Stories about Governance from March, 2011
Ukraine, Japan: Fukushima Discussion at Pripyat.com
Forum users of Pripyat.com (RUS), a portal devoted to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, are examining news reports and discussing the technical aspects of the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power...
Azerbaijan: More Protests, More Arrests…
Following yesterday's protest by youth activists in Azerbaijan, opposition supporters today staged their own. Also inspired by pro-democracy protests in Egypt and Tunisia, the demonstration might not have been as large as those, but it was certainly intense.
Egypt: Leaked Documents Reveal Dirty Games of Former Regime
When a number of Egyptian protestors attacked the headquarters of the hated State Security in different Egyptian cities, their aim was not to show their contempt for the unpopular institution, a symbol of Mubarak’s regime, but it was rather to rewrite history.
Portugal: A Protest Generation, Foolish and Scraping By
Hostilities have commenced: today the “Scraping-by Generation” goes to the streets in Portugal and beyond, protesting that 23% of young people are unemployed and hundreds of thousands are underemployed or in precarious work situations. With an anthem and some anti-conformism, is this Generation foolish?
Belarus: Petition to Move 2014 Ice Hockey Championship Elsewhere
Pyotr Kuznetsov posts a petition (RUS, ENG) to the International Ice Hockey Federation, drafted by Lithuania-based Belarusian opposition activists, in which they are proposing “to change the location of the...
Azerbaijan: Youth Protest in Baku
Inspired by pro-democracy protests in Egypt and Tunisia, youth activists in Azerbaijan took to the streets in actions encouraged and coordinated by social media in what was their largest action staged in two years.
Bhutan: Verdict On Raising Taxes
The Supreme Court of Bhutan has made a landmark verdict ruling that the government violated the Constitution by raising taxes without seeking the Parliament’s approval. Tshering Tobgay has more.
Ghana: Follow Ghana Internet Governance Forum on Twitter
You can follow Ghana Internet Governance Forum on Twitter using the hashtag #GhIGF.
Gabon: Two Rival Presidents, One Accused of Embezzlement
As the power struggle between two opposing presidents continues in Gabon, Ali Bongo (the official president) now stands accused of "misappropriation of shares for personal profit" in a World Bank suit. Supporters of the opposition led by Mba Obame anxiously await his next move.
Russia: Ramzan Kadyrov's Brazil Game
Siberian Light comments on the “football match between an ageing team of Brazilian World Cup winners and a Chechen team featuring […] Ramzan Kadyrov,” which took place in Grozny, Chechnya,...
Azerbaijan: Online activism under fire
Writing on East of Center, Transition Online editor in chief Jeremy Druker comments on official attempts to discredit Azerbaijani youth activists using social media to prepare for pro-democracy protests on...
International Women's Day Marked in Ghana with Awards Ceremony
Every year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Ghana and her women were not left out of this important day.
Morocco: King's Speech Tweeted
On Wednesday, King Mohammed VI of Morocco gave his first address to the nation since the beginning of pro-democracy protests in his country. He promised "a comprehensive reform of the constitution". The king's speech was closely followed on Twitter.
China: Power disparity
Johan Lagerkvist from China Roader examines the political agenda of the 11th National People Congress in stability control.
U.S.: Flood Damage, Recovery in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village
At CzechPosition.com, Rosie Johnston talks to business owners in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of the areas damaged most by the June 2008 flood.
Mexico and Afghanistan Border Conflicts Juxtaposed
Netizens are responding to several reports that juxtapose the violence in the Mexico/US border with the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and its border with Pakistan. Though uncoordinated and apparently disparate, the reports have served to crystalize problematic aspects of American policy.
Trinidad & Tobago: The CL Collapse
In an attempt to make sense of the “financial fiasco” of the CL Financial collapse, Afra Raymond says: “Our House needs a serious cleaning and we need a new commitment...
Arab World: How Much Does Internet Access Matter?
Amidst the ongoing debate of the role of social media in revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa lies another question: To what degree does Internet access matter in determining the role of the Internet and social media in these revolts? Jillian C. York looks at different ideas about the effects of Internet penetration on the effectiveness of social media organizing.
Macedonia: Goverment as “Donor”
Volan objects [MKD] to using the term “donations” by the government officials, who use taxpayers’ money for photo opportunities that present them as sponsors instead of spenders. The latest example:...
Jordan: #HashtagDebates and Reforms
The second #HashtagDebates organized by 7iber took place at Makan House in Amman this evening (March 7). 7iber, the Jordanian youth-orientated independent media outlet has been contributing to growing public dialog both online and offline through several programs and activities.
El Salvador: Transparency Law is Approved
Voices from El Salvador Weblog reports on the approval of the Transparency and Public Access to Information Law: “The law now requires government institutions, and private entities funded by the...
