Stories about War & Conflict from April, 2011
Syria: “The Revolution is Continuing in Daraa; Are You With Us?”
The situation in Daraa, Syria, is becoming more destitute, as reports continue of more protests, and a more violent crackdown on the protesters. Netizens speak of a mounting humanitarian situation as protesters are killed, medical aid is running out and electricity, water and communications are cut.
Iraq: Is Saddam Still Alive?
Saddam Hussein is making the rounds on social media, with a new recording claiming that the Iraqi dictator is alive and well and that his double Mikhail was the one executed on December 30, 2006. Many netizens are quick to describe the video as phoney and assure readers that Saddam is dead and gone. Had he been alive, the former Iraqi dictator would have turned 74 today.
Hungary: Hungarian-Roma Tensions Result in Clash in Gyöngyöspata
Last night, four people were injured in a clash between ethnic Hungarian members of the far-right group Véderő and members of the Roma community in the village of Gyöngyöspata. Contradictory accounts have been published in the Hungarian media about how exactly the fight started - and neither of the communities has taken responsibility for the clash.
Mexico: 51 Kidnapped Migrants Rescued in Tamaulipas
Gancho reports that “Federal Police rescued 51 kidnapped migrants in Tamaulipas today [April 26], days after they saved another 68 in the same state. Such rescues were not common before...
Zimbabwe: Does Violence Deter Women From Entering Politics?
Simon Moyo wonders whether violence in Zimbabwe deters women from participating in politics: “Since the emergence of the MDC as a credible challenger to Zanu PF domination in 2000, violence...
South Sudan: Taking Prevention Message to Times Square
According to Sally Smith South Sudan takes its message to Times Square: “As we inch closer to July 9, the date when South Sudan will become the world's newest independent...
Australia: Crusading Christian Lanced by Own Tweets
Australian Christian Lobby Director Jim Wallace tweeted on ANZAC Day that Australians didn't fight during World War I for gay marriage and Islam. He has since then deleted his tweet and apologized for his remark. Here are some online reactions from Australia.
Armenia-Turkey: Suffering on both sides
Journalist in Turkey comments on the anniversary of the 1915 massacre and deportation of ethnic Armenians in Ottoman Turkey and says that it was commemorated for the second time in...
Pakistan: The Fight Against the Taliban and the Drones
Imagine how it is to live in Pakistan; a place where a day without any suicide bombing or drone attack can make the news, where citizens have to deal with emotions such as shock, rage, discomfort and a deep sense of helplessness on a daily basis.
Cambodia, Thailand: Border troops clash anew
Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed anew in the disputed border territory of the two neighbouring countries. For live updates, follow Thai Report and Khmerization.
Nigeria: Tweeps Report And Discuss Post-Election Violence
Nigeria's presidential election was held in on 16 April 2011. Goodluck Jonathan was declared the winner. Some observers have alleged that the election was rigged to favor the incumbent. Post-election violence erupted in northern states where supporters of Muhammadu Buhari attacked churches, homes and police stations. This is a summary of reports and reaction from tweeps using NigeriaDecides hashtag.
Libya: Remembering Photojournalists Hetherington and Hondros
Award-winning, renowned war photojournalists Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros were killed in action on April 20, 2011, in Misrata, while covering the chaotic frontline of the Libyan conflict. Fellow professionals mourned their slain colleagues, and reminisced on two lives lived in full, and in peril, in the pursuit of truth, while all major photography outlets paid tribute to their work.
Bangladesh: RIP Tim Hetherington
This is from a newly found Facebook group commemorating photographer Tim Hetherington, who died on duty while covering the front lines in the besieged city of Misrata, Libya – “We,...
Sri Lanka: Much Ado About The UN Advisory Panel Report
Indrajit Samarajiva at Indi.ca provides a voice of reason regarding the much hyped and loathed UN Advisory panel report on human rights abuse during the fag end of Sri Lanka's...
Indonesia: Suicide Bomber Targets Police Mosque
A suicide bomber attacked the Adz-Zikro mosque located within a police complex in Cirebon City in Indonesia last Friday, April 15, 2011. Dozens were injured when the bomb exploded during Friday prayers. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim dominated nation in the world and in recent years, it has been targeted by extremist terrorist groups. Here are some reactions from Indonesian bloggers.
Lebanon: Seven Estonian Hostages Appeal for Help
On March 25, Estonian YouTube user HelensVlogs reported on the kidnapping of seven Estonian tourists two days earlier, as they were cycling in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. On April 20, the...
Memories of Portuguese Decolonization
“In their dreams they still revisit Africa”, and they share their memories on the blog Retornados da África [pt]. Read the stories of those who returned to Portugal from the...
Sri Lanka: UN Panel Report Causes An Uproar
An United Nations (UN) advisory panel, led by former Indonesian Atty. Gen. Marzuki Darusman, has submitted a report to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in which they find credible evidence that the Sri Lankan military shelled civilians in no-fire zones and sought to silence critics in a brutal fashion, during the war against guerilla group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.
Syria: Emergency Law Lifted as Protests Continue
There were mixed feelings in Syria today as President Bashar Al-Assad announced an end to the emergency law that has been in place in the country since 1963. The country has seen weeks of protests, many of which have been met with deadly force from security officials.
Angola: Concern with Côte D'Ivoire
The volume of comment on this news story “Angola yet to react to the fall of Gbagbo” [Pt] reveals Angolan netizens’ significant concern with Côte D'Ivoire. Some lament rumors that...
Russia: Interviews With Miriam Dobson, Thomas de Waal, Christopher Ward
Sean Guillory of Sean's Russia Blog interviews authors Miriam Dobson (“Khrushchev’s Cold Summer: Gulag Returnees, Crime, and the Fate of Reform After Stalin”), Thomas de Waal (“The Caucasus: An Introduction”)...
