Stories from 28 March 2009
Indonesia: Sharia Finance
As the financial system crumbles in the developed world, some analysts in Indonesia are proposing to replace it with the Sharia Finance system.
Macedonia: Upcoming Elections
Central Europe Activ writes about the upcoming elections in Macedonia.
Malaysia: Dress worth $30 million
Despite the economic crisis, a designer in Malaysia has created a dress adorned with 751 diamonds. The price tag: US$30 million. The dress is called the “Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur”
Cambodia: Demand for microfinance
The economic downturn has raised the demand for microfinance programs in Cambodia.
Russia: Obama Ice Cream Ads
Sean's Russia Blog writes about Russian ads featuring Barack Obama.
Albania: Anti-Smoking Law Not Working
Albanian Blogger writes that Albania's “antismoking law has gone up in smoke.”
Russia: Lake Baikal Blog
Siberian Light links to a blog about Lake Baikal – Baikalogy.
Ukraine: “NEVER Step Out Without a Passport”
Turkish Invasion writes about a recent encounter with Kyiv police.
Slovenia: Economic Situation
Sleeping With Pengovsky posts an update on the state of Slovenia's economy.
Russia: Caucasus Situation; Spring Draft
Window on Eurasia writes about the situation in the North Caucasus – here and here – and about the spring draft into the Russian armed forces.
