Stories about War & Conflict from November, 2010
Laos and the Convention on Cluster Munitions
The first meeting of state parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions which gathered 101 countries as well as numerous NGOs was held early this month in Laos, which is incidentally "the most bombed country" in the world. GV author Gael Brassac summarizes the keys issues discussed during the convention
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Does culture unite or divide?
With a recent survey indicating that the majority of Armenians and Azerbaijanis are against mutual friendship, hopes for peace between the two neighboring countries appear very bleak indeed. Recent developments, including in the sphere of culture, appear to support that notion, but is there any hope?
Azerbaijan: Turkish memoir allegations
The Önər Blog [AZ] summarizes and comments on some of the allegations made against Azerbaijan's former president and Soviet-era boss in a new book of memoirs by a Turkish Embassy Press Attaché in the oil-rich country. The blog also posts an English translation.
Lebanon: CBC Report on Hariri Assassination Sparks Debate
An in-depth CBC report on the high-profile assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al Hariri has sparked intense discussion in the Lebanese blogosphere.
The Cold War Origin of Asia's Troubled Waters
Andy Yee reviews the Cold War history and the role of the U.S in the Northeast Asia territorial conflicts in Asia Sentinel.
Korea: Paulo Coelho Joined the #Prayforkorea in Twitter
After North Korea's artillery shelling on a South Korean island, killing two marines and two civilians and wounding at least a dozen people, twitterers, both local and international, have joined the #prayforkorea discusssion. Paulo Coelho, the Brazilian star writer, tweeted “On the verge of a war: Twitter can do nothing, but prayers can. #prayforkorea #importantnews”
South Korea: Twitterers Mourn Over Loss of Two Marines
South Korean Twitterers mourned over the death of two marines who were killed by today's deadly skirmish between two Koreas, by (re)tweeting a photo of chrysanthemums with the deceased names on.
North Korea/South Korea: Deadly Skirmish, Live On Twitter
North Korea has fired more than a hundred artillery rockets at South Korea's YeonPyeong Island near its western border, killing two South Korean marines, injuring at least a dozen and setting buildings on fire. South Koreans have used Twitter to vent their angers, fears and worries.
Madagascar: A Chronology of the Failed Coup According to Tweets
As coup attempts are seemingly becoming a yearly feature in Madagascar, twitter updates from local citizens kept track of the development of yet another mutiny by army officers, a few of them of ready involved in the successful coup of 2009. Avylavitra compiles a series of tweets that described over a couple of days the progression of the failed takeover.
North Korea fires on South Korea, Security Camera Shows
One South Korean soldier has been killed after North Korea fired dozens of rounds of artillery onto YeonPyeong Island, the South Korean populated island bordering North. Twitterers have retweeted KBS's security camera footage[ko]of the scene.
Uganda: New U.S. Lord's Restistance Army Strategy
Ledio Cakaj blogs about the new strategy by the U.S Congress aimed at dismantling the Lord's Resistance: “It appears the strategy will mostly continue the current course with beefed up support to the on-going Ugandan army offensive against LRA groups in Congo, Central African Republic, and Sudan.”
Somalia: Why do pirates hijack vessels?
Hassan explains the motive behind piracy in Somalia: “Piracy is becoming fashionable among Somali youth because of the huge sums of money involved. According to reports in the Somali media-pirates live a lavish lifestyle, with most of them driving big cars and marrying the most beautiful girls in Town.”
Philippines: Leading botanist killed in alleged military-rebel cross-fire
A flurry of tributes and condemnations posted online followed the unexpected death of top Filipino botanist Leonard Co and his two assistants in an alleged cross-fire between the Philippine Army and communist rebels in the province of Leyte
Morocco/Western Sahara: Gadaym Izik Riots Become a Volatile Political Crisis
There has been ongoing unrest in Western Sahara, the former Spanish colony that was annexed by Morocco after “The Green March Demonstration“ in November, 1975. Last week, the territory witnessed one of the worst violent events in years. Bloggers react to the development in this post.
Sudan: Southern Sudan Referendum 2011 on Twitter
Follow tweets about Southern Sudan Referendum that will take place on 9 January 2011.
Madagascar: Coup attempt, as referendum takes place
The controversial referendum held on November 17, 2010 in Madagascar was soon overshadowed by reports of a rather bloodless putsch.
Mexico: How Can Mexico Help Migrants?
Gancho writes: “Amnesty [International] says that 20,000 immigrants per year are kidnapped in Mexico. With all the other security problems in Mexico, it's going to be hard to make threats to poor Hondurans and Guatemalans a major focus without periodic massacres, but Mexico can do a lot to alleviate this...
Korea: Serious Concerns Over Possible Volcanic Eruption in N. Korea
As South Korean government discusses launching a task force to prepare for possible volcanic eruption of Mount Paekdu, the highest mountain in North Korea, twitterers have nervously retweeted Wikitree's article[ko] telling that the Paekdu's eruption may cause far greater damage than Iceland's volcanic eruption did in April.
Somalia: The Ethiopian Factor
Mogadishu Man's analysis of the Ethiopian factor in Somalis politics: “The Ethiopian regime presents itself as though it had been tirelessly working to restore peace and stability to the troubled Horn. Since the fall of the Siyad Barre regime in the early 90s, Ethiopian involvement in Somali politics had become...
Mexico: More than 400 “Narco Refugees” Leave Ciudad Mier
Tim Johnson from Mexico Unmasked reports on “Narco refugees,” people who are trying to escape violence caused by drug gangs: “More than 400 residents have fled Ciudad Mier for a larger nearby city, Miguel Aleman, where they have packed into a Lion’s Club auditorium. City Hall is giving them food...
Pakistan: The Truth About Balochistan
“Balochistan needs to be healed — within Pakistan’s federal framework,” comments Ejaz Haider at Pak Tea House.
