Morsi Supporters Face-off with Anti-Morsi Protestors across Egypt

The much anticipated face-off between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and protesters who called for the ousting of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi took place today [June 6, 2013]. The drama unfolded live on television, and was broadcast by local and international channels. At least 17 people were killed and more than 400 protesters injured in clashes across Egypt today, which many on social media described as “expected” and “surreal.”

Protests Erupt in South Korea Over Spy Agency's Electioneering

Protests have continued for several weeks in South Korea against the state secret agency’s electioneering. Nine agents from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) created hundreds of Internet IDs and wrote more than 5,000 posts on the Internet and used some of them to attack domestic opposition parties and their candidates ahead of South Korea’s presidential election last December.

Higher Education's ‘Quality Problem’ in India

Supriyo Chaudhury at Sunday Posts argues that Indian higher education needs foreign investments, not just because of the money, but the imagination and creative proposition that will come with it.

Turkmens Appalled, J Lo Performs for Their President's Grand Birthday

Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov got a fine 56th birthday present at the end of last month in the form of a concert starring Jennifer Lopez held at Turkmenistan's $2 billion state palace. But many ordinary Turkmens registered disgust at the display of opulence in a country where the average salary hovers around $200 per month.

100% Humidity in Lima, Peru

Peruvian newspapers reported [es] on Thursday, July 4, 2013, that humidity in Lima reached 100% [es]. Lima residents expressed their opinions on Twitter using the hashtag #humedad [humidity].

Domestic Violence in Kyrgyzstan

Most girls and women in Kyrgyzstan are afraid of leaving their homes alone when it gets dark, believing that a dark street is the most frequent crime scene in the country. In reality, as SQ blog suggests [ru], four out of five crimes against women in the country take place...

‘Celebrities for Hire’ in Central Asia

On Registan.net, Aijan Sharshenova explains why ‘celebrities for hire’ (including pop diva Jennifer Lopez) entertaining the authoritarian leaders of post-Soviet Central Asian republics unwillingly improve their image among domestic audiences.

Traditional Kyrgyz Clothing

Personal appearance can tell a lot about a person and his nation. Traditional clothes of the Kyrgyz people is important part of material and spiritual culture of the nation, and it is closely linked with the country’s history

Game Over for the US Airbase in Kyrgyzstan?

After over a decade of scandal, intrigue and significant contributions to the state coffers, the Kyrgyzstani people are preparing for the consummation of their love-hate relationship with the American military installation located on the outskirts of their capital, Bishkek.

Brazil Stockpiles Arsenal of Non-Lethal Weapons Ahead of World Cup

The Brazilian government has purchased thousands upon thousands of non-lethal weaponry, including tear gas and Taser guns, from arms firm Condor to use as part of its security strategy during the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.

Malaysian Internet TV Up with Viewers

KiniTV, a Malaysian Internet TV service recorded 7.2 million video views last May: KiniTV will be producing news reports and talk-shows that come straight from ordinary people and independent analysts, free from censorship and to promote dialogue and encourage transparency.

First Burmese-language Social Networking Site

SQUAR is Myanmar’s first Burmese-language social networking site. The Irrawaddy interviews Rita Nguyen who is overwhelmed by the support of Myanmar netizens: …even if Burmese were online, there was really no destination that belonged to them, built for and by them.

Breast Milk Popular Among China's Rich

Since the 2008 milk scandal in which tainted baby formula poisoned hundreds of babies, China's Southern Shenzhen are enjoying a new nourishment: human breast milk. Wet nurses are hired to breast feed some babies and even adults. Offbeat China has more details.

Kerala, India's Solar Sector, Government Embroiled in Fraud Case

The budding solar energy market in Kerala has found itself marred in controversy by a far-reaching fraud case that involves government officials.

“Chinese-Style Justice”

ChinaSMACK has translated a “one-point” essay from a test-taker at China's annual National College Entrance Exam that took place last month. The critical essay reviewed China's social problems in the recent years, including the rampant corruption and food scandal.

Harrison Ford Visits Peru

American actor Harrison Ford arrived in Peru on an unannounced visit [es] to the city of Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon. About this, Ismael S. (@Hismael7) [es] tweeted: @Hismael7 [es]: Well, Harrison Ford is used to overcoming obstacles and death threats, so it's normal that he arrived on the week...