Stories about Governance from July, 2015
Calls to #StopEvictions as Pakistani Authorities Bulldoze Slums
"Hey CDA: The children’s library in #Islamabad has been occupied by a religious seminary 4 yrs. Would you evict those illegal occupants too?"
Azerbaijan's Political Prisoners, the State and its Secret Society
What is with the rows of passive spectators literally taking up space at the trials of the country's most high-profile political prisoners?
Ostula and Mexican Army Hold to Clashing Versions of Recent Attack
In Mexico, the independent investigation agency SubVersiones has published a compilation video that chronologically shows what events that took place on July 19, 2015, in the indigenous Nahua community of Santa María de Ostula. That day ended...
Destroying a Mountain: Mexican President Orders Expropriation of Native Lands for Freeway Project
A presidential decree was enough to expropriate almost 100 acres of land from the indigenous Otomi community for the construction of a new highway.
Scroll Through Madagascar History Via Vintage Photographs
Access to the visual history of most former colonial countries in Africa is usually a challenging proposition because former colonial powers restrict access to historical archives. Helihanta RAJAONARISON and Tsiry...
Malaysia Blocks News Website and Suspends Two Local Papers for Reporting on Government Corruption
"Our report is based on evidence corroborated by documents that include bank transfers and statements. How can the work we have done be deemed as a political conspiracy?"
Why Do Seniors in Singapore Still Collect Cardboard Boxes?
The plight of elderly cardboard-collectors has become a popular topic in Singapore over the past two weeks, following a government minister's not-so-amusing gaff.
Why Britain Owes India for 200 Years of Brutal Colonialism
"Britain's rise for 200 years was financed by its depredations in India. In fact Britain's industrial revolution was actually premised upon the de-industrialisation of India."
Why Indian Film Students Have Been Protesting for More Than a Month
Students object to the recently appointed Gajendra Chauhan as chairmen of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India, complaining that he isn't qualified and is a political choice.
How Boko Haram Is Changing International Politics in Western and Central Africa
Boko Haram has revved up its attacks against many African nations in the past several weeks. Here is a recap of the conflict in the region so far this year.
Russia Says Twitter Doesn’t Need to Comply With Its New Data-Localization Law
State officials have announced that Twitter can ignore a new law coming into force that will require online services to store all Russian user data on servers located inside Russia.
Blame Game Follows Horrific Violence in Eastern Turkey
"The people who died were humans, is it this hard to value people only by knowing that they have the fundamental right to life... Why are we fighting?"
Did the Honduras Government Remove Protesters on Hunger Strike to Save Face?
As the government of Honduras welcomed foreign delegates come to help to put an end to local protests, police unexpectedly dispersed a crowd of demonstrators on a hunger strike.
Mexican Army Accused of Shooting Civilians During Operation in Michoacán
Independent media reported that the Mexican Army opened fire against civilians in the indigenous community of Ostula in Michoacán state. One news outlet said a 12-year-old boy was killed.
A Musician Convicted of Rape Released After He Sings the Praises of Zambia's President
"Clearly, President Lungu is increasingly becoming a danger not only to the nation but more specifically to the welfare of the girl child in Zambia."
Pope Francis in Latin America: ‘Ideologies End Badly, They Serve No Purpose’
Pope Francis Lashes out against Ideologies: http://t.co/EiiH1kqntX pic.twitter.com/NzaCiraLbS — El Universo (@eluniversocom) July 11, 2015 Pope Francis concluded his eight day tour of South America, where he held mass in...
Why Do Activists and the European Parliament Oppose Cambodia’s NGO Law?
“The real purpose of this law is to exercise control over groups of citizens who want to speak out.”
The Force Isn't Strong With Trinidad & Tobago's Newest Political Party
The Third Force Movement announced less than two weeks after its launch that it will not be contesting the country's general elections in September. Cue the Star Wars jokes.
Are Countries Legally Required to Protect Their Citizens From Climate Change?
Science writer Sophia Schweitzer looks at a landmark court decision ordering the Dutch government to act faster to protect its citizens against the harmful effects of climate change.
Politics Overshadows Trinidad & Tobago Footballers in CONCACAF Gold Cup
Trinidad and Tobago's national football squad secured a place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals, but the country's politicians seem determined to spoil the celebration with politicking.
Despite Protests, Japan's Ruling Coaltion Rams Through Controversial War Powers Legislation
"In front of the national Diet. On what path is this country now headed, I wonder? July 15, 2015: a day of dread."