Stories about Politics from January, 2016
A China-Financed Economic Corridor Brings Promise and Discord to Pakistan
Can Pakistan's regions and political parties come to a consensus over who should benefit most from the mega-project? That seems unlikely for the moment.
On the Eve of Benin's Elections, Here Are the Main Candidates
An overview of lead candidates ahead of the elections in April in Benin.
Signs of Islamic Law Taking Root in The Gambia
President Yahya Jammeh said his country will be an Islamic state last year. What changes will 2016 bring?
These Calendars Can Get You Into Trouble in Thailand and Myanmar
"Who would've thought that mere act of taking photo with calendar could be an act of resistance?"
Russian Hackers Behind Attack on Ukraine's Power Grid, Researchers Claim
US cybersecurity experts claim the December cyber-attack that led to a temporary outage of the power grid in western Ukraine is the work of Russian hacker collective the Sandworm Team.
In Kyrgyzstan, a Foreigner’s ‘Horse Penis’ Faux Pas Exposes Cultural Rift
"At the root of the story is a profound problem [...] the fundamental lack of mutual understanding between Kyrgyz- and Russian-speaking sections of the population."
Japan and South Korea's Historic ‘Comfort Women’ Deal Angers Surviving Victims
The Imperial Japanese Army forced women from across Asia forced into sexual slavery during WWII. The surviving victims and some right-wing Japanese politicians weren't on board with this agreement.
Street Art Urges Hong Kongers Not to Turn a Blind Eye to Missing Booksellers
“We cannot and should not turn a blind eye to this. Normal daily life is not normal any more.”
Netizens Smell Arson in ‘Convenient’ Fire at Trinidad & Tobago's Water Authority
As the headquarters of Trinidad & Tobago's Water and Sewerage Authority go up in flames, netizens worry about records that may allegedly reveal a paper trail of corrupt practices.
The Finer Details of Trinidad & Tobago’s Whistleblower Bill Could Use Some Work
Trinidad and Tobago's Whistleblower Protection Bill was submitted to Parliament in November 2015. One anti-corruption blogger discusses the proposed legislation and urges netizens to get involved.
Pakistanis Weigh In on Saudi Arabia and Iran's Diplomatic Break-Up
"In the Iran vs Saudi debate we should side with New Zealand. Be as far away from it as possible."
Inside Ethiopia's Self-Defeating Crackdown on Oromo Musicians
As government threatens and arrests Oromo artists while booting them off the airwaves, growing numbers are turning to the internet as their only avenue for self-expression.
Three Australian Government Ministers Fail Texting 101
Three Australian government ministers have been caught up in controversies of their own making.
Afghanistan's National Football Team the Pride of a Nation, Even in Defeat
"Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai watched @SAFFSuzukiCup #football match from his home sitting on a mattress with green tea."
Kyrgyz Laugh, Cry, Fume After British Miner's Crass Horse Penis Joke Goes Horribly Schlong
Michael Mcfeat will soon learn whether or not he will face criminal proceedings for falsely claiming the Central Asian country treats horse penis as a delicacy.
Hong Kong Bookseller's Disappearance Stokes Fears of Cross-Border Kidnaps by Mainland Chinese Police
"Hong Kong residents can be taken away by non-local law enforcers and the government will not protect you."
Saudi Arabia Executes Top Shia Cleric Nimr Al Nimr Under “Terrorism” Charges
Saudi Arabia today announced it had executed 47 people on "terrorism" charges, among them top Shia cleric Nimr Al Nimr.
For Southeast Asia, 2015 Was a Year of Corruption Scandals
A look back at some of the biggest corruption scandals that made news in the Southeast Asian region in 2015.
Politician Invites TV Cameras to Film Him Buying a Russian Car. They Also Filmed His Watch, Which Is Worth More Than the Car.
When Vitaly Milonov brought along a TV crew to film him buying a Russian-made car, he probably didn’t expect his wristwatch to be the story. But that's precisely what happened
