Stories about Weblog from December, 2015
Sri Lanka's President Says Enrique Iglesias Concert Organisers Should Be ‘Whipped With Toxic Stingray Tails’
President Sirisena didn't like that female fans hugged and kissed the pop star, nor that someone threw her bra onstage. Sri Lankans didn't take to his "moral policing" kindly.
Syrian Filmmaker Naji Jerf Killed in Turkey After Exposing ISIS Crimes in Aleppo
Syrian film-maker Naji Jerf, 38, was shot dead in broad daylight in Gaziantep, Turkey, for uploading a video exposing ISIS crimes in Aleppo, Syria, on YouTube.
After Her Son's Murder, a French-Moroccan Mother Teaches Young People the Importance of Unity
Latifa Ibn Ziaten talks to French students about her son's murderer. And why they shouldn't follow in his path.
Many Afghans See Their Future with India, Not Pakistan
A wave of Afghan social media love accompanied Indian PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Kabul.
Myanmar's Memorable Moments in 2015
The victory of Myanmar's opposition over the military-backed party was a significant milestone in the country's history. This and other events that made 2015 a particularly memorable year for Myanmar
‘Nobody Knows Their Story': A Bhutanese-American Psychologist Gives Her Refugee People a Voice
Luna Acharya Mulder has a rare window on the refugee psyche. Growing up, she went back and forth between two vastly different worlds--New York and refugee camps in Nepal.
Even Santa Can't Escape Toxic Smog in China
During Christmas toxic smog spread from the northern provinces to central China.
For Land-locked Nepal, a Year of Natural and Man-Made Disasters
“I have negative thoughts. But if everyone gets positive, I will get the energy to stay positive.”
Activist-Journalist Reflects on Meeting the Iranian Ambassador at a New York Holiday Party
"Iran will one day shine in a way that the Iranian Ambassador will greet Iranian women and journalists without fear and with pride."
Following in São Paulo's Footsteps, Brazilian Students in Goiás Are Occupying Their Schools Too
"The fighting spirit that animated 2013 remains alive."
Is Christmas Really Banned in Brunei?
Yes and no. Non-Muslims can celebrate in their homes and places of worship. And as one netizen commented, "Why is the supposed Christmas 'ban' only reaching Western media now?"
From Hallacas to Horchata, the Tastes of Latin America's Holiday Season
“Vitello tonnato” in Argentina, Russian salad in Venezuela and turkey in Peru. Explore the sweet and savory of the festive season in Latin America, as told by Global Voices contributors.
On Taiwan, Facebook and the Politics of Trolling on the Chinese Internet
When Facebook became accessible in mainland China, trolls descended on a Taiwanese politician. What might happen if Facebook were to become permanently accessible in China?
25 Years After Officially Closing, Kyrgyzstan's Biggest Dump Is Still Rancid and Expanding
Is the toxic, anarchic landfill that has troubled Bishkek for over two decades about to be brought to heel?
Award-Winning Citizen Journalist Ahmad Almossa Killed in Idlib, Syria
Ahmad Mohamed Almossa, a member of Syrian citizen journalism collective Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), was assassinated by masked men in northern Syria, the group announced on Twitter.
On Politics, Big Contracts and Parties in Trinidad & Tobago
Government ministers are seen socialising with corruption accused. The president of a corruption watchdog organisation is forced to resign. Coincidence? One blogger calls foul and tries to connect the dots.
Countries Declare States of Emergency in the Face of El Niño
“This El Niño and human-induced climate change may interact and modify each other in ways which we have never before experienced. El Niño is turning up the heat even further.”
The Syrian Conflict Won't Steal My Christmas
In a country in the throes of war, celebrating Christmas can be an act of both profound naïvete and staunch resistance.
Bangladesh Will Demand Biometric Data From All SIM Card Users
The scheme will create a massive database of citizens' communications data that could give the government unprecedented access to the mobile communications of Bangladeshi citizens.
Denmark's Afghan Community Comes Together to Condemn Violence and Extremism
"We hope as well that the global community does not forget the places around the world affected exactly by this epidemic. Afghanistan is exactly one of those places.”
This Is What It Looks like When Thousands of Migratory Birds Descend on Peru
"Franklin's gull isn't native to Peru, but we Peruvians have adopted it as ours as it visits us for centuries during spring and summer."