Stories from 14 July 2011
Cuba: On Queue
“The queue in Cuba…is our music, our magic, our politics. It is the place where we philosophise…the campfire around which we perform our daily routines: conversing, falling for and out with people and, quipping”: A Cuban in London says you haven't seen a real line until you line up in...
Jamaica: Coming Out
“Jamaican attitudes towards homosexuality are shifting,” explains Active Voice, adding: “Those who militate on behalf of gay rights here and elsewhere need to respond to this, rather than to non-existent straw men.”
Russia: Putin-Stolypin Liberalism
Sean's Russia Blog writes about Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inaugurating a monument to his early 20th century predecessor Pjotr Stolypin, and discusses how this link serves the interests of advancing a specific type of Russian liberalism.
South Sudan: Messages of #LoveFromSudan
On the eve of the independence of South Sudan, a group of young Sudanese started a movement that is trying to start a conversation between North and South to create mutual friendship between both sides and link young citizens of the two countries. The movement uses the hashtag #lovefromsudan.
Japan: Indie Music Rocks the Nukes
With a spreading nuclear crisis and related issues such as radiation fears, new energy policies on the horizon and an uncertain future for the operating reactors, Japanese netizens have started a revival of music videos with a clear anti-nuclear message.
South Korea Aims to Regulate Bloggers Getting Paid by Companies
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission has decided to regulate incentives given to influential bloggers who write favorable reviews for companies. Francis Tan of the Next Web site commented on the purpose of the regulation and its possible side effects.
Turkmenistan: Israel's trip over geopolitics
Few observers are aware of Israel’s strange diplomatic dance with Turkmenistan, which has involved the Tel Aviv’s attempts to court Ashgabat as a potential lever against Iran, Emerson reports.
Kazakhstan: WordPress banned because of two blogs
Information about the WordPress ban in Kazakhstan is slowly trickling out. On 15 July, it was revealed that the ban is ostensibly due to two WordPress blogs that fell afoul of Kazakh censors, Schwartz writes.
Uzbekistan: World-known brands to denounce child labor
Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Eileen Fisher, Nautica, Gear for Sports, The Jones Group, Liz Claiborne and Nike are among the first companies to sign a pledge boycotting the use of Uzbekistan-sourced cotton until the International Labor Organization determines that forced child labor is no longer an issue in the country, reports Abulfazal.
Kazkahstan: The Sting of Criticism
KZBlog reports that famous singer Sting, who was scheduled to play for the Kazakh president's birthday and the Day of Astana (capital of Kazakhstan) festivities, cancelled his engagement after Amnesty International apprised him of the situation with human rights situation in Kazakhstan.
Afghanistan: Study on the Taliban's rules and actions
Nick Fielding writes about the report into the Taliban's code of conduct, using it to gain an insight into the organisation itself.
Afghanistan: Continued fracturing of politics
Joshua Foust reviews political factions in Afghanistan, trying to map out different parties in Afghan politics – both political actors, insurgency groupings and marginal gangs.
Russia: Autocrats and Balancers
Streetwise Professor argues that power in Russia is about projecting an image of the leader as an autocrat, whereas “he” in real terms is a balancer between conflicting interests with little influence over bureaucracy.
Turkmenistan: Explosion of online activity
Joshua Foust comments on the recent news about the emergence of new social groups forming online in Turkmenistan, and argues how effective they can be at gathering information.
Russia: Lasting Legacy of Landladies
Natalia Antonova writes about her Moscow landlady as an example of the constant problems lasting Soviet mentality creates in everyday life.
Russia: Military Police to Stop Penalism in Armed Forces
Streetwise Professor reports of plans to found a Military Police corps to fight penalism and violence in the Russian Armed Forces, and argues that combining two of the most violent institutions in Russia is not a good idea to get rid of violence.
Africa: Of Misunderstandings, the Best Laid Plans and Language Challenge
Find out about what's on the minds of a variety of African bloggers with Global Voices author Paula Odhiambo.