Stories about Politics from June, 2010
Russia: Ramzan Kadyrov's Blog and Plagiarism Controversy
Sean's Russia Blog notes that “just when [Ramzan] Kadyrov thought he had a clear path to becoming a star of the blogosphere, his second post, “My city, Grozny” was accused of plagiarism […].”
Czech Republic: Dr. Milada Horáková's Death 60 Years Ago
The Reference Frame writes about the execution of Dr. Milada Horáková 60 years ago: “Many people were killed by the communists but she has clearly been the brightest woman ever murdered by them.”
Ukraine: Hanna Herman's $60K Wrist Watch
Foreign Notes writes about a $60K wrist watch of the deputy head of Ukraine's Presidential Administration: “$60K is equivalent to 10 to15 years average salary in Ukraine…”
Russia, U.S.: The “Spy Ring” Story
A selection of posts on the “Russian spy ring” story: Julia Ioffe at The Daily Beast; A Good Treaty; Yelena Osipova at Global Chaos; Mark Adomanis at True/Slant; Vadim Nikitin at FPA's Russia blog; Dina Fainberg at The Dustbin of History; Catherine Fitzpatrick at Minding Russia; Windows to Russia; Eugene...
Haiti: MSM Coverage
The Haitian Blogger says that “mainstream media pieces about Haiti are like Swiss cheese, full of holes.”
Haiti: Five Months Later
Haiti, land of Freedom takes a look at the country just about five months after the devastating earthquake.
Belize: Mayans Win Right to Land
Repeating Islands reports on a landmark court ruling “in favor of 38 Mayan Communities in the Toledo District”, which confirms their rights to the land surrounding their communities.
Caribbean: On Crime
The Caribbean Camera reports on the G-8 and G-20 summits from a regional perspective.
Cuba: On Journalism
Iván's File Cabinet says that “being a journalist in Cuba is like performing black magic. Investigating a story or getting reliable data is like trying to catch hold of a mirage.”
Cuba: Spotlight on Fariñas
“In the wake of the death of political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Cuban independent journalist Guillermo Fariñas started a hunger strike to demand the release of some two dozen seriously ill political prisoners”: As his condition worsens, Uncommon Sense applauds his bravery.
Middle East: Goodbye Saramago
Bloggers across the Middle East mourned the death of Portuguese writer Jose Saramago. Tarek Amr rounds up their reactions.
Egypt: The Ministry of Interior Seeks Revenge
Egyptian activists have utilised citizen media to the fullest in exposing police torture and corruption. Marwa Rakha writes about their newest initiative and uncovers the case of an Egyptian activist held in neighbouring Libya in this post.
Jamaica: Bloggers Discuss Dudus’ Extradition
Following his capture by Jamaican police, Michael Christopher 'Dudus' Coke has been extradited to the United States to face pending charges of drug and arms trafficking. "The President", as he is also known, issued a statement about his decision "to waive [his] right to an extradition hearing in Jamaica..."
Africa: Africa's old men
Africa's old men: “I haven’t checked the maths but here’s something interesting sent in to us from a subscriber: Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) age 86, Hosni Mubarak (Egypt) age 82, Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia) age 74, Rupiah Banda (Zambia) age 73, Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) age 71…”
Africa: The vuvuzelization of world football
“The vuvuzela, much like Ghana’s Black Stars, has beaten odds to become more than a cheering instrument. It has now attained the status of an African metaphor for the unacknowledged ways in which Africa determines particular discourses at the global level,” writes Steven Sharra.
Lebanon: Letter to the President
Lebanese blogger finkployd writes a letter to the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman after three people were arrested for insulting him on Facebook.
Thailand: Bangkok back to normal?
Don Gilliland observes that “the comforting rhythm of daily life in Bangkok has returned to normal this month.” Protesters were able to paralyze many parts of the city for two months this year
Lao44 website
Lao44 or Coalition for Lao Information, Communication and Knowledge is the largest repository of documents in Lao language. The number 44 in Lao44 refers to Article 44 in the Constitution which says that Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, press and assembly.
Thailand: Red Shirt leader to run for parliamentary seat
Korkaew Pikulthong, detained Red Shirt leader in Thailand, is running for a parliamentary seat. The Red Shirts are anti-government protesters who paralyzed several parts of Bangkok for two months this year
Thailand: First country to block 100,000 websites
Twitter user leosia congratulates Thailand for being the first country in history to block more than 100,000 websites.
Russia: New Initiatives Indicate Government's Fear of the New Media
Alexey Sidorenko writes about the Russian government's attempts to control cyberspace - and its apparent fear of the new media.
