Stories from 30 October 2007
Armenia: Trade with Russia
Oneworld Multimedia looks at two conflicting opinions on trade between Armenia and Russia. On the one hand, the Jamestown Foundation says that increasing trade between the two countries is political whereas an Armenian economist blogger believes that it is far from its full potential and cites the example of neighboring...
Russia: Mikhalkov's “12”
Ntalia Anonova reviews Nikita Mikhalkov's “12”: “The movie isn’t some exotic, tourist-y, BBC “country profile”-y jaunt through an ethnic conflict. It crushes you, resuscitates you, crushes you some more.”
Russia: Murals at Babushkinskaya
Moscow Through Brown Eyes posts pictures of the new murals at one of Moscow's residential neighborhoods, created by Russian and Dutch graffiti artists.
Russia: Bukovsky on Putin's Prison Slang
Former dissident Vladimir Bukovsky says president Vladimir Putin doesn't understand the prison camp slang he sometimes uses, Window on Eurasia reports.
Russia: Dmitry Kozak's Replacement
Window on Eurasia writes about “Putin’s new man in the North Caucasus” and his methods.
Russia: Miss Russia 2007
The Turkish Invasion blogs about Miss Russia 2007 contest.
Russia: Chessbase on Kasparov
Siberian Light notes the reaction of Chessbase to the angry readers protesting coverage of Garry Kasparov's political involvement.
Azerbaijan: Economic Growth
Steady State examines Azerbaijan's record growth and says that it looks as though the country will register the strongest economic growth worldwide for the fourth year in succession. However, a note of caution is also sounded. Economic growth recorded in just a few sectors also has its problems.
Russia: Serial Killer Alexander Pichushkin
Siberian Light writes about the Guardian's coverage of a Moscow serial killer.
Azerbaijan: Presidential Preferences
TOL's Steady State reports that a possible candidate for the 2008 presidential election in Azerbaijan is accusing the current authorities of “selling out” territory currently under the control of ethnic Armenians. The blog also notes that Eldar Namazov has attacked the Azerbaijani government for apparently not favoring the nomination of...
Sri Lanka: Media and Emergencies
Moving Images, Moving People reflects on Media reports in emergency situations after attending the Global Symposium +5 in Geneva.
Pakistan: Oh! The politics!
KO reflects on the politics in Pakistan, commenting “American movie goers will be familiar with the feeling many Pakistan’s are going through. “
Pakistan: Blast in Rawalpindi
The Pakistani Spectator on a blast in Rawalpindi.
India: Being a Muslim
Known Turf on a brief history of the self, exploring Islam, perceptions and identity.
India: Child Labour
Atanu Dey raises some questions about banning child labour, especially relevant in the context of recent media reports about GAP sourcing its clothes from vendors who use child labour.
Burkina Faso: Blogs Help Burkinabe Skirt Censorship
In Burkina Faso, blogging is more than a pastime. It is the eyes and ears of thousands of net users. That's why from October 11th to the 17th, during the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso's internet connection was cut in order to prevent those commemorating...
Azerbaijan: Terrorist Attack Foiled
As the international media reports that the Azerbaijani authorities foiled a planned terrorist plot to attack government offices and diplomatic missions in Baku, Carpetblogger says that the U.S. and U.K Embassies were yesterday closed as a precaution. However, the blogger doesn't sound too impressed or convinced by official reports that...
Armenia: Homophobic Advert
Blogian posts a photograph of an advertisement for a rap party in Yerevan named after a historical Armenian site in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan. Hrag Vartanian says that the advert depicting an American girl in a Stars & Stripes bikini with the words “Homosexuals and Animals Not Welcome” would...
Laos: Farmers Might Need Help
Lao Voices has images from Laos where farmers are trying to save their harvest from flooding earlier this month.
Iraq: Breathing Slowly
Iraqi Aunt Najma sums up her sentiments about life in Iraq as follows: “Breathing slowly.. In and out..that's what I have to do to keep myself from crying, and stay alive. I'm more depressed than I've ever been in the last year I think.” She also describes the daily difficulties...
Malaysia: Sex Education Lessons From Malaysia
Cakap Tak Serupa Bikin is happy that Malaysia beats its southern neighbor in at least one area.
