Stories from 16 April 2008
Brazilian political journalism
Helio Paz, from Palanque do Blackão[Pt], writes a big post about the Brazilian political media, mainstream and alternative alike, and tells us what he does read, and what he doesn't, and why. There's even a very nice citation[Pt] about Global Voices on the post.
Ecuador: Shakeup in Armed Forces Due to Troubling Findings
The Ecuadoran Armed Forces and its intelligence services have been in hot water due to recent revelations that some members provided the U.S. CIA with key documents in the aftermath of the border crisis with Colombia. As a result, President Rafael Correa removed many of the high-ranking officials and pledged to regain more control and sovereignty by the security forces.
Maghreb netizens respond to 8 year-old Yemeni girl's petition for divorce
Tunisian blogger Stupeur!! Un nouveu depart!! (Stupor!! A New Beginning!!) responds to a Yemen Times article about an 8 year-old girl who is trying to file for divorce from a 30 year-old man she says her father forced her to marry.
Armenia: Rising Gas Prices
The Armenian Observer questions why prices for natural gas will rise. In particular, the blog examines the end of a government subsidy based on the dollar-dram exchange rate despite fluctuations in the currency exchange market.
Georgia: Tourism Development
Social Science in the Caucasus examines Georgia's fledgling post-Soviet tourism industry and takes one ski resort as an example. After previously failed attempts at privatization, the blog says that with each step of progress, other problems emerge which reflect many of the issues facing the former Soviet republic.
Caucasus: Development Index
Social Science in the Caucasus examines statistics used to determine the performance of Armenia and Azerbaijan by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Three main policy categories — namely, Ruling Justly, Investing in People, and Economic Freedom — are examined. While the blog says that Georgia is showing progress, the two other...
Armenia: Moulding the Future?
Marilisa Lorusso's Blog examines the post-state of emergency situation in Armenia now that the prime minister, Serge Sargsyan, has taken up the presidency. In particular, the blog examines his inaugural address and questions some of its content. Nevertheless, the blog says that there might be some cause for hope.
Iraq: No Graduations
Najma, from Mosul, Iraq, writes about how her cousin's graduation ceremony was called off because of threats on campus.
Why Iraqis are Forced Out of their Homes
Mama, from Iraq, writes a touching post about why Iraqis are forced to move out of their homes. Some leave to escape bad memories, while others leave under threat. Many leave the country altogether.
Iraq: The Story of the Doura Refinery
Alive in Baghdad updates us about the oil refining facilities in Doura district in this video. Built in 1953 and partially destroyed from mortar attacks in December 2007, the refinery is located in the dangerous Doura District of Baghdad, where the lives of workers is under constant threat.
Iraq: Battle between Gangs and State Continues
“The battle between criminal gangs and the state continues, yet the war is far from being over. Public statements keep coming from both sides and they don’t seem to promise a diplomatic resolution for the crisis,” reports Iraq the Model, on the latest situation in his country.
Iraq: 210 Israeli Companies at Work
Iraqi Ladybird reports from a seminar about how there are 210 Israeli companies working in Iraq.
Selling Jordan
Hareega updates us about the latest deals of the Jordanian government – which has been selling prime property to foreign investors.
Jordan: How Can a PM Demonstrate his Worthiness?
From Jordan, Khalaf asks: “How would a prime minister who is presiding over an economy with over 10% inflation, slow economic growth, failing public education and health services and an inability to execute any important public projects prove his worthiness?”
Jordan: Smart Mosques with High Speed Internet
Zeid Nasser, from Jordan, writes about ‘smart’ mosques, with high-speed Internet, cropping up in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Pakistan: Through Choudhry's Lens
All Things Pakistan introduces a series on rare photographs by F.E Choudhry.
Jamaica, Guyana, U.S.A.: Virginia Tech Remembered
Jamaican Geoffrey Philp links to Guyanese poet Fred D’Aguiar's poem for Virginia Tech on the one-year anniversary of the shootings.
Pakistan: Media and restrictions
CHUP! on the new government in Pakistan lifting harsh restrictions on the media that were imposed by President Pervez Musharraf during his emergency rule in November 2007.
Nepal: Meeting Obama
Deepak's Diary on meeting Obama and how the man is quite different from the breed of politicians in Nepal.
Nepal: In Lhasa
In which blogdai from Nepal interviews Kadfly, described as ” None but a single young traveler who happened to be in Lhasa when the uprising began.”
India: Nepal, Maoists and the Media
Straight Angle on the communist inclinations of a national newspaper in India that celebrates the Maoist victory in Nepal.
