· February, 2010

Stories about North America from February, 2010

Cuba: On the Front Line

  26 February 2010

Cuban diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense says that “Orlando Zapata Tamayo's fight for liberty is not over, as reports…are that other Cuban freedom fighters are taking his place on the front lines of the struggle.”

Egypt: DC Rally for Kareem Amer

  24 February 2010

Supporters in Washington DC held a rally in support of jailed Egyptian blogger Kareem Amer. Kareem has been in prison for three years as part of a four year sentence for insulting Islam and Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.

Russia: PM's Figure Skating Comment

  24 February 2010

The Ivanov Report analyzes the Western media response to the Russian prime minister's “Vancouver Olympics quote/misquote” and concludes: “Attaching his name to a piece of ‘analysis’ helps sell this questionable product as efficiently as attaching the name of another celebrity to a product that consumers would be reluctant to buy...

Palestine/West Bank: Peace Protesters use Avatar Movie Visuals

  20 February 2010

Recent protest against land appropriation of the West Bank village of Bil'in included Palestinian and Israeli activists masked as Na'vi characters from the controversial Avatar movie, which they consider anti-imperialist. Video clips posted by NGO “Friends of Freedom and Justice – Bilin” show Israeli Defense Forces using tear gas and...

Haiti: Reading the Reports

  19 February 2010

Repeating Islands republishes segments of a report on HIV infections in Haiti, while Haiti Vox links to a story on “who's getting the first Haiti contracts”, saying: “It's important for us to widely circulate this information, and to HELP Haitian groups who may want to apply…it's also important for Haiti...

Jamaica, U.S.A.: R.I.P. Rex

  19 February 2010

Both Labrish and Repeating Islands republish The New York Times’ obituary on the late Jamaican educator and choreographer, Rex Nettleford.

US Bloggers On The Case Of Kidnapping Haitian Orphans

  18 February 2010

As Haiti slowly treads on the path to recovery and rebuilding, there is a sense of renewed concern for the countries children - especially the orphans. US bloggers react on the news of the missionaries charged with kidnapping Haitian orphans.

Barbados, Canada: Sentencing Today

  17 February 2010

The convicted murderer of a Canadian tourist is to be sentenced today – Barbados Free Press is “hoping he rots in jail until he draws his final breath.”

USA: Native Cherokees Fight for Sacred Mound

  15 February 2010

Cherokee Native Americans in North Carolina are currently fighting the construction of an electrical station they say would impede the spiritual experience at Kituwah, a sacred mound that is cherished as "Mothertown".

Darfur: Youth Keep Crisis in the Spotlight

  13 February 2010

Though the major conflict has ceased in Darfur, in western Sudan, the continuing instability and ongoing attacks have been particularly harmful for the region's young people. But youth both within and outside of Sudan have been vital in raising awareness and funds and trying to bring change to Darfur.

U.S.A., Cuba: Cuban-American Congressman Announces Resignation

  13 February 2010

Bloggers in Miami and Cuba are buzzing over the news that US Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart will not run for reelection in the fall. Diaz-Balart, a Republican, is a staunch supporter of the trade embargo against Cuba, and he took his resignation speech as an opportunity to highlight his role in codifying the embargo.

Haiti: On Orphans

  12 February 2010

“There are a small handful of beautiful programs working in Haiti to raise orphans to adulthood and teaching them to give back to their country. It takes a lot to pull that off. It takes strong and committed Haitian leadership”: The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog calls for a balanced perspective on...

Open Video: Worldwide Wireside chat with Lawrence Lessig

  10 February 2010

What is fair use, how does copyright fit into the digital age and how can commentary, teaching, remixing and research with video be freely developed? Tune in on February 25th 6:00pm US Eastern time (GMT -5) to watch and listen to Lawrence Lessig as he discusses these topics at the Open Video Alliance website or check out for screenings in your city.

Haiti: Heroes

  8 February 2010

Bagay Dwol Journal is convinced that “Heroes are everywhere in Haiti, including the USNS.”

Syria: Youth Rally in Support of Syrian Air

  7 February 2010

The US is imposing a series of trade and financial sanctions which are affecting the daily lives of Syrian citizens in several areas. Syrian youth use the Internet to protest the grounding of Syrian Air's fleet, thanks to the ban on buying new commercial jets or even spare parts.