Stories from 20 February 2011
Libya: Gaddafi Son's Excuses for the People's Uprising
Libyan dictator's son Saif Al Islam Al Gaddafi is addressing Libyans on State television, blaming everything other than his father for the massive protests and bloodshed the country has been witnessing in recent days. He blamed Facebook, foreign mercenaries, Islamists, drug addicts and an army not trained in dealing with civilians for the carnage Libya has suffered.
Bahrain: Protesters Continue to Camp at Pearl Roundabout
Depending on how you look at it, Bahraini protesters have either 'liberated' or 'occupied' the Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout in the capital Manama, and say they plan to stay there until their demands are met.
Bangladesh: One Of The Oldest Mosques In The World
Bangladesh Unlocked reports about one of the oldest mosques in the world (701 CE), the lost mosque of Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh.
Nepal: Welcoming Brian Adams
Brian Adams recently toured Nepal and became the first world renowned music icon to play in the country. Ujjwal Acharya expresses his gratitude.
Algeria: Protesters Hurt as Police Try to Halt Demonstration
Algeria's government attempted to stave off a second large demonstration at May 1 Square on Saturday, February 19. A large police presence kept downtown Algiers open, but several protesters were hurt. Demonstrators also complained that police sent pro-government gangs to harass them.
Vietnam: Self-immolation to protest corruption
A Vietnamese engineer named Pham Thanh Son apparently set himself afire to protest the confiscation of his family’s property by local authorities. Pictures of the tragedy were posted online.
Morocco: In Marrakech, Destruction Amidst Peaceful Protest
Across Morocco, peaceful protests have emerged today, with thousands taking to the streets from Tangier to Fes. In the southern city of Marrakech, however, reports that the protests have turned into chaos emerged this afternoon, with claims of vandalism and attempts by protesters to storm police headquarters.
Morocco: Across the Nation, Demonstration
In the broader context of the Arab world, Morocco has one particularly unique feature: Whereas other countries in the region often have two cities of importance, Morocco has six...at least. Jillian C. York reports on online activity from Morocco's most important hubs.
Ukraine: Dear Polish Delegation, We’re in Shock, Too
Earlier this week, a Ukrainian TV station broadcasted a report about the visit of the Polish parliamentary delegation to Ukraine's parliament. According to the report, the Polish visitors were shocked by the Ukrainian MPs’ illegal practice of voting on behalf of fellow party members. Tetyana Bohdanova reports on Ukrainian netizens' reactions.
Afghanistan: The price paid by children for the conflict
A UN report testifies that children in Afghanistan have been used both by anti-government elements for suicide bombings and planting explosives, and by the Afghan National Security Forces. It also...
Afghanistan: EU police training mission risks failure
Nick Fielding reviews the report from the UK House of Lords, noting that the EU's mission to train local police in Afghanistan risks failure, as only about 285 experts had...
Uzbekistan: US official visits Tashkent
Marat Sartpaev reports that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. traveled to Uzbekistan as relations between two countries started turning less...
Iran:Demonstrations continue
Several sites and blogs such as Hambastge reported [fa] protesters chanted anti regime slogans in several cities on Sunday. There is also a demonstration in front of State run TV...
Japan: It's nursing time on Twitter!
Inexperienced Japanese mums and dads use Twitter to share worries and advices on child-rearing with parent fellows.
Tanzania: Bomb Explosions: Bloggers and Twitterers Speak Out
Tanzanian bloggers and twitterers react to bomb explosions at a Tanzanian army base in Dar es Salaam’s Gongo la Mboto suburb that killed at least 30 people early Thursday. A similar accident occurred In April 2009 at Mbagala Army depot and killed at least 26 people.
Arab World: The Uprisings Continue
It's revolution time across the Arab world, with people rising and calling for political, economic and social reforms. Rallies, demonstrations and protests across the region are flooding our timelines, with heartbreaking news of how one Arab government after the other is using the same tactics to quash protests and silence the voices of dissent. Here are reactions from around the world as people watch the developments unfold.
Madagascar: Reactions to Ousted President Ravalomanana Attempting to Return
Tropical storm Binziga has just hit Madagascar, having killed killed six people and leaving about 7,500 without adequate shelter. Yet the attention is focused on the attempted return of the Ousted Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana, who issued a statement and spoke at a news conference in Johannesburg stating that he will return from his exile in South Africa.
