Stories about Weblog from November, 2007
Egypt: Seven Years for Murder
Egyptian bloggers this week rejoice over the imprisonment of corrupt police officers, who tortured a carpenter to death. The celebration is all the more special, following the sentencing of men in uniform who tortured Emad Al Kabir. In this post, bloggers remind us that their happiness is short-lived, as abuse is rife and freedom of expression continues to be curtailed.
Special Coverage: Middle East Peace 2007
The Middle East Question has grabbed the international headlines for more than half a century. It is now the turn of the region's netizens to vent off and add their perspectives to events touching their lives and the security and stability of the countries they live in. Read about what the region's most outspoken bloggers have to say in our Middle East Peace 2007 Special Coverage page.
Israel: Blogger's Views on the Annapolis Summit
The Annapolis Conference, held on November 27, 2007 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, ended with the issuing of a joint statement from all parties. Over the past week, Israeli bloggers shared mostly pessimistic voices around the topic of this conference. Many are cynical to the possibility of peace emanating from these leaders who have little support from their people.
Kuduro: The Sexy Angolan Rhythm With a Message
Whether the word Kuduro comes from the Kimbundu language, native to northern Angola and means “location” or from the Portuguese expression meaning “hard ass” or “stiff bottom” is debated but...
In the eye of the storm: Bangladeshi bloggers speak
Nari Jibon bloggers posted their reactions on the recent killer cyclone, Sidr, which devastated Bangladesh’s southern coastal regions. Read their first-hand accounts about the disaster, their resillience and relief efforts. Also read about their recent training on Video and digital camera and the participants' reactions.
Caribbean: Earthquake Update
Caribbean bloggers provide timely updates on yesterday's earthquake...
Taiwan: Any Blind Spot in Blogsphere?–Blogblind
An experimental website was born in Taiwan in Nov 20, 2007: ‘Blogblind‘ (It was closed in two days). The main concept is digging (as in Digg) blogs that people do...
Caribbean: Earthquake Tremors
Just a few hours ago, the Caribbean experienced strong tremors from an earthquake that originated off the coast of Martinique - regional bloggers talk about what it was like.
Uganda: Ten questions with the Comrade
Beloved by the blogren for his prolific, provocative comments and his endless, passionate devotion to North Korea, the 27th Comrade was until recently one of Uganda's most active bloggers. Two months ago the Comrade decided to take a hiatus from his blog Communist Socks and Boots. Our author Rebekah Heacock sought him out for a conversation about writing, reggae and, naturally, Communism.
Philippines: Rebel Soldiers Take Over Manila Hotel
News from the blogosphere in the Philippines of the latest attempt by the 2003 coup leaders to get rid of the current administration in Philippines.
Rising Voices Microgrant Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 3
The application deadline for microgrants of up to US$ 5,000 to fund citizen media outreach projects in the developing world has been extended until Monday, December 3. Ideal applicants will present innovative and detailed proposals to teach citizen media techniques to communities that are poorly positioned to discover and take advantage of tools like blogging, video-blogging, and podcasting on their own.
Egypt: The Annapolis Peace Conference
When the onset of the Annapolis Peace Conference first arose hopes were high and all were looking forward to meeting at the peace table. Since then complications and controversies have muddied the waters and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been in the middle trying to bring all parties back to order. Many if not most Arab leaders had originally refused to attend following the release of contextual details. Egypt's bloggers can help us to understand why.
Annapolis: The View from the Middle East
With leaders and politicians from the Middle East and far afield meeting in Annapolis, US, over brokering a peace deal between Israel and its Arab neighbours, the mood remains somber, skeptical and pessimistic among bloggers from the region.
Uzbekistan: Stop Deportation of Asylum Seeker!
“Until this day I believed in freedom of media and its role in civil liberties in this country [Great Britain]. But information I have read today slightly changed my mind”,...
China: “Red Foreigner” Sings Red Songs Naked
An American blogger who names himself Honglaowai (red foreigner) has revived the Chinese red songs, a serious political music in China ,and extensively posted his music videos on YouTube, Youku and Tudou such video sharing websites. What's more, in his red song MVs, he is naked to the waist.
Egypt: YouTube Disables Activist's Account
A storm is brewing in the Egyptian blogosphere after video hosting site You Tube removed several videos featuring policemen torturing victims from their site. "This is by far the biggest blow to the anti-torture movement in Egypt," writes Wael Abbas, an award winning blogger, whose videos capturing the torture of victims at the hands of police were removed from You Tube. What are the other bloggers saying?
Ukraine: Thoughts on Yushchenko's Bloc
It's been nearly two months since the Sept. 30 snap parliamentary election in Ukraine, and although there are plenty of "democratic coalition" promises and hopes in the air, it has yet to materialize. Or not.
Kuwait: Trips, Travel and More
Kuwaiti blogger continue to blog about their activities, within and outside their country. Abdullatif AlOmar keeps us up-to-date with their adventures.
Syria: A Protest Against Censorship
To crown the two months of rapid internet censorship, last week the Syrian government decided to block Facebook (The popular social network site) and Shabablek, a very popular local forum for young people, among other websites. Now, cyberactivists are defying the challenge and demanding their freedom of speech.
Malaysia: Indians in Malaysia Demand Equal Rights
Malaysian Indians took to the street on Sunday to demand equal rights. Police used tear gas and water canon to break up the protests and to prevent the protesters from submitting a memo to the British High Commission demanding monetary compensation for bringing Indians to Malaysia. Angshah rounds up Malaysian bloggers comments on the protests.
Kenya: American political strategist stirs up Kenya election scene
Dick Morris, an American political consultant who worked with the Bill Clinton 1996 re-election recently caused a mini stir in Kenya. He arrived in Kenya and was unveiled by an opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who is the fore runner in the Kenyan presidential elections that will be held in December 2007. But Morris appears to have left the country a day later, leaving behind varied comments on his role and possible impact on the upcoming elections.
