Stories about International Relations from February, 2008
China: Taiwan and Kosovo
Taiwan's Foreign Minister announced its recognition of Kosovo as an independent country, China Foreign Affair spoke person responded that Taiwan is not in position to give “recognition” to Kosovo. Bonnae from 1510.com pointed out that Kosovo's independence has put China into an embarrassing situation and Taiwan's attitude is also hitting...
Spanish reactions to Kosovo's independence
Two days after Kosovo's declaration of independence in spite of Serbia's opposition, the debate about the merits of recognising it as a state is still raging. Within the European Union, countries such as France, UK, Germany or Italy have recognized it, while others such as Slovakia and Spain have strongly opposed it as they consider that the declaration does not respect international law.
Caribbean: Castro – End of an Era?
The buzz in the regional blogosphere for the last 24 hours has undoubtedly been the retirement of Cuban leader Fidel Castro after nearly 50 years at the helm of the socialist republic. The announcement hardly came as a surprise, what with the last couple of years of anti-Castro bloggers closely following reports of the leader's deteriorating health and speculating as to whether or not he was even alive.
Serbia: Bloggers Discuss Kosovo Independence
Sinisa Boljanovic translates some more reactions from the Serbian blogosphere to the declaration of Kosovo independence.
Serbia: Anger, disbelief over proclamation of Kosovo independence
Ljubisa Bojic translates some reactions from the Serbian blogosphere to the declaration of Kosovo independence.
Israel: Kosovo or Palestine, the Balkan is Here!
Kosovo has declared its independence. While the Israeli government has yet to announce its stance, several Hebrew bloggers have been reacting and comparing the political fatigue in the Balkans to that back home. Gilad Lotan has the story.
Cuba: Castro Steps Down
Cuban bloggers are abuzz with news of Fidel Castro's retirement: Babalu Blog: “My emotions are in turmoil”; Child of the Revolution: “I know that when it comes to Castro, nothing ever is what it seems”; Review of Cuban-American Blogs: “Nothing has changed for him or Cuba”; 1Click2 Cuba: “Monarchs excepted,...
Africa: Bush in Africa
Imnakoya points out to what the mainstrem media aren't talking about regarding George Bush trip to Africa: “George W Bush, the president of the greatest and biggest democracy is currently in Africa, in what some call a “barnstorming trip” involving 5 countries, starting from Sunday through Thursday. Today is Day...
Uganda: Bloggers tangle with mainstream media
The blogren had their collective eye on Uganda's mainstream media this week. One blogger "treads where the brave dare not go" by posting photos from a tragedy near the capital, while another criticizes the government paper for its seeming support of rapists.
Somalia: Can a hijab-wearing blogger get a respectable job in the US?
This is our second roundup of Somali blogs discussing various topics including Somali politics, the challenges of wearing a hijab in the United States and the first Somali female pilot.
Lebanon: Escalations Continue
“Hizballah and Amal continue to pit the Lebanese Shiite community against the rest of their compatriots in an effort to satisfy the agendas of their regional allies,” remarks Blacksmith Jade, who also links to videos of the latest political situation in Lebanon.
Kosovo, Serbia: Crisis
Reluctant Dragon writes about Kosovo's independence: “…and once again, there is a crisis, a long-term and potentially far-reaching crisis, and we are at the heart of it.”
Kosovo, Serbia: “Chants of Killing”
A discussion of “chants of killing and slaughtering” in Serbia and in Kosovo – over at East Ethnia.
Kosovo, Serbia: A Pessimistic View From Albania
Living in Shkoder “can't see Kosova getting a smooth run in their new state.”
Kosovo: Legality; Economy
Eternal Remont discusses the allegedly missing “legal basis” for Kosovo's independence and Kosovo's allegedly missing economy.
Kosovo: The Flag
The beatroot writes about Kosovo's flag and other independence issues.
Slovenia: Keeping Quiet in China
Dr. Filomena reports: “A few days ago, Slovenia’s Minister of Education and Sport Milan Zver apparently recommended , in an interview for the Associated Press, that Olympic athletes avoid talking about human rights while they are in Beijing. By today, his words have been quoted in over 300 sources online.”
Poland: U.S. Satellite Fears
A discussion of whether or not Poland is “in danger from exploding US spy satellite” – over at the beatroot.
Sri Lanka: Not Obama
Deane's Dimension from Sri Lanka on why rooting for Obama is all fine, but why one really needs to look at his foreign and economic policy.
Turkmenistan: American priorities with Ashgabat
Maciula opines on American policy towards Turkmenistan and compares the significance of this country for the US with that of other Eurasian states.
China: Spielberg's withdrawal from the Beijing Olympics
Joel Martinsen from DANWEI has translated three local blog posts commenting on Spielberg's withdrawal from the Beijing Olympics.
