Global Voices Online

Kubatana's post shows cruelty by the goverment of Zimbabwe, “Spare a thought for the families of Sekai Holland and Grace Kwinjeh whose injuries were severe enough to warrant them being medivac’d to South Africa on March 17. To prepare for the evacuation they got the necessary clearance from the President’s Office, Immigration, Customs, airport security - only to be stopped on the tarmac by… a policeman with a brand new, never before heard of requirement. The officer commanding the Law and Order Section of the police had arbitrarily decided they now had to get clearance from the Ministry of Health.”

According to Madeh 19[Fa],judiciary authorities have given permission to three banned journals such as reformist Shargh to be published again.

Iranian president,Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote a new message in his blog.He says he got a letter from an American woman whose son was sent to Iraq.He writes I am sorry to say that the American people are kept in an absolute censorship concerning the outside world by their government.I am certain if the American people know where and on what, their tax money are spent, even the strong supporters of the government would not stand it and rush to the street to show their opposition in regard to that issue.

Mohammad Ali Abtahi,reformist politician, talks about women in politics.He writes When no reformist or conservative politicians provide the chance for serious development of women at high levels, it is natural that ladies start their own activities in political arena to defend themselves.The solidarity and social and political cooperation of ladies despite all their differences has been unbelievable, though due to having many leaders their real wishes have not been analyzed yet.

Palestinian blogger Maytha, who is based in the US, predicts that the Kuffiyeh (Palestinian head gear) is making a comeback on the West Coast. “(M)aybe it's LA fashionistas sheer dedication to innovative and cutting edge fashion trends…or maybe it's just the complete ignorance surrounding the socio-cultural history of the kuffiyeh and the politically charged controversy it is eneveloped in,” writes the blogger.

Palestinian blogger Amal A posts an interesting question which spells out the difference between the English and Arabic language readers of a news website. I wonder what the 8000 enlightened people who approved the burning of the book would say if they were asked, “Do you support the burning at the stake of Sharif Kana'neh and Ibrahim Muhawi, the editors of Speak Bird, Speak Again?”, she writes.

Myouez wonders why people spend so much money on jewelery. “Today, my sister said she couldn’t find her necklace, I asked my mom how much it worth. Damn! I could buy a laptop with it. What’s the use of wearing it around?”

The Weight of Silence on India's street children, whose life centers around the Railways. “One, boys are more likely than girls to actually run away from home and leave their villages. Second, for the girls who do arrive, Gyan says they are the first to disappear. The sex trade swallows up the girls immediately. Obviously, some kind of more immediate intervention needs to occur, because once any child is plucked away from the station they are almost always lost.”

An update on the Nandigram issue at Kafila. Where the state swoops down to grab land. “Singur, unlike the impressions outside, is still fighting with strength and spirit. Thousands of bargadars, labourers and also landholders are not for the forcible occupation of land although fencing of 997 acres of the land, protected by the sheer police force i.e., the State’s might stands.”

Joshua Wanyama of African Path blogs about Gokh-Bi System, a West African group that fuses traditional African sound with urban hip hop.

Metroblogging Islamabad on the attack of Freedom of the Press in Pakistan. “Punjab Police entered Geo News office building in evening, shattered glasses and started shelling within office premises. Rubber Bullets were fired on reporters, camera men, hence injuring a few people as well. The camera coverage was demanded to be closed by the officials.”

Democracy For Nepal on empowering Nepalis in New York City. “I don't know how many Nepalis there are in New York City. 35,000? 40,000? Nobody really knows for sure. But we have got to earn voting rights in the city elections. The idea is not new. Those with green cards should be allowed to vote.”

Unheard Voices reproduces a mail on requirements in Bangladesh. “Both arriving and departing passengers need to possess the Immigration Service Code (IS Code) before they
report at the Immigration counter at Zia International airport. Failure to comply with the same may result in offloading of passenger(s).”. The email generates an interesting discussion in the comments space.

Zimcricketnews figures out three options for Zimbabwe in the World Cup Cricket 2007, “The easy option (in maths terms) first: if Zimbabwe beat both Pakistan and West Indies, they’re through.
The “need some help” options: if Zimbabwe beat West Indies, and Ireland beat both Pakistan and West Indies; or Zimbabwe beat Pakistan, and Ireland lose both their remaining matches, then Zim are through.
The NRR options: if Zimbabwe and Ireland each win one and lose one of their remaining games, then the Net Run Rate will decide who goes through from Zimbabwe or Ireland.”

Kenya blogger writes about Kenya's victory over Canada in World Cup Cricket 2007: Firstly, what a great performance by the team. It was not the fact that they won, but the way in which they won. There may have been some concern over the lack of penetration from the opening bowlers, and they will no doubt face a stiffer test against the Kiwis and Poms, but they bowled well on the whole and did not let Canada get away in the early overs.