GV Face: The News Cycle is Broken. Can Solutions Journalism Fix it?

Violent Conflict Erupts in South Sudan. Protesters Beaten, Arrested in Egypt. Communities Destroyed by Typhoon in Philippines. These are stories we believe are important. But what if it is all just too depressing?

At Global Voices, we are committed to shining light on the stories of people around the world. Like any media organization, we often focus on news of violence, political corruption and environmental disaster — we feel tremendous compassion for people facing these hardships and want their stories to be heard. But there are times when even the team at GV would rather curl up with BuzzFeed's “40 Most Awkward Cats of 2013″ than read grim tales from around the globe. As these kinds of stories flood daily news feeds, the world can seem like a pretty bad place. It can even make us feel helpless. But maybe it doesn't have to.

What if the news could empower us to become more active citizens, to actually have an impact on the world? Is there a way to tell stories about events in the world, whether good or bad, where we can see stories in a positive light or offer readers ways to have an impact on difficult situations, even if they're happening halfway across the world?

This week, we bid farewell to 2013 with an in-house edition of GVFace. GV co-founder Ethan Zuckerman and GV newsroom lead editors Solana Larsen and Sahar Habib Ghazi will talk with GV Advocacy Editor Ellery Roberts Biddle about the concept of “solutions journalism” and “good news”. We'll discuss solutions journalism as it relates to traditional approaches to news coverage, changes in the media landscape, and our own practices here at GV. And we'll look at a few ways that news can not only inform but empower us to as citizens of the world and the Internet.

Additional Reading

Problem:
The psychological impact of negative TV news bulletins

The Evening's Bad News: Effects of Compelling Negative Television News Images on Memory


Solution:

Ethan's blog: Saving the News with Advocacy Journalism

Innovating News Journalism through Positive Psychology

Solutions Journalism Can Change the World

Why We Need Solutions Journalism

News Doesn't Reflect the Real World

A New Mainstream Solutions Journalism

Solutions Journalism: What it is and what it is not

Written by Solana Larsen · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/27/gv-face-the-news-cycle-is-broken-can-solutions-journalism-fix-it/

Merry Christmas from Syrian Artists

Syrian Christians quietly celebrate Christmas as the nation's civil war enters its forth year, marking a death toll of more than 100,000 people and the displacement of millions to neighboring countries seeking shelter.

With shelter, came a stark winter and a prayer of return, as this Al Jazeera report explains:

This year, Syria witnessed a great deal of havoc, death, and a tremendous amount of kidnappings that left most of its citizens hopeless. This hopelessness can be seen in the works of artists who, at times, express a nation's distress in a single artwork better than a million words.

Depictions of Santa in Syrian Artworks

Emulating kidnappings in Syria, Jawad painted an abducted Santa in ragged clothes, kneeling on his knees at gunpoint:

[Photo source: Art by Jawad Facebook Page]

In another artwork by Anas Salameh, Santa's corpse is being carried out of Syria's Al Yarmouk Refugee Camp for Palestinians:

[Photo source: Anas Salameh's Facebook profile]

Santa is also seen in tears as his gifts arrived a little too late for Syria's martyred children:

Done by Comic4 Syria كوميك لأجل سوريا [Photo Source: Comic4 Syria كوميك لأجل سوريا Facebook Page]

Here, he sits alongside their graves in mourning:

Artwork by Wissam Al Jazariry [Photo Source: Wissam Al Jazariry Artworks Facebook Page]

The Holiday Spirit: Jingles, Christmas Trees, and Ornaments

A skit playing off the Jingle Bills Christmas song calls for freedom and the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. The creator, known as Mogwli Mowgli, has died under torture:

Anwar Al Eissa paints a metaphoric ornament soaked in blood, hanging in a freezer, as if depicting the dire freezing conditions many Syrians are going through this Christmas:

[Photo Source: Anwarts Facebook Page]

Amjad Wardeh paints a Christmas tree out of an explosion's aftermath:

Merry Christmas and well wishes from Bashar! #Syria pic.twitter.com/ZC3wuM0lp7

— رهام (@Rehambo) December 24, 2013

Whereas Hani Abbas creates it out of refugee tents:

[Photo Source: Hani abbas cartoon]

Aleppian artist Mohamad Alweis writes “Merry Christmas” with a snowflake made of barrels, subtly commenting on the 100 barrels that fell over Aleppo this past week:

[Photo Source: Mohamad Alweis's Facebook Profile]

However, with darkness arises a flicker of hope and belief in a better tomorrow. Watch as Syrian filmmaker Eyad Aljarod films Saraqeb's children, Muslims and Christians, celebrate Christmas and share their dreams:

Bells 2013 – أجراس 2013 from eyad aljarod on Vimeo.

