Stories about Governance from July, 2009
Russia: Notes From Samara
Sergei Khazov's Notes from Samara – at OpenDemocracy.net.
Fiji: Tension rises between government and Methodist Church
The months-long standoff between Fiji’s government and the country’s largest Christian denomination became more heated last week when police arrested, held and later charged seven Methodist Church officials and a high-ranking chief for “incitement” and infringing on emergency rules regarding meetings.
Trinidad & Tobago: Anti-People?
“The Prime Minister is on record for saying that despite what the people think he will proceed with the [aluminium smelter]. Despite what people think. And the environmentalists, those crazy people who want to sustain the environment longer so that we can sustain ourselves…are ‘anti-people'?” Trinidadian blogger Taran Rampersad takes...
An Indian's Perspective On Tipaimukh Dam
A Minority Of One comments on the controversial Tipaimukh Dam from an Indian's perspective: “I feel that the responsible course of action is to re-consider the project, or at least its scale.” The blog reminds Indians to look for options, “if not for the sake of humanity and neighbourliness, then...
An Indian View On India-Pakistan Relations
Supriyo Chaudhuri at The Sunday Posts comments on the relations between India and Pakistan: “we should indeed try to create a new Pakistan based on democracy and tolerance rather than pakistanizing the whole region based on violence and chauvinism.”
Maldives: Celebrating Independence
Maldives celebrates today 44 years of independence. Mohamed Nasheed opines that there is no need for dress rehearsals of the independence day celebrations, rather the people should be reminded of the Maldives story – “Who are we? How are we? Where are we? Where did we start from? Where do...
Citizens of the World rally for Iran
On Saturday 25 July, 2009, Iranians and non-Iranians alike responded to the initiative United4Iran by taking part in an event to support the Iranian struggle for freedom and human rights. Coverage of these events included numerous citizen videos and photos. Hamburg/Germany: Washington/U.S. London/UK A protest outside the Islamic Republic's embassy in...
Malaysia: “Where is democracy?”
Malaysia's Prime Minister celebrated his 100th day in office two weeks ago. But many of his constituents chose to mark the event by launching the “Where is democracy?” campaign. The 711whereisdemocracy blog was set-up encouraging Malaysian bloggers to support the internet protest.
Iran: Solidarity with Green Movement in Dubai
Several Iranians took part in a demonstration in Dubai on Saturday July 25, to support Iranians in their struggle for democracy. According to Saharlar, the police dispersed the rally after 30 minutes and confiscated even green ballons. Watch the photos here.
Morocco: A Decade with Mohammed VI
When in July 1999, king Mohammed VI of Morocco ascended to the throne, the expectations for change and progress were such that many international observers foresaw an albeit difficult but inexorable march that would lead the country to a prosperous, liberal and democratic future. Ten years later, many bloggers and online news websites commemorate the first decade of the reign of Mohammed VI with hope for a better tomorrow.
Russia: Markets Shut Down
Scraps of Moscow writes about Moscow authorities’ recent decision to shut down Cherkizovsky and Izmailovsky markets: “It is a shame that Luzhkov and others favoring the reconfiguring of Moscow markets to exclude for'ners have failed to understand that such pockets of other-ness always added to Moscow's richness. And even operating...
Russia: “Leaving the Caucasus, a Taboo Subject”
Robert Amsterdam's Blog links to Kerkko Paananen's translation of an article by Igor Averkiev, “which argues that Russia would be stronger, more secure, and better off if it pulled out of the Caucasus.”
Hungary: The Hungarian Guard Banned
A paramilitary association called the Hungarian Guard was banned at the beginning of July after more than a year of investigation by Budapest Court. Guard members and supporters held spontaneous and officially organized rallies in Budapest to save the organization.
Citizens of the World “United 4 Iran”
On Saturday July 25, people around the world will have the opportunity to support Iranians in their struggle for democracy, freedom and basic human rights by attending rallies in dozens of cities around the world.
“Resign or Else”: Portraits of Media Repression in Madagascar
VNR is a young journalist at one of the largest newspapers in Madagascar. When we first talked over the phone, her number was hidden and the first thing she said was to ask carefully what was the purpose of me wanting to talk to her. She and another journalist friend...
Bangladesh: Connecting To The Asian Highway
Had I been in Voyager 1!!! opines that the current proposal of connecting to the Asian Highway is not useful to Bangladesh as “it will go through several land ports in Bangladesh-India border but not anywhere near our two seaports.”
Albania: No Playing in Parks
Living in Shkoder, Albania learns that kids aren't allowed to play in Albanian parks.
Russia: Medvedev and Sick Babies in Gelendzhik
LJ user baxus writes a letter (RUS) to president Medvedev, in which he describes how his infant son and many other kids got sick in Gelendzhik, a Russian Black Sea resort town, and what an ordeal it was to move around the area on the day of Medvedev's visit, due...
Uganda: Government Quiet as Famine Takes Toll
As drought spreads throughout East Africa, more than three million Ugandans are at risk of starvation. Hunger has claimed the lives of more than 40 people, and bloggers fear more will die before the government takes notice.
Japan: No Twitter for Election Campaigns
In response to the government's decision that the usage of Twitter in election campaign activities violates the Public Offices Election Law, Kengo Preston wonders why disruptive methods such as direct phone calls and street speeches with megaphones are permitted while these low-cost and practical new technologies are not.
Trinidad & Tobago: Journalistic Integrity
Trinidad and Tobago blogger KnowProSE.com says that “no preconditions leads to better interviews…and that's where journalism sells out – and social media is beginning to.”
