· February, 2013

Stories about International Relations from February, 2013

Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe Make Music

  28 February 2013

Until March 1, 2013, Pantalassa, a cultural association working with Portuguese language countries, is organizing a multidisciplinary program of artistic residences in the “marvelous islands” of São Tomé and Príncipe, together with CACAU. The mutual sharing of experiences and affections is presented in a photo-album, which is being updated throughout the...

What India Can Learn From #Shahbag

  27 February 2013

Sandip Roy writes why India should be paying attention to its neighbors #Shahbag uprising as there is a conversation happening there which matters to everyone in South Asia.

How Would Africans Feel about A Black Pope ?

  25 February 2013

Following the surprise resignation, the debate on Benedict XVI's succession was immediately launched. In particular, Africans, on the basis of the fastest growing contingent of Catholics on their continent, began to put forward the names of their favourites among the 18 cardinal Africans who are part of the College of Cardinal and who will meet in conclave to elect the new pope.

Cuban Yoani Sánchez's Arrival in Brazil Makes Noise

  24 February 2013

Acclaimed Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez left Cuba this past Sunday for the first time since 2004. Sánchez will visit and speak at universities, NGOs and government forums in Europe, Latin America and the United States. While many voices around the world have expressed joy and excitement about Sánchez’s tour, responses have not all been positive.

Yoani Sánchez Divides Opinions on a Visit to Brazil

  22 February 2013

Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was received in Brazil by pro-Cuban government protesters, who accuse her of receiving money from the United States' government and of being a CIA agent. The ones that support the dissident's actions accuse the Brazilian government of collaborating with the Cuban government's repression.

Will High Speed Rail Improve Singapore-Malaysia Ties?

  22 February 2013

The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore announced a high speed train project which will provide a mere 90 minute link between the two countries. The rail link is expected to improve economic and social ties between the two neighbors which used to be part of a single federation.

New UN Envoy Blogs from Guinea-Bissau

  19 February 2013

Ex-President of East Timor, UN representative and Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos-Horta is blogging from Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. He writes of his warm reception by people at a marketplace. He republishes his posts on his Facebook page where they are widely commented on.

Crowdfunders Empty Pockets for Catalan Independence

  18 February 2013

‘L'endemà. Respostes per a decidir‘, a documentary project about Catalonia's potential independence from Spain, produced by Isona Passola [ca], earned a record-breaking €150,000 on the crowdfunding platform Verkami on February 15, 2013. Passola, who produced the award-winning film Pa Negre [ca], hoped to reach that amount in 40 days, but reached that goal in just eleven....

Australian Senator Nick Xenophon Detained in Malaysia

  16 February 2013

From Hussein abdul Hamid's blog Steadyaku47: ‘Federal independent Senator Nick Xenophon has been detained by Malaysian authorities. He was taken into custody on his arrival at Kuala Lumpur airport and told he was considered a security risk.’ He was to meet with the electoral commission and a senior government minister.

North Korea's Nuclear Slap on the Chinese New Year

  14 February 2013

While the Chinese were celebrating their Lunar New Year, Pyongyang launched their third underground nuclear test just 100km away from their border with China. So far the Chinese government's response has been moderate. But online, both the pro-North Korea nationalists and the anti-North Korea liberals are not happy.

Secret Life and Death of Mossad Spy ‘Prisoner X’

  14 February 2013

Revelations by Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) progamme Foreign Correspondent on 12 February, 2013 have fired up onliners. The mysterious Prisoner X who allegedly committed suicide in an Israeli gaol in 2010 was not only a dual citizen of Australia and Israel, but also a Mossad agent.

North Korea's Nuclear Test Old Hat for South Koreans

  13 February 2013

North Korea confirmed on February 12 that it had conducted its third nuclear test, drawing condemnation from the international community. South Koreans living in the shadow of their nuclear neighbor to the north had varying reactions to the news.

When Uncle Matt Went to Albania

  13 February 2013

Matthew Pointon of Uncle Travelling Matt shares this detailed, six-part account and photos of his travel in Albania in 1996 and 1999: […] The Land of the Eagle is little known even in Europe and that’s a shame since it has some incredible scenery, friendly people and fascinating history. […]

North Korea Conducts 3rd Nuclear Test

  12 February 2013

North Korea conducted its third-ever nuclear test on Feb 12, 2013, sparking condemnation internationally. Check out this Storify link for more details. (Another Global Voices post will be published soon)