Stories about Politics from September, 2017
Steven Seagal Rediscovers Celebrity in Central Asia, and the Implications Are Alarming
Is there a Genghis Khan film starring Seagal in the pipeline? Let's hope not.
In Ukraine, Fears of ‘Technological Terrorism’ Cause Free Expression to Decline

State of Internet freedom in Ukraine is a reflection of challenges brought to free speech and independent reporting under the conflict settings, explains legal expert Olga Kyryliuk.
The Conflict in Eastern Ethiopia, Explained
The latest conflict in Ethiopia killed at least dozens of people and displaced thousands. The cause of the violence again was scarce water and land resources.
Mexico's Appeal for an Impartial Federal Prosecutor General
Mexico's ruling party wants one of its members to become the Federal Prosecutor General. Many believe this represents a conflict of interest.
Exploring Identities: Kazakhstan's Planned Shift to the Latin Alphabet
"Arguments against the adoption of Latin are inherently grounded in imperial Russian or Soviet ideology."
Estonian President Warns of ‘Self-Occupation,’ Prompting Praise and Political Spin
Estonian president's remarks against close-minded nationalism received different political interpretations abroad, obscuring her focus on the real challenges -- technological change, including the globalization of workforce.
Thousands of Indians Take to Streets Seeking Justice for Murdered Journalist Gauri Lankesh
"There has rarely been a period of such constructed, deliberate terror and hatred. We are up against the largest machine of hate."
Adopted Georgian Journalist Launches Bid for City Assembly in Capital Tbilisi
"The problems of Saburtalo – chaotic construction, urban transport and lack of green cover – are the problems of the city as a whole."
What's the Value of Human Rights? According to the Philippines House of Representatives, $20.
The lower house voted to slash the Commission on Human Rights' budget to just 1,000 pesos, accusing the body of protecting "criminals" over victims in the country's war on drugs.
Among a Rising Tide of Extremism in Syria, Women's Freedoms Hang in the Balance
Extremist groups like ISIS, Hezbollah and al-Nusra are undermining the freedoms that Syria’s women and girls enjoyed, which were a longtime strength of Syrian society.
Teen Killings Show How Vulnerable Communities Suffer the Brunt of the Philippine Government's ‘War on Drugs’
"This could happen to anyone as Duterte continually encourages the police to kill without due process, plant evidence, and cover up in the course of his bloody 'war on drugs'."
Twitter Tells Kashmiri Journalists and Activists That They Will Be Censored at Indian Government's Request

"It is an attempt at intimidating those who post the truth that will never be shown by Indian media."
Taiwanese Activist Was Forced to Confess on Camera to ‘Smearing the Chinese Government,’ Allies Say

"...if you see Lee Mingche confess against his will in court....please forgive him. This is just another drama staged by the Chinese government."
Journalist Faces Defamation Probe for Comparing Indonesia’s Treatment of West Papua with Myanmar's Rohingya

Dandhy posted his comments on Facebook following a rally condemning the Myanmar government for its treatment of Rohingya refugees.
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan: Once Deadly Foes, Now BFF?
"The sensation is in the goodwill of the Uzbek leader. Mirziyoyev is so open, friendly, and well-wishing. It can only bring us delight."
Singaporeans Face Police Investigation After Holding Candlelight Vigil for Executed Migrant Worker
When a nonviolent vigil for a man about to be hanged is deemed 'illegal assembly' worthy of a police investigation, it's time to rethink public order and freedom of assembly.
The Stories Behind DACA, the Now-Ended Program for Young Undocumented Immigrants in the US

"The term American should not be defined by a document or the lack of one, but more so the willingness to contribute to the country and help others out..."
At Twitter's Tokyo Office, Protesters Stomp on Hateful Tweets

About one hundred demonstrators gathered outside Twitter Japan's Tokyo headquarters to demand that the company do more to rein in harassment and hate speech on its network.
Violence in Northwest Myanmar Sparks an Information War Online with Anti-Rohingya Hate Speech and Fake Photos

Malicious propaganda, hate speech, and false photos are making it difficult to verify information coming from the conflict in northwest Myanmar.
#TheOccupation of Wikipolitics: A Collective Commitment to Democratic Reinvention in Mexico
"We're convinced that this new way of doing politics, fair, in solidarity, respectful, generous and joyful, has to get to every corner of this country".
#PotongSteam: Malaysian Gamers Blast Blocking of Website Over ‘Fight of Gods’ Video Game

"First they come for (political posts), but I am not political. Then they come for the gamers..."