Stories about Governance from February, 2009
Colombia: Another Illegal Wire Tapping Scandal
The news magazine Semana recently revealed that the "secret police" of Colombia had been illegally wire tapping politicians, journalists, magistrates, intellectuals and even government officials close to President Álvaro Uribe. Even worse, some of these agents allegedly had been “selling to the highest bidder” the information obtained to guerrillas, paramilitaries or drug traffickers. Colombian bloggers react to these revelations.
Bangladesh: BDR Mutiny And Gunfires
Unheard Voice is live blogging and posting pictures of gunfires and battles inside the headquarters of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the paramilitary forces of Bangladesh. Apparently this is a mutiny and...
Fiji: Samoan PM criticisizes Fiji's government
Bloggers in Fiji and around the Pacific are remarking on recent comments by Samoa’s Prime Minister harshly criticizing Fiji’s military government. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said in an interview that he believes Fiji’s self appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has no intention of relinquishing power. He also called on the people of Fiji to reclaim its government
China: Control 2.0 Mastermind
David Bandurski from China Media Project gave more background about the propaganda event in the “eluding the cat” case, especially on the mastermind behind the control 2.0 strategy.
Jordan: 7iber.com Discusses Vital Issues For Jordan
For the last 10 days or so, 7iber.com has been discussing very important issues affecting Jordan, with issues ranging from water scarcity, energy, unemployment and economics to the recent changes in the government. Mohammad Azraq has the story.
Maldives: Mohamed Nasheed’s First 100 days
Blogger Mohamed Nasheed analyzes the performance of the first 100 days of his namesake Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) in two parts (1, 2).
Bhutan: Happy Birthday Your Majesty
Bhutan, 2008 and beyond celebrates the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s 29th birth anniversary by sharing a touching picture of His Majesty.
Bermuda, Cayman Islands: Freedom of Info
“While Bermuda continues to pay lip service to public access to information, the Cayman Islands forge ahead”: Vexed Bermoothes weighs in.
Iran: Students protesting against martyrs re-burial are jailed
Up to 70 students from the Amir Kabir University in Tehran were arrested today, Tuesday 24th of February, while protesting against the re-burial of five anonymous Iran-Iraq War martyrs in the grounds of the university. See videos of the protest and the first reactions on the blogosphere.
Hong Kong: Defending freedom of speech
On 22 Feb 09, more than a hundred Hong Kong people took on the street to voice out their concerns about the alarming shrinking of freedom of speech in Hong...
Armenia: Illegal hunting in nature reserve exposed
Illustrating how online activism could make a difference in Armenia, a YouTube video of a chief forester hunting wild boar at the Khosrov nature reserve has resulted in his dismissal.
New Zealand: Blog ‘Blackout’ protest stalls anti-pirating law
A large swatch of New Zealand’s political blogosphere shut down its websites for a half-day on Monday, February 23 in protest of a copyright law that could have required internet service providers from disconnecting users who download pirated materials like movies or music
Brunei: The nation turns 25
Brunei Darussalam celebrated it's twenty-five years of independence yestderday. To celebrate the Silver Jubilee, a grand parade was held at the National Stadium. Brunei blogs are buzzing with colourful photos of the historic occasion and many bloggers are sharing their aspirations for the nation.
Ukraine: “Russophone Ukrainian Nationalists”
In this post, which has generated over a hundred comments and is now listed as the 4th most popular item on Yandex Blogs, LJ user alek-ya explains what a "Russophone Ukrainian nationalist" is.
Czech Republic: Vaclav Klaus’ EU Speech
Czechmatediary writes about “a passionate response” to the Czech president's speech at the European Parliament.
Afghanistan: Prison, Poverty and Politics
While the Obama administration has announced that an additional 17,000 troops will be sent to Afghanistan to confront the rising insurgency, Afghan bloggers keep talking about the daily challenges facing...
Global: Convoy to Gaza Makes History
History was made yesterday in the Maghreb as a convoy headed from the UK to Gaza was allowed to pass through the border between Morocco and Algeria, which has been closed for nearly 15 years. The border closed in 1994 after Morocco suspected Algerian involvement in the attack of a Marrakesh hotel.
Saudi Arabia: Thoughts on the Cabinet Reshuffle
Saudi Jeans reacts to the recent reshuffle in the Saudi government. ” I think the cabinet shuffle was not surprising in itself, but rather in its scale and some of...
China: Closer Look at the 50 Cent Party Member
If you want to take a closer look at the 50 cent party members, read RConversation. Last month, Beijing Association of Online Media held a meeting regarding illegal content, in...
Russia: Politkovskaya Murder Trial Acquittals
Oleg Kozlovsky, Irina Filatova, Foreign Policy Association's Russia blog, and Window on Eurasia write about the “not guilty” verdict for the three men charged with being involved in the murder...
Ukraine: Obstacles and Hope for Museums
Linda Norris of The Uncataloged Museum lists legal and other obstacles that Ukrainian museums are facing, but concludes her post on a positive note, writing about some of the museum...