Written by Nour Al-Ali · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/26/merry-christmas-from-syrian-artists/

Blood on Camera: 18-year-old Syrian Dies Covering the War for Reuters

Molhem Barakat, a freelance photographer working for Reuters, was reportedly killed while covering a fight between and Bashar Al-Assad’s forces and rebels in Aleppo’s Al-Kindi Hospital on December 20, 2013.

Aleppo Media Center’s Hassoun Abu Faisal told the Associated Press that Barakat died with his brother, a Free Syrian Army fighter, in a carpet factory near the hospital. His bloodied camera gear was found at the scene:

Mulhem Barakat, young photographer who worked with Reuters and @aleppomediacent, killed covering battle in Aleppo: pic.twitter.com/VBlZggMQBN

— Omar (@omarsyria) December 21, 2013

Abu Faisal also noted that Barakat only started to cover the war a few months ago, when he began freelancing with Reuters in May.

The Syrian teenager, who was born on March 8, 1995, according to his personal Facebook profile, told Prague-based photojournalist Stanislav Krupar when they met that Reuters paid him $100 for ten photographs a day and an extra $50–$100 if the New York Times Lens Blog chose any for Picture of The Day.

While Krupar said he believes Reuters provided Barakat with photo gear, he noted that Barakat had no “ballistic protection – no vest, no helmet.”

Reporting his death, Amman-based journalist Randa Habib said:

Young photographer Molhem Barakat killed in #Syria. News outlets should stop using young stringers who are putting their lives on the line

— Randa HABIB (@RandaHabib) December 21, 2013

Echoing her stance, BBC Senior World Affairs Producer Stuart Hughes tweeted that Reuters responded nonchalantly to his questions regarding Barakat’s age and inexperience. He asked Reuters the following questions:

- There have been conflicting reports of Molhem's age ranging from 17 to 19. Are you able to clarify this?

- If not, how does Reuters respond to some reports that Molhem was 17 years old, and therefore a minor under UK and US law?

- What checks does Reuters carry out to verify the ages of young freelancers working in hostile environments?

- Is Reuters aware of whether Molhem Barakat had completed any hostile environment or first aid training. Was he equipped with personal protective equipment or a first aid kit?

- What it the current policy of Reuters on purchasing material from freelancers in Syria?

To which Reuters responded:

We are deeply saddened by the death of Molhem Barakat, who sold photos to Reuters on a freelance basis. To best protect the many journalists on the ground in a dangerous and volatile war zone, we think it is inappropriate to comment any further at this time.

Corey Pein, an American writer who lives in the UK, adds that while Reuters may have helped Barakat steer away from trouble, they cannot avoid questions about his death:

I know too that wars are messy, and if Molhem hadn’t been taking pictures, he may well have taken up arms. The Reuters team in Syria might have thought they were doing him a favor — and in some ways, I’m sure that they were.

That doesn’t mean the company gets to blow off questions about the circumstances leading up to this young man’s death.

British journalist and photographer Hannah Lucinda Smith, who interviewed Barakat in May for the pan-Arab Asharq al-Awsat, said in a blog post that Barakat was confused as he went from being a “happy teenager to a messed up young man who, at one stage, was adamant that he wanted to join al-Qaeda [as a suicide bomber, but] started working as a photographer, hoping to emulate some of the journalists he was hanging around with.”

Molhem Barakat, self portrait, taken February 14, 2013 [photo source: Barakat's Facebook profile]

Lucinda Smith also said that his confusion perhaps stemmed from his inability to leave Aleppo:

In long conversations on Facebook I tried to persuade him to leave Aleppo and come to Turkey. He refused. He didn’t have a passport, and he didn’t have any money. His family were all still in Syria and he didn’t want to leave them or his friends.

However, she concluded that she hopes Reuters honors Barakat's life by taking responsibility for him:

I hope that they took responsibility for him in a way that I couldn’t, and I hope that if he was taking photographs as he died in the hope of selling them to that agency, they also take responsibility for him now.

Written by Nour Al-Ali · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/24/molhem-barakat-syrias-fallen-teenage-hero/

PHOTOS: Humans of the Middle East and North Africa

November 2010. A man by the name of Brandon Stanton decides to go out everyday and photograph strangers on the streets of New York. He figured he'd get to know them, ask them a few questions, and share the story online. Three years later, the “Humans of New York” photoblog is one of the biggest things online. With over 2 million followers on Facebook, it stands out on his own as a phenomenon worth checking out.

But the “Humans of” movement didn't stop in New York. From India to Latin America passing by Europe and Australia, it has now gone viral, covering our planet city by city. Our region, the Middle East and North Africa, has proven to be no exception.

