Stories from 28 July 2008
Afghanistan: Violence in the Hazarajat, Protests in Kabul
Afghanistan is one of those countries where minority issues drive nearly everything. They form the basis for why President Hamid Karzai is “the best game in town,” but also why he should resign. They form the fundamental structure of the national government, with ethnic set-asides (Kuchis get 10 seats in...
Afganistan: Corruption Allegations
The Rumi says that three former officials in the eastern Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, who have been sacked by the ex-Attorney General, Abdul Jabar Sabet, now accuse him of extorting bribes from them.
South Korea: Why are Koreans Hypersensitive to Criticisms from Non-Koreans?
Ask a Korean addresses another sensitive question:Why are Koreans Hypersensitive to Criticisms from Non-Koreans?
Hong Kong: Pan Democrats’ Internal Battle
Wongonyin predicts that the coming legislative council election would become an internal battle within pan democratic clan.
China: Turbulent
Buxi from Fool's mountain translated a blog post from Tianya “China feels very turbulent” part I and part II.
China: Xinhua PS News Photo
Donews looked into a Xinhua photo in which you can see a twins and the sudden change of floor texture as a result of PS editing.
China: Buying Up All Lawyers
Liu Xiaoyuan highlights and comments on a local report about a district government from Tongliao city in inner Mongolia's suppression of civic right movement by hiring all lawyers in the area to prevent the people from suing the government officials.
China: Political Dissidents
Angry Chinese blogger comments on Beijing policy on political dissidents, in particular the recent refusal in giving passport to the Tibetan writer Woeser.
China: Olympic Lie
Zhaomu comments on a recent report claiming that Bill Gate will spend 100 millions to rent a high rise courtyard of one year in Beijing in order to have the best view on Olympics. The blogger anticipates more Olympic lies in the coming months.
China: 1950s Starvation
1Bao posted several exclusive pieces on the nationwide starvation during the 1950s (Great Leap Forward).
Egypt: Facebook Activists Arrested
A number of Facebook activists have been arrested in Alexandria, Egypt, reports Elijah Zarwan, saying: “Amnesty International has released an urgent action on the arrest of Facebook activists gathered for a mild protest in Alexandria.”
AIDS: XVII International Conference call for videos
The XVII International AIDS Conference will take place in Mexico City between August 3rd and the 8th, and Witness' THE HUB has a series of videos uploaded by community members and organizations reflecting diverse approaches to HIV-AIDS related issues. The innitiative is towards creating a repository of work, testimonies, video and photographs to be shared through their site before, during and after the conference.
Ecuador: New Constitution Ready For Vote in Referendum
A draft proposal for the new Constitution in Ecuador is ready for approval by a nationwide referendum to be held in September. However, reports of a Constituent Assembly under pressure, a change of assembly president, and questionable legal conditions placed on the text leave some unsure of their vote. In spite of this, local bloggers recommend that everyone read the entire 200-page text before making a decision and that it is important to be a part of the process.
