Stories about Politics from June, 2008
Cuba: The Church and Gay Rights
The Cuban government's growing support for gay rights is drawing criticism from the island's Roman Catholic Church. Protest is good, says Uncommon Sense, but the Church has it all wrong on this issue.
Czech Republic: The Treaty of Lisbon
The Reference Frame writes that “much like in Ireland, the question of usefulness of the Treaty of Lisbon is a controversial question in Czechia, too.”
Bulgaria: More on June 28 Sofia Gay Pride
What's Going Down? writes about the opposition to Bulgaria's first-ever Gay Pride Parade, which is set to take place in Sofia on June 28: “…local right-wing political groups have, predictably, begun publicly denouncing the event in ways that range from the merely embarrassing and depressing to the downright alarming.”
Bosnia & Herzegovina: 55 Zaklopaca Victims Buried
Srebrenica Genocide Blog reports that 55 DNA-identified victims from Zaklopaca mass grave have been buried, and posts photos from the mournful ceremony.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Srebrenica Lawsuits
East Ethnia writes about the lawsuits filed by families of Srebrenica genocide victims.
Serbia: New Government, Almost
A Fistful of Euros announces: “Serbia almost has a government!”
Barbados: New laws
The Barbados Free Press is cautiously encouraged by news that the government promises final drafts of Integrity, Freedom of Information and Defamation laws by the end of the year.
Azerbaijan: Media Concerns
Writing on AFP's Correspondent blog, the news organization's Caucasus Bureau Chief, Michael Mainville, laments the state of the media in Azerbaijan. The post recognizes the pressures and restrictions in place on local journalists in the oil-rich country and comments on the case of Agil Khalil who has been recognized by...
Armenia: Eurovision Metal
Unzipped: Gay Armenia comments on rumors that Armenian-American rock band System of a Down (SOAD) are interested in representing Armenia in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. However, there is also speculation that the band are interested in using the contest to gain exposure to campaign for Genocide recognition. The blog...
Ecuador: Constituent Assembly President Steps Down
The president of the Ecuadoran Constituent Assembly, Alberto Acosta, recently stepped down. Many local bloggers are wondering the role that President Rafael Correa and his political party had in this resignation. Others wonder about the future of the new Constitution and whether articles will be passed through without much discussion, now that a person considered to be fair is no longer presiding over the debate.
Cuba: Exploring Oil
The Cuban Triangle is puzzled by a Florida Congressional delegation's idea that Cuba should be blocked from drilling for oil in its own Gulf waters. He says comments by Senator Mel Martinez, reported in El Nuevo Herald, must sound to Cuban readers, “as if he thinks he is in charge...
Serbia: Socialist Party Forms Coalition Government With Democratic Party
The Socialist Party of Serbia (Slobodan Milošević's party) is forming a coalition government with the Democratic Party. This means Serbia will continue on its way towards European Union integration. Many bloggers reacted to this news, and offered their predictions.
Guyana: Death of a President
Ruel Johnson's Fictions notes the passing yesterday of Arthur Chung, the first President of Guyana, at the age of 90. He held the post from 1970 to 1980, and was “the first ethnic Chinese President of a non-Asian country.”
Kuwait: White Umbrella Demonstration
Lebanese blogger Mark, who lives in Kuwait, wonders about a protest he saw on his way to work. Demonstrators were wearing white and carrying white umbrellas.
Protest Power in Bangkok
Tumelor writes about the “protest power” in Bangkok, but insists everything is normal in Thailand.
Jordan: A Hushed Up Secret
From Jordan, Naseem Tarawnah writes about a letter “written and signed by a group of ex-politicians, including a past prime minister and head of the GID, Ahmad Obeidat, and essentially it strongly criticizes the government for its liberal economic policies, the way it is being managed, and more specifically, the...
Korea: Hiddink’s Miracle and Korean Politics.
When Hiddink led the Korean soccer team into the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup he became a hero in Korea. Everywhere – in bookstores and on advertisements – was his face. People were busy talking about his leadership and fresh thought. He was harshly criticized by the media early...
Turkmenistan: Ashgabat Buys Russian Weapons
Peter reports on a Russian arms deal to sell Turkmenistan six BM-30 Smerch multiple rocket launchers.
Uzbekistan: The slain journalist's father calls on authorities
Libertad translates a post about the letter of a father of a murdered journalist Alisher Saipov addressed to the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Afghanistan: Costs and benefits
Peter Marton quotes a high-ranking German general, who admits that the costs and benefits of the Afghanistan mission have to be expected, not merely counted as they are at present.
China: Politicization of Xiaonei.com
Xiaonei.com is one of the largest social networking site in China targeting at university students. ESWN translated an article from my1510 on the recent politicization within the network.
