Stories about Governance from September, 2014
Surviving Sierra Leone's Three-Day Ebola Lockdown
Some point out that cultural practices in parts of Sierra Leone aggravate risks, such as bathing in water used to wash Ebola victims, believing it will bring good luck.
Exit Hamid Karzai, Afghan Legend
After thirteen years as President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai has said goodbye to the Arg he inhabited for so long. Even Afghans that hated him now find themselves feeling sentimental.
Twitter Users Proclaim the Death of Indonesia's Democracy as Lawmakers Scrap Direct Voting of Regional Assemblies
The Twitter hashtags #RIPDemokrasi and #ShameOnYouSBY were trending as Indonesians expressed displeasure over the vote and against outgoing president SBY.
Second Hunger Strike Over Highway May Leave Trinidad & Tobago Fighting For Its Soul
Environmentalist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh takes up a second hunger strike to protest the construction of a section of highway, but the stakes are now much higher than a simple road.
Laos Joins Southeast Asian Neighbors in Imposing Stricter Internet Controls
The new law will criminalize online criticism of government policies and outlaw "Spreading information that distorts truth or tarnishes the dignity and rights of individuals, sectors, institutions and organizations."
Anton Nossik on the Coming End of Facebook, Twitter, and Google in Russia
Media expert and founding member of the Russian blogosphere Anton Nossik explains why he thinks the end is nigh in Russia for websites used by billions around the globe.
Jamaica Considers Developing Goat Islands Despite Environmental Protests
Jamaica's officials recently petitioned UNESCO, but the "lure of a $1.5 billion investment" has brought an about-face. Shackled to the IMF, the money might be too much to pass up.
‘The Right Moment Has Come for People to Rise Up and Say No More’ to Fossil Fuels
Trinidad and Tobago was one Caribbean nation that took part in the global Climate Change Marches last Sunday. Global Voices talks to Jonathan Barcant, who helped organise the local event.
Are Madagascar's Health Care Facilities Ready for Possible Ebola Outbreak?
Fifteen African countries including Madagascar are potentially at risk since they have the same environmental characteristics as affected countries. The prime minister says Madagascar is prepared, but others are doubtful.
How Climate-Smart Villages in Bangladesh, India and Nepal Are Preparing Farmers for the Future
As part of the effort to help farmers adapt to changing climates, text and voice messages were sent to 1,400 farmers in 60 Indian villages with important farming information.
How Not to Understand the Kremlin's Internet ‘Kill Switch’
The justifications for preparing a “self-sufficient RuNet” are weak. The tools necessary for such a feat, moreover, would empower the Kremlin to restrict Russia's vital communications in an instant.
Iranian Judiciary Sets 1-Month Deadline to Block Viber
Iranian judiciary has set a one-month deadline for Hassan Rohani's government to block or to control messaging applications Viber, WhatsApp and TangoMe. Iran judiciary sets 1-month deadline for communications ministry to block messaging apps @Viber, @WhatsApp & @TangoMe — Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) September 20, 2014
Threats to Press Freedom in the Fight Against Ebola in Liberia
The Press Union of Liberia is concerned about the threat to freedom of information as a result of the actions taken by the government to limit the expansion of the Ebola virus. The union wrote a letter to the Minister of Justice to draw his attention to the challenges media...
Turkey's ‘School of Nature': Reminding Us of What We Forgot
Doğa Okulu, Turkey's 'School of Nature', is a model of cooperation between activists, local communities and local government. In seven months the school has already done a lot of teaching.
To Go or Not to Go? Scotland Votes on Independence from UK
Twitter and Facebook have been flooded with heated discussions, with the #indyref hashtag mentioned over 2.6 million times just in the past 30 days.
Why Is It Such a Controversy to Start the School Day at 9am in South Korea?
Some schools in South Korea have adopted a new "9am late-start system," provoking a nationwide debate about reforming the way children are educated and mature.
Trinidadians Concerned Over “Largest Ever Budget”
As the Trinidad and Tobago government, in anticipation of national elections next year, serves up a massive budget, two political bloggers take the country's leaders to task. Afra Raymond, whose blog keeps a close eye on politics, corruption and transparency, provided some disturbing financial context: The Minister of Finance has...
Togolese Bloggers Poke Fun at President for Over the Top BillBoard
Someone sure wanted people to know that he was thankful for Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé generosity. This week, a giant billboard was raised in Lomé, Togo that praised the president's action in favor of providing lunch for school children. The billboard seen below reads in french :” Thanks Daddy Faure for...
Pakistan's Government, Industry Complain of Economic Losses Due to Protests
Protesters from two very different political camps in Pakistan have staged a peaceful sit-in in Islamabad since August 14 with a common demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif due to charges of corruption and rigging in the election 2013. In response, the government has blocked all routes with sand-filled containers...
How the United States H4 Visa Traps Foreign Workers’ Family Members in a ‘Golden Cage’
H4 visa holders cannot get a job in the US, work remotely for a company back home or even freelance.
North Caucasians’ Sad, Paradoxical Fight in Eastern Ukraine
In the North Caucasus, the long-deteriorating security situation and repressive local regimes have long burdened the population. Sadly, the region's structural violence is now spreading beyond, into Ukraine, too.
