Stories from 21 March 2012
Arab World: Netizens Turn to Twitter to Complain About Dust
A massive sandstorm hit the Gulf region, disrupting air traffic in Yemen, and closing schools in Saudi Arabia. Netizens from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar turned to Twitter to complain.
Arab World: Happy Mother's Day – Tribute to Martyrs’ Mothers
The Arab world marks Mother's Day today, March 21. On social networking sites, netizens send out congratulations to their mothers on the day. They also remember the mothers of the thousands of martyrs killed by the authorities as they protested against dictatorship in this so-called Arab Spring.
Video: Studying, Creating and Editing Videos with Cerebral Palsy
Christopher Hill is a young man living with cerebral palsy, and through the video One switch. One head. The world. produced, directed and edited by himself he explains how he...
China: Debate on Kony 2012
The Kony 2012 viral video also drew significant attention in China. On the popular Chinese video site Youku, the same video harvested over 8 million views in a few days. Here netizens discuss their reactions.
Mali: Facing Secession and Food Crisis as Elections Loom
Mali is currently facing critical challenges while preparing for the presidential elections on April 29. After the fall of Gaddafi in Libya, returning Tuareg armed groups posted there threaten to seek secession for the Azawad territory, or Northern Mali.
Spain: Are You For or Against EuroVegas?
The CEO of Las Vegas Sands, multibillionaire Sheldon Adelson, has decided to establish his next hotel-casino complex EuroVegas in Spain. If the Spanish government seems enthusiastic about this project, the Spanish people are divided on the issue.
Uganda: Kony 2012 Video Response From Ugandan Prime Minister
Uganda’s Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has taken to YouTube to respond to a viral video campaign launched by Invisible Children to raise support for the arrest of wanted war criminal Joseph Kony. Contrary to what the video says, Mbabazi argues that Joseph Kony is not in Uganda and that the country is not in conflict.
Lebanon : Mothers’ Day Event in the Absence of Prisoners Detained in Syria
Various organisations demanding the liberation of Lebanese prisoners detained in Syria are organising an event in the “Tent of the Families of the Missing and Detained” on Lebanese Mothers’ Day, today, 21st...
Iran: Jailed blogger released on bail
Mehdi Khazali,blogger and publisher, has been released from jail on bail. You can see here his photos before and after hunger strike.
Iran: Iranians react to Obama's Nowruz message
President Obama's Nowruz message to Iranians has been visited more than 62000 times in YouTube. Iranians wrote different comments for this message, from praising Obama to criticize sanctions.
Sudan: Why Clooney's Arrest is Both Good and Bad
Moez Alie explains why George Clooney's arrest outside Sudan Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 16 March, 2012 is both good and bad: “I will concede that George Clooney's arrest has...
South Korea: Photos of Politicians Staring at Revealing Photos of Ladies in National Assembly building
Photos of politicians staring at revealing photos of ladies have been widely viewed in South Korea, prompting net users to express their frustration and annoyance towards lawmakers doing meaningless web searches...
South Korea: Three Major TV Stations Protest for Fair Journalism
In South Korea, following one of biggest TV network’s desperate attempt to overthrow its president over unfair news coverage and corruption allegations, the nation’s two other major TV stations have joined forces in standing up against their management.
Iranians to Israelis: “We Are Your Friends”
An Israeli Facebook campaign to say to Iranians “We will never bomb your country. We love you.” has received an answer from Iranians in the form a corresponding Facebook initiative that says to Israelis, “We are your friends.”
Libya: Libyan Memes
What are Libyans laughing about on social networking sites? Check out this Facebook page to keep abreast with Libyan memes.
France: Protests in Marseille against the Privatisation of Water
Babalobi wrote on eWash: “Accompanied by unarmed policemen, protesters marched through the streets of central Marseille singing, dancing and chanting slogans against ‘privatisation’ and ‘commodification’ of urban water supply.” The protests were organised...
Jordan: 50 Things to do in Amman
Jordanian blogger Roba Al Assi shares a list of 50 things to do in Amman this month.
Egypt: Women's Right to Divorce Debated in Parliament
The performance of the new Egyptian Parliament continues to stir debate on social media sites. The new parliament was seen as a move towards to democracy. However, the parliament continues to discuss matters that seem irrelevant to the country’s most pressing needs. Now, MPs are discussing a request to strip women of their right to file for a divorce.
China and Koreas: North Korean Refugees
Mary Soo Anderson writes about the North Korean refugees issue in China and urges human rights organizations continue fighting for them.
