Stories from 7 March 2009
Iran:Questions for Founder Iran Inside Out
Pars Arts has published an interview with Shaghayegh Azimi, Founder of Willow Films and Iran Inside Out. Her project aims to open up opportunities for the hundreds of talented and passionate young filmmakers in Iran.
Brazil: Uproar over newpaper's editorial on “mild dictatorship”
The Brazilian blogosphere reacts strongly against an op-ed by broadsheet Folha de São Paulo calling the country's former military dictatorship "mild". A petition against the papers use of 'mild' has gathered over 7,500 signatures in one week, and this Saturday a live blogged protest organized by bloggers gathered over 200 people.
Egypt: The AUC Gestapo
Socialist revolutionist and Hossam El Hamalawy wrote their concerns over the relocation of American University in Cairo (AUC) from downtown Cairo to the desert. They also highlighted the story of the six workers who died during the four years it took to build the new campus, based on an article...
Egypt: Hijacked Ship Released
With no clear details, its been announced that the Blue Star ship, that was hijacked by Somali pirates since September 2008, has been released. Zeinobia comments on the development.
Egypt: A tour in a palace
Nerro, who recently visited Abdeen Palace in down town Cairo, takes us through a quick tour inside the palace with her camera in tow.
Egypt: Cairo, a divided city
The Arabist posted a comprehensive video discussing the contradictions and new divisions in Cairo.
Ukraine, Georgia, Russia: Relations With NATO
Eternal Remont posts a cartoon on NATO's complex relationship with Russia – and with Ukraine and Georgia.
Ukraine: Foreign Minister Fired, Naftogaz Office Stormed
This has been a pretty turbulent week in Ukraine: on Tuesday, the parliament fired Volodymyr Ohryzko, Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, and on Wednesday, riot police stormed the Kyiv headquarters of Naftogaz, the Ukrainian national energy company. Below are some bloggers' reactions to these developments, as well as a few notes on the financial crisis in Ukraine.
Kyrgyzstan: No Rest For the Internet
The head of the State Patent Department [en] Ulan Melisbek told [ru] that this department will try to take control of the service registration of domain names in the .kg zone. Ulan Melisbek is sure that the .kg zone represents the national interests, and its administration should be under state...
Kenya: A video of a police officer who witnessed killings
A video confession by a Kenyan Police Officer who witnessed extra-judicial killings of 58 suspects by his colleagues under orders from their superiors. The confession was taken by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on June 25th 2008.
Thailand: Web director arrested for “allowing offensive comments”
A web editor in Thailand was arrested by police yesterday for allowing comments which authorities deemed as offensive to the monarchy. The editor is now out on bail. The arrest was made on the same day the Prime Minister assured media that the government will increase press freedom in Thailand.
Myanmar: Withdrawal of Currency Notes in 1987
Burmese blogger Niknayman recalls that the sudden withdrawal of currency notes in Myanmar in 1987 was one of the reasons which ignited the massive 1988 protests in the country.
Europe: Obama's Upcoming Visit and Quotes
Bloggers share their thoughts on Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Europe and react to his mention of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Ukraine.
