Stories from 26 February 2011
Oman: The People Want an End to Corruption
"The people want an end to corruption" chanted thousands of Omanis, who have been protesting since Friday in Salalah and Sohar, as well as other parts of Oman. Ministerial changes announced earlier today did little to make protesters return to their homes and demands range from an end to corruption to more social, economic and political reforms.
Pakistan: Unexpected Snowfall In Lahore
Guppu.com reports that “on February 26, 2011, Lahorites witnessed an extraordinary day when all of the sudden, dark clouds came and it felt as if the winter has come back, and snowfall started.”
Bangladesh: A Much Awaited Victory
Photo blogger Monirul Alam catches the joy of Bangladeshi fans in images after winning against Ireland in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
Bangladesh: Clinical Trial Of A Cholera Vaccine Raises Questions
The world's largest trial of a cheap oral cholera vaccine made by an Indian pharmaceutical company is being conducted in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Bloggers notice the information blackout in local media and raise several questions regarding the clinical trial.
Latin America: On teleSUR's Coverage of Libya Uprising
Latin American news channel teleSUR managed earlier this week to send several journalists into Tripoli to cover the ongoing uprising in Libya. Nonetheless, its coverage, which seems quite different to the one provided by other international news media, has caught the attention of many Latin American netizens.
China: Jasmine Revolution, Week Two
Following dozens of arrests since an anonymous blog post called for revolutionary gatherings in cities across China last Sunday, a second round of gatherings is scheduled for today. Has the heavy-handed government response turned what many insist was a stunt into something more powerful?
Armenia: Social Networks for Social Revolution?
With uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world, the extra-parliamentary opposition in Armenia is now seeking to replicate events in the former Soviet republic, and not least because 1 March 2011 will mark the 3rd anniversary of post-presidential election clashes which left 10 people dead.
Yemen: “I beg you to help us NOW”
While much of Yemen protested peacefully, the country's military used tear gas and fired live weapons on protesters in the sea port of Aden. President Ali Abdullah Saleh said the demonstrations had been hijacked by separatists. But those on the ground claim non-violent protesters were shot and killed.
Bangladesh: Bede People – The River Gypsies
Bangladesh Unlocked highlights the bede people, the river gypsies of Bangladesh.
Bahrain: Minor Ministerial Changes
Ministerial changes were announced in Bahrain last night to appease protesters calling for reforms since February 14. Here are reactions to the changes, which are yet to be officially announced.
South Korea: Photos of Protest in Seoul
South Koreans held a protest in Seoul against the current administration yesterday, criticizing the government's unmet promises and its failures in several issues, such as high unemployment rate and the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Prolific Twitter and Blogger @givenjoy posted about 15 photos of the protest in his blog.
Tunisia: Peaceful Protests Turn into Violent Confrontations
Protests calling for immediate political reforms and the resignation of Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannoushi continue in Tunisia. Apparently, the ousting of the former President Ben Ali is not good enough for a large portion of Tunisians who seek an overthrow of the whole regime and cutting all ties with the past.
Cameroon: Police Use Brute Force Against Protesters
Opposition groups in Cameroon organized protests on Wednesday Wednesday, February 23, 2011 to call for President Paul Biya to leave office. President Paul Biya, who is running for re-election later this year, has been in power for 28 years. Paul Biya's Special Intervention Brigade crushed the protest with brute force.
Russia: Bloggers Deconstruct Isolationist Propaganda
As Russia is approaching another election cycle (in 2011 Russians are supposed to elect the Parliament and in 2012 – the president) the voices of state propagandists get louder. The upcoming election process, tamed and controlled by the President's office and the ruling party "United Russia," will be happening in the context of the Arabian "Spring of Nations 2.0." This fact inspires pro-Democracy activists, as well as regime advocates.
Russia: Internet Freedom As Cold War 2.0
Gregory Asmolov analyzes bloggers' reactions to the Internet Freedom speech by Hillary Clinton.
Africa: Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou
Boukari Ouédraogo wrote [Fr] on his blog: ” The 22nd edition of the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou will take place in Ouagadougou from February 26th to March 5th. This year's theme is “African Cinema and Markets.”
Armenia: Apathy or revolution?
Footprints compares the situation in Armenia with that in Egypt, but says that despite the problems it is unlikely a similar uprising will occur. In particular, the blog blames apathy among the youth and a fractured opposition.
Iraq: To the entire WORLD, #IRAQIS are coming…
Iraqi people were inspired the revolutions around the Arab world and announced their own day of rage on the 25th February. The main demonstration centred on Tahrir square in Baghdad but there were similar protests all over the country.
Egypt: Revolution's Not Over, Army Attacks Protestors
One month after a revolution began to demand political reform, Cairo's Tahrir Square was again the scene for bloody violence as the Egyptian army moved to quash continued protests for civilian rule. Two weeks since the ouster of dictator Hosni Mubarak, Egypt remains grappled in a tug of war between protestor demands for immediate democratic reform and a potent military refusing to cede power.
Bahrain: Day of Mourning Observed
Friday (Feb 25) was officially announced as a 'Day of Mourning' for all the martyrs who have fallen since Bahrain's Day of Wrath protests, which started on February 14th 2011. Netizens reflect on the day.
Egypt: Is Feb25 the Restart Button for the Egyptian Revolution?
Yesterday marked the first month since the start of the Egyptian revolution. Former president Hosni Mubarak has been toppled yet the revolution is still far from over. Protesters at Tahrir Square, calling for the demands of the revolution to materialise, were last night cordoned and attacked by the military police. Is this the beginning of another wave of rage?
