Stories from 11 January 2013
Pakistani Activist Khudi Ali Killed in Bombings Targeting Hazaras
On 10 January, 2013 in Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta, 82 people lost their lives in back-to-back bombings that hit an area populated primarily by ethnic Hazara Shia Muslims. Irfan Khudi Ali, a prominent human rights activist who tirelessly highlighted the persecution of the Hazara in Pakistan, passed away in the second attack. His killing has sparked a tribute to his struggle and reignited protests on Shia killings in Pakistan.
2012: A Year of Revolt and Social Change in Francophone Countries: Part 1 of 2
The year 2012 was marked by armed conflicts in Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. There were elections in Senegal, Quebec and France, while demonstrations for change took place in Chad, Madagascar and Togo. Debates raged on issues such as immigration, the economic crisis and equality in marriage laws. This is the first part of a review of the year 2012 in Francophone countries.
Richard Blanco: America's First Latino Inaugural Poet
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, requested his inaugural poem from Richard Blanco, son of Cuban immigrants and the first Latino, Spanish speaker, and gay man to receive this honor.
Jamaica, Grenada: Master Sculptor Passes On
The National Gallery of Jamaica Blog acknowledges the passing of master sculptor Fitzroy “Fitz” Harrack.
Discussing the Caribbean's Rape Culture
The disturbing gang-rape - and subsequent death - of a young woman in Delhi, India, has elicited global outrage and discussion about gender-based violence. A handful of Caribbean-based bloggers have been sharing their thoughts, not the least of which is that rape is a men's issue.
Conversations: The Mayor of a Christian Syrian Village
As part of our effort to highlight civilian stories, below is a conversation between Syria Deeply and Abu Skandar, the mayor of Al Ghassanieh, a predominantly Christian village just past Jebel Akrad in Latakia province.
Free Online Course on Media and Information Literacy by UNESCO
UNESCO has launched a free online course on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue. The course is designed for teachers, policy makers and professionals, and will be offered from February 25 to May 31, 2013 by the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.
Zonguldak Accident Draws Attention to Turkish Miners’ Plight
Eight miners were killed due to a gas leak on January 7, 2013. Zonguldak, the main mining city of Turkey, hits the headlines once again with this fatal mine accident. Bloggers, across the political spectrum, were united in condemning the accident and the working conditions of miners in the country.
Rethinking Public Service: Portuguese Bloggers Translate IMF Report
Whether you agree with its content or not, it is unacceptable that the only available version is in English. The author of the Portuguese blog Aventar refers [pt] to a recent report released by the IMF, ‘Rethinking the State – Selected Expenditure Reform Options’, which “may be the basis for...
Kenya: Prime Minister Raila Odinga Leads in Opinion Poll
Ken Opalo analyzes latest opinion poll on the electorate’s preferred president and running mate in Kenya, which shows the Odinga/Musyoka ticket leads the Kenyatta/Ruto ticket ahead of the March 4th 2013 general election.
Kenya: Refugee-run online news magazine
The Kakuma News Reflector, or KANERE, is an independent news magazine produced by Ethiopian, Congolese, Ugandan, Rwandan, Somali, Sudanese and Kenyan journalists operating in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. It is the first fully independent refugee-run news source of its kind to emerge from a refugee camp, and has attracted considerable...
Journalist Killed During Ceasefire Talks in Central African Republic
The network of Human Rights Reporters in Central African Republic reports that journalist for the Radio Bé-oko Elisabeth Olofio was killed [fr] when Sékéla rebels entered the town of Bambari, CAR on January 7. A ceasefire agreement was signed [fr] between the rebels and the Bozizé government today (January 11)...
Nobel Peacemaker Ramos Horta's Mission to Guinea Bissau
The political chaos in which Guinea Bissau finds itself embroiled - and more so since the April 2012 coup d'etat - may be a little closer to finding a resolution with the recent appointment of Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta, to lead the United Nations Integrated Peace-Building Office in the country.
Infographic: What does China think?
What do Chinese citizens think about China's economic situation and the world's leaders?TeaLeafNation and ChinaFile has produced an infographic with detailed analysis based on the Chinese piece on CNpolitics[zh].
Who Should Be in the Internet Hall of Fame?
The Internet Society seeks nominees from any country who have played a significant role in the development of the Internet for inclusion in the Internet Hall of Fame.
2012: Year of Milestones for Global Voices Lingua Project
Lingua, the translation project that makes Global Voices truly global, celebrated many milestones in 2012. What will 2013 bring?
Man’s Death Inspires Solidarity in Midst of Devastating Storm in Lebanon
As a devastating storm rages in Lebanon, the death of a homeless man inspires a wave of solidarity. Few people knew his name before he was found dead near the American University of Beirut. But on January 7, 2012, Beirut mourned the death of Ali Abdallah, a homeless man who was a familiar face for the AUB community, often found on Bliss Street, where the university is located.
How Many More Syrians Must Die?
How many Syrians must die for the world to act? Syria Deeply catches up with Bessma Momani, a senior fellow at CIGI and Brookings Institution and an associate professor at the University of Waterloo, who shares her thoughts on this pressing issue.
Social Media Buzz: The Fallout of Assad's Speech
President Bashar Al Assad gave a rare speech on Sunday, his first since June, igniting Facebook and Twitter discussions that provided a jolt to both his supporters and opponents. The online discussion followed a predictable flow. Assad opponents dismissed the speech, pointing out that nothing new was said, while Assad supporters were invigorated, gleeful at the defiance of their embattled president.
Peru: Wendy Sulca, YouTube Phenomenon, Teased Once Again
Peruvian YouTube star Wendy Sulca greeted her supposed fans on her Tweetcam earlier this month, seemingly unaware that she was the victim of a series of pranks as she stated fictitious names, some with double meanings
Set Phrases in China’s Diplomatese
From “angrily denounce” to “be gravely hurt”, Chinese journalist Fang Kecheng analyzed the set phrases in China’s diplomatese.
