Stories about Politics from December, 2015
Trinidad & Tobago Greets 2016 With Austerity
"The government spent the last four months doing diagnosis and triage. Tonight, the wound was bandaged and antibiotics applied."
Ecuador Government Seizes TV Channel's Equipment, Leaving It Off the Air
The owner of a popular Ecuadorian TV station that went off the air after the seizure of equipment by the police says the action was motivated by the station's reporting.
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's Absence and Other Curiosities Surrounding Argentina's Presidential Inauguration
"'The time for dialogue is now' and they file a precautionary measure to stop Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner attending the ceremony."
Is It Not Democracy If Voters in Rwanda Want a ‘Life President'?
After 98% of Rwandans voted to change the constitution to allow President Kagama to run for a third term in 2017, some hit back at Western criticism of the results.
Finding the Cultural Bridges of the Middle East in Literary Istanbul
Conversations with literary masters in Istanbul lead Arash Azizi to ponder the cultural disconnect, especially in terms of literature, between the countries of the Middle East.
One of 2015's Biggest Political Scandals Ends in the Indonesian House Speaker's Resignation
"Indonesia’s public was able to witness, in fascinating and nauseating detail, the mechanics of rent seeking at the highest level."
Ethiopia Censors Satellite TV Channels as Student Protests Draw Global Media Attention
"If the regime thinks it can cut our audience off from receiving OMN news and programs, they are too dumb to understand what we are made of."
Activists Seek to Dispel Abortion Stigma Fueled by the Macedonian Government's Policies
"Because it's about me, the decision whether to abort or not must remain my and only my right."
The Gambia Turns Talk Into Action, Passes Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill
After President Jammeh announced an executive ban on the practice hardly a month ago, lawmakers made good on the sentiment.
2015 Was a Year of the Absurd in Ex-Soviet Tajikistan
Could things get any stranger in 2016?
Many Afghans See Their Future with India, Not Pakistan
A wave of Afghan social media love accompanied Indian PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Kabul.
Myanmar's Memorable Moments in 2015
The victory of Myanmar's opposition over the military-backed party was a significant milestone in the country's history. This and other events that made 2015 a particularly memorable year for Myanmar
For Land-locked Nepal, a Year of Natural and Man-Made Disasters
“I have negative thoughts. But if everyone gets positive, I will get the energy to stay positive.”
Activist-Journalist Reflects on Meeting the Iranian Ambassador at a New York Holiday Party
"Iran will one day shine in a way that the Iranian Ambassador will greet Iranian women and journalists without fear and with pride."
Is Christmas Really Banned in Brunei?
Yes and no. Non-Muslims can celebrate in their homes and places of worship. And as one netizen commented, "Why is the supposed Christmas 'ban' only reaching Western media now?"
Russia's Citizen Journalists: Mercenary Mudslingers or Intrepid Investigators?
Since three bloggers were arrested in Samara, their story of muckraking and blackmail has come to threaten the future of investigative blogging, as well as Governor Nikolai Merkushkin's tenure.
This Year on GV Face We Took You to Gaza, Budapest, Beirut, Paris and Beyond
This has been a fascinating year on GV Face, our Hangout series where we try to understand the world through discussions with our on-ground experts -- Global Voices community members.
Award-Winning Citizen Journalist Ahmad Almossa Killed in Idlib, Syria
Ahmad Mohamed Almossa, a member of Syrian citizen journalism collective Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), was assassinated by masked men in northern Syria, the group announced on Twitter.
What Will it Take to End Police Brutality in Armenia?
A complacent executive and uncaring judiciary have given a free hand to the Caucasus country's unloved police force.
On Politics, Big Contracts and Parties in Trinidad & Tobago
Government ministers are seen socialising with corruption accused. The president of a corruption watchdog organisation is forced to resign. Coincidence? One blogger calls foul and tries to connect the dots.
The Syrian Conflict Won't Steal My Christmas
In a country in the throes of war, celebrating Christmas can be an act of both profound naïvete and staunch resistance.