The following is an overview of the main “Humans of” pages of our region.

Humans of Cairo

“What's your greatest struggle right now?”

“To survive the faculty and marry the one I love.”

“And if you could give advice to people what would that be?”

“Break your taboos, and be free.

Taken from the Humans of Cairo page

Humans of Cairo was started by Salma Hegab, a 22 year old blogger and multimedia journalism graduating senior from the American University of Cairo. Created in November of 2012, and currently with over 3,500 likes and counting, it aims to capture Cairo's diversity. This is what she has to say about it:

“I believe that Cairo is such a vibrant city. Although I hate living here most of the time, I think that starting a project like this will help me to reflect on the city through my eyes, and it'd give the city the chance to reflect itself through my lens! The fact that I have been using professional cameras for a couple of years does not deny that I still have SO much to LEARN, and I hope this will give me great chances to improve my photography skills.”

You can check out her interview with Ta3beer here.

Humans of Egypt was created by a (so far) unknown photographer sometime in 2012. Not much is said about it, and it hasn't been updated in months. But it is definitely worth a look. Also from Egypt is “Humans of Mansoura“.

Humans of Tehran

“Where's my favorite hangout place? Near the Tehran University Campus. There's a design center where all artists, whether graphic artists or sculptors such as myself, like to come together and work. I just love that place.”

Susan, seen near Tehran University

From the “Humans of Tehran” page

Humans of Tehran started on May the 9th, 2012 and has now over 100,000 followers, making it MENA's most popular “Humans of” page. This is what the photographer had to say about it:

“Tehran is not as faraway as you think it is. Inspired by “Humans of New York”, this page offers a pictorial glimpse into the daily lives of Iranians in their beloved dusty rusty capital.”

Also from Iran are “Humans of Esfahan“, “Humans of Tabriz“, “Humans of Shiraz“, “Humans of Ahvaz” and “Humans of Kermanshah“

Humans of Istanbul

“I study medicine and sometimes I feel like I'd never be able to become a doctor; but now I'm happy cause I succeeded in my mid-term exams. So now I'm waiting for a friend of mine to celebrate it!”

From the “Humans of Istanbul” page

Humans of Istanbul was created in 2012 as part of the Istanbul Photo Contest. Today, it has over 2,200 followers. This is what the founder, Shawn Ryan had to say about his project:

“To photograph humanity in Istanbul, a city full of people from around the world, and rich with culture, tradition, history, language, hospitality. To capture photos of the wonderful human beings in this wonderful city is the project, and each photo tells a human story.”

Also from Turkey are “Humans of Ankara“, “Humans of Izmir” and “Humans of Antalya“

Humans of Tel Aviv

Meet Michal. “It's a little bit embarrassing but I am actually reading: ‘Why Men Love Bitches?’ for me, the subtext of the book is not to be a Bitch if you want to get a man. There is a huge difference between been a bitch and standing on your emotional rights in a relationship. Love yourself first, then the right man will turn out .”

From the “Humans of Tel Aviv” page.

Humans of Tel Aviv can boast a pretty decent 20,000+ followers. Created on the 7th of April, 2012 by Erez Kaganovitz, it enjoys a decent loyal group of followers. Why does it exist? Kaganovitz answers: “Tel Aviv is one of the most interesting places on Earth. Come and meet the People who make it so interesting.”

Humans of Palestine

Palestinian farmer work during the olive harvest in the West Bank. Photo by: Ahmad Daghlas

Taken from the Humans of Palestine page

Humans of Palestine was founded in 2012 with an invitation: “Come and meet the People who makes Palestine so interesting. Talk with them, live with them.” Also from Palestine is “Humans of Nablus“.

Humans of Jeddah

A fisherman who showed off his linguistic skills in selling fish as well as counting in Spanish, English Italian and Arabic. He's traveled through out the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and has met many people.

From the Humans of Jeddah page

Humans of Jeddah – Saudi Arabia is still brand new. Created a month ago, it is a collaboration between two photographers, Helmy Alsagaff and Sharifa Lee Abdulrahman, who “want to share with the world the diversity of this city's beautiful people.”

Also from Saudi Arabia is “Humans of Riyadh“.

Humans of Lebanon

“We're enjoying the sunset.”

Taken from the Humans of Lebanon page

Humans of Lebanon started off as a collaboration between myself and Mher Krikorian, a Lebanese-Armenian photographer who gained a reputation as part of Beirut Street Photographers (BSP). We were later joined by Karim Sakr, also a member of BSP. Like any Humans Of pages, the goal of Humans of Lebanon is “to celebrate Lebanon's diversity by showing you its inhabitants.”

If you want a closer look at Lebanon's students, you can check out Noura Andrea