Stories about Politics from January, 2015
How Putin Secretly Conquered Russia's Social Media Over the Past 3 Years
In a special column for RuNet Echo, TV Rain's online chief editor, Ilya Klishin, discusses the Kremlin's slow but steady capture of online social media in Russia.
Language Politics Back in the Spotlight in Afghanistan
Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan's two most widely-spoken languages, are also the country's two official languages. In parliament, the two tongues vie for power.
Nepal's #SmashChairChallenge Pressures the Constituent Assembly to Draft the Constitution
By satirising the infamous incident in which Constituent Assembly members threw chairs in protest over a new national constitution, the Nepali blogosphere is having a smashing time on Twitter.
10 Ways Mexicans Can Reclaim Their Troubled Country, According to Denisse Dresser
Political analyst Denise Dresser gave a talk reflecting on ways to be a citizen in today's Mexico. The YouTube video has received thousands of views and sparked important conversations.
Yemen, a Country Without a President and Government
Yemen, often described as a “failed state”, has become a country without a president and a government. Even Yemenis living inside the country are perplexed by the latest dramatic developments.
36 Killed, Internet Shut Down Briefly in DR Congo as Protests Flare Against President Kabila
Violent clashes between police and protesters against Kabila's electoral reform have resulted in 36 deaths in DR Congo over the past few days.
Tajikistan's President Talks About Problems, Parliament Applauds?
Tajikistan's outgoing parliament is good at cheering the president and rubber-stamping his decisions. Don't expect any changes when a new one arrives in March.
Thailand's Military-Appointed Legislature Impeaches Ousted Prime Minister
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was impeached for implementing a rice pledging program which critics decried as anomalous and disastrous.
Japanese PM's ‘Triple Disaster’ Response to ISIS Ransom Demands
The prime minister dispatched a notably pro-Israel Japanese lawmaker to Jordan to deal with the crisis and delivered his response to ISIS's demands standing in front of an Israeli flag.
World Leaders’ Paris March Participation Provokes Wave of Criticism
Internet users responding to images of world leaders at the Paris march against terrorism earlier this month displayed what might be called a "consensus of mockery."
Russian Politician Tells Public to ‘Eat Less,’ As Food Prices Rise
“If you’re short on money,” Gaffner said, “just remember that we’re all Russian citizens. We just need to give some thought to our health and eat a bit less.”
Myanmar's Nationalist Monk Attacks UN Envoy in His Speech
The Buddhist nationalist monk is not happy over the UN rapporteur's statement concerning the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
America's Digital Diplomacy in Russia After Michael McFaul
McFaul's commentary spanned both his professional and personal life, and he was not afraid to engage with his online audience, even when that meant fighting a "Twitter war."
Georgians Show Solidarity after Family is Massacred in Armenia
Joseph Smith documented a Facebook-organized event held in Georgia in support of Armenia, currently suffering following the massacre of a family by a Russian soldier near a Kremlin military installation.
Hong Kong Police Make Appointments With Occupy Central Activists For Their Arrests
Netizens are not sure what to make of Hong Kong police officers calling Occupy Central Movement protesters - ostensibly as a courtesy - to inform them of their pending arrests.
Indonesia's Pick for Top Cop is a Suspect in a Bribery Scandal
The police chief nominee also made suspicious bank transactions as a police officer, according to the country's anti-corruption agency. Many Indonesians think this makes Budi Gunawan unfit for the job.
One Month on, Pakistanis Pledge to #NeverForget the Horrific Peshawar School Massacre
Campaigners urged overseas Pakistanis to join “not just by sending funds, but by going to Pakistani embassies wherever they live” to send a strong message to the government.
Eight Years After His Death, Turkish-Armenian Hrant Dink Still Cannot Rest in Peace
Eight years ago today ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was murdered by a nationalist teenager in broad daylight. The rest of the story remains untold.
Reports of Forced Religious Conversions Grab Headlines in India
On Christmas day, 59 Christians in Kerala reportedly were "converted" to Hinduism by two Hindu nationalist organizations with ties to the leading BJP party. What happened to religious tolerance?
‘I Am Shuhrat': Tajiks Come to Jailed Lawyer's Defence on Facebook
Shuhrat Qudratov, a Tajik lawyer with a reputation for defending politically endangered clients, has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges many citizens feel are bogus.
How the Philippines Hid Social Injustice From Pope Francis
Activists, street children, and urban poor residents were some of those who were "hidden" by authorities during the state visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines.