12 July 2011

Stories from 12 July 2011

Venezuela: 200 Years of Independence

During the week of July 5, Venezuela celebrated 200 years of independence from Spain. Diverse participation was seen online; congratulations, cheerful comments and videos of dances, parades and concerts were shown. Nevertheless, the division of political opinions continued, and many bloggers took to the occasion to share reflections about history and identity.

12 July 2011

Sao Tome and Principe: Saving a Cultural Crossroads

The celebration of Sao Tome and Principe's 36th anniversary of independence, on July 12, involves cultural and traditional events being held throughout the country. The country has been a cultural crossroads for centuries, absorbing various traditions into a unique blend. Bloggers help document dance traditions, and express regret that not enough is being done to preserve them for future generations.

12 July 2011

El Salvador: The Challenges of Urbanization

Voices from El Salvador says that urbanization is becoming “increasingly problematic, specifically in terms of poverty, violence and health. […] El Salvador does not have the necessary mechanisms in place...

12 July 2011

Russia-USA: Looming lobbying scandal

John Helmer of Dancing With Bears reports about a looming lobbying scandal in Washington, DC, where senior US officials allegedly have been intensely courted by PR-people, employed by Russian billionaire...

12 July 2011

Zimbabwe: Socialists Facing Treason Charge

Zimbabwe socialists are facing treason charge: “The International Socialist Organisation [ISO] Zimbabwe wishes to update all progressive cadres, socialists, revolutionaries and democrats who have been in solidarity with us since...

12 July 2011

Russia: Cruiser Catastrophe Causes Questions

RuNet Echo

As casualty numbers rise from Sundays' ferry catastrophe on the river Volga, Russians have come to the bitter realization of yet another tragedy, with a death-toll of well over a hundred people. As usual, news of deplorable conditions are brought to public attention, causing popular anger and indignation, but this time these feelings almost seem to outdo those of sympathy with the victims and their relatives, as the Russian blogosphere reacts to the tragedy.

12 July 2011

Ukraine: Timoshenko trial worries

LevKo of Foreign Notes discusses his impressions that Ukrainians are becoming increasingly worried about the alleged show-trial against former Premier and opposition leader Yulia Timoshenko; worries that now arguably extend...

12 July 2011

China: Political Terms

Qian Gang analyses Chinese President Hu Jintao’s report delivered on July 1, 2011, to the conference commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by looking into the...

12 July 2011