against the use of public funds for religious acts in a secular state. The encounters between secular and religious individuals resulted in a wave of police repression against the journalists covering the events. Global Voices presents a selection of videos of the protests.

20 August 2011