Stories about Politics from November, 2011
Yemen: Mixed Reactions as Saleh Finally Signs GCC Deal
There have been mixed reactions amongst Yemenis towards President Saleh's signing of the Gulf Cooperation Council deal; some are disappointed and skeptical, while others are joyful and relieved. Noon Arabia reports.
Pakistan: The Death of Nusrat Bhutto
The recent demise of Nusrat Bhutto, former first lady and wife of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was mourned across Pakistan. A public holiday was declared as a part of the mourning, which triggered a wave of reactions from Twitter users questioning the logic behind such a move.
Portugal: A Peek into a Day of General Strike
Throughout the day of general strike in Portugal, November 24, Twitter user @Shyznogud has curated online media content for the page “a peek into the strike” on Scoop.it. Journalist Paulo Querido (@PauloQuerido) noted that “there are more tweets against the #grevegeral (general strike, hashtag in use) than in favour. Makes...
Cuba: Photos of Violent Arrests
Uncommon Sense weighs in on photos showing the violent arrest of “two Cuban female activists, Yris Pérez Aguilera and Donaida Pérez Paseiro, as they tried to leave Yris’ home in Placetas so she could see a specialist for treatment of head injuries she suffered during a beating by a police...
Trinidad & Tobago: Plot Against the Prime Minister
ttgapers.com reports on an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other members of her Cabinet. Limited Twitter commentary about it is here.
St. Lucia, Guyana: The Right to Vote
Amala's View has been “watch[ing] from afar, the campaigning that went on for months [and] now comes to a heated close in two Caribbean nations”, saying: “As the voting day draws nigh, know with certainty that you are involved, know that your vote makes a difference and know beyond anything...
Egypt: Popular Justice Tackles Police Brutality
Social media users in Egypt have revealed the identity of a police officer accused of shooting to target protester's eyes. Tarek Amr reports of the emergence of several popular justice initiatives in the country.
Tunisia: Elected Constituent Assembly Holds Inaugural Session
November 22 marked another turning point for Tunisia. The constituent assembly, responsible for taking charge of the draft of the new constitution, held its first session. Afef Abrougui reports.
Spain: Controversies in the General Elections
The PP (Popular Party) of Spain won the recent general elections with an ample majority. Chris Moya tell us about some of the controversies at the voting centers.
Paraguay: Insecurity and Corruption
Juan Edgardo Lezcano Benitez [es] blogs about insecurity and corruption in Paraguay. He says that the increasingly serious situation “makes it lawful to take any sort of actions to ‘defend what's ours’ because the institutions in charge are not properly fulfilling their role”
Latin America, USA: GOP Presidential Candidates on Latin America
Bloggings by boz recaps the comments made by U.S. Republican presidential candidates on Latin America policy during the GOP debate held on November 22, 2011.
Trinidad & Tobago: Water Not the Only Problem
Jumbie's Watch comments on the recent flooding in Trinidad: “This is a country with 3 desalination plants…flashy skyscrapers, newly built motorways – and they can't solve a ‘water problem’.”
Cuba: Siding with Syria
Bloggers comment on Cuba's opposition against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Syria for human rights violations, here and here.
South Korea: Video of Protests against Free Trade Deal with US
South Korea's ruling party rammed a contested free trade deal with the United States through parliament, evoking once again mass protests against the agreement. Citizen journalist Aya posted videos of protesters being hit by water cannon.
South Korea: Comedian Sued for Making Fun of Politicians
Politics is seen as a fair target for most comedy shows, but in South Korea a politician is suing a comedian. The lawsuit - claiming that the performer defamed all politicians - has drawn immediate criticism from various parts of Korean society, inundating social media with jokes and comments.
Russia: Drawing World Leaders’ Attention to St. Petersburg Anti-LGBT Bill
AllOut.org: “Political leaders in St. Petersburg are about to vote on law that will make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian or transgender. […] Join this call to leaders around the world to reach out to...
Singapore: Proposed Youth Parliament
Bloggers Majulah and angmohlian share their thoughts on the proposal to create a youth parliament in Singapore
Cuba: Censoring “El Chupi”
Generation Y blogs about El Chupi Chupi, a hugely popular song in Cuba right now, which has been panned by the Cuban Music Institute, saying: “Controversy will arise, of course, and generate debate, but no public official will be able to erase it with the stroke of a pen, because...
Maldives: Reactions To Defacing Of Monuments
Some SAARC countries have sent monuments to Maldives to celebrate the SAARC summit this year. Maldives’ religious party Adhaalath had called for removal of these alleged idols. Sri Lankan blogger Indrajit Samarajiva shares his reactions on the desecration of the Sri Lankan and Pakistani monuments.
Puerto Rico: Who's Running the Medical School?
Gil the Jenius is calling for the firing of those who were allegedly responsible for the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine's recent loss of accreditation (which has since been reversed, pending probation), saying that leaving those involved in charge “would be very much like locking the door after the...
Sri Lanka: Mayhem In Parliament
On November 21st a brawl broke out between UPFA and UNP MPs during budget speech in Sri Lankan parliament. DBS Jeyaraj has the details.
