8 February 2011

Stories from 8 February 2011

Thailand, Cambodia: Border conflict intensifies

  8 February 2011

The border row between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified in the past week as both countries exchanged fires killing several soldiers on both fronts and forcing the evacuation of nearby villages near the border. Here are social media reactions from Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

Iran: Protesting in the name of Egypt and Tunisia

  8 February 2011

Iranian opposition leaders, Mir Hussein Mousavi and Mehdi Karubi, have applied for permission to stage a rally in support of revolts in Egypt and Tunisia, on 14 February (25 Bahman) their websites said. The news motivated several cyber activists to add their 'green touch' to the internet.

Latest Developments in Bolivia's Demands for Access to Sea

  8 February 2011

“For the first time since 1950, Chile’s Foreign Minster met with his Bolivian counterpart in La Paz,” Erwin reports at The Latinamericanist. “Bolivia’s David Choquehuanca is expected to bring up the contentious issue of Bolivian access to the Pacific Ocean during his meeting with the visiting Chilean diplomatic chief, Alfredo...

Egypt: Massive Protests Continue on Day 15

  8 February 2011

Nationwide protests continue to rock Egypt for the 15th day in a row, demanding an end to the Mubarak regime. As the crowds at Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo swell, a sit in continues outside the Parliament building. Also today, workers have started their strike; academics joined the ranks of protesters, and Egyptian journalists found their voice.

Bangladesh: 100 Lashes For A Rape Victim And The Judiciary

  8 February 2011

RealTimeBangladesh writes about Hena, the latest victim of village (un) justice in Bangladesh, who died while sustaining a 100 lashes punishment for being raped. Although such fatwa are illegal by law, “what we see here is a case of abject poverty, ignorance and ensuing inability of poor people to claim...

Cuba: “Operation Cyber-Mambí”

  8 February 2011

There has been much speculation of late as to whether the spirit of protest will find its way from Egypt and Tunisia to the Caribbean. If the lock on the marketplace of information maintained by Castro's government is what's standing between discontented Cuban citizens and protest, then recent attempts to use “counterrevolutionary” bloggers' tactics against them have come as no surprise to netizens.

Cuba: Entertainer Dies At 96

  8 February 2011

“She was an absolute delight, a class act, and she will be missed by many”: Along the Malecon is saddened by the passing of “a legendary Cuban singer and actress.”

Russia: Citizen Bloggers of 2010

RuNet Echo  8 February 2011

After a decade in the wilderness, Russian civil society is finding a powerful voice online. Alexey Sidorenko and Oliver Carroll profile seven citizen bloggers who are leading this charge. A co-publication with openDemocracy Russia

Jamaica: Bob, Our Hero

  8 February 2011

As Jamaica considers making Bob Marley a national hero, Repeating Islands comments: “And I had always (wrongly) assumed that Bob Marley was already a national hero. I do hope that he will soon receive this honor.”

Angola: Zaire Province Forgotten

  8 February 2011

Diário da África [pt] reproduces an article by the journalist Makuta Nkondo about the political, economic and social context of the “forgotten” Zaire province in Angola. The author claims that though Zaire – together with Cabinda – is considered one of  “Angola's economic lungs” it “does not benefit from the...

Puerto Rico: In Defense of the Hispanic Studies Department

  8 February 2011

The department of Hispanic Studies is one of 10 academic programs that have been put "on pause" by the administration of the University of Puerto Rico starting August 2011. The administration cites low enrollment numbers as the justification for this action. Students and faculty members have criticized the decision and explain the importance of the department.