Elections

Serbia: Does Barack Obama Mean Hospitality for the World?

Serbs are hurt because the United States supported the act of Kosovo Metohia province independence early this year. They have a moderate hope for change in American diplomacy led by the new president Barack Obama. Although former State Department officials like Richard Holbrooke may be appointed, it looks like Serbs and the world outside America can expect a new age of hospitality and cooperation as a consequence of the latest presidential election in the United States.

Source: Global Voices Online

Jamaica: Leadership Roles

“Leadership has to be about prioritizing and making the unpopular decisions that may not help in getting you re-elected but will set the country on the right course for future growth and development”: Trevor Dawes at Abeng News Magazine wonders “why is it that the Jamaican government, regardless of which party forms it, has had such a difficult time doing right by the Jamaican people.”

Source: Global Voices Online

Cuba: Lomas Fired

Diaspora blogger Child of the Revolution speculates as to why “the highest ranking woman in the Castro regime…has been unexpectedly fired…from her high-profile post as Minister for Foreign Investment.”

Source: Global Voices Online

Armenia: Special Committees

Unzipped comments on reported plans by the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) to establish special committeses to develop opinions and policies on issues facing the country. The blog compares the idea to the shadow cabinet system in the U.K. and hopes that such a move will contribute to creating a new culture of transparency and discussion in local politics.

Source: Global Voices Online

Bangladesh: Credible Election

Ex diplomat Sirajul Islam comments in his blog on the impending general election in Bangladesh: “If at the end of it, a major political party feels that there is no level playing ground for its participation in the polls, then for all practical purposes, the efforts of this Government has not been successful.”

Source: Global Voices Online

U.S.: Proposition 8 Silence

Unzipped: Gay Armenia expresses its disappointment that Armenian-American LGBT groups remain silent in light of the recent vote to ban same-sex marriages in California which accompanied Barack Obama's victory in last week's presidential election. The blog wonders why there have been no statements issued by at least four ethnic Armenian LGBT groups in America when others are protesting the move.

Source: Global Voices Online

New Zealand: Time for Change As Well?

Oceanic country New Zealand held a general election on November 8, 2008. According to preliminary results, opposition coalition secures 45.5% of votes and 65 of the 122 Parliament seats, which means John Key of conservative National Party will become new Prime Minister. The governing Labour Party, on the other hand, loses 7 seats to 43 seats.

Source: Global Voices Online

Obama's Victory: Reactions From Tanzania

Barack Obama's historic victory in the US Presidential election dominated almost every Swahili blog. Dira Yangu in Fungua Jicho blog announced Obama's victory with an advice to African leaders:

Seneta Obama hatimaye ameshinda urais wa Marekani na anakuwa rais wa Kwanza Mweusi kwa historia. John Mc Cain amekuwa wa kwanza kukiri kuwa ameshindwa kiungwana na kumpongeza mwenzake Obama. Hili limekuwa funzo lingine kwa wagombea wetu wa kiafrika na kitanzania wanaposhindwa si kukimbilia mahakamani bali ni kukubali.

Source: Global Voices Online

Bangladesh: Myanmar troop build up

Ghore Baire wonders whether the recent tensions between Myanmar and Bangladesh over maritime boundary dispute and the troop build up by Myanmar near Bangladesh border could delay the impending election in Bangladesh.

Source: Global Voices Online

Pakistan: Obama the Revenge!

For years, many people in Pakistan hated the policies of US President George W. Bush. Most Pakistanis believed that the policies of Mr. Bush to fight terrorism were failed policies. Yes that is right! Because almost every step taken by him had ironically empowered the fundamental forces like the Taliban and spread the hatred against USA. Many innocent youngsters have joined Taliban just to take revenge of the murders of their innocent loved ones, who died as a collateral damage in this war against terrorism. In short, instead of bringing harmony and peace between Muslims and the West, President Bush has actually increased the hatred between the two.

Source: Global Voices Online

Syria: Comments on the U.S. Elections

The Syrian blogosphere, particularly the contingent that blogs in English, has been somewhat quiet about the U.S. elections, at least in comparison to its neighbors. It's no secret that many bloggers in the Arab world are frustrated with some of Obama's policies, even if they are glad that some change has come. In this post, we will take a look at three different Syrian perspectives on the recent elections in the U.S.

Yaman, who studies in the United States, shares a story of celebrating Obama's victory in Berkeley, California:

Source: Global Voices Online

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