Stories about Politics from September, 2013
GV Face: Worldwide Media Coverage of Syria
How different is reporting on Syria depending on where you are? And what does that mean for Syrians? We discussed this and more in our second edition of GV Face.
In The Central African Republic, “We Still Hope to Live Together In Peace”
As the conflict between the rebels of Sékéla and the national army of the Central african Republic rages on, tension mounts in the city of Bossangoa. Locals fear that the conflict may not spill into open fighting between the christian and muslim communities. Some still hold hope for appeasement though,...
The Disneyfication of Ellen Sirleaf Johnson
Aaron Leaf discusses how the Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is often presented by western media as an avatar of all things good. He says that this was the narrative that made her an icon of international development and women’s empowerment.
Should Thailand Abolish the Mandatory School Uniform Policy?
Protesters equate the school uniform policy with authoritarianism but supporters believe it is necessary to promote discipline and equality
From Kafranbel: The Syrian Revolution in Three Minutes
The irony of Syria becoming crushed into the past while it struggled to emerge into a future is used by the people of Kafranbel (Idlib), to send a powerful message.
Council Elections 2013 of The Northern Province of Sri Lanka Updates
The Sri Lankan Provincial council elections are being held today (September 21, 2013) to elect 148 members to three of the nine provincial councils in the country. The Northern Province, which was plagued with civil war, is having its first council elections in 25 years. Centre for Monitoring Election Violence...
“A Woman Can Only Become President When Men Die Out in Tajikistan”
The upcoming presidential elections in Tajikistan promise to be anything but boring. For the first time in the country's history, a woman is running for its highest political office.
How Russians Read McCain's Pravda Op-Ed on Putin
While Americans were incensed at being lectured by a foreign politician whom many regard as either an idiot or a hypocrite, many Russians, it turns out, reacted no differently.
After 25 Years, Iran Still Haunted by Mass Executions of 1988
Twenty-five years ago thousands of political prisoners were executed by Iran's regime.
90% of Madagascar Lives On Less Than Two Dollars a Day. Why?
This chapter of our analysis of the crisis in Madagascar discusses the under-covered causes of the economic decline of the island and the proposed solutions.
For Chinese, Violence in the Middle East Sparks Debate on Democracy, Stability
The crackdown Egypt reminds Chinese people of the Tiananmen Crackdown 24 years ago. Some make use of the violence as a warning to advocators for democracy and social changes in China.
Italy: Seeking Press Officer. 300 Euros Per Month.
Debates followed a job offer for a press officer posted by the Arconate district offering a gross salary €300 per month.
Will Madagascar's Upcoming Elections Solve the Island's Crisis?
Madagascar has suffered five political crises in four decades, with the island still reeling from its latest coup d'etat in 2009. Can elections finally pull the country out?
Russian Warships in Nicaragua Rekindle Territorial Disputes
A resolution by the International Court of Justice set the stage for conflict between Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia and Panama, reviving disputes and jeopardizing a project to build a canal.
Do These Videos Show Iranians Fighting in Syria's War?
Online videos show Persian speakers apparently working with Syrian regime troops.
PHOTOS: Violent Dispersal of Election Protest in Cambodia
Human rights groups have condemned the excessive use of violence by the police in dispersing an election protest in Cambodia. The police reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition
How Malian Citizens Help Monitor the 2013 Presidential Elections
With the support of the French-speaking Global Voices group, a project was created to support and facilitate monitoring the 2013 elections in Mali. The aim of this project was to form volunteers from Mali who would use social networks to share information throughout the electoral process.
New Australian Government: Where are the Women?
On her YaThink? blog, Noely Neate asks why there is likely to be only one woman minister in Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's new government. Where are the “Women of Merit”?: Married, unmarried, Gay, children, no children, minorities… The previous Cabinet, particularly under Ms Gillard, including both women AND men,...
Opinion Leader Charles Xue Forced to Prostitute Himself on Chinese State TV
Charles Xue's self criticism in front of CCTV reminded many of the "class struggle session" during the Cultural Revolution.
Dissecting Myanmar's Internet Connection Woes
Jefry Tupas analyzed some of the issues that affect Myanmar's Internet sector. He cited the high costs of acquiring telephone handsets, SIM cards, and Internet connection in the country. He also wrote about the social and economic impact of the slow Internet speed which is believed to be controlled by...