Stories from 24 January 2010
Guatemala: United for Haiti After Earthquake
In 1976, an earthquake killed nearly 23,000 people in Guatemala. Now, 34 years later, Guatemalans are united to help Haitians with their own earthquake tragedy, through a wide variety of fundraising efforts and other signs of solidarity.
China: How does the young generation view Confucius
A rumor circulated on the web that all the 2D versions of Avatar have been pulled out of the Chinese cinemas to make way for the domestic movie Confucius. Despite reports like this, government officials quickly denied it. Yet like all rumors, even if wrong, they may contain a kernel...
Morocco: “Smile, You're in Fez”
The View from Fez gives us a look at the new mascot of Fez in this post.
Russian Blogger Harassed For Marrying Chinese
Maria Gromakova became a victim of comprehensive virtual attacks of Russian extreme nationalists. Online harassment eventually turned into a real-life nightmare forcing Maria and her family to leave Russia. She tells her story to GVO.
Afghanistan: Drowning in corruption
The Afghans had to pay out $2.5 billion in bribes over the past 12 months – equivalent to 23 per cent of Afghanistan’s GDP, writes Nick Fielding citing “Corruption in Afghanistan” report, published by the UN.
Kazakhstan: Strong debut in Hopman Cup
Dina says that it is so far a successful season start for the Kazakh tennis players with their solid performance in Perth during the Hopman Cup.
Tajikistan: The people’s dam?
Andrey translates the TajikVoice’s post, which tells about the officials of Tajikistan, who are forcing citizens to buy stocks in a dam project and donate money for its construction.
Afghanistan: Insurgents attack Kabul capitalism
Julia Mahlejd writes about a complex attack on the market area near the Afghan Ministry of Justice, presidential palace and Serena Hotel in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan mends relationships with Russia
Elina Galperin reports that Russia and Turkmenistan signed an agreement to expand bilateral “strategic” energy cooperation, including resumption of Turkmen gas supplies to Russia.
Afghanistan: Ex-Taliban official releases book
Peter Marton reviews the book “My life with the Taliban” by Abdul Salam Zaeef, former Taliban’s ambassador to Pakistan and the Afghan Emirate’s face to the world in 2000-2001.
Greece: Fiscal Deficit
This month's updates on the 2009 Greek fiscal deficit – by Edward Hugh at A Fistful of Euros: here, here, here, here, and here. And a warning to Hungary – here: “So, Hungarian politicians be warned – You are not Greece right now, but you could so very easily end...
Iran:Green Cyber Army vs. Pro State Cyber Army
Green Cyber Army says it is going to support Green Movement in the virtual world where Iranian government has launched its own cyber army. Iranian Cyber army recently hacked Twitter and Chinese Baidu but does not claim any direct link with Iranian government.
No IPL Transmission In Pakistan
Spring Of Autumn reports that the Cable Operators Association of Pakistan will not show any match of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket because they felt that Pakistani players were deliberately excluded from the tournament.
Sudan's First LGBT Rights Organization?
Throughout 2009, the Sudanese blogosphere has been in slumber mode. However, many previously inactive bloggers are blogging again along with new ones that have arrived on the scene recently, writes Sudanese Drima, who brings us the latest online discussions.
Saudi Arabia: AIDS treatment takes step backward
Saudi Arabia has announced its plans to shut down a volunteer clinic in Jeddah’s King Saud Hospital that is known for providing medical services, counseling and privacy to AIDS victims. Bloggers lash out against the move saying it is a step backward.
Egypt: Engulfed by Floods!
Over the past few days, several Egyptian governorates and cities have been engulfed by a severe wave of flash floods and heavy rains. Bloggers react to the calamity.
Morocco: Meet the Cartoonists
Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg are two American cartoonists, creators of “a book/art/zine/stuff” operation called Telephone and Soup. They have settled recently in Morocco and are announcing the organization of a meet up in a café downtown Rabat on January 26, around the Shitty Kitty comics concept, inviting people to...
Tunisia: And They Censored Arabicca!
Tunisian blogger Fatma Arabicca, who was arrested two months ago, decided to resume blogging last week. With only one post on her new blog, authorities swooped in to block it. Tunisian bloggers react to the ban and to the censorship of other blogs as well.
Saudi Arabia: A Barcamp
Qusay announced that a new Barcamp, in Saudi Arabia, will be held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on January. The barcamp will focus on entrepreneurship.
Egypt: Portraits of Egyptians
Tabsir.net published (here and here) few portraits of ordinary Egyptians, by the English artist Frederick Goodall (1822-1904), in the mid to late 19th century. Goodall's work is famous for providing a meticulous “ethnographic” view of Egypt at the time.
Egypt: Farewell Jean Simmons
Egyptian famous director, Mohamed Khan, and blogger Zeinobia mourned the death of their favorite American actress Jean Simmons (1929 – January 22, 2010).
