· February, 2009

Stories about U.S.A. from February, 2009

Lebanon: Christopher Hitchens’ Beirut Scuffle Sparks Debate

Former leftist turned conservative writer Christopher Hitchens ran into trouble in Beirut last week when he attempted to deface a poster/memorial of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), a Hezbollah ally. Versions of the event claim a heavily intoxicated Hitchens shouted obscenities at the party, ultimately resulting in an altercation with several SSNP members nearby. These allegations have sparked a debate across continents, writes Antoun Issa.

27 February 2009

Blog Plagiarism hits Egyptian Bloggers

Is there such a thing as blog plagiarism? Egyptian bloggers argue both sides of the fence on Facebook and on their blogs after a newspaper started quoting bloggers - without their permission, reports Marwa Rakha.

23 February 2009

Egypt: Bloggers React to Cairo bombings

A French tourist was killed and around 20 people were injured when a bomb exploded outside the Al Hussein Mosque in Cairo's popular tourist area Khan Al Khalili. And as the world was coming to grips with what was happening on the ground, Egypt's bloggers were quick at work, exchanging updates, information, analysis and concerns.

22 February 2009

Clinton visits Indonesia

Aside from meeting the leaders of Indonesia, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton found the time to visit a slum community in Jakarta. She also appeared in a teen-oriented TV show. What are the reactions of bloggers?

20 February 2009

Caribbean, USA: Where in the World is Allen Stanford?

It's one thing for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to lay fraud charges against Texas billionaire-cum-Caribbean cricket magnate Allen Stanford - but first, authorities have to find him. As panicky investors flock to Stanford-owned banks from Antigua to South America to try and withdraw their funds, speculation is rife as to where Mr. Stanford might be.

19 February 2009

Egypt: Ayman Nour Released

Egypt has just released political dissident Ayman Nour, who has spent more than three years in prison. Bloggers welcomed the move, but were left wondering about its motives and timing.

19 February 2009

Ukraine: Obama's and NATO Membership

Ukrainiana notes that Obama seems to no longer support “NATO track for Ukraine” – and posts this comment: “If the Obama administration opts for a ‘Chicken Kiev’ foreign policy, it's...

19 February 2009

Caribbean, USA: Stanford Charged with Fraud

Fresh on the heels of the latest regional financial meltdown comes another: news that U.S. billionaire Allen Stanford has been slapped with charges for investment fraud - more than 8 billion dollars' worth. The potential fallout for West Indies cricket appears to be concerning Caribbean bloggers as much as the economic ramifications.

18 February 2009

Armenia: Obama and the Genocide

Onnik Krikorian in Armenia wonders whether U.S. President Barack Obama will fulfill his campaign promise to recognize the 1915 massacre and deportation of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire as...

17 February 2009