Stories about Humanitarian Response from July, 2008
China: Why did China veto sanctions against Zimbabwe?
Independent blogger Ruan Yifeng on Beijing's relationship with repressive governments: "What's more, while Beijing plays the role of "friend to the dictators" in negotiations with the US, it also stands to gain from the spoils. The North Korean nuclear crisis is a perfect example."
Bahrain: The meaning of volunteering
While volunteerism exists in every country, people's motivations for volunteering can vary enormously. A Bahraini blogger currently studying in the UK compares the spirit of volunteering in Bahrain and in Western countries.
Egypt: Collapsing Buildings
Headlines about collapsing buildings and pulling children's bodies from the rubble are common in Egypt. Ibn Al Dunya, writing in Fustat, briefs us about the latest tragedy which took away five innocent lives.
Ukraine: “A Little Miracle”
Michelle Knisley of Scenes from the Sidewalk writes about her encounter with “a little miracle” – a 2-year-old boy who survived a fall from the seventh floor”: “His parents are drug addicts and they were high and had left a window open.”
China: Uncle Tea
Zhongguotese wrote a letter to uncle tea (national security guards) who like to invite netizens for a cup of tea (investigation). The blogger believed that they are just getting their job done so as to feed their family, he hope that they can try to do thing differently within their...
Russia: The Day of Family, Love and Fidelity
Russia's got a new holiday: the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, celebrated on July 8. Translated below is a holiday post by Moscow-based LJ user eprst2000 - a post that has moved quite a few readers to tears.
Kyrgyzstan: Peace Corps’ 10 years
Elena reports that Peace Corps celebrates it’s 15th anniversary of activity in Kyrgyzstan.
Syria: Police Kill 25 in Sednaya Massacre
The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) announced that a massacre had occurred on July 5 at the Sadnaya military prison, west Damascus. At least 25 detainees had been killed by the Syrian police, according to SHREC that received phone calls from inside the prison during the massacre. The detainees started...
Colombia: The Release of Alf Onshuus Niño
Otra Expresión [es] reports that Colombian-Norweigan Alf Onshuus Niño was recently released by the FARC in an act unrelated to the recent rescue of 15 hostages. The blogger at Balada del Elefante Azul [es] also mentions this and is especially meaningful since he has blogged about the kidnapping of his...
Colombia: Hostage Rescue Raises Concerns
After the rescue dubbed as “perfect” by liberated former Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, who was rescued by the Colombian army on Wednesday July 2nd along with 14 other hostages being held captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) for up to 10 years in some cases. The Colombian community has been voicing concerns about the repercussions the rescue might have, and what interests might have been behind it.
China and Singapore: Illegal Baby
Will blogs about his experience in getting his new born baby a Singaporean passport.
Colombia: Íngrid Betancourt and Other Hostages Rescued
Colombian bloggers praise the government for the military operation that rescued 15 hostages held by the FARC, all without a single shot being fired. This has proven to be yet another blow to the guerrilla group. Others analyze the media coverage provided to the event saying that Betancourt's rescue overshadowed the other 14 hostages.
Americas: Region Celebrates Rescue of Betancourt and Other Hostages
The entire Latin American region celebrated with the people of Colombia upon hearing the news that ex-Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages were rescued. In the operation named “Jaque,” Betancourt, 3 U.S. citizens and 11 members of the Colombian forces were freed after the rescue attempt. Bloggers from many countries throughout Latin America shared the excitement and wrote their own personal reflections.
Colombia: Reactions to the Hostage Rescue from the Bogotá Airport
Juliana Rincón of Medea Material [es] writes about finding out about the new of the rescue of the Colombian hostages through Twitter, and also the reaction of the people in the Bogotá airport, “The people at the El Dorado airport in Bogotá applauded, cried, and said hooray with the news.”
Ukraine: Philanthropic Causes
Dan McMinn of Orange Ukraine posts a list of philanthropic causes in Ukraine and asks for help in updating it.
Russia: Documentary About Anna Politkovskaya
LJ user tapirr posts Masha Novikova's documentary about Anna Politkovskaya: “Anna, Seven Years on the Frontline” (RUS, with English subtitles).
Colombia: Making Up for Lost Time
Tienen Huevo [es] celebrates the freedom of FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia. He writes that “we are waiting to make up for lost time,” and previews her possible return to politics.
Tajikistan: Tajik Instability
Patrick Frost says that Tajikistan, already one of the world’s poorest nations, has suffered much this year with a harsh winter, continuing health concerns, and with rising food prices.
Afghanistan: Humanitarian situation getting worse
SunLeaf quotes the the United Nations relief chief, who says that humanitarian situation inside Afghanistan is getting worse, with civilian casualties rising and food prices soaring.
Afghanistan: “Opium-Free” North?
Barnett R. Rubin is ironic about the UNODC's World Drug Report, which is warning about rising heroin production in Afghanistan, but hailing the alleged “localization” of the problem.
Afghanistan: Marine Corps Goes Social
Joshua Foust notes the irony of forcing the Marine Corps into doing social work in southern Afghanistan.
