Stories about International Relations from January, 2012
Ukraine: Wikileaks Transcripts Published
Ukraine Today draws attention to a new blog – Wikileaks Ukraine – where the leaked cables of the US Embassy in Kiev during the Yushchenko era are published.
Hungary: Right-Wing Pro-Government Demonstrations
The Contrarian Hungarian reports that three right-wing demonstrations in support of the Hungarian government have taken place only this weekend, in protest against increased international pressure on Hungary for its defunct economy and political turmoil.
Ukraine-Russia: Gas Conflict Heats Up Again
Streetwise Professor speculates on whether there is a new gas war coming up between Ukraine and Russia or if Kiev finally will cede its pipelines to Gazprom to get a price-cut on gas deliveries.
India: Did BBC Top Gear's India Special Really Offend Indian Sensibilities?
The BBC's recently aired Top Gear India Special episode contained humor that was not well received by some Indians. The issue got complicated as the Indian High Commission in London formally complained to the BBC saying it lacked cultural sensitivity. Netizens react.
The Balkans: Potential Reactions to Angelina Jolie's Film
Back in Dec. 2011, Belgraded wrote on how Angelina Jolie’s In the Land of Blood and Honey is likely to be received in Serbia.
Africa: Good Development Blog
Good Developments is a blog about African politics, development aid, peace and conflict. The blog is run by Katrin Eder and Peter Dörrie.
Syria: Emergency Refugees
With large scale violence in Syria, the exodus towards neighboring countries is increasing continuously (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey). As per Islamic Relief [it] non-profit organisation, at least 650 Syrian families (mostly from the high risk areas of Homs and Hama) are in urgent need of food, sanitation and other assistance. Currently different activities such as fundraising and other initiatives are taking place, details here....
Ukraine: Gas and Budget
Odessablog's Blog discusses Ukraine's new state budget and how eventually what may be afforded for the country's public sector will be decided not by state incomes but by the price of Russian gas.
Cuba: Ahmadinejad's Visit
The Iranian president's visit to Cuba has caused much discussion among bloggers, here, here and here.
Madagascar, Ethiopia: Arable Lands on Sale
The association “Collectif TANY” for the Protection of Land in Madagascar has published an exhaustive list of the instances of Land Grab by foreign entities in Madagascar [fr]. They warn the public opinion that sales or leasing of arable lands at discount prices are still taking place in Madagascar (2...
CEE: A Roundup on the Roma Issues
An anti-discrimination Roma flash mob/dance duel in Bucharest (video – here), and a report by Bulgarian Roma students on media coverage of Roma-related issues – at TOL's Roma Transitions blog. Education for the Roma children in the UK, the Czech Republic and Slovakia – at the Economist's Eastern Approaches blog....
Global Voices in French: Translators’ Choice 2011
In 2011, volunteer translators at Global Voices in French translated hundreds of articles and updates on world events and we'd like to say "'Merci!". We've asked them which translation struck them most, during this epic year. Here is the French translators' selection!
Iran: “This bomb is a statement”
Kamangir, an Iranian prominent blogger based in Canada, believes [fa]: “Attack on a nuclear activist with a magnetic bomb. The target is not to kill someone. This is a statement; saying we did it and would do it again.”
Venezuela: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Visit Raises Controversy
Iran's President, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, arrived in Venezuela on Sunday, January 8, in his first stop in a tour to several Latin American countries. His visit has sparked strong reactions on social networks, where users are questioning whether his presence might be of some benefit for the nation.
Poland: Prosecutor Suicide Attempt
Michael Dembinski of W-wa Jeziorki tries but fails to understand a suicide attempt by a military prosecutor involved in investigations of the 2010 Smolensk aircrash killing Poland's president Lech Kaczynski, and causing a plethora of conspiracy theories.
Zambia: Former Diplomat Calls on West to Engage Iran Through IAEA
A Zambian veteran politician and erstwhile diplomat who once served as the country’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Vernon Mwaanga, has told a citizen radio that the West should not be dismissive of Iran because it has become a nuclear power.
Iran: A Court Sentences an Iranian American to death
1freedomseeker reported a court in Tehran has sentenced to death an Iranian American who was convicted of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency. The blogger adds Abolghasem Salvati, this court's judge, sentenced [fa] three people to death in 48 hours.
Ecuador: Latest Developments in Effort to Save the Yasuni Rainforest
Emily Achtenberg, in a post entitled ‘Oil Politics in Ecuador: Saving Yasuní, Without Chevron’s Blood Money’, reports on the latest developments in the government's initiative to save the Yasuní rainforest .
European Union: ACTA and Citizens’ Digital Rights
Greek blogger Michalis Panagiotakis writes [el] about the upcoming ratification of ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) in the European Parliament, and the issues arising with regard to the restriction of citizens’ digital rights.
COP17: Young Trackers Share Final Thoughts on Climate Change Talks
Adopt a Negotiator Project trackers updated their blogs daily during the two weeks of climate change talks at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, COP17, held from November 28 to December 9, 2011, in South Africa. In this post we share some of their conclusions.
Libya 2011: A Seminal Year Through Citizen Media
Libya grabbed the headlines in 2011. Here is a summary of blog posts written by Libyan netizens in the year that was. Fozia Mohamed charts their disgust, fear, hope and dreams in a series of posts written throughout the year.
