Stories about Western Europe from July, 2009
Hijablogging: On Burqas and Bans
Although the practice of wearing hijab has been around since pre-Islamic times, the debate surrounding it has increased in recent years. Whereas in some countries, hijab is mandated, in others, it has been banned in schools, workplaces, and sometimes altogether. But whether required or forbidden, Muslim women's dress is almost always a topic of hot debate.
United Kingdom: Barcamp Transparency in Oxford
Around 50 people gathered for Barcamp Transparency at the Oxford University Club last Sunday to discuss issues of transparency in open government, social media and cyberactivism.
Bermuda, U.K.: Missed Celebrations
Repeating Islands reports that Britain's Queen Elizabeth II “skipped yesterday’s celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Britain’s oldest colony after a row with the island’s pro-independence leader”,...
Ecuador: Woman Attempts to Auction Virginity Online in Spain
An Ecuadorian immigrant living in Valencia, Spain decided to put her virginity up for an online auction to help pay for medical care for her ailing mother. The ads were eventually taken down, not without attracting strong reactions in blogs and in mainstream media from those criticizing her actions and also brought focus on the plight of immigrants in Spain.
Europe: “When East Becomes West”
Raf Uzar is wondering whether “the definition of Western Europe [is] the same now as it was in 1945.”
Europe: “EU Terminology for Dummies”
“EU Terminology for Dummies” – at Kosmopolito.
UAE: Dubai Bashing Continues
Seabee, from Dubai Thoughts, says there is yet another article following the fad for Dubai bashing. This one is in the UK Sunday Times. “Once again it's an article concentrating...
Japan: Internet users in the world
A post [ja] at ideaxidea shows graphs [en] describing the percentage of the world's internet users in 2008.
Nabucco: Running out of gas
Der Spiegelfechter comments on [GER] the agreement to build gas pipeline Nabucco and wonders where the gas will be coming from, whereas Der Unbequeme questions [GER] the need of yet...
Nabucco: Chorus of the energy slaves
Gabriela Ionita of Power&PoliticsWeblog discusses the recent agreement in Ankara on the construction of the western financed Nabucco gas pipeline and competition with Russia over Caucasian and Central Asian gas...
UAE: Marwa's Mainstream Media Fail
Dubai's Fake Plastic Souks describes the coverage following the murder of Egyptian Marwa El Sherbiny in a German courthouse as a “mainstream media fail.” “So, once again, we have news...
Azerbaijan: An Interview with Scary Azeri
Unashamedly acerbic, but alway humorous, Scary Azeri in Suburbs has fast become popular with many interested in the South Caucasus and posts have even been republished by the media in her native Azerbaijan. Today, Global Voices Online interviewed Scary Azeri about blogging, tweeting, cultural clashes, trolls and more.
Czech Republic: A story of engineerial ingenuity
The Reference Frame examines the biography of ingenious Czech inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), and discusses his role for the development of science and industry.
Syria: Asma Al Assad in the UK Press
Syria News Wire takes a look at how Syria's First Lady Asma Al Assad is portrayed in a UK paper.
Russia: Why Medvedev was drowsy at G8 summit
LJ user supehero gives his very own explanation [RUS] to why President Medvedev looked so drowsy at the G8 summit in Italy.
Jordan: Why was Marwa killed?
Jordanian Naseem Tarawnah discusses the recent murder of Egyptian Marwa El-Sherbini, 32, in a courtroom in Germany in front of her three year old son and says: “This case was...
Russia: Reactions to OSCE Hitler-Stalin resolution
LJ community Politika v Rossii posts [RUS] an online poll to find out blogger reactions to a recent OSCE resolution comparing the crimes of Hitler and Stalin, showing interesting results.
Russia-Germany: Resurrection of Berlin wall painting
IZO reports on the resurrection of Dmitri Vrubel's renowned Berlin wall painting of the kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker.
Kenya: Kenya against Ireland in Intercontinental Cup
Kenya Cricket writes about Kenya's Intercontinental Cup match against Ireland: “Ireland yesterday (Sun) seized six points through a first innings lead of 73 after Kenya's last four wickets added 92...
Egyptian woman killed in German court for being veiled
Egyptian bloggers join forces to decry the murder of a veiled Egyptian woman in a German court. Marwa El Sherbini, 32, who was pregnant at the time of her murder was stabbed to death 18 times by the man she had sued for insulting her for wearing the Hijab (Islamic headscarf) after judges ruled in her favour. Here is a round up of reactions from Egypt.
Azerbaijan: Canine reflections
Scary Azeri in Suburbs features a special guest post from her Baku-born Rottweiler who compares life as a dog in the United Kingdom with that of Azerbaijan.
