Stories from 22 February 2008
China: Hu Jie
Zhai Minglei posted an interview with Hu Jie (zh), a documentary film maker, who lives with the poor with his camera.
China: Human Flesh Search Engine
ESWN translated a story about a netizen's call for “human flesh search engine” to identify a malicious “uncle figure” in an online video. In the end, they managed to find the uploader, but not the “uncle”.
South Korea: New Political Party
Newcham has an interview with lawmaker Shim Sang-jung, who is in the process of building a new political party.
Kazakhstan: Political Parallels
Marat posts an interesting view on the Kazakhstani politicians and their clones in the Russian Federation, drawing the parallels by the political nature and status of the personalities.
Kazakhstan: Govt Threatens to Delicense Arcelor Mittal
Zhanna Zhukova reports that after series of tragedies, when dozens of miners were killed in blasts on the coal mines of Arcelor Mittal’s Kazakh subsidiary, the government took a firm stance and warned of the possible cancellation of the license.
Kyrgyzstan: President Ponders to Oust US Troops
Ayan Dane informs readers that Kyrgyzstan's President Bakiev has made a statement that Kyrgyzstan will eventually insist that the United States removes its military airbase from the country.
Uzbekistan: Tycoon Buys English Football Club
Libertad writes that Alisher Usmanov, a businessmen born (and held in custody) in Uzbekistan, currently a mining tycoon and Russia’s 18th richest man, decided to increase his share in the Arsenal FC.
Uzbekistan: Reshuffling Again?
Mansurhon writes about the recent arrest of Uzbekistan's Deputy General Prosecutor, saying that shuffling of higher officials is a usual procedure for Uzbekistan, as president Islam Karimov often changes key people in both in central and local governments.
Kazakhstan: Park in Almaty
Kamneed is posting picturesque photos of the central park in Almaty, a city called Southern capital of Kazakhstan. The shots shows us how this small piece of calmness in the heart of noisy city is looking this winter.
Venezuela: Falling Profits for PDVSA
The Venezuelan blog Otra Expresión [es] writes that profits for the state oil company (PDVSA) has fallen in the past year.
Afganistan: Story Behind Pictures
Mohammad posts a number of pictures of Afghanistan's children in “schools” in remote areas, and says that the current authorities spend billions of western aids on luxurious houses, top model cars and jewelry instead of improving humanitarian situation.
Mexico: AOL to Return
Vivir México [es] writes about America Online's (AOL) return to Mexico trying to become major player in that country's internet services. However, it won't be as internet providers or connections, rather through its portal.
Korea: Increase in Living Expenses and Freedom of Speech
While Koreans are waiting for the new administration after the presidential election, the ambitious policies of the new administration and the burning of Namdaemun (South Gate) in Seoul seem to cause Koreans to build up uncertain trust toward the administration.
Myanmar: To start a radio campaign for Free Burma
Burma Sitmone urges fellow Burmese to start a radio campaing for Free Burma, “There are wonderful young and energetic Burmese bloggers who have been posting very relevant and interesting opinion in Burmese language … it would be very lucky if these posts are read by one percent of Burmese staying...
Morocco: Hijab as a Choice
Much has been said about "the veil," or hijab. Perhaps too much - mention it, and suddenly everyone - Muslim or not - is an expert. In Morocco, hijab is certainly a choice. Young and old alike don the headscarf, and in big cities, seeing it is as common as not seeing it. Although in rural areas it is more prevalent, all women have (legal) freedom of choice whether or not to wear it.
Egypt: 150 Muslim Brotherhood Members in the Dock
Security forces arrested at least 70 members of the Muslim Brotherhood in predawn raids around the country this morning, bringing the total number of members arrested in the past week to at least 150, writes Elijah Zarwan, from Egypt.
Egypt: Code of Ethics for Arab Satellite Channels
The Arab information minister’s recent decree introducing a “code of ethics” for Arab satellite stations was the butt of jokes in an Al Jazeera TV programme, according to The Arabist.
Palestine in the Aftermath of Kosovo
Diana, from Kabobfest, discusses Palestinian politics, following the declaration of Kosovo as an independent state.
Lebanon: US Embassy in Serbia on Fire
From Lebanon, Sophia keeps us up-to-date with the attack on the US Embassy in Serbia in this post.
Middle East: Wishing Kosovo all the Best!
Bloggers and some politicians in the Middle East were quick to draw parallels between Kosovo's independence from Serbia and the Palestine Question. Following the news from the Balkans, here's a snapshot of more reactions from Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Trinidad & Tobago: Music Festival
“It seems to defeat the purpose of competition when it seems no matter how hard you try…you could still end up tied with fellow competitors in the top three. Wither, then, the prestige and the incentive?” Discover TnT Blog is a tad disappointed with the Trinidad & Tobago Music Festival.
