Stories from 20 December 2007
Iran:UN Sees Iranian Rights Abuses
Omid Memarian,journalist and blogger,informs us that the “U.N. General Assembly approved a draft resolution Tuesday expressing “deep concern” at the systematic human rights violations in Iran, including torture, flogging, amputations, stoning and public executions.
Ghana: It's time for music in politics
Chale discusses the use of music in the Ghanian presidential race: “Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, is in the news again. After causing stirs on the music scene and political landscape with his Letter to parliament track, he has released a new political song called ‘Da no’ which...
South Africa: Is Jacob Zuma untouchable?
The Outlet is pessimistic about the future of South Africa: “Within a day of being ANC president, a major force against him is bound to be disbanded. I really hope someone does something about this soon, this country is facing some serious troubles otherwise.”
South Africa: Two centers of power
Ray Hartley's take on Zuma's victory as ANC president: “As of today, the country is living with the much speculated about phenomenon of “two centers of power”. Jacob Zuma is ANC president while Thabo Mbeki remains president of the country.”
The troubled pasts of Burkina Faso
The United Nations Development Programme recently released its 2007/2008 Human Development Index. Burkina Faso dropped from the world’s fourth poorest country to its second poorest. Burkina Mom found it sadly ironic that development indicators are falling while the government throws itself a huge party for National Day, replete with a huge parade and many festivities.
Barbados, Jamaica: Navel String
“Dirt under the nails is a good thing”: Living in Barbados blogs about an interesting Jamaican tradition and the joys of being close to the earth.
Cuba: Show Me Your Friends…
Child of the Revolution describes the United Nations resolution expressing concern at reports of human rights violations in North Korea “surprising” – and notes that “the usual suspects” (including Cuba) abstained from the vote.
Trinidad & Tobago: Media Accuracy
“It's not enough to just present the news. You have to be accurate”: Media Watch corrects several reporters’ poor pronunciation.
Barbados: Matters of Race
Barbados-born pop star Rihanna's revelation that she was bullied at school for being “white” causes Barbados Free Press and What crazy looks like to blog about “the intersections of race, colour, class and gender in the Caribbean.”
Barbados: Politics and Unions
Notes From The Margin asks: “Should a Union endorse a political party? Should politicians be union representatives?”
Bermuda: The Government We Deserve?
A Limey In Bermuda thinks that the island has got the government it deserves.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Christmas Traditions
MACO Caribbean Living gives us a glimpse into unique Christmas celebrations in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Puerto Rico: Loving Life
“A reminder of My mortality. A memo to Me that nothing is guaranteed”: A close call makes Gil the Jenius appreciate life all the more.
Trinidad & Tobago: Bah Humbug!
Jeremy Taylor wants to call off Christmas.
Trinidad & Tobago: Hanky Panky
The Leader of the Opposition wiped his hands on a handkerchief after reluctantly shaking hands with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago at the ceremonial opening of the 9th session of Parliament – The Extra Secret Blog of Basdeo Panday explains everything.
Cambodia: Monks Stopped From Petitioning
Bloggers outside and inside Cambodia are discussing the violent dispersal of monks who wanted to petition Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh for unfair detainment of a Cambodian monk and Vietnam's absorption of Cambodian territory in the past. Read on for background to the incident and links to the blogs talking about the issue.
Uzbekistan: 2007 in Retrospect
Libertad reviews major event in Uzbekistan in 2007, pointing out a topic that deserves more attention than others – pre-election process in Uzbekistan.
Kyrgyzstan: Weeding the Tulip Garden
Bboyd reviews the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, saying that instead of a diverse planting of ideas and leadership, Kyrgyzstan’s legislature will have a kind of political desert for ideas and institutions.
India: Tweetup!
A Tweetup (or Twitter Meetup) in Mumbai, probably the first one in India – more information at Gauravonomics.
Afghanistan: Taliban Call
Sanjar reports that Taliban leader Mullah Omar on Tuesday called on foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan: Blogosphere’s Self-Reflection
Recently, the Kazakhstani blogosphere has suddenly become interested in what the blogs really are and what sort of impact they have. Bloggers produced series of posts on this topic approximately at the same time. It is difficult to say for sure what was the reason for such wave of self-reflection...
