Stories from 23 November 2009
Kyrgyzstan: President consolidates his rule
Kyrgyz President Bakiyev promoted his son to lead the Central Agency on Development, Investment, and Innovation, which controls both all FDIs and major national companies, thus consolidating his patronage network, Elina Galperin writes.
Afghanistan: Corruption, corruption
Peter Marton reacts to the news that the US could start holding Afghanistan’s government accountable for corruption by withholding money for projects, and says that corruption in this country often is a consequence of the US policies.
Japan: Images of Minanamata Disease
@Minori_okd points us to the photographic work MINAMATA by W. Eugene Smith and Ailejjen M. Smith that covers the Minamata Disease.
Trinidad & Tobago: Responsible Drinking
KnowTnT.com‘s Edmund Gall suggests ways in which clubs and bars can “do more to encourage responsible drinking.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Loss of Mind?
From the tobacco legislation to the carbon footprint post-CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, Coffeewallah asks: “Has everybody in this country lost their cotton picking minds?”
Bermuda: Public Transport
In the wake of the shutdown of several transportation routes in Bermuda, BeachLime.com wonders “what exactly Government sees its public transportation role as.”
Egypt: Alaa Mubarak for President?
Several names have been thrown in the pool of candidates for Egypt's 2011 presidential elections. Now a new name is being floated. Find out why Alaa Mubarak, the Egyptian President's eldest son, is a current favorite among some Egyptians...or maybe not.
Yemen: A Civil or Proxy War?
The ongoing war in Yemen certainly warrants coverage on Global Voices Online, but Tarek Amr was really shocked when he realized there weren't many bloggers interested in the conflict. Here are some scattered extracts from post written by bloggers from different countries.
Qatar: Cartoon of maid abusing child raises ire
A cartoon published in a local paper in Qatar depicting a crazed maid abusing a child has raised the ire of Doha bloggers, many of whom are condemning the possible satire for being racist and in poor taste. Shabina S. Khatri has more on the debate.
Video: Open Video Contest for Trip to SXSW Interactive Festival
The Open Video Alliance is putting out a call out for one minute videos that make a case for Open Video for an opportunity to win a trip to South by South West Interactive 2010 festival. The contest is open to anyone regardless of nationality.