Stories about International Relations from March, 2012
This Week in the Caribbean Blogosphere
Activity in the Caribbean blogosphere this week has been predominantly coming from Cuba and its diaspora, as the country prepares for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI amidst frustration about the human rights situation on the island and dissatisfaction over the pontiff declining to meet members of the Cuban opposition during his stay.
Armenia: Opinion divided on Eurovision withdrawal
Writing for Ararat Magazine, Global Voices’ Caucasus Regional Editor says that not everybody is happy about Armenia's withdrawal from this year's Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
European Commission's ‘Clash of Civilizations’ Video Blunder
A video parodying the film Kill Bill and building on a 'clash of civilizations' theme was made to promote enlargement of the European Union to young adults. However, the video was pulled on March 6 after it was subject to virulent accusations of racism.
Russia: Madonna Responds to St. Petersburg “Gay Propaganda” Law Controversy
Singer Madonna has responded to the St. Petersburg “gay propaganda” law controversy on her Facebook page (21,226 ‘likes’, 2,372 shares, 1,422 comments so far): “[…] I will come to St....
China: Debate on Kony 2012
The Kony 2012 viral video also drew significant attention in China. On the popular Chinese video site Youku, the same video harvested over 8 million views in a few days. Here netizens discuss their reactions.
Iran: Iranians react to Obama's Nowruz message
President Obama's Nowruz message to Iranians has been visited more than 62000 times in YouTube. Iranians wrote different comments for this message, from praising Obama to criticize sanctions.
Iranians to Israelis: “We Are Your Friends”
An Israeli Facebook campaign to say to Iranians “We will never bomb your country. We love you.” has received an answer from Iranians in the form a corresponding Facebook initiative that says to Israelis, “We are your friends.”
Israel: “We Love Iranians”
Paul Mutter blogs about the newest permutations of a social media campaign started over the weekend by two Israeli graphics designers that is called “We Love Iranians,” aimed at raising...
Cuba: Diverse Opinions on Pope Benedict's Visit
Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Cuba has caused a great deal of controversy and debate in the Island. Blogs and social media have been a platform for an array of opinions. Elaine Díaz takes a look at some of these online conversations.
Hungary: An Eventful Celebration of the National Holiday
The prime minister compares the country to a frog; a rapper is elected as "the alternative president"; far-right protesters break into the IMF office; a techno party is held at Budapest's Heroes' Square, followed the next day by a paramilitary group's oath ceremony. Marietta Le reports on this year's eventful celebration of Hungary's National Day.
Ethiopia/Eritrea: Netizens Denounce Winds of War as Ethio-Eritrea War 2.0 Looms
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought one of the most gruesome war in the world between May 1998 and June 2000. Following the attack on Eritrea by Ethiopian troops on 17 March, Ethiopians are voicing their opinions online denouncing the winds of war in the renewed conflict between the two countries.
Cuba: Bloggers Uncomfortable as Pope's Visit Looms
As Pope Benedict XVI's controversial visit to Cuba draws closer, online discussion is heating up. Bloggers are upset over what they perceive as a partnership between communism and Catholicism, especially in light of reportedly ongoing human rights abuses and other surreptitious methods of curtailing personal freedoms.
A Love Letter From Israel to Iran
A message of love from Israelis to Iranians sounds stranger than fiction in these tense years where Iranian and Israeli governments threaten each other constantly. But we see examples of just this in a new Facebook campaign.
Cuba: Bloggers Respond to Archbishop's Action
Bloggers are reaching boiling point over the political/religious acts of repression that have been taking place in Cuba - and the Pope hasn't even arrived yet. The latest controversy involves the request to remove protesters from a church, which reportedly came from the Archbishop of Havana.
Macedonia: Peace March – Enthusiasm, Controversy
The upcoming March for Peace in Skopje has overwhelming support, evident through the positive uproar in social media. Lone voices, however, warn the initiative is used as a PR opportunity by celebrities, and even as a hypocritical alibi for known hatemongers.
South Korea: Twitter Photos of One-Person Relay Protest against Jeju Naval Base Construction
South Korean Tweeters have joined rallies against the Jeju naval base construction that has been blamed for disrupting residents’ livelihood and destroying a rare ecosystem. Each Twitter user has volunteered to take turns...
Colombia Orders Arrest of Colombian Ambassador to Peru Jorge Visbal
Colombia's Attorney General ordered the arrest [es] of Colombian ambassador to Peru, Jorge Visbal Martelo, for alleged links with paramilitary groups. After the order Visbal resigned [es] and is expected to...
South Korea: Protests Erupted against the Free Trade Deal with United States
A controversial free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea took effect starting March 15, 2012, prompting protests in downtown Seoul, South Korea. The nation's citizen media, Wiki Tree...
Syria: “The Day We Knew What It Meant to Be Syrian”
Today marks the first anniversary of the uprising in Syria. On Twitter, Syrians and their allies utilized the #Syria and #March15 hashtags to commemorate the day, remember the country's martyrs, and reflect on the year behind them.
Macedonia: Fuel Prices Continue to Rise
Continuous increase of fuel prices is a cause of much concern for citizens of Macedonia, and some vent the tension through humor.
Rising Chinese Investments in Cambodia
Alex Watts probes the impact of rising Chinese investments in Cambodia. Some local residents are worried over the sale of huge tracts of lands to Chinese investors.
