Stories about Weblog from September, 2008
Angola: Luxurious flats for the rich, soaring rent for the poor
Land and property speculation in Luanda is one of the causes of the significant increase in housing prices in the Angolan capital. In this article, Clara Onofre investigates how luxury developments are quickly taking over Luanda's landscape. But who are they for?
Tajikistan: Talco Attacks Journalist
You might recall an article from a while back about how the government of Tajikistan was forming a unit to deal with that country's image problem, because, god knows, that's the country's biggest problem these days. Well, for the first time, there's something to show for that unit.
Paraguay: Trans-Chaco Rally Postponed
Every year, drivers from across the globe descend on Paraguay's Chaco Region to participate in the Trans-Chaco Rally, which has been running since 1971. This year, the region of the Grand Chaco has been especially hit hard by drought. A State of Emergency had been declared for the area. As a result, the government announced that it would be postponing the race citing the need to allow for aid workers to provide assistance to the region's 18,000 families.
Deaf Awareness Week: A different type of book signing.
Did you know that most deaf people who sign, consider sign language their first language and the written language as their second? I didn't, but thanks to the dozens of videos uploaded by members of the deaf community from all over the world, I've learned about this and many other things. International Deaf Awareness Week takes place during the last week of September, so I'll be showcasing different videos from or about the deaf communities around the world.
Japan: Missing Pieces in Tainted Rice Scandal
The latest food scandal making headlines in Japan revolves on the nation's staple commodity: rice, one of only a small handful of foods for which the country achieves almost complete self-sufficiency. Bloggers discuss the roots of the latest food scandal, and one blogger points out holes in media's reporting on the issue.
Jordan: A Popular Cafe Shut Down in Ramadan Crackdown
A popular cafe in in the Jordanian capital Amman was shut down by police for serving alcohol and food during Ramadan, among reasons. The action sparked a debate on the country's active blogosphere on Islam, coexistence, and democracy, reports Mohammad Azraq.
Egypt: Egyptian Railways – 125 Years Old
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia celebrates here the 125th anniversary of the Egyptian Railways.
Pakistan: Another 9/11, We are Burning
Yesterday night, about 8 PM local time, Islamabad was rocked with the worst suicide attack ever in the history of Pakistan. This attack was carried outside Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. It is being said that about 1000 KG explosive material was used in this attack that resulted in the casualties...
Pakistan bleeds again
Pakistan capital Islamabad was rocked by a massive explosion outside Hotel Marriott yesterday. A truck carrying 1000 Kg (1 ton) of explosive materials entered Marriott Hotel at around 8 PM local time and the driver blew himself up first and then the truck was blown up in a massive explosion....
Korea: Teachers and Education
On the 15th of September, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) announced that they will make public the number of teachers who joined Korean Teachers & Education Workers’ Union (KTU) at each school after the MEST agreed to open international secondary schools on the 4th of September. The...
Ukraine, EU: A Closer Relationship?
The EU's plan to finalize an Association Agreement with Ukraine in 2009 was made public at the EU-Ukraine Summit in Paris on Sept. 9. The media and bloggers greeted it with mixed reactions. “EU offers reassurance to Ukraine,” read a BBC headline. “EU offers no promises to hopeful Ukraine,” wrote...
Blogger of the Week: Leonard Chien
Today's Blogger of the Week series introduces us to Leonard Chien, English-Chinese translator and interpreter from Taiwan, and a Lingua powerhouse for Global Voices. When asked what he would chose for a superpower he said “May I increase my translation rates?” So what more can we learn about Leonard than his love for translating? Read more to find out.
Lebanon: Homosexuality in Lebanon
Although Lebanon stands out as a more tolerant space for homosexuality in the Middle East, the real life for this section of the community is not paved with roses. A quick round up of blogs and spaces promoting this issue in Lebanon gives the reader a brief peek into how this community lives.
Saudi Arabia: Outcry Over Fatwa to Kill Satellite TV Owners
A prominent Saudi scholar issued a religious decree - fatwa - calling for the killing of the owners of satellite television channels which broadcast immoral material. Bloggers from Saudi Arabia react.
Russia: Intravenous Drug Use Leading Cause of HIV/AIDS
While sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV, a UNAIDS report says that some of the most worrisome increases in new infections are happening in other places, such as Russia. Many HIV/AIDS experts have also expressed concerns that Russia, as well as other former Soviet Union states,...
Brazil: Suspense as indigenous land rulings in limbo
Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) decided to postpone the decision about Raposa Serra do Sol land but will vote on another less complex demarcation case: the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãe people have been waiting for this decision for over 26 years. Meanwhile, bloggers comment on the fact that, for first time in the history of Brazil's Supreme Court, an indian lawyer defended her people. Watch the video.
Saudi Arabia: Why Should Arabs Have Access to the Internet?
For days, cyberactivists have been busy discussing the case of Moroccan blogger Mohammed Erraji, who was arrested, put on trial, sentenced - and then freed, and then put on trial again and finally acquitted. Who is Mohammed Erraji? Why did he cross 'red lines' knowing well that in many countries in the Middle East criticising members of the vast Ruling families is very likely to result in repercussions and punishment? Saudi blogger Fouad Al Farhan, who recently found himself behind bars for his writings in Saudi Arabia, visits Erraji's blog looking for answers.
Colombia: Conflict Continues Between Uribe and Supreme Court
The ongoing conflict between Colombian president Álvaro Uribe and the Supreme Court continues with new twists, including some leaked information regarding a meeting at the Presidential residence. Colombian bloggers take sides and wonder whether the conflict is an attempt to discredit other branches of government.
Moroccan Blogger Mohammed Erraji Acquitted
The Blogoma, or Moroccan blogosphere, was buzzing today over news of Moroccan blogger Mohammed Erraji's acquittal. Erraji was arrested last week for writing that the king's charity toward his people encourages them to remain helpless rather than work hard.
Madagascar: Saluting Rado, a Poet Legend
Bloggers in Madagascar mourn the passing of a renowned poet.
Environment: Interview with John Romankiewicz of China's Green Beat
China's Green Beat is an effort by “Green brothers” John Romankiewicz, Shane Zhao and Rene Ng to raise awareness about environmental issues in China. The project has developed more than ten short films, complete with bilingual Chinese-English subtitles. From its inception a year ago, China’s Green Beat has received a...
