Stories about War & Conflict from March, 2014
Russia's No. 1 Separatist Dead, Again
Doku Umarov was declared dead by the official propaganda arm of the Caucasus Emirate, an armed separatist movement in Russia's south.
Do US Sanctions Against Putin's Cronies Fuel Russian Patriotism?
So far, it seems the West’s response to the annexation of Crimea has only reinforced Russia’s patriotic frenzy. But could tougher sanctions change that?
An Attempt to Intimidate? Sri Lanka Releases Human Rights Activists
Ruki Fernando and Praveen Mahesa were detained March 16, 2014 and accused of selling information abroad, attempting to damage harmony between communities, and aiding militant separatists the Tamil Tigers.
Are America's Latest Sanctions on Russia Based on a List by a Blogger?
"looks like it isn't the CIA that's in charge of Navalny, but Navalny that's in charge of the CIA"
Three Years of the Syrian Revolution: “Our Dream Remains Alive”
Activist and blogger Marcell Shehwaro on preparations in her home city of Aleppo, and other parts of the country, to commemorate the third anniversary of the Syrian revolution.
10 Ways Russians and Ukrainians Reacted to Crimea Annexation Speech
Regardless of how one feels about the Crimean question, it was a landmark speech, and one that bloggers reacted to the way they usually do on the Internet. Through memes.
The Syrian Uprising through the Eyes of Syrian Women
As Syria marks the third anniversary of its revolution, Syria Untold talks to three women activists about the untold battle they face on the ground.
Russian Officials Sanctioned Over Crimea Scoff on Twitter
"Comrade Obama, what should people who don't have any foreign bank accounts or property do? Did you not think of that?)" -Dmitry Rogozin
What Does Russia's Top Blogger Think About Crimea?
Before Alexey Navalny's LiveJournal blog was blocked late last week for breaking the terms of his house arrest, he published a long opinion piece on the situation in Ukraine.
Did Russia's Most Famous Actor Just Denounce Vladimir Putin?
In Russia, it is exceedingly rare for anyone who regularly appears on television or the silver screen to criticize, let alone denounce, Vladimir Putin. But did Khabensky?
Russia's Crimea Ballot Fraud that Wasn't
A scandal surrounding a ballot photo suggests that Russians are pessimistic about Crimea's Sunday referendum. Many are ready to believe the worst now, even on laughably circumstantial evidence.
Khodorkovsky's Curious Trip to Ukraine
Russian-Internet users have been intensely curious about Khodorkovsky's reasons for appearing in Kiev. Indeed, many online speculate that his visit could indicate plans to launch a career in politics.
Facebook ‘Courage for’ Page versus the Knights Templar’s Cartel
Saiph Savage and Andrés Monroy-Hernández have been collecting data on a Facebook page that documents the activities of self-defense militia groups in their fight against a drug cartel in Mexico.
Russia’s Best News Portal Decimated
In Russia’s jingoist climate today, it is now much easier for corporate owners and state authorities to meddle in the politics of the country’s news websites.
Syria: I Am Aleppo, Aleppo Is Me
"Aleppo and I are alike: worn down, full of fire, confused," writes blogger/activist Marcell Shehwaro, in the first article in a series about life in Syria during the ongoing conflict.
Video: China's Social Media Reacts to the Kunming Attacks
The attack at a railway station in China’s Southwestern Kunming city has led to heated discussions on Chinese social media. Many netizens think western media were trying to downplay the incident by calling it “a senseless act of violence.” Watch the video below to find out more comments and discussions...
Facebook Status Criticizing Crimea Occupation Gets Journalist Fired
Russians ask if Putin can also come "occupy" them, if it means increased funding for the peripheral regions.
Russia's Crackdown Ahead of Crimea's Referendum
Amidst the crackdown, eyes now turn to March 15, when Muscovites will demonstrate against Russian intervention in Ukraine, a day before Crimean voters decide between secession and expanded autonomy.
Prep the Tinfoil: Four Hoaxes Shaping Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Yanukovich is dead! American Navy to the rescue! Mars attacks Kiev! Ninjas kidnap the President! Are you a bad enough dude to read this article?
Our Berlin Wall in Syria
"Syrian Students for a better future" is a blog by Syrian scholarship students, who share their homesickness, hopes, doubts, worries, optimism and wishes for a better Syria.
Syrian Families Host Expensive Fancy Dress Party as War Rages On
A sumptuous party held in Damascus in November 2013 was a shock for many Syrians to have an expensive party while the daily killing machine was in full gear.
