Stories from 6 January 2009
Egyptian Bloggers Ask: WHY?
It seems that most posts from the Egyptian blogosphere are attempts at finding answers to the many whys and hows in their heads following the attack on Gaza. Marwa Rakha takes a closer look at some of those questions in this post.
Egypt identifies the new face of politics
From Egypt, Perwin Ali came across an article mentioning Israel's first press conference on Twitter and she commented saying: “Hold the freakin’ presses! A full-fledged press conference in 140-character conversations? And not just any press conference, a global-issue press conference. You have to hand it to them, if nothing else...
An Egyptian Blogger's take on Robert Fisk's Piece
Celebrated columnist Robert Fisk lashed out at Egypt over its stance on Gaza in an article entitled "The Rotten State of Egypt is too Powerless and Corrupt to Act." An Egyptian blogger reacts in this post.
A Rap Tribute to Benazir Bhutto
Über Desi posts an YouTube video of a rap tribute to Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, by her 18 year old daughter Bakhtawar Bhutto.
Philippines: Lessons from the '80s
Indolent Indio from the Philippines looks back to the '80s for lessons on surviving the present economic slowdown.
Egypt: Give Gaza to Egypt
Sandmonkey justifies his reasons in a reply to Drima‘s suggested solution for the current crisis by giving Gaza to Egypt and the West Bank to Jordon.
Egypt: Shake and Bake
Does Israel use illegal phosphorus shells in Gaza? Do both parties should end military activities? And how about Arab countries canceling new years parties?.. Egy Diva asks.
Egypt: US coverage of Gaza War
From Egypt, the Arabist writes about the New York Times and Washington Post's coverage of the Gaza War. He observes that what was reported was largely a one-sided coverage of the conflict, in which they claim that the invasion was “justified” but also highly “risky.”
Egypt: Would Hamas come out stronger?
MrEgypt wrote an article in which he asks if Hamas would come out stronger, after the current bombardment of the Gaza strip. He is also discussing the recent movements against the Arab regimes in support of Gaza.
Syria: Largest U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Maysaloon, a Syrian blogger commenting [ar] on recent news writes: “Oh Arabs!!!! The largest U.S. embassy in the world is opened today in Baghdad and people of Palestine and Iraq are being killed and their sanctity violated before our eyes. Where are the Arabs? Where are the weapons and the...
Egypt: From Egyptian Artists to Artists of the World
Egyptian artists are lending their voices to the Palestinian cause, explaining to the rest of the world the history of the Arab-Israeli struggle from their view point. The initiative, spearheaded by Khaled El Sawy, a famous Egyptian actor and blogger, is called "A message from Egyptian artists to all artists of the world", and is targeted towards non-Arabs.
Americas: Celebrating the Visit of the Three Kings
The holiday season continues across the Americas, even as Christmas and the New Year holiday have all passed. In many countries in the region, the feast of “Los Reyes Magos” (The Three Kings) is an equally important festivity in many households. The day falls around the time of Epiphany and is celebrated on January 6th. Some of the region's bloggers recall the traditions in their own countries.
DR Congo: What went wrong in establishing lasting peace
The Mushaki Pager analyses what went wrong in establishing lasting peace in the DR Congo and why conflict persists.
Kenya: A few recommended blogs
Victor Ngeny at Kenya Imagine recommends a few interesting blogs writing about Kenya.
South Africa: Is poligamy compatible with democracy?
Opalo's Weblog comments on Jacob Zuma‘s intention to take on a third wife: “We have seen (with deep embarrassment) the sorry affair that is the life of the King of Swaziland. Let not the same become of the leader of a democratic, and supposedly modern, republic like South Africa”.
Bangladesh: Reactions To A New Cabinet
Awami League and the Grand Alliance, the winner of the recent Bangladesh national polls, have formed a new 32 member cabinet today. E-Bangladesh is hosting a live discussion of Bangladeshi bloggers on the reactions to the appointment of ministers.
Palestine: UN School Hit By Israeli Shells; More than 40 Killed
At approximately 6:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Al Jazeera English reported that a UN school was hit when two tank shells exploded outside of the school. The school, located in Jabaliya, had been set up days ago as a shelter for Gaza residents who had lost or evacuated their homes. Over 40 people have been killed. Jillian York presents immediate reactions from the blogosphere and Twitter.
DR Congo: New mass killings, weak media attention
While fighting in North Kivu has been somewhat quiet of late, there have been reports of mass killings perpetrated by the Ugandan rebel group LRA in the Congolese Haut-Uélé region by the Sudanese border during the past two weeks. Meanwhile, media attention is elsewhere.
Palestine: “In Gaza our future is almost destroyed”
In this roundup of blogposts from Gaza we hear from a teenager who just lost her friend and is scared for her own life, about a medical worker who was killed as he went to save someone, and from a man who asserts his lack of political affiliation: "I'm not Fatah, not Hamas. I like vodka."
Korea: New Year Episode on the Internet and public channels
Waiting for New Year excites people everywhere. People gather together in a place and welcome the New Year. In Korea, every year people gather together around Bosingak Bell Tower and bring in the New Year. But this year seems to start with chaos. Citizens have put the public channel in...
Azerbaijan: New Year
Sheki, Azerbaijan comments on the history of Baku and says that museums and concert halls are being renovated while contemporary artists are supported more and more. Seasonal exhibitions have also been well received by the public, while Joe's Trippin’ posts photos of the snow in Baku's old town.
