· January, 2008

Stories about Humanitarian Response from January, 2008

Louis Michel Heckled by Congolese Protestors at the London School of Economics

  30 January 2008

Le renouveau congolais posts a YouTube video which shows Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid and formerly Belgian's foreign minister, as he was confronted by Congolese protesters during a talk given earlier this month on the EU and Africa at the London School of Economics. Read the reactions from Congolese netizens and a video response that will make you move your feet.

China: The Anger of the Weak

  30 January 2008

On his way to the office, Zengying saw a hawker running away from the city control team. He warned the powerful not to neglect the anger of the weak and press them into fighting back.

East Timor: On Suharto's death

  28 January 2008

In late 1975, East Timor was invaded and occupied by Indonesia, which led to a 24 year rule and it is estimated that up to 200,000 people, one-third of the local population, died as a result of it. This invasion was commanded by General Suharto, Indonesia's former dictator. Here is how a few bloggers connected to East Timor reacted to the news of his death at the age of 86 this Sunday January, 27.

Flagging at the Iraqi Blogodrome

  27 January 2008

Iraq has a new national flag. Some people may say that flags are really not important, but for Iraq it is big deal. Every new regime has sought to cement its presence through the national symbol. And this government is no exception. So what do Iraqi's really think and were the media right? And, if you read to the end, find out what design the Iraqi bloggers collectively agreed upon.

Davos: peeking in and participating through videos

  26 January 2008

The World Economic Forum´s annual meeting of political and business leaders is taking place between January 23rd and January 27th in Davos, Switzerland. This year, common people can participate in this forum by giving their ideas to make the world a better place and posting it on the YouTube video sharing site.

Tajikistan: The ice age. Now

  23 January 2008

Despite the fact that the long-awaited hydropower station Sangtuda-1 in Tajikistan has been launched, the population still does not feel the changes. It is worth of mentioning that only the first (out of four) turbines was launched and the other three will be on till the end of this year....

Uzbekistan: No Refuge from the Cold

  23 January 2008

Nathan reports that Uzbeks are suffering from severe shortages of heat and natural gas. Winter gas shortages have been par for the course in Uzbekistan in recent years, but with this winter being particularly cold, they’re having a much greater impact this year.

China: Little Match Girl

  23 January 2008

Andersen's story of “Little Match Girl” has a real-life Chinese version in Guiyang (zh). The 8 years old girl's family make their living by collecting rubbish. On 20 of Jan, the weather was -3 to -1 degree celsius and she tried to warm her hands by lighting matches. The photos...

Egypt: Gaza In the Headlines

  22 January 2008

Eman Abd Al Rahman brings us the latest headlines from the Egyptian blogosphere decrying the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. A four-day blockade has plunged Gaza in darkness, sparking international calls and anger on the Arab street to stop the carnage.