Stories from 27 December 2008
Arab World Reacts to “Gaza Massacre”
People from across the Arab world are lamenting the fate of Gazans, after a wave of Israeli aerial attacks, which have killed more than 200 Palestinians and wounded more than 700. The silence of Arab governments in particular is hitting a raw nerve.
Philippines: Uproar over mauling by mayor/son of Cabinet secretary
Filipinos are unleashing online vitriol at the son and namesake of Philippine President Arroyo's agrarian reform secretary, who reportedly mauled two persons last Dec. 26 at a golf course.
UAE: World's First Refrigerated Beach
Dubai's new Palazzo Versace Hotel is set to feature the world's first refrigerated beach, reports Norma of Bloggin’ Banat. She comments: “Clearly, nature is no obstacle for this lavish playground. The beach’s sand will be cooled via an underground system of heat-absorbing pipes and giant wind blowers… Apparently the refrigerated...
Palestine: Reacting to the Star of David Symbol
“If I believed in God, my prayer would be that I never see the star of David again as long as I live, so help me God,” writes Yasmin of The Angry Arab Comments Section blog. “It is impossible for me to separate it from the Israeli flag, which represents...
Palestine: Living Conditions Worsen Under Hamas
Ramzy of MidEast Youth observes: “Ever since Hamas went to power the Palestinian people’s living conditions are from bad to worse with every day because it is internationally recognized as a terrorist group and can’t be endorsed as part of the world system without renouncing violence and recognizing Israel and...
Palestine: Shopping for Palestine
“When you buy a Palestinian product, it not only represents solidarity, but also creates a direct bond between you, the Palestinian people, and the land,” Annie of Annie's Letters believes.
Palestine: Relief Boat Docks Safely in Gaza Port
Free Gaza announced that a relief boat carrying medical supplies landed safely in Gaza's port. Among its passengers were representatives of 15 different nations. The Palestinian Video Blog has live footage.
2008: A turbulent year for South Asia
Looking back on the events that rocked South Asia in the year 2008 we see that terrorism took the center stage in many places in this region. This was also a year of crucial and decisive elections in many South Asian countries. The Global Voices coverages of the blogospheres of...
Palestine: Israeli Airstrikes Spur Actions from Bloggers
Following the end of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, violence and tensions have escalated between Israel and Gaza. Today, Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza in what the AFP calls “one of the bloodiest days of the decades-long Middle East conflict.” So far, the death toll in Gaza is at 210 and rising. The Palestinian blogosphere reports.
Guadeloupe: Why not celebrate Kwanzaa as well?
Besides the traditional celebration of Christmas, Guadeloupean people have recently taken up a new celebration: Kwanzaa, which starts on December 26 and lasts until January 1.
Global Health: 2008 Blogs In Review
Bloggers in 2008 showed all the ways in which global health is interconnected with other issues, by covering health stories that touched on everything from poverty and women's rights to the environment and economics. They shared stories such as the prohibition of cannabis in Japan, how ads for children's food...
India, Bangladesh: Maritime Dispute
The New Horizon analyzes the reasons behind the recent maritime dispute between Bangladesh and India. Read the post for details.
Japan: Un-hiring fresh graduates
Job hunting for fresh graduates in Japan is an intense trial called shushoku katsudo or shukatsu for short. University students in their third year start shukatsu during the winter in hopes of receiving several naitei (informal job offer/promise of employment) in May at the earliest, to start their new jobs on April 1st of the following year.
A Review of Global Voices in 2008
Nearly 3 million people visited Global Voices in 2008, and here are some of our most popular stories of the year.
World Runner Comes to Jordan
Danish Runner Jesper Olsen is running around the world crossing four continents to promote running as something all cultures have in common.The Danish Ambassador to Jordan HE.Thomas Lund-Sørensen writes about this: As I am writing these lines the Ultra Runner Jesper Olsen from World Run II is crossing the Ramtha...
Palestine: Dozens Killed in an Israeli Attack on Gaza
Israeli aircraft launched air attacks across Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 100 people, including the Hamas police chief, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources. Zeinobia wrote a new post about the “Ongoing Massacre in Gaza“.
Kazakhstan: Religion Law Point/Counterpoint
KZBlog analyzes the controversial new law on religion which passed Parliament is waiting for the President’s signature. The law is clearly created defensively to prevent cult-like activity or terrorist cells from working in the country. However it effectively criminalizes religion by demanding that religions prove themselves innocent before being allowed...
Kazakhstan: Religious Law and OSCE Chaimanship
Joshua Foust reviews the Kazakhstan's new Religion Law, which is still pending presidential approval, and says that without any leverage—say, threatening their OSCE chairmanship—there is little influence the West could exert.
Afghanistan: US Plan for Militia Is Dangerous
Azar Balkhi reports that the plan, proposed by some American experts, to form local semi-military troops to fight against the terrorists, was met with criticism in Afghanistan. The Afghan MP opines that such a step would diminish the role of local tribal leaders, and power will be taken by the...
Mongolia: Ninja Mining
Bilguun writes about so-called ninja miners in Mongolia – the people, who dig small unauthorised mines or pan dirt for gold. Ninja mining towns have become more or less self-sufficient, with their own economy, rules and social structure, nearly independent of the government thanks to the government choosing to ignore...
Saudi Arabia accuses Egyptian of Espionage
27 year old IT programmer Youssef Al Ashmawy is currently detained in a prison Riyadh and is accused of spying on the Kingdom. Zeinobia wrote: Saudi Arabia is detaining Egyptian Internet activist Youssef Al Ashamawy. Youssef is being accused of spying on the kingdom for the Egyptian intelligence!! Youssef is...