Global Voices Digest

Turkey is Typing…the Weekly Favorites

In Turkey this week a political blogger gets passionate after switching hosts, Talk Turkey speculates on possible presidential candidates, Carpetblogger involves us in a clandestine mission to find forbidden white meat, and two bloggers cover the big screen with reviews of the new release Mutluluk and … the Turkish version of the Exorcist?!

Global Voices in Moscow

Does Russia need citizen journalism? Is participatory online conversation truly egalitarian or just a new space for younger elites? Are blogs becoming an instrumental factor in international relations? These are just some of the questions that brought journalists, bloggers, and academics together in Moscow for the First International Conference on Blogs, Media and Citizen Journalism. Global Voices Kazakhstan contributor Leila Tanayeva was there and provides us with this summary of the discussion.

Africa: Bloggers Differ on Reparations and Apology for Slavery

Two centuries ago, Britain passed the Slave Trade Act, abolishing the slave trade throughout the British empire. Commemorating that historical decision, writes Ndesanjo Macha, “a number of events such as art exhibits, lectures, church services, and parades have been taking place all over the world. In England, Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed deep sorrow, Mayor Kevin Livingstone made a formal apology. In cyberspace, the Archibishops Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu used YouTube to share their reflections on slave trade.” But are apologies enough? And what about Africa’s historical role in the slave trade? Macha helps us navigate through a truly vibrant discussion taking place in African cyberspace.

Arabisc: In Keeping with Fashion, Algerian Blogger Sued

The struggle for free speech continues in North Africa; this time in the courts. Amira Al Hussaini translates a post from Abdulsalam Baroudi, an Algerian blogger who has been sued by a government official for libel. We also get wind of a new campaign in Egypt protesting a proposal by Judge Abdel Fattah Mourad to block 21 blogs and websites deemed dangerous to national interests. Meanwhile, Moroccan blogger Mohammed Saeed Hjiouij continues to highlight his favorite Arabic blogs.

Iran: Connecting the Medical World and Norouz Inspires Reflection

The Iranian New Year celebration of Norouz served as a measuring stick for bloggers to reflect on their country’s progress over the past year. Hamid Tehrani links to the good, the bad, and the happy. Also, an Iranian-American video blogger who hopes to connect Iranian medical professionals with their colleagues around the world.

Arepa de Huevo from Colombia, Ceviche from Ecuador and Pupusas from El Salvador!

Let’s end the day on a tasty note. Or how about five tasty notes as Chef Melissa De Leòn Douglass fills our plates with recipes from around Latin America. Arepa de huevo from Colombia, ceviche from Ecuador, pupusas from El Salvador, gallo pinto from Nicaragua, and maracujá from Brazil. I’m stuffed.

Roundups

China’s spoofing controversy, reporting on arrested reporters in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan’s shortage of university spaces, and much more can be found in today’s Global Roundups.