Stories about North America from March, 2011
Bangladesh: Is USA Doing Excess On Yunus Issue?
US Astt. Secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs Mr. Roger Blake recently visited Bangladesh and discussed with government about the recent disputes with the Nobel laureate Dr....
China: Red flag on Wall Street
Co-founder of Chinese fund management firm CDH Investments Wang Gongquan stopped by the New York Stock Exchange building today to snap a picture of the flag of the People's Republic...
USA: Al Jazeera's Future
Sana of Arab-American blog KABOBfest remarks on a new academic paper that looks at Qatari channel Al Jazeera's future in the United States.
Bolivia’s Conflicting Stance With the USA on Coca Chewing
The 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs ordered the elimination of chewing coca leaves within 25 years of the treaty going into effect. Bolivia has again resurfaced as a proponent to eliminate this UN ban. The US moved to block Bolivia’s request, further citing that an amendment to the article shows Bolivia’s lack of cooperation in the fight against the drug trade.
Afghanistan: Leaked Photos Unveil “Repugnancies” Committed by US Army
On March 21, 2011, the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel released three horrific photos of Afghan civilians killed by a group of United States soldiers. Bloggers have reacted to the photos with shock and indignation.
Côte d'Ivoire: Where Are the African Personalities When They Are Needed?
A few months ago, Marième Jamme asked Bono and Bob Geldof to take less prominent roles as speakers for Africa in the media and leave space for Africans to speak for...
U.S. Embassy in Uganda Gets Social
The United States Embassy in Uganda is now active in the social media sphere, providing updates on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. In a speech launching the initiative, Ambassador Jerry Lanier also recognized social media as a new battlefield in the war for free speech.
Brazil: Obama's Visit Marked by Protests, Repression and Criticism
Intended to be a party, US President Obama's first visit to Brazil was marked by the controversial decision for his country to intervene militarily in Libya, in addition to the "covering up" of the favelas and protests followed by violent police repression.
Mexico: U.S. Drones Gather Intelligence on Drug Cartels
A story first reported on March 15 by The New York Times has garnered strong responses from Mexican netizens based at home and abroad. Citing American and Mexican officials, the paper reported that "the Obama administration has begun sending drones deep into Mexican territory to gather intelligence that helps locate major traffickers and follow their networks."
Pakistan: Blood Money Sets Raymond Davis Free
Raymond Davis, an American security official, was charged for two counts of murder in Pakistan and citing him as a diplomatic official the US State Department demanded his release under Vienna convention. Davis was released after relatives of the dead received "blood money" under Islamic shariah law. Netizens raise questions.
Tunisia: Hillary Clinton's Unwelcome Visit
On the night of Wednesday 15 March, 2011, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton arrived in Tunisia after a trip to Egypt. Her visit was marked by protests in capital Tunis, from people who see her visit as the height of hypocrisy, considering that the US government was known to be an ally of former President Ben Ali's regime.
Japan: Good Wishes and Prayers Sent Through Video
As a response to the situation in Japan after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, people have turned to videos and music as a way to send their best wishes and support to the people of Japan
Pakistan: Sharia Law Saves CIA Agent
Adil Najam at All Things Pakistan has this question to ask to the US citizens and tax-payers: “Will the man who sometimes goes by the name of Raymond Davis reimburse...
USA: Science Bloggers Explain Earthquakes and Tsunamis
As Japan and the rest of the world struggle to make sense of the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear scare, science bloggers are sharing facts to help explain what happened.
USA: Student Blogs Seeks Middle East Voices
Students from Middlebury College in Vermont (former exchange students in the Middle East) manage the blog Mideast Reports which features audio, video, and links about ongoing protests.
USA: Science Bloggers Explain Fukushima
The horror of Friday 11 March's earthquake and resulting tsunami near the east coast of Honshu, Japan soon gave way to widespread panic as explosions rocked the Fukushima nuclear power plant. However, one community in the blogosphere seemed to be more measured in response to Fukushima - science bloggers.
Japan: Tsunami Strikes Coast, Leaves Nothing in Wake
Following the country's largest earthquake in recorded history, Japan is being hit by it's most ferocious tsunami. People across the country are glued to their TV screens as scenes of a tsunami measuring more than 7 meters in height sweeping away cars and buildings flashes across the news.
U.S.: Flood Damage, Recovery in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village
At CzechPosition.com, Rosie Johnston talks to business owners in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of the areas damaged most by the June 2008 flood.
Mexico and Afghanistan Border Conflicts Juxtaposed
Netizens are responding to several reports that juxtapose the violence in the Mexico/US border with the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and its border with Pakistan. Though uncoordinated and apparently disparate, the reports have served to crystalize problematic aspects of American policy.
Hollaback! Mobile Technology Against Street Harassment
Based on the premise that "the explosion of mobile technology has given us an unprecedented opportunity to end street harassment," Hollaback! is encouraging women around the world to use the tools available to them to share their stories and geo-locate incidents and reports.
USA: Twittersphere Debates Kristof Column on Islam
A column by New York Times writer Nicholas Kristof riled the Twittersphere today. In the column, Kristof asks if Islam is the reason for stagnation in the Middle East and North Africa. Readers take issue with his characterizations of the region.
