13 September 2012

Stories from 13 September 2012

Is Tanzania's Peaceful Reputation in Danger?

Tanzania has experienced several crises since the October 2010 general elections. The most recent case is the violent death of Tanzania journalist Daudi Mwangosi, who was killed by a tear gas cannister in Iringa, Southern Tanzania, whilst police tried to disperse a group of opposition party supporters.

13 September 2012

Pakistan: On ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ Film

A 13 minute trailer of controversial film ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ was recently released via YouTube. The movie is said to be strongly anti-Islamic and protests against it were held in several countries, leading to the death of the US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and his three aides. Pakistani netizens react.

13 September 2012

Tajikistan: Singer Praising Putin Draws Anger

Since the beginning of the year, Tajik singer Tolibjon Kurbonkhonov has recorded three songs that extol the virtues of Russian president Vladimir Putin. The songs have become hits on YouTube and made the singer famous in Russia. Back in Tajikistan, however, the songs anger Kurbonkhonov's compatriots who accuse him of "sycophancy" and "disgracing the country".

13 September 2012

Guinea: Acts of Torture, Symptoms of a Country Still Divided

Guinea's transition from the notorious military regime of Moussa Dadis Camara towards a democratic political system has not gone smoothly. The country is still experiencing strong internal divisions as indicated by the attempted coup d'etat against the president. The rule of law is still under construction and there are numerous accounts of torture within the military.

13 September 2012

China: Hulunbuir Grassland Destroyed by Coal Mining Activities

Hulunbuir Grassland, one of the most beautiful landscapes in inner Mongolia, is eroding as a result of coal mining near the surface of the ground. A Chinese blogger has pointed out that the mining activities are not only a destruction of the natural environment, but also a cultural invasion.

13 September 2012