Stories from 19 March 2009
Bangladesh: Lacking In Disaster Management
An Ordinary Citizen opines that the fire in Bashundhara City Shopping Complex exposes the inadequacy of disaster management system in Bangladesh.
Nepal: On Individualism
Thinking About Nepal believes that: “if Nepali parents are able to indoctrinate in their children a sense of individualism along with respect for community and elders, Nepal will have a citizenry that will able to deal with most challenges faced today and in the future.”
Brazil: Controversial demarcation of indigenous land confirmed
Five indigenous tribes of Brazil have won a 30-year battle to reclaim 1.7 million hectares of their ancestral land in Roraima in the Amazon on the border to Venezuela and Guyana. On March 19, the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) ruled on the integrity of the Raposa Serra do Sol indigenous land, keeping its size and borders intact as a continuous area, disappointing ranchers and rice farmers who coveted the land.
Egypt: Azazeel Wins Arab Booker Prize
Egyptian Blogger Zeinobia reports that Dr Youssef Zidan's controversial novel Azazeel has won the Arab Booker Prize for 2009. This is the second year in a row for an Egyptian to win this prestigious prize. Last year's winner was Bahaa Taher's Sunset Oasis.
Long awaited victory for Baha'is in Egypt
After many years of being denied the right to legal documentation, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court removed any grounds for preventing Baha'is from receiving proper official identity documents.
Morocco: Cutting Ties With Iran
Early last week, it was reported that Rabat had chosen to sever its ties with Tehran, after a diplomatic spat between Bahrain and Iran over a statement by an Iranian official questioning Bahrain's sovereignty. Additionally, Morocco expressed resentment at Iran's alleged attempts to influence Moroccans in Europe toward Shi'a Islam.
India: The Menace of Ragging
Sam's Lodge [chai-coffee] describes how the trend of ragging is becoming severely violent in India. The blog comments: “a clear distinction must be made between ragging and bullying. When ragging becomes bullying, it crosses all lines of decency.”
Thailand: PM meets exiled scholar and critic at Oxford
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva met exiled Thai scholar and prominent critic Giles/Ji Ungpakorn at Oxford University. Giles fled Thailand early this year after he was accused of insulting the monarchy. The two gentlemen exchanged words on various issues affecting Thailand.
Guatemala: A Violin in Silence After Murder of Youth
The latest victims to violence in Guatemala are a young violinist, Hans Castro and his two companions Andrea Robledo and Edwin Urrea. The murders took place in the outskirts of Guatemala City and bloggers are mourning the loss of Castro, who was a member of the Guatemalan Symphonic Orchestra Conservatory.
Nigeria: BarCamp Nigeria 2009
Oluniyi writes about BarCamp Nigeria, which will take place next month. Justin Hartman, the co-founder of Afrigator is one of the speakers.
Qatar: www turns 20
The World Wide Web turned 20 on Friday. Mohamed Nanabhay, based in Doha, Qatar, reminisces on the occasion. Click on the link to see his interview with Al Jazeera.
South Africa: Glad to be a girl is Best African Weblog
South African blog, Glad to be a girl is the winner of the Best African Weblog award at the Ninth Annual Weblog Awards.
Zimbabwe: Business Environment Improving
There are signs that the business environment is changing slightly as the easing of restrictions allows free market forces to once again catalyse transactions, Sokwanele blog reports.
Malawi: Identity of visa-ban minister revealed
Kumekucha blog reveals the identity of the Kenyan minister banned from traveling to the United States of America.
Malawi: Official Campaign Period Begins
Malawi's electoral body said on Tuesday it had opened a 2-month official campaign period, setting the stage for the country's fourth general multi-party poll scheduled for May 19.
The Pope in Cameroon (2): Of Clerics, Corruption and Politics
The visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church to Cameroon this March 2009 has ignited some Cameroonian bloggers to point the search lights on the political effects (if any) of a Papal visit to country like this.
Egypt: Waves of Workers’ Strikes
Like in 2008, this year is witnessing waves of strikes and demonstrations by Egyptian workers in various sectors and organizations. Students, pharmacists, lawyers [Ar], railway drivers, media people and, last but not least, Egyptian street cleaners have all been demanding more just rights, protesting against their decreasing incentives or trying to rebel against their poor economic status. Eman AbdElRahman gives us a snap shot of what's happening on the ground and how bloggers are giving those workers a voice in their struggle.
South Asia: Migrant Workers Coming Home
South Asia is a populous region. Many South Asian immigrants or migrant workers travel to distant places around the world in search of a better education, job or better living conditions. However they have close ties to families and friends back home and their remittances play a major role in...
Cuba: Six Years After “Black Spring”
March 18-20 marks the sixth anniversary of the Cuban Black Spring. Cuban bloggers remember...
Iran: Omid Reza Mir Sayafi talked about New Year
Omid Reza Mir Sayafi,Iranian blogger and journalist who died in prison yesterday, talked about Iranian new year in his blog,Rooz Negar, 3 years ago. He invited [fa] people to lay flowers on the tomb of Iranian war martyrs.
Barbados: Attack Victim Succumbs to Injuries
Earlier this month, Barbadians awoke to the disturbing news that two Canadian visitors were viciously attacked while walking along one of the island's beaches. The crime of assault has now become murder: Terry Schwarzfeld passed away yesterday at an Ottawa hospital as a result of her injuries. Bloggers continue to be outraged that such a crime could happen in their country.
