Stories from 22 August 2008
Bahrain: Celebrating the Imam Al-Mahdi’s birth
In the middle of the Islamic month of Sha’aban, the month before Ramadan, festivities take place all over Bahrain celebrating the date of Imam Al Mahdi’s birth. The occasion is called Nasfa [Ar], and it is not just a Shiite religious feast, but an event celebrated by Bahrainis of all communities.
South Ossetia: Tskhinvali Photos and Reports
On Aug. 21, Columbia Journalism Review published Julia Ioffe's overview of several Russian journalists' blogging from the war in South Ossetia. Featured in her piece are reports by LJ user krig42 (Komsomolskaya Pravda reporter Dmitry Steshin) and LJ user ep-news (Evgeny Poddubny, correspondent for TV Center). Below are a few more blog posts from Russian and North Ossetian journalists, with photos and accounts of what they've seen in the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali over the past week.
Lebanon: The Memorandum of Understanding…or Controversy?
Shia Hezbullah and Sunni Salafist groups in Lebanon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that prohibits Muslims from killing each other. Hours later, the agreement was revoked. Nash Suleiman digs into the Lebanese blogosphere to bring us the story.
Iran: First Gold Medal in Olympic games
Iranian Olympic title-holder Hadi Saei won his second Olympic taekwondo gold medal.Ebtekar Sabz,Iranian blogger, writes [Fa] that Iranian champion has said “I play for the heart of people.”
Argentina: Weblogs Day 2008 in Buenos Aires
The 2008 version of Weblogs Day recently took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This year, topics went beyond the discussion of blogs, and included information about web 2.0 entrepreneurs and other online events. Global Voices Online was also presented by Argentina author Jorge Gobbi.
Pakistan: Who is the next president?
CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan is analyzing the reports and rumors that Asif Ali Zardari, the Co-Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the widower of the assassinated ex Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto may be the next President of Pakistan. Chowrangi also weighs in on this issue.
Pakistan: In tears again
All Things Pakistan is in pain after yet another suicide bomb blast in Pakistan that killed more than 70 people: “In what continues to be war on and in Pakistan, Pakistanis continue to die. Pakistan continues to cry.”
Algeria: Focus on Russo-Syrian Relations
The Moor Next Door, from Algeria, discusses Russo-Syrian relations in this post.
Oman: Car-less in Muscat
Omani blogger Muscati is car-less. Click on the link to find out why.
India: Mumbai Pride
Sakshi Juneja posts some pictures of the recently concluded Queer Azadi LGBT pride march in Mumbai, India.
Bangladesh: Anti-corruption drive halted
An Ordinary Citizen reports that the much discussed corruption cases against the politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats in Bangladesh have been halted at the corridor of the High Court.
Sri Lanka: Ridi Vihare
Cerno visits a historic cave temple – the Ridi Vihare -”Silver Temple” in Sinhala and writes about it.
Egypt: Taking Down Sexual Harassment
A national campaign to fight sexual harassment in Egypt is making waves. Lasto Adri reflects on a post by a female blogger who feels that harassment has to stop.
Jordan: Al Aqsa Mosque Picture
Jordan's Jazarah posts a 39-year-old photograph of “Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Palestine after an Israeli attack that caused a big fire, leading to major damage in the Mosque.”
Algeria: Closer Look at Mauritania's Former First Lady
Algerian blogger The Moor Next Door takes a closer look at Khatou mint El Boukhari, the wife of Mauritania’s former president, has been blamed by many for her husband’s downfall.
Kuwait: Missing romance
Kuwaiti blogger Shopa reports on a surprising conversation with her mother about romance.
MENA: Refused Gaza Fulbright students speak
A few weeks a group of students from the Gaza Strip who were due to go to the United States on Fulbright scholarships had their visas revoked at the last moment. Two of the students who were denied the chance to pursue their studies have since written heartfelt letters pleading their case.
Saudi Arabia: Can non-Muslims practise their faith here?
American Bedu, who lives in Saudi Arabia, asks the question: “I’m not Muslim. Can I practice my faith in Saudi Arabia?”
Saudi Arabia: Unhappy in Riyadh
After three years in the USA, Saudi blogger Aysha Alkusayer is having trouble readjusting to life in Riyadh, especially when she is not busy with work. She says: “To console myself tonight I am promising the following: I will not age in this city nor will I die in it.”
Morocco: Rural Life
Près du puits, in a post entitled “Two Kids, Twelve Cows, and a Swing,” shares the trials, tribulations – and entertainment – of Morocco's rural poor.
