Stories from 15 March 2009
El Salvador: Blogger Thoughts Before the Elections
Bloggers are playing a large part in the debate about today's presidential elections in El Salvador. Some are marked by confrontation and others have more conciliatory tone, but the majority are waiting for the results of this year's election. Blogger Hunnapuh collects some of these viewpoints.
Morocco: First Full-Time Arab Blogger?
Moroccan blogger Mohammed Saeed Hjiouj [Ar] claims to be the first Arab blogger to make a full-time job out of blogging, in an announcement on his blog. Hjiouj says he will also be writing a book on blogging.
Jordan: Online Petition in Support of Journalist
Hamede [Ar], from Jordan, urges his readers to sign an online petition in support of Jordanian journalist Khalid Mahadeen, who is being sued by Parliament members, whom he had earlier criticised for calling for higher wages in a country being impacted by the world economic crisis.
Israel: Cynical News
From Israel, Gershom Gorenberg links and comments on stories which made newspaper headlines which he says: “actually, if we made this stuff up, you would accuse us of third-degree cynicism. But we’re innocent. This stuff really happened.”
Palestine: The Occupation and Women
Al Falasteenyia, from Palestine, discusses the impact of occupation on women in her country.
Lebanon: Graffiti in Hamra Street
“The REK crew” (Red Eye Kamikazes) have been doing graffiti in Hamra Street, Beirut, for several Saturdays. As they told Rami who also snapped a few photos and posted on his blog.
Lebanon: “Help” censored
“HELP!” is a new Lebanese film addressing sex, prostitution, drugs and homelessness. Mazen posts about the the Censorship Department in the General Security withdrqwing its permission for the planned screening of the movie during February 2009.
Iran: In Defence of the Bahá'í Minority
The Bahá'í minority in Iran has long been under pressure, and it seems the situation has become worse. Iranian authorities recently accused seven leaders of the Bahá'í faith of espionage. The Bahá'í themselves say they are being persecuted because of their religion.
Honduras: Bridge Blog from Tegucigalpa
Born in Honduras is a new bridge blog written from the capital city of Tegucigalpa by Ardegas, who describes his blog as “commentaries about things Honduran in a dialogue with the American culture.”
Jordan: Billionaires Drop
From Jordan, Jazarah reports: “the total number of billionaires around the world dropped from 1,125 in 2008 to 793, that’s like 30% drop, I wonder how it’s going to look like next year.”
Jordan: Day Against Cyber Censorship
Jordanian Naseem Tarawnah marks the World Day Against Cyber Censorship, which fell on March 12, with this post.
Jordan: New Facebook Design
Roba Al Assi, from Jordan, comments on the new Facebook designs saying: “By now, we are all aware of the fact that Facebook changes their design as often as the Paris Hilton changes outfits.”
Kuwait: Vintage Pictures
Mark, who lives in Kuwait, posts a few vintage photographs in this post.
Kuwait: Tribute to Fashion Blogger
Baroque, from Kuwait, pays tribute to a fellow fashion blogger in this post.
Syria: Stock Market Reopens
The Syrian Stock Exchange is up and running again – after being closed for the previous four decades, reports Josha Landis.
Palestine: West Bank Obstacles
Palestinian blogger Haitham Sabbah posts an article on the obstacles which control the movement of Palestinians from the West Bank and notes: “There is only one place on earth where you can find all the types of barriers and closure systems, forcibly imposed by the Israeli occupation forces. This place...
Lebanon: Pink Taxis for the Ladies
“A taxi firm in Lebanon has unveiled a new concept geared toward women, complete with a fleet of pink cars and pink-attired female drivers ready to keep the sexes apart,” reports Jester at Lebanese Inner Circle.
Lebanon: Ends blog to delete past
“Over the past four years, sometimes on the pages of this blog, I shed all the broken pieces of the heart that Lebanon broke…It became harder to blog. …My new American dream replaced my Lebanese nightmare…” Abu Kais announcing the end of his blog to end his past after getting...
Lebanon: Demonstrating for Migrant Workers rights
“I worked for three years and never received my salary” and “The Mister Beats Madame Everyday” are some of the slogans raised during a demonstration to support migrant workers in Lebanon on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Bangladesh: Photo Essay On Biri Siri
Back To Bangladesh posts a photo essay on Biri Siri, a remote and tranquil touristic place near the Shomeshwari river in the Northeast of Bangladesh.
Brazil: Lula and Obama meet as economic crisis hits Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is the first Latin American leader to have met the US President Barack Obama. The meeting took place in Washington, this Saturday March 14. The leaders have talked about Global economic crisis, trade, environment, energy and biofuel technology, and building a more constructive relationship with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the global crisis has begun to hit Brazil hard.
