Stories from 24 January 2007
Iraq: Olive Branch's First Anniversary
The Olive Branch Network celebrates its first anniversary tomorrow (Thursday, January 25), says Iraqi blogger Khalid Jarrar. The network is all “about bridging the gap between cultures and making the world understand Iraq and Iraqis better.”
Egypt: Protest Against Atrocities Committed by Police
Egyptain blogger Asad informs us of a protest being organised to rally support against atrocitites being committed by Egyptian police at present (Ar). The protest is being held tomorrow (Thursday – January 25) to coincide with celebrations being held to commemorate the Egyptian Police Day.
Egypt: Spotlight on Beirut
Egyptian blogger Zenobia gives us her two cents on her assessment of the situation in Lebanon. “I don't know why they insist of labeling the opposition with Hezbollah as if they want to scare the west from it,” she writes.
Nepal: Strikes and Traffic
Traffic comes to a sluggish halt because of a strike called in Nepal. United We Blog! on the situation and with a video. “The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs have called an indefinite traffic strike (chakka jam) today to protest the torching of public vehicles in Lahan on Friday...
Sri Lanka: Peacemaking and Religion
Infoshare Research Unit points to a research titled “Religious Contributions to Peace Building”. “The report expresses both the difficulties and the successes of religious peacemaking, and show that properly conducted religious efforts can bear much fruit.”
Sri Lanka: Art and the Tamil Tiger
Biting sarcasm at ravana, as contribution of Tamil Tigers to art is discussed. “The head of HR confirmed that for functional artisans and pure artists alike, immediate post mortem appreciation is guaranteed with the LTTE’s rewarding martyrdom retirement plan.”
Nepal: Tiananmen Square Being Staged in Lahan
Madhesh.com has concerns about violence against citizens. “In Lahan, more than hundred innocent peaceful Madheshi protestors have been seriously injured from the brutal attack by government's armed forces to suppress their voices and peaceful protests.”
Tajikistan: Glimpse of a Wedding
Gulru offers a glimpse of a Tajik wedding at neweurasia.
Afghanistan: Unconventional
Joshua Foust says that NATO has realized a bit too late that Afghanistan is an unconventional conflict.
Armenia: Hrant Dink Roundup
Onnik Krikorian rounds up both the Armenian blogosphere and the Turkish blogosphere on Hrant Dink's murder.
Afghanistan: State of the Union
Safrang says that Afghanistan was not mentioned enough in President Bush's State of the Union Speech.
Armenia: Dink & the Blockade
David of The Armenian Economist writes that though in the wake of the Hrant Dink's murder the Turkish press is making some encouraging statements regarding relations with Armenians, what would really make a difference for Armenians would be to lift the blockade on the state of Armenia.
Estonia: Tartu Real Estate
Itching for Eestimaa is looking for an apartment “in the city of Tartu, you know that unappealing hellhole in southeast Estonia where there are no good indie rock bands and the best thing is the road leading to Tallinn?” Some observations on Tartu's real estate are here.
Russia, Estonia: Advice to Teens
Itching for Eestimaa has some advice for the Russian youth: “I guess every country needs its enemies. But the idea of tiny Estonia being enemy enough to evoke ire among Russian teenagers is cause for concern. Haven't they got better things to do? Discoteques to attend? Ladies to romance? Careers...
Belarus: Mentioned in the State of the Union Address
According to TOL's Belarus Blog, Belarus gets a useless mention in this year's State of the Union address: “It turns out that when things go sour in Iraq, promoting democracy in Belarus and Burma are actually a good card to play for George Bush…”
Russia: Krasnaya Polyana Ski Resort
Sochi Travel blog writes on the quite dysfunctional Krasnaya Polyana skiing resort.
Russia: TP Ads
Russian Marketing Blog links to an eye-catching toilet paper ad campaign: “Toilet paper production is not only trade but also art.”
Russia: Conversation With Litvinenko's Widow, Part 4
David McDuff of A Step At A Time translates the fourth installment of a Russian-language interview with Aleksandr Litvinenko's widow Marina.
Ukraine: Solotvyno Salt Mine
Ukraine List writes about the Solotvyno Salt Mine, located near the Romanian border, home to the deepest speleotherapy facility in the world: “Speleotherapy in Solotvyno essentially uses the micro-climates in the underground salt mines to treat respiratory and lung ailments. […] Anywhere from three to five thousand people are treated...
Europe: Bulgarain Xenophobic MEP
“It’s about time EU politics had some entertainment again,” writes Europhobia. The ‘entertainment’ is the 23-year-old Bulgarian MEP Dimitar Stoyanov, known for the anti-Semitic and anti-Roma views he's not trying to hide.
Philippines: Election season begins
It’s already election season! Campaigning for midterm elections will begin next month. On May 14, Filipinos will vote for members of Senate, Lower House and local government units. The Administration hopes to keep its majority lead in the Lower House to block a possible impeachment case this year. The Opposition...
