Stories from 13 January 2009
Russia faces rapid unemployment growth
Sean's Russia Blog reports on how unemployment in Russia is rapidly rising, which the government e.g. deals with by increasing the number of policemen, apparently to preserve public order, as the number of Russians prepared to participate in protests increase.
Estonia: Dealing with recession
A Fistful of Euros analyses Estonian economy and how the country is dealing with the consequences of global recession.
Guinea: Civil society is key
Black Star Journal reviews and analyses the latest developments in Guinea. He concludes: “With the former opposition political parties impotent and incoherent, an organized and assertive civil society might be the difference between a military junta that keeps its promise to cede power via democratic elections this year and one...
DR Congo: Journalist released after 10 months in prison
Bana Congo [Fr] reports that Nsimba Embete Ponte, director of the paper l’Interprète, was released from prison on January 7 after completing a 10-month sentence for “offence to the head of State”.
DR Congo: A musical roundup
With so much bad news coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo lately, we decided to show a different perspective on the country and looking at a completely different type of blogs for a change - those highlighting Congolese music.
Arab World: Phoning Gaza and the Tech War on Israel
Bloggers are calling upon their readers to pick up the phone - and call the residents of Gaza to show them support. At the other end of the spectrum, Palestinian activists are urging their readers to call Israeli officials - and waste their time, as well as bombard their faxes with mail and their email inboxes with messages. Amira Al Hussaini reports from the front lines of this tech war.
Palestine: “Tell me, please God, tell me this is going to end soon”
The Israeli aerial attacks on Gaza show no sign of relenting, and in Gaza City there is now street fighting. In this post bloggers describe the fear experienced when Israeli soldiers arrive in the neighbourhood, explain how important prayer has become, and emphasise the need to keep telling the world what is going on.
Arab World: “Why the Children of Gaza Don't Deserve to Die?”
As the death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza climbs, bloggers from around the Arab world share their thoughts on Palestine, Arab nationalism and why the children of Gaza don't deserve to die. Here are some reflections from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria.
Algeria's Gas Supplies to Europe
Algeria's plans to increase gas supplies to Europe is “surely an expression of Algerians’ desire to distance themselves from Russia’s aggressive attempts to cut supply,” notes Algerian blogger The Moor Next Door.
Egypt: North American News on Gaza
“When something happens like the recent Israeli demolition of Gaza, the North American news is not the place that I look to for information, since my experience is that it will not be reasonable coverage,” writes blogger Maryanna Stroud Gabbani, who lives in Egypt.
Egypt: Help Gaza Patients Remain in Touch with Loved Ones
Egyptian blogger Mostafa Hussein continues to urge his readers to donate phone credit to enable injured Palestinians from Gaza being treated in Egyptian hospitals to remain in touched with family back home using their mobile phones. He posts more instructions on how to do that in this post.
Algeria: Mauritania Recalls Ambassador to Israel
Mauritania has recalled its Ambassador in Israel for “consultations.” Algerian blogger The Moor Next Door discusses the move.
Madagascar: More Prison Break: Arson in Ambalatavoahangy (Toamasina)
After a series of prison breaks around Madagascar last week, Jentilisa reports that another prison near Toamasina ( East coast of Madagascar) was set on fire today ( Jan 13th) (mg). Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke and 5 gun shots. The causes of the fire or the gun shots are still...
DR Congo: ICC trial for Bemba?
Bana Congo [Fr] and Wronging Rights report that Jean-Pierre Bemba‘s confirmation of charges hearing began at the International Criminal Court on January 12. Bemba is alleged to be criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) between October 25, 2002 and March...
China: Internet Purification and more to come?
Imagethief tries to make sense of the latest internet purification under the context of economic downturn, which may bring extra landmines in the crack down.
China: Global Media Market
Zhongnaihai quoted from South China Morning Post and discussed the Chinese government's plan to invest 45 billion yuan (about 5 billion U.S) on media that target on global audience.
Palestine: “They Don't Know If They Will Live”
Mohammad, based in Ramallah but originally from Gaza, has been keeping readers on KABOBfest abreast with developments in Gaza over the past 17 days, so that the world may hear their stories. Jillian York shares his latest dispatch in this chilling post.
Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti: War Zone
“I imagine the people of Gaza must feel reassured that so many thousands of people around the world have taken to their streets demanding an end to the madness”: Attillah Springer joins a London demonstration, even as she laments that is it “too ridiculous to imagine that Trinidadians will ever...
Trinidad & Tobago: Tragedy at Sea
Trinidadian diaspora blogger Further Thoughts is a relative of the two researchers whose bodies were recovered at sea after an incident this past weekend: “I am so thankful for the outpouring of support. I always felt that those simple words – ‘I’m sorry’, or ‘my condolences’ meant so little, were...
Two-year old toddler in solitary confinement in a Zimbabwe prison
Two year old Nigel Mutemagau is being kept in solitary confinement in Zimbabwe’s most notorious prison with his parents and other abducted activists such as Zimbabwe Peace Project director Jestina Mukoko. A petition has been launched for the release of the minor, who seems to have been beaten while in prison and needs medical attention.
Latvia: Government reconstruction
Baltic reports that the government of Latvia is being reconstructed to a smaller cabinet, facing the economic crisis that has hit the country recently.
