Global Voices Digest for February 12th, 2008
Hindi: Water, dowry, the stock market and others
Will Kolkata fall into the Bengal Sea this century due to global warming? Does dowry still affect today’s young Indian women? How have India’s stock markets fared the global recession? Amit Gupta looks for answers in the Hindi blogosphere.
National Sports: unique expressions of countrywide pride
Juliana Rincon brings us video of national sports from around the world including tejo from Colombia, sumo wrestling in Japan, silat in Malaysia and Indonesia, and more.
Israel: Cyber Activists Promote Sderot
Sderot, a small Israeli border-town which is frequently the target of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, has become a case study for cyber-activism, writes Maya Norton. “Supporters seek to bring attention to the stories of real people beyond what the media has chosen to cover. Activists are creating blogs, videos, Facebook groups, and organizations to promote Sderot from a first person perspective.”
Bahrain: For sale?
Bahraini blogger MuJtAbA AlMoAmEn notes that the rise of blogging in Bahrain has led to the gradual decline in anonymous online forums. In their place we find real names with unwavering opinions. Also: the privatization of utilities and an apparent win for local journalists.
Egypt: On Winning the African cup of Nation, Ghana 2008
On Sunday Egyptian streets and living rooms erupted in celebration after their national football team defeated Cameroon 1-0 to win the African Cup of Nations in Ghana. As one blogger described it, “For a country that is so deeply impoverished and repressed, constant frustration gave way to almost inexpressible joy.”
Guatemala: Targeted Violence Against Bus Drivers
Bus drivers in Guatemala have been the victim of targeted attacks, which have left 3-4 murdered per day and have caused panic and fear among the people. Some local bloggers are speculating on who is behind this violence and what the government can do to reduce these crimes, writes Renata Ávila.
Bangladesh: On human rights, and people across the border
Human rights, political soap operas, the evolution of language, and some practical advice for newcomers. All this and more in Rezwan’s latest wrap-up of the Bangladeshi blogosphere.
Syria: Imad Mughniyeh Assassinated
The latest headlines from Damascus talk of a car-bomb explosion in the uptown neighborhood of Kafar Suseh. The explosion was a successful assassination attempt of one of Hizbulla’s top leaders, Imad Mughniyeh. Syrian bloggers have been swift with their reactions and theories of who was behind the attack.
Roundups
Green Kamapala?, Russian neo-Nazis target Central Asians, Serbia divided once again … over Eurovision … and lots more in today’s Global Roundups.