Stories from 3 August 2009
Egypt/Syria: A Blast from the Past
The Arabist posts an old photograph featuring commuters in Old Damascus in the Hejaz Railway.
Egypt: Ashraf Al Saad
“Ashraf Al Saad, one of the old Madoffs in Egypt has launched an official website from London,” announces Zeinobia, at Egyptian Chronicles.
Bahrain: New Reading Adventure
From Bahrain, Bint Battuta shares her latest reading adventures in this post.
Bahrain: For the Love of Rock ‘n Roll
US-based blogger Bahraini in Alaska, Dr Haitham Salman, has developed a new appreciation for rock music after his son formed a band.
Bahrain: To Do List
Bahraini Lizardo shares a video list of events he would like to attend around the world.
Algeria: On the US and Mauritania
American Algerian The Moor Next Door notes: “Many members of the Mauritanian opposition; and operatives clamor that the American position towards the new government is among the most crucial of those yet out.”
Maghreb: North Africa and Sahel Links
Maghreb Politics Review shares interesting links from other blogs discussing the latest developments in North Africa and the Sahel.
Afghanistan: Government shuts down anti-Karzai websites
Nick Fielding says that the Afghan interior ministry has blocked at least five internet sites, four of which feature the name of President Hamid Karzai and one named after the current interior minister.
Kyrgyzstan: Bakiev’s Success and Disappointment of Observers
Elena reports in detail on the outcomes of the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan: No more free music
Arawanski reports that the biggest torrent tracking website of free downloads in Kyrgyzstan has been sued by recording and producing companies for breach of copyright.
Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar’s Children’s Park is vanishing
Axel is alarmed by the fact that the Children’s Park in Mongolian capital city Ulaanbaatar has been closed for a major land redevelopment.
Afghanistan: Taliban and the Election
Joshua Foust reports that the Taliban has vowed to disrupt the Afghan election next month, for the first time showing genuine concern by the election.
Philippines: People mourn death of Corazon Aquino
The Philippines is in a state of national mourning after Corazon Aquino, who became a global democracy icon after leading the fight to topple the Marcos dictatorship, died last weekend from cardiorespiratory arrest. Aquino was the first woman president of the Philippines and the first female head of state in Asia.
Afghanistan: Blogging in the Afghan provinces
Nasim Fekrat tells about his continuing efforts to holg trainings for young Afghans on online journalism and blogging.
Armenia: HIV-AIDS education and awareness
Unzipped: Gay Armenia commends the general manager of a local mobile telephone operator for his philanthropic work in Armenia. The blog says that despite the sometimes shady business environment in the country, Ralph Yirikian impresses many people and not least with his latest initiative to raise awareness of HIV-AIDS.
Peru: Cold Temperatures Continue in Puno
In Peru, the freezing temperatures in the southern region of Puno have been causing more deaths. There is frustration because donations are not reaching their intended recipients.
