Stories about Politics from December, 2016
Malaysians Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too Inside McDonald's — But Only If It's Halal
"Has halal political correctness gone overboard? Will we one day see moral police invading houses to ensure that we are eating only halal food? When will common sense prevail?"
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part 1)
The best of Latin American info-activism did not fit into one post, so this will be the first of two articles discussing initiatives that sparked online fire throughout the region.
Central Asia in 2016: The More Things Change…?
"Why do they mess about? They should just appoint themselves immortals and pass a law banning death from visiting them."
Bangladesh Blocks 560 Porn Sites
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, where many people have expressed concerns about the spread and consumption of online pornography. But it is also a democracy.
In 2016, a Toxic Political Smog Spread Over China and Hong Kong
What's worse? Environmental smog or political smog?
The 2016 Russian Words of the Year, Explained
Like many words in Russian, the 2016 words of the year can be explained but not quite translated.
This Was Also the Year of Citizen Heroes in Latin America
Global Voices reviews the Latin American stories in 2016 that taught us about fighting back.
In the Social Media Age, How Should Jamaica’s Head of Government Communicate?
"Jamaica’s Prime Minister [uses] social media. To imply that the press is asking hard-hitting questions that only they are capable of asking, is negating the opinions of the public."
Classic Christmas Carols, Satirically Reimagined as Songs About Hong Kong Politics
To the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas: "Causeway Bay’s boss bought a banned book. He was then arrested, convicted, forced to apologize and escorted to the Shenzhen police station."
Myanmar's Most Memorable Moments in 2016
As 2016 comes to an end, The Irrawaddy showcases the best photographs that capture Myanmar’s most iconic moments.
Five Things Tearing Afghanistan Apart and the Local Proverbs That Help Explain Them
"The goat worries about his life, the butcher worries about the fat.”
Russia's Top Ten Memes in 2016
In the spirit of 2016, RuNet Echo risks spoiling everything in an effort to make sense of Russia's hottest Internet memes over the past year.
Syria's War May be the Most Documented Ever—And Yet We Know So Little.
With the end of the devastating siege of eastern Aleppo, the world watches, parses and argues over the meaning of the media messages being shared by those remaining within it.
Serbian Government Backtracks on Russia-Inspired Anti-Abortion Council
"You know the consequence of prohibition of abortion? Profit for the clinics in neighboring countries, and semi-skilled butchers playing with the lives of the poor."
Argentinian Politician Calls for ‘Denouncing an International Genocide’ in Syria
Argentinian politician Juan Carlos Giordano of the 'Socialist Left' party called on the government of Argentina to cut all diplomatic ties with the Assad regime.
Praise, Condemnation After Nigeria’s Offer to Grant Corruption Whistleblowers 5% of the Take
"Must everything bring a monetary reward? How about values like patriotism? Primarily, whistle blowers need protection..."
Open Letter From Diaspora Iranians to Trump Causes Upset Inside Iran
"Don't recognize 25 of the 30 names who wrote to #Trump to bash Obama & #Iran Deal. Fox News calls them 'Influential Iranians dissidents'"
2016: The Year the Caribbean Was Forced to Confront Its Attitude Towards Women
"We do not talk truthfully among ourselves about [...] harassment. Verbal innuendo and unwanted remarks are part of the culture we do not want to get rid of."
What Christ Is Born Among Us Today?
"Yes, we are Christians, but we don’t want a Christ that doesn’t look like us...."
When They Censored Messaging Apps on Election Day, Montenegrin Regulators ‘Acted Legally’
Political oppositionists and prominent members of the country's civil society say the government's crackdown on social media harmed Montenegro's freedom of expression at a time when it was most needed.
Things Are Not What They Seem: The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast
This week, we take you to Paraguay, Iran, Qatar and the Caribbean.
