Stories from 14 October 2008
Russia: Justification of Stalin's Deportations
Window on Eurasia writes about a new book that justifies ethnic deportations by Stalin.
Ukraine: Political Fighting and the Delayed Election
Foreign Notes writes about political fighting that is likely to postpone the snap election in Ukraine: “Ukrainians like a lengthy New Year and Orthodox Christmas break. If the VR elections were to be switched to some time after this it would be late Spring before parliament would reconvene – about...
Ukraine: Rally Against UPA
At Ukrainiana, lots of photos and video from a rally against the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which took place in Kyiv today: “As expected, I found myself in the Jurassic Park of communism, progressive socialism, pan-Slavism, Russian monarchism, imperialism, Eurasianism and whatnot.”
India: Social entrepreneur helping the poor
In a Blog Action Day post Lalit Patnaik at Inside Out highlights one social entrepreneur who is promoting sustainable technologies such as solar electrification to families below poverty line in rural India.
Pakistan: Daredevil elctricians
All things Pakistan writes about the daredevil electricians of Pakistan who risks their lives everyday to work on distribution and transmission lines.
Israel: Surprise Awaits a Soldier
From Israel, A Soldier's Mother has a surprise for her son when he returns home. Also click on the link to read more about why many religious Jewish families don't like to have animals in their homes.
Saudi Arabia: What if the Prophet Were to Return to Saudi?
American Bedu asks: “[I]f the Prophet (pbuh) were to return to Saudi Arabia for even just one week, what would he think of what he sees today of the people? I think if he were to return during Ramadan he would be pleased in some cases but saddened and appalled...
Iraq: Christians in Danger
Writing at Mideast Youth, Iraqi Wameeth warns Iraqi Christians living in Mosul are in danger.
Iraq: Stop the Persecution of Christians in Mosul
Marshmallow, from Iraq, draws our attention to the plight of Christian Iraqis in Mosul.
Saudi Arabia: The Commercialisation of Mecca
American Bedu explains how commercialism is making is way to Mecca, the holiest of Islamic sites, where residents are being forced out of their apartments and homes, to make room for accommodation for pilgrims at inflated rates.
Jordan: The UN and Israel
Ali, from Jordan, reviews the UN resolutions passed against Israel in this post.
UAE: Just Human Blog Blocked
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia says that Just human, a popular blog from the UAE, has been blocked.
Kuwait: Mourning and Memories
Kuwaiti doctor and blogger Isolated Serenity mourns the death of her grandmother – and shares with us some memories in this post.
Saudi Arabia: AC Troubles
Saudi Wanderer [Ar] complains about the fluctuating temperatures and his struggle with the air-conditioner – turn it on, and you feel cold; turn it off, and you sweat.
Russia: Blog Roundup; Bailout of Iceland
Siberian Light posts a Russia blog roundup for October, and also writes about Russia's bailout of Iceland now and a similar initiative undertaken by the Soviet Union over 50 years ago.
Egypt: Epitah Blog Hacked, then Blocked
“Epitah is a famous successful dear blogress whose blog was hacked then it was blocked by Google,” writes Egyptian blogger Zeinobia.
Syria: Petition Urging Men to “Cover Up” Launched
Syrian blogger Omniya [Ar] has heard enough about people ordering her to cover up and that women are to blame for falling victims to sexual harassment. Now is her turn to launch a campaign calling for men to cover up and lower their gaze.
Guyana: EPA – To Sign or Not To Sign?
The European Union is ushering in the first phases of a new trade pact between regional territories and the 27 members of the EU. What's the big deal about a little trade agreement? Just the fact that the new rules change the fundamentals of how these two trade blocs relate. Some regional governments - like Guyana - are insisting that they will not sign the EPA as it stands. The problem is, there's a deadline involved. A few Guyanese bloggers have been speaking out...
Argentina: Live Blogging at We Media Conference
Juan Arellano of Globalizado [es] is providing live blogging commentary at the We Media conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Korea: Hangeul Proclamation Day
On the 9th of October, the day to celebrate the creation of the Korean writing system [Hangeul] returned. Since it was canceled as a national holiday, every year there has been a voice arguing that it should be made again as a national holiday, so that people can recognize the...
Japan: The dangers of pre-paid cards
An article at Jan-Jan describes the situation of people who bought pre-paid cards [ja] to use at Kakimoto Sekiyu, a company in Aomori Prefecture that went bankrupt and closed its gasoline stands on the 6th of this month. Customers who bought pre-paid cards in advance, some for as much as...
