Stories from 2 June 2009
Iran: Bloggers react to mosque bombing
An explosion occurred on Thursday, at the Ali Ibn-Abitaleb mosque, the second largest Shiite mosque in Zahedan in Iran. At least 25 people were killed. Three men accused of being involved in the mosque bombing were hanged on Saturday morning.
Palestine: American Students Visit Gaza
Gazan blogger Lina describes a visit by a group of American students to Gaza, which she really enjoyed. However she concludes: “This experience opened my eyes…left me really frustrated…I really would like to have the life of freedom. Travel, see the world and know more!”
Pakistan: The Plight Of The IDPs
Deadpan Thoughts writes about the plights of the IDPs of Swat Valley region in Pakistan: “Only about 300,000 people have been provided shelter in the camps set up by the UNHCR and Pakistan’s government. This is hardly 10% of the total number of displaced people.”
Sri Lanka: Report From The IDP Camps
Indi.ca recently returned from Vavuniya, the biggest town in the Wanni district of Sri Lanka and temporary refuge to approximately 300,000 IDPs. The blogger reports: “My overall impression after talking to people there is that the humanitarian needs are being addressed, but the human ones are not. Specifically, families are...
Costa Rica: Suspension of Activities by the Red Cross
The Red Cross in Costa Rica has decided to suspend services to urban neighborhoods on the outskirts of San José because two of its ambulances were attacked by delinquents. This decision will affect many who need services as a result of a small handful of people writes Opinion 3 CCV...
Kenya: A nation laughing at itself
Is Kenya ready to laugh at itself? A new blog called Peculiarly Kenyan intends to make Kenyans laugh at themselves. Peculiarly Kenyan is "a testimony to the curiously Kenyan habits, smells, tastes and flavours that make this country of ours hilarious at best and annoying at worst."
Costa Rica: How to Prevent More Road Accidents
Worried about the fatalities as a result of car accidents on the roads of Costa Rica, Harol wonders what can be done and what punishments can help prevent even more deaths? [es]
Nepal: Energy Matters
Nepali Perspectives…. discusses the current situation of the energy Industry in Nepal and its perils and potentials.
GM Bankruptcy And Its Effect In South Asia
South Asia Blog discusses how the filing of bankruptcy by GM will affect South Asian countries, particularly India.
Puerto Rico, USA: Reactions to Sotomayor's Nomination
The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court of the United States has brought mixed reactions from diverse sectors. Being of Puerto Rican descent, blogger reactions from the island have been mostly full of joy and pride.
Peru: Deteriorating International Relations with Bolivia
In Peru, international relations with its neighbor, Bolivia, has not been the best as of late. Declarations by Bolivian President Evo Morales has called into question Peru's actions regarding its court case against Chile over maritime boundaries and the recent granting of asylum to ex-Bolivian cabinet members. Regardless whether or not these statements reflect the true sentiment of Bolivians, Peruvians bloggers believe that they are counter-productive.
Jordan: A Guide to Taxis
Taking a taxi in Amman, Jordan? Ksharif has some tips to share in this post.
Saudi Arabia: Blog Blocked, then Unblocked
In Saudi Arabia, Susie's big adventure was blocked by the authorities – and then unblocked. “I am officially up and running now. Whew! I still don't have any answers as to why, but the important thing is that it has been unblocked,” writes the American blogger, who is married to...
Jamaica, France: Extending Sympathy
Jamaican blogger Life, Unscripted, on the Rock remembers the “families and friends of all those who were aboard Air France Flight 447.”
St. Maarten: Book Fair
Repeating Islands reminds us about the 7th annual St. Maarten Book Fair, which starts this week.
Puerto Rico: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Blogging from Puerto Rico, Gil the Jenius suggests that “the next time…some church leader destroys a community, remember that the good is out there…and though the media…will rush to the story like dogs to vomit, the good, though often harder to find, is infinitely more worthy of Our attention.”
Dominica: Tourism Potential
Dominica Weekly thinks that “tourism can do more, much more, particularly in meeting Dominica’s need for…sustainable jobs.”
Barbados, Haiti: Hurricane Season 2009
Barbadian Pull! Push! and Haiti Innovation rue the arrival of the 2009 hurricane season.
Bermuda, Turks & Caicos: Report Received
“After months of waiting, the Commission of Inquiry into corruption and official misconduct in the Turks & Caicos Islands has delivered its final report”: Bermudian blogger Vexed Bermoothes provides an update.
Yemen: Humans Vs Baboons
From Yemen, Omar Barsawad takes a closer look at a colony of baboons living in the valley of Hadhramout, near Seiyoun, and notes: “Humans consider baboons – pests; we always overlook the fact that it is us, humans, who are the most destructive and most dangerous here on earth.”
El Salvador: A New Era With Funes as President
Victor of Alta Hora de la Noche [es] writes that “this could be the start of something beautiful” in reference to the new era ushered in by the June 1st inauguration of new president of El Salvador, Mauricio Funes.