Blogging the democratic revolution
BLOG ROUNDUPS: -Jeff Jarvis has a huge roundup. Even cooler, he found an RSS feed that automatically shows the updates from all the links he posted. Also, Iraqi blogger reactions gethered up. More reactions from military bloggers –More from the Foundation For The Defense Of Democracies. LIVEBLOGGERS: -Roger Simon is liveblogging the TV news coverage….
I’m about to begin doing my series of Iraq roundups, but I thought I would start off with some satire. You heard me right. Dear Diary, Today started out as a amazing day! I was going to be a part of history and nothing was going to stop me! To my amazement, luck was on…
The elections in Iraq are due to be held on Sunday — or late night Saturday if you’re State side. This is looking to be the event of the century, even though it has just barely started. I have neglected to post much about Iraq in the past week, on the run up, because I…
This article from AZ Central details, albeit at times somewhat wrongly or speculatively, that no matter the results of the election, they are scared of the consequences. Apparently, the Shiite majority that is going to arise in Iraq will create problems for just about everybody, despite some benefits. Here is the introduction: DAMASCUS, Syria –…
I just found this great blog called Stop Censoring Us, only to find out it is done by Hossein Derakhshan, creator of Editor: Myself and Blogs by Iranians. He definitely keep himself busy, so make sure to check out his blogs and support him.
Andrew Sullivan has some preliminary thoughts about standards for the elections in Iraq: Here are my criteria: over 50 percent turnout among the Shia and Kurds, and over 30 percent turnout for the Sunnis. No massive disruption of voting places; no theft of ballots. Fewer than 500 murdered. Any other suggestions for relevant criteria? My…
John at Crossroads Arabia posts an interesting editorial with some interesting commentary about how Hamas, while sponsoring terrorism, is also one of Gaza’s biggest sponsors of social caretaking. I’ve never heard of this, but it could definitely be due to the western media not presenting the information. Either way, it will take some research on…
Chrenkoff has a new roundup of good things going on in the Muslim world. I wonder how these oppressive theocracies let these stories get out? They must be slacking.
It’s not so often that we see such optimism from Israel. But I guess if even Sharon is confident that the Palestinians are doing their part, then we might actually be seeing something good here. Speaking at a convention of building contractors in Tel Aviv, Sharon said, “I believe that the conditions are now ripe…
I think this has literally been the most mind-blowing article I’ve read today. Not because it is anything I didn’t know already, but because it’s being reported as the front story on CNN’s website. Although most say they don’t know who the candidates are or where to go to vote, they say they will vote…
The new NGO “Friends of Democracy” website has been setup, and they collect news from locals in Iraq. Very cool stuff. But what I like even more is that they have photos!
Chrenkoff did some statistics analysis of negative media coverage in Iraq. And just like he thought, the bad is oft more told than the good.
Hossein Derakhshan is reporting that Orkut and Yahoo! Messenger will possibly be banned in Iran. This, coupled with all of the other internet shutdowns, shows a real fear among the regime there of the communicative power of the web. They can close their borders, but ideas like liberty transcend any kind of oppression; it’s practically…
The blogger from Democracy In Iraq (Is Coming) has posted his thoughts on the recent Zarqawi “declaration of war.” He says that democracy is evil, and that it goes against Islam. Of course, in his version of Islam everyone you disagree with must be killed, he doesn’t really follow Islam, but facism, the problem is…
John at Crossroads Arabia strongly recommends an article that relates many facts about the temporary city of two million, Haj. I haven’t been able to read it yet, but anything he recommends tends to be good stuff.
Hat tip to Sisyphean Musings for finding the Iraqi television ads up for download. Pretty cool!
Via Andrew Sullivan, the SMCCDI is reporting that millions of Iranian are cheering the news of U.S. moral support for the cause of freedom, Reports from across Iran are stating about the massive welcoming of President George W. Bush’s inaugural speech and his promise of helping to bring down the last outposts of tyranny. Millions…
We have a lot about Iraq going on with the runup to the elections, so here’s a rundown of what’s on in the news and what some of the bloggers are saying. News: –Purported al-Zarqawi tape: Democracy a lie –Iraq Details Security Plans for Election Day –Civil war erupts online as Iraqis prepare for a…
The Belmont Club has an excellent thusfar three-part piece called “The Lost Elections.” Here is part one, part 2, and part 3. The title sounds negative, but they are very positive pieces. Check’em out.
According to the Financial Times, the UN will not oversee elections in Iraq. The UN says it cannot observe the January 30 poll because it played a role in setting up the elections, and no other international organisation has stepped in to offer assistance. The absence of international monitoring could undermine confidence in the results…
This really doesn’t come as a surprise anymore. WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Vice President Dick Cheney said on Thursday that Iran was at the top of the administration’s list of world trouble spots and expressed concern that Israel “might well decide to act first” to eliminate any nuclear threat from Tehran. Israel might act first? I’d…
Hossein Derakhshan from “Editor: Myself,” and a guy I respect very much, has posted his concerns over if Bush is referring to invading Iran in his inauguration speech. But, as an Iranian, I have to say who doesn’t like peace and freedom? But what Bush has brought Iraq is not — and will probably not…
Here is some interesting commentary I came across via Right Wing News. Senator John Kyl is calling on action against Syria and Iran because of their heedless attempts to reinforce terrorism around Israel and Palestine. Some have called on President Bush to “seize the moment,” and quickly broker some kind of a deal. But a…
Ali from Free Iraqi made a post over a week ago with his thoughts on if Islam is compatible with democracy; or any religion for that matter. To begin with I must say I have a problem with the question itself and to clarify this problem in short, I’ll instead ask this question: Is Christianity…
John at Crossroads Arabia posted an interesting article in which Mecca’s top clericgave a sermon denouncing Muslim militants as being “lured by the devil.” That is a good sign.