Stories from 23 November 2007
Slovenia: Postojna Cave
The Glory of Carniola posts a link to a 1970s “guided recording through Slovenia’s famous Postojna Cave complete with eerie background music and an unintentionally humorous pronunciation of ‘stalagmites’.”
Former Yugoslavia: Vladimir Arsenijevic's Piece
The Glory of Carniola discusses an article by a Serbian writer, which begins this way: “For all ex-Yugoslavs, but particularly for the Serbs, the Kosovo Albanians used to be simply ‘our negroes.’ Nowadays, however, they are cast as Serbia's arch-enemies […].”
Slovenia: Last Combat's Dormant Battles
On Last Combat, Slovenia is, so far, a rather obscure place, writes The Glory of Carniola. Russia is a pretty busy battlefield, though.
Slovenia: “The Lord of Bluff”?
Dr. Filomena writes on how Slovenia's prime minister “stopped the down-with-the-government campaign before it could begin.” Sleeping with Pengovsky has more on the government's maneuvering – here, here and here.
Slovenia: “Elections Explained”
Sleeping with Pengovksy explains “what is it with Slovenes that they seem to run politicians from power for no apparent reason.”
Slovenia: Real Estate
Dr. Filomena offers comprehensive analysis of Slovenia's real estate market – here, here and here.
Palestine: Impact of Fuel and Electricity Cuts on Gaza
The Israeli human rights organization Gisha has just issue a fact sheet on Israel’s collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the impact of the electricity and fuel cuts, reports Palestinian blogger Haitham Sabbah, who provides a link to the article.
Jordan: Americans Not Too Rich
Americans are not as ‘rich’ as they seem, argues Jordanian blogger Hareega.
Jordan: No Thanks. I am Muslim.
Jordanian blogger Qwaider argues that observing Muslims should politely refuse offers of alcohol and pork saying that they don't want it instead of apologising for being Muslim.
Lebanon: Unconstitutional State of Emergency
The government is going to announce that the state of emergency is unconstitutional because apparently the constitution says that the government must announce it and it should be signed by the Minister of Defense, reports Lebanese blogger Eliedh.
Qatar: Dubai Closes Pakistani TV Stations
“One of the ugly fallouts of the state of emergency in Pakistan was the media crackdown by Musharraf's regime,” writes Qatar-based blogger Abdurahman Warsame, who adds that the UAE closed down two Pakistani television stations.
Lebanon: State of Emergency..Or Not
Lebanon is in a political limbo after parliament failed to elect a successor for President Emile Lahoud today. Hours before the end of his term, Lahoud ordered the army to take charge of security, leaving rival factions responsible for naming a president and leading to international calls for calm. Lebanon's bloggers were quick to react.
Bahrain: Losing its identity?
This week in Bahrain we have opinions on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit, a blogger's dilemma about whether to have a female friend, another getting stuck between his wife-to-be and her family, a call for more Islamic bloggers, and a fear that Bahrain won't stay Bahraini for much longer...
Brazil: Bogota is the next to host the Campus Party
Guilherme Felitti [pt] reports that after the first international edition of Campus Party in São Paulo- Brazil this February, the event will be hosted in Bogota, Colombia from 16 through 22 June.
Brazil: Police demoralization
PE Body Count [pt] reports on a case that reflects the lack of security in Pernambuco-Brazil. The official car of the Secretary of Social Defense, Servilho Paiva, was stolen. The vehicle was found this morning, but guns belonging to two security guards were stolen. “This seems to be more of...
India: Guha's India After Gandhi
Law and Other Things on varying reviews of Ramachandra Guha's book – India After Gandhi.
Brazil: Bloggers are debate starters
MLOG [pt] reflects on a piece of news reporting that nearly a third of the debates on the Brazilian internet are started by the blogosphere. “Besides generating arguments, bloggers interfere in consumer's decisions when they quote brands or reveal consumption desire”.
Pakistan: The biggest problem
The Pakistani Spectator on illiteracy in the country and why the government needs to take quick action.
Bangladesh: The cyclone and the government
Addafication clarifies the author's viewpoint on the possible political fall out as one of the consequences of Cyclone Sidr.
Bangladesh: Helping victims of the cyclone
Bangladesh From Our View on how people can help those affected by Cyclone Sidr.
India: Take Back The Tech
Conversations with Dina writes about Take Back The Tech. “This is a collaborative campaign by ICT users, advocates, collectives and organisations that take issue with the prevalence of Violence Against Women in our diverse realities.”