Stories about International Relations from June, 2011
Europe: “Greek Drama Doesn't Transcend Hellenic Borders”
Luboš Motl of The Reference Frame writes about the current economic situation in Greece and how it affects (or doesn't affect) other countries: “All the hysteria is man-made and unjustifiable by the real data. The Greek default will be just a formality because in practice, it has occurred a long...
Russia: Rodric Braithwaite's “Afgantsy”
In Moscow's Shadows writes about Rodric Braithwaite's Afgantsy: The Russians in Afghanistan, 1979-89, a “new study of the Soviet war on Afghanistan.” OpenDemocracy.net published exclusive excerpts from the book in April – here and here.
Balkans: Ratko Mladic and Justice
Posts on the capture of Ratko Mladic and justice being done (or not) – by Katharine Engelhart and Ozren Jungic at OpenDemocracy.net, by Blogging Balkanistan/The Daily Seyahatname, and by Marko Attila Hoare and David Pettigrew at Greater Surbiton.
Croatia: EU Membership Approval
On June 10, 2011, Croatia was cleared to become the newest member state of the European Union. There is still a long road before Croatians are officially a part of the EU, and the timing at the moment is, at best, precarious, creating many skeptics. Miquel Hudin reports.
Ukraine: Hanna Sinkova's Case; Yanukovych's Prejudicial Comments
Foreign Notes posts an update on Hanna Sinkova's case and concludes: “In matters of law Ukraine frequently seems closer to Tehran than Europe.” He also highlights some “jarring prejudicial comments” made by Ukraine's President Victor Yanukovych during his visit to Europe.
Russia: Yelena Bonner, Andrei Sakharov's Widow, Dies
Vladimir Kara-Murza of World Affairs‘ Spotlight on Russia and Vadim Nikitin of Foreign Policy Association‘s Russia blog write about Andrei Sakharov's widow Yelena Bonner, who died in the United States on June 18.
Myanmar: Labour registration form
Democracy for Burma uploads a labour registration brochure in Burmese and Thai languages provided by the International Organization for Migration. There are thousands of Myanmar migrants living and working in Thailand.
Slovakia, Poland: (Mis)Understanding the Euro Experience
According to a recent poll, the majority of Poles are against joining the Eurozone. One of the reasons may be their (mis)understanding of the Slovak experience.
India: Policy On Maritime Security
Nitin Pai at The Acorn explains why India needs a policy on overseas military deployments and maritime security.
Sri Lanka: Groundviews Briefly Blocked
Yesterday Groundviews, Vikalpa and even Transparency International’s sites were apparently blocked on Sri Lanka Telecom ADSL broadband Internet connections for a few hours. An update on the Groundviews site confirms that these sites are accessible again from Sri Lanka.
Vietnam: Online patriotism versus China's ‘intrusion’
A rising number of Vietnamese netizens are expressing their patriotic sentiments in various social media platforms against what they describe as Chinese intrusions in Vietnam territories in South China Sea.
China’s Civilizing Influence in North Korea
Adam Cathcart from Sinologistical Violoncellist notes the changes in the rhetoric's of political slogan in Pyongyang and discusses influence China has on North Korea.
North Korea's Meth Export
Chinese authorities recently conducted a crackdown on drug in Chinese region bordering North Korea. Although it’s hard to trace the origin of methamphetamine, residents and experts believe that much of the meth consumed in the region is manufactured in North Korea. Robert Neff wrote about it in the Marmot's Hole...
Bermuda: Responding to Corruption
“Corruption happens in every country around the world,” says Politics.bm, adding: “What shows your character and values is how you respond to it, not how you respond to those who want to root it out.”
Bulgaria: Soviet Army Monument “Keeps Pace With Time”
Bulgarian blogger Peio Popov posted photos [bg] of the Soviet Army monument in Sofia, parts of which have been “updated” by unknown street artists to resemble heroes of American comic books, as well as Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald. Bulgarian newspaper Sega (“Now”) reports [bg] that Sofia city authorities are...
South Korean Troops Shoot at Passenger Jet, No One Injured
South Korean troops shot at passenger jet on June 17 after mistaking it for a North Korean military aircraft near the border with North Korea. No one was hurt from the incident, but South Korean net users from public forum sites are demanding more thorough explanations [ko].
Puerto Rico: Disappointment, Frustration, and Laughs Over Obama's Visit
On Tuesday June 14, 2011, United States President Barack Obama visited Puerto Rico. It was the first official visit of a US president since John F. Kennedy visited Puerto Rico in 1961. Obama and his brief four hours in the island have been the center of public discussion, online and offline.
Brazil: Denouncement on Belo Monte to OAS
The journalist Leonardo Sakamoto analyzes the petition [pt] sent to the Human Rights comission of the Organization of American States (OAS) concerning the Belo Monte dam, in Brazil. The country may be judged for illegalities in the licensing process that “disrespected the right of consultation and access to information and...
Estonia-Latvia-Lithuania: 70th anniversary of deportations
Otto's Random Thoughts commemorates the 70th anniversary of deportations from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania following the June 1940 Soviet occupation of the countries, whereas Itching for Eestimaa reflects upon the political and social legacy of the deportations for Estonia.
Russia: Southstream as a hoax
Streetwise Professor questions whether Russian state gas monopoly Gazprom will actually build the Southstream gas pipeline – the main competitor to the Western-financed Nabucco pipeline.
India Close Behind China in the African Continent
In May, the second India and Africa Summit was held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Through the Cooperation Plan, India offers a different partnership model from the Chinese one, and inspired comments in the French-speaking African blogosphere.
