Stories from 16 January 2011
Haiti: “Baby Doc” Back in P-a-P
From New York City to Haiti confirms the rumour that exiled dictator Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier has returned to Haiti this evening, saying: “I am shocked!” Several Twitter users also confirm the news.
France: Our Embarrassing Ex Friend, Monsieur Ben Ali
It has finally dawned. After decade of state amitié (friendship) with the Ben Ali regime, and total indifference from French politicians and mainstream media, French bloggers and twitterers are now aware that France has been living in a prolonged state of denial - thanks to history in the making in one of France ex-colonies, Tunisia, and a week of historical diplomatic blunders and shameful silence in France.
Tunisia: Fears of Insecurity Overshadow the Joys of Freedom
On January 14, 2011, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali abruptly fled the country he ruthlessly ruled for more than two decades. The people of Tunisia took to the streets to celebrate the dawn of a new independence. The euphoria rapidly gave way to fear about the security situation. News spread about vandals rampaging across major cities, looting shops and homes and setting fire to properties and buildings. Tunisians share their thoughts and experiences on their blogs.
Brazil: Flooding in the Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro Devastated Cities
The mountaineous region of Rio de Janeiro is suffering what is being considered Brazil’s most-deadly natural disaster: there are more than 500 fatal victims and countless people left homeless so far. This tragedy, which gives only its first steps in the aid of the victims, still doesn't allow us to assess the damage and the work to be done, but it already brings back the debate about the urgency of creating a policy for climate catastrophes in the country.
Jordan: Reflections on Tunisia
Naseem Tarawnah reflects on leadership changes in Tunisia and its potential impact on Jordan. “Today, Jordan, and perhaps much of the Arab world is learning one important lesson from Tunisia: the call for political change from the domestic constituency is unlikely to happen in the region unless the economy gets...
Arab World: After Tunisia, Who's Next?
Following the events in Tunisia that forced former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee the country, netizens across the Arab world are asking: “are we next?”
Hungary: Protest Against Media Law in Budapest
A discussion of this past Friday's rally in Budapest in protest against Hungary's new media law – at Hungarian Spectrum.
Belarus: Mobile Operators Aid Police to Trace Protesters
Boing Boing writes that, according to an “unsourced report,” “the Belarusian mobile operators have cooperated with the country's secret police to provide a list of everyone who was in the vicinity of an anti-government demonstration; the spooks are now calling in everyone on the list to interview them about their...
