Stories about Politics from February, 2017
Marcus Garvey and President Obama's Missed Opportunity
By refusing to pardon or highlight the accomplishments of Marcus Garvey during his tenure, President Obama missed the opportunity for "honest discussion about race and the erasure of black heroes."
Hong Kong's Pan-Democrats Grapple With Endorsing the ‘Lesser Evil’ for Chief Executive
"The slogan of rebuilding trust, unity and hope is just an empty promise. It is just a local version of the Chinese Communist Party’s 'harmonious society.'"
Egypt's Religious Reforms Bring Women Preachers to the Pulpit
The Egyptian government is looking to women preachers as part of its campaign to reform religious discourse, but many are unhappy with the move.
Bulgaria's New President Vetoes Law That Would Have ‘Opened a Door to Corruption’
"The extension of the time limit to indefinite is a way to privatize services, rights and functions, which society guarantees to its citizens and therefore they are not for sale!"
‘The War Against Drugs Creates a War for Drugs’
"I think what we have done to Latin America has been terrible to the utmost extreme, but it can come to an end. The alternative exists," says journalist Johann Hari.
Russian Censor's Warning to Radio Station Raises Alarm, Briefly
Alarm about another crackdown on Russian media spread quickly—and briefly—yesterday, when news broke that the state media censor had warned radio station Ekho Moskvy that it could be shut down.
Thai Media Groups Say Proposed Law Could Bring Total Government Control of the Press
"Government presence on a press panel and licensing of journalists are never part of a free press."
Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Watchdog Catches MPs Casting Multiple Votes, Again
Knopkodavstvo, or button pushing, as the tactic is known, has plagued voting in Ukraine's parliament for years.
Soldiers Outnumber Residents in Angola’s Oil-Rich Cabinda, Says Activist Marcos Mavungo
"The crisis is so big, hunger is so bad, illness is so bad that people die like chickens."
Deprived of Voting Rights, What Do Hong Kongers Think of the Chief Executive Race?
"It is about choosing puppets, because no matter who takes office, they will obey Beijing."
Trinidad & Tobago's Prime Minister Says Women Should Choose Their Men More Wisely to Avoid Violence
"As per our usual culture. Let's victim-blame, right? She should've chose[n] better? How about he should've been brought up better?"
‘Tambourine Army’ Gathers Recruits as Jamaicans’ Anger Over Child Sexual Abuse Grows
"I want a different kind of Jamaica for women and girls. And I hope the #TambourineArmy will create that different Jamaica that is needed."
Ukrainian Social Media Users Get Five Years in Prison For ‘Supporting Separatism’
The two men were sentenced to five years in prison by a Sloviansk city court for threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In Trinidad & Tobago, Clamour for Action After Yet Another Woman Is Murdered
"Our women and girls seem to be the major target of crime and assault. We must do something now!"
Russian Political Panic Returns, As Putin Ponders Reelection in 2018
With Russia's next presidential election now just a year away, expect lots of strange, staged viral videos depicting a nation desperate to squeeze another term out of Vladmir Putin.
In Turkey's Neighbour Georgia, a Gülen School Loses its License
Turkey has intensified its bid to close schools and universities inspired by the controversial educator since a coup attempt last year.
Forest Fires in Chile Set Alight Debate, Conflict and Misinformation
"Who is to blame for the fire, according to Twitter: foreigners, the Mapuche people, ISIS, Pinochet, the State, businesses, the USA."
As Burundi's Political Crisis Simmers, Critics Are Silenced
Many reporters and activists have fled the country, and some are even missing.
Kenya’s First Lady Tangled up in Healthcare Scandal
"#BeyondZero would be trying to raise the same resources that Drs went on strike for lack of? Counterintuitive and illogical much?"
How to Crack a Joke in Trump's America
Comedians are grappling with their craft in the Trump era. Hari Kondabolu, for one, says he plans to stay aggressive.
In Bangladesh, a New Online Platform to Ensure Parliamentary Accountability
"I went to the local MP's house to discuss about some issues in our neighborhood. It was 10 am and I was told that he still was asleep."
