Stories about Politics from October, 2009
Bermuda: PATI Problems
Vexed Bermoothes says that Bermuda's draft freedom of information law “is a rather opaque transparency law. It also misses a singular opportunity to protect whistleblowers…”
St. Lucia: Death of the Artiste?
“In the Caribbean you’re more likely to wake up one day in summer and find it snowing than find a writer or poet who believes that the way to get ahead in the book trade and the literary field is to look to the governments for support”: St. Lucia-based Caribbean...
Nepal: What Next?
Ujjwal Acharya at The Radiant Star comments on the recent political deadlock between the Maoists and the other political parties of Nepal: “if Maoists decide to launch a nationwide movement against the government, it could be a bad decision. If they fail… Then what next?”
Kyrgyzstan: New Prime Minister Discussed by Internet Users
One of Kyrgyzstan’s wealthiest men, the prominent government official Daniyar Usenov, was appointed the republic’s Prime Minister. President Kurmanbek Bakiev has already signed the appropriate orders. Daniyar Toktogulovich was among a list of possible candidates. Possible, but, to be honest, undesirable. At least, this is what the overwhelming majority of...
Uzbekistan: Oppositionist returns from exile
Musafirbek writes that leader of the Birdamlik movement in exile, Bakhodir Choriyev, is returning to Uzbekistan.
Kyrgyzstan: Administrative reform
Aravanski reports that the Kyrgyzstan President announced extensive reforms in public administration system, including a massive reduction of the number of officials.
Afghanistan: Who will benefit from re-vote?
Nick Fielding assumes that no-one except the insurgents would benefit from the re-run of presidential elections, because the whole election process is now mired by corruption allegations.
Turkmenistan: Government Puts Obstacles to Peace Corp
Vlad reports that Turkmenistan has taken to barring entry to Peace Corps volunteers, for reasons that remain utterly baffling.
Tajikistan: Militants in the Valley
Michael Hancock reviews the recent story about a shootout in the Tajikistan's part of the Fergana Valley.
Algeria: The Culture of Rioting
The Moor Next Door takes a closer look at the culture of rioting in Algeria: “A decade of national reconciliation has produce a society where young men riot by night and by day plot escape routs out of Algeria, via suicide or sea.”
Armenia: Twitter counters false media report
After a news item in the local press reported that a British MP had been appointed as rapporteur on Armenia and Turkey, Unzipped says that it used Twitter to check the accuracy of the story. Tweeting a question to the MP in question, it turned out that the report was...
Lebanon Ups the Ante in the Hummus War
As many as 300 Lebanese chefs gathered yesterday in Beirut to make the largest ever plate of hummus in an attempt to claim the reigns in ownership of the popular chick pea dip. The new world record is part of an ongoing campaign in Lebanon to reaffirm the country's claim to a number of dishes being produced in Israel - with the ownership of hummus being one of the main quarrels.
Thailand: Local elections
Andy links to two blog posts which provide commentaries on local elections in Thailand. The first post highlights the prevalence of vote buying in communities while the other post sees hope in the conduct of local elections.
Thailand, Cambodia rift evident in ASEAN conference
absolutelybangkok.com provides a backgrounder and update to the continuing rift between the top leaders of Thailand and Cambodia who are both attending the annual conference of Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Philippines: Relief Goods Rotting in Government Warehouses
Ella's Blog from the Philippines posts photos of donated goods intended for typhoon victims rotting in government warehouses. The expose has sparked fears that the goods might be misused to support administration candidates in next year's elections. The original site shows a “404 Not Found error” when it is accessed...
Bahrain: Burning Tyres 101
From Bahrain, Satrawicool posts the following video on YouTube, which shows young men burning tyres on streets in protest against the arrest of activists and youth in connection to other riot acts.
Bhutan: Smooth Transition To Democracy
Tshering Tobgay, the Leader of the opposition party in the National Assembly of Bhutan, comments that: “the transition to our democracy has, indeed, been uniquely smooth. So smooth that most of us weren’t even paying attention.”
Pakistan: Who Is Responsible?
Talkhaba opines that both civil and military establishments of Pakistan are responsible for the present deteriorated situation of the country.
Trinidad & Tobago: Trini To The Bone?
“Every day that I go through the news I become more convinced that I want to quit the ‘I am a Trini’ club and head off to somewhere else”: Coffeewallah has had it with everything from crime to taxes.
Trinidad & Tobago: 350 Action
“Trinidad and Tobago is a wealthy small island developing nation rich in oil and natural gas. But we are also seeing the damaging effects of aggressive industrialisation on our islands. This is an opportunity for women’s voices to be heard”: Attillah Springer is getting involved in 350's climate action tomorrow.
Haiti: No Justice?
As an ex-priest is extradited to Canada to face charges of sexual abuse of minors in Haiti, The Haitian Blogger says: “The international community has evidently concluded that there is no justice in Haiti. Sexual predators who have been operating with impunity in Haiti are being extradited to their countries...
