Stories about International Relations from March, 2011
Madagascar: Reactions to the New Members of the Government
Blogger Thierry Andriamirado listed the names of all the members of the newly formed government in Madagascar [fr] as it was announced on national radio. Political blogger Ndimby provides an analysis of the composition of this alleged government of national unity and the potential acceptation of the Malagasy administration by the international community[fr].
Russia: BBC Russian Service's Last Broadcast
Christya Riedel writes on Foreign Policy Association's Russia blog that on March 26, “the BBC Russian Service ceased its radio broadcasts after 65 years on the air because of drastic budget cuts implemented by the British government.”
Côte d'Ivoire: Where Are the African Personalities When They Are Needed?
A few months ago, Marième Jamme asked Bono and Bob Geldof to take less prominent roles as speakers for Africa in the media and leave space for Africans to speak for themselves. Today on the Africa Rising blog, bloggers wonder where have the African personalities gone when they are actually needed to get the world's...
Pakistan: License To Kill
Talkhaba interviews Robert Anderson, an ex-undercover CIA operative, who opines that “the release of Davis in my opinion is just a green light for more killings and assassinations by the US government and the CIA in your country.”
Syria: Egyptian-American Tweep Accused of Spying
Egyptian-American Twitter user Muhammed Radwan (@battuta) was arrested in Syria and paraded on Syrian Television as a spy who is accused of allegedly visiting "Israel in secret and confessed to receiving money from abroad in exchange for sending photos and videos about Syria." His arrest is expected to unleash the wrath of the Egyptian cyberspace against the Assad regime.
Bangladesh: Supporting Pakistan Cricket Team
Although many Bangladeshi spectators at a quarter-final match of the Cricket world Cup 2011 in Dhaka cheered for Pakistan during their encounter with West Indies, Mezba asks “can a Bangladeshi support the Pakistan cricket team”? Find out why.
Cuba: Ex-Prisoner's Travel Restricted
Pedazos de La Isla reports that one prisoner of conscience who was freed on condition of exile to Spain expected “his new life in Spain…to be full of freedoms and opportunities, but his case has proven otherwise.”
El Salvador: Citizen Reactions to Obama's Visit
The visit of the President of the United States, Barack Obama, has sparked comments in favor and against his trip among Salvadoreans. The visit has also stirred up a heated debate on the Salvadoran blogosphere.
Brazil: Cartoons of Obama in Brazil
Altamiro Borges posts a series of cartoons made by the Brazilian cartoonist Carlos Latuff on Obama's visit to Brazil.
The Coming Collapse of China's Soft Power
Johan Lagerkvist from Chinaroader foresees the coming collapse of China's soft power.
Africa: Africans want an African solution
Rosebell Kagumire's reaction to Uganda's president's criticism of military intervention in Libya: “Africans want an African solution but current leaders like President Museveni who stifle freedoms in their own borders will not deliver us the much needed African solution. And that’s what North Africa has realized and therefore moved to...
Haiti: Developing Aid
“The agenda of development aid should not be set by people so far removed from the uncertainty of life that has dominated human existence for the majority of time”: Throwing Down the Water wants to get everyone speaking the same language.
Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica: Position on Gender Equity
Globewriter on the UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: “The English Caribbean (including T&T which continues to betray its alleged commitment to human rights) was notably absent except for Dominica. I can only surmise that the normally homophobic Dominica either had a coup or someone pushed the...
Côte d'Ivoire: “Why is no one intervening in Ivory Coast?”
Violence continues in Ivory Coast. Charles Blé Goudé has called for the Young Patriots, supporters of the outgoing president, Laurent Gbagbo, to enlist in the army. Now thousands of young men have turned up at the headquarters of the Ivorian Army in the capital Abidjan. Having seen how the United Nations agreed on a military intervention in Libya, some Ivorian netizens are wondering how far the situation is going to degenerate before the international community intervenes.
Brazil: Obama's Visit Marked by Protests, Repression and Criticism
Intended to be a party, US President Obama's first visit to Brazil was marked by the controversial decision for his country to intervene militarily in Libya, in addition to the "covering up" of the favelas and protests followed by violent police repression.
Serbia: Returning Gratitude for the Japanese Donations
Sasa Milosevic reports on Serbian initiatives to help Japanese victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster, in a grateful return of the aid donated by Japan to Serbia.
Australia: Mixed Reactions to Libya Intervention
Read some of the early reactions in the Australian blogosphere to the Libya No-Fly Zone and intervention. The Australian government has been a strong supporter of the UN resolution which authorized the military intervention in Libya.
Cuba: About Gadaffi
“I am ashamed that my country is anxious to defend Gadaffi”: Iván's File Cabinet says that “there is no justification for being friends with such characters” and points fingers at several factions that he thinks deserves the blame.
Mexico: U.S. Drones Gather Intelligence on Drug Cartels
A story first reported on March 15 by The New York Times has garnered strong responses from Mexican netizens based at home and abroad. Citing American and Mexican officials, the paper reported that "the Obama administration has begun sending drones deep into Mexican territory to gather intelligence that helps locate major traffickers and follow their networks."
China: Gaddafi Has to Go
China's official stance is that Libya's Colonel Gaddafi should be reasoned with through dialogue and other peaceful means; not everyone in China agrees. "Annihiliate him," writes China's most widely-read blogger.
Iran:Obama's Nowruz message
President Obama sent a Nowruz (Iranian New Year) message and said “though times may seem dark, I want you to know that I am with you.” Several Iranians write in social networking Balatarin, that Obama named several political prisoners.
