Stories about International Relations from August, 2013
A Letter on Syria to Western Narcissists
From Lebanon, Sean Lee, of The Human Province, pens a letter to Western narcissists on Syria: But please, don't let the conflict in Syria be about opposing America. Let it be about Syria, and what might actually help Syrians – you know, the actually existing people who are dying by...
Iran: Facebook Diplomacy
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, posted a short piece with six questions about Syria on his Facebook page which received 1,100 comments as of Friday, August 30. Some called Zarif on the hypocrisy of criticizing Western intervention as intervention, when Iran has its own presence on the ground.
Three Youths Harassed After Speaking Catalan at Music Festival in Spain
Two cases of Catalanophobia, this time reported at Valencia's Arenal Sound festival, once again caused a stir on the Internet.
Fight Erupts in Saudi Mosque After Preacher Curses el-Sisi
The fight, uploaded on to YouTube, has gone viral and the tug-of-words continues online.
India-Bhutan Friendly Relations: A Reality Check
Blogger Yeshey Dorji from Thimphu, Bhutan comments on the current state of apparently friendly India-Bhutan relations: India’s unabashed transgression into our domestic affairs has demonstrated that where it is an understanding between two unequal partners, there is little reason to believe that any commitment – whether written or unwritten, will...
Bolivia's President Morales vs CNN: A Controversial Interview
An interview by CNN presenter Ismael Cala with Bolivia's president Evo Morales triggered divided reactions. Some praise Cala's moderation, while others celebrate Morales' determination and authority against "imperialist" media.
Eid Terror in Yemen Amidst US Drone Strikes
The US sent drones to kill unsuspecting Yemenis, referred to as "suspected militants" over Eid, the celebration the culminates the end of the holy month of fasting - Ramadhan.
Intense Debate Over Changes in Puerto Rico's Political Status
What does the future hold for Puerto Rico's political status? The Caribbean island has been a U.S. territory—or colony, according to some—for more than a century.
Is ‘Free Tibet Movement’ Dying?
Is it any wonder that many Tibetans are now losing hope? Neapali blog Blogdai criticizes the failures of the ‘Free Tibet Movement’ for not being effective enough to reduce Tibetan suffering.
‘Rewire': How to Be a Better Media Consumer
Commentary from around the French-speaking Web on serendipity and cosmopolitanism, two key concepts found in the book 'Rewire' by Global Voices co-founder Ethan Zuckerman.
Morocco: “Daniel Gate” Sparks Unprecedented National Outrage
Spanish pedophile Daniel Galván was pardoned by the King of Morocco. Street protests led the king to revoke the pardon. Many say it is too little, too late.
United States Embargo Breaks Into the Intimate Lives of Cubans
What do Cuban bloggers think about the United States' embargo against Cuba? Elaine Díaz tells us.
Protsahan, Encouraging Girls Through the Arts in India
The young innovators of Protasahan aren't expecting governments alone to make gender equality a reality in India. This post belongs to a series exploring post-2015 ideas for development.
Congolese Teacher Pushed Out of Moving Police Van in Morocco, Dies
The death of Toussaint-Alex Mianzoukouta, a french teacher in Tanger is symptomatic of increasing brutality towards sub Saharan immigrants from the Moroccan police, Afrik Online reports [fr]. Mianzoukouta was not given the opportunity to present his immigration documents before he was taken into the van, the report says. He died from...
Madagascar Agency Suspended from Network Tracking Money Laundering
Lambo T. reports [fr] on the website of La Gazette de La Grande Ile that Samifin [mg], the agency in charge of cleaning up the financial sector and combat transnational illegal operations in Madagascar has been suspended from the Egmont Group of financial intelligence units. Egmont is an international network that helps tracks...
Russians Wary of Snowden Asylum
Snowden's decision to hitch his wagon to Putin's makes opposition and human rights activists uneasy, while his status as a defected "spy" alienates many of Putin's supporters.
Spain: Catalan Water Polo Player Quits Twitter After Harassment
Roser Tarragó had displayed the Catalan separatist flag and a picture wearing the Catalan team suit instead of the Spanish one on her account.
Senegalese Literacy Contest Winner Turns Down French Visa in Protest
Bousso Dramé describes the ill treatment she received when obtaining a French visa in a widely circulated open letter.
DREAM Helps Reduce AIDS Cases in Africa
An interview with Paola Germano, leader of Comunità di Sant'Egidio's DREAM programme in Africa. She explains why research has confirmed a reduction in AIDS cases in sub-saharan Africa.
