Stories about International Relations from February, 2009
Morocco: Algeria Border Opened for Gaza Aid Convoy
“For over fifteen years the the border between Morocco and Algeria has been closed and in a welcome development has been opened to allow passage for an aid convoy heading...
Israel: Dubai Denies Shahar Visa
Dubai has denied Israeli female tennis star Shahar Peer a visa to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships, while her male colleague Andy Ram, was able to receive one. “There...
Kyrgyzstan: Back Count for the U.S. Airbase
On February, 19th, 2009 nearly all Krrgyz MPs approved a motion denouncing the agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the USA about the American airbase at Manas. Of 89 total MPs, 78...
Uzbekistan: U.S. Airbase Seeking New Home
Elina reports that after the American airbase has been closed in Kyrgyzstan, a top U.S. general is visiting Uzbekistan to discuss alternative supply routes for the army in Afghanistan.
Serbia: Update on Miladin Kovacevic
Belgraded posts an update on the Miladin Kovacevic’s story.
Russia: Cherkizovsky Market in Moscow
Moscow Through Brown Eyes writes about an article (RUS) on Moscow's Cherkizovsky Market that appeared in the latest issue of Bolshoi Gorod: “Each of these bewilderingly diverse stories could be...
Poland: Economic Situation
The beatroot writes about the economic situation in Poland.
Poland: The Problem With “CEE”
Polandian writes about the problem with the term “Central & Eastern Europe”: “I’m all for people reporting on Poland and even highlighting its problems, whatever they may be, but let’s...
Estonia: WWII History
Itching for Eestimaa writes about the history of WWII and the Holocaust in Estonia.
Czech Republic: Prague Filming Fees
The Czech Daily Word writes that “Budapest, Vienna and other cities” are likely to replace Prague as “a favorite spot for American filmmakers” – due to newly-introduced filming fees.
Kosovo: First Anniversary of Independence
Blogging Balkanistan writes about Kosovo's first anniversary of independence.
Maghreb: UN Western Sahara Envoy Holds Talks with Polisario
Yesterday, Christopher Ross, the UN Special Envoy to the disputed Western Sahara, arrived in Algeria to hold talks with the Polisario Front, according to AFP. Jillian York rounds up blogger reactions from the Maghreb region on this latest development.
“Clinton should visit Brunei”
Peacelovekindness enumerates the reasons why United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should visit Brunei.
Iraq: The Irony in Al Zaidi's Shoe Throwing
Iraqi Pundit discusses the case of Muntadhar Al Zaidi, the journalist who threw a shoe at President George W Bush, during his visit to Iraq late last year. “I have...
Azerbaijan: News site closed down?
Following a recent ban on foreign broadcasts in the country, the content of a leading news site considered more independent than most in Azerbaijan was replaced on Thursday with a message informing readers that the “project is closed.” Although the authorities denied any involvement with the site's disappearance, bloggers were not convinced.
Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: Change? Really?
“He has taken several steps back from the openness he once showed, the willingness to talk to anyone without preconditions. He proposes to send 17,000 more troops into Afghanistan…dampening down...
Bahamas: Say “No” to Violence vs. Women
“One in three women on this side of the world will experience violence in her lifetime”: Womanish Words says that the woman’s right to live a life free of violence...
Clinton visits Indonesia
Aside from meeting the leaders of Indonesia, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton found the time to visit a slum community in Jakarta. She also appeared in a teen-oriented TV show. What are the reactions of bloggers?
Georgia-Russia: Information War
Writing for the Frontline Club blog, Al Jazeera's Matthew Collin comments on a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists which criticizes both Russia and Georgia of exerting control...
Caribbean, USA: Where in the World is Allen Stanford?
It's one thing for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to lay fraud charges against Texas billionaire-cum-Caribbean cricket magnate Allen Stanford - but first, authorities have to find him. As panicky investors flock to Stanford-owned banks from Antigua to South America to try and withdraw their funds, speculation is rife as to where Mr. Stanford might be.
Georgia: Eurovision Controversy
Following its recent war with Russia, Georgia had initially planned to boycott this year's Eurovision Song Contest to be staged in Moscow, but later changed its mind. However, if reversing that decision might have initially seemed an attempt to repair damaged relations, yesterday's national song contest proved otherwise. Eurovision bloggers react.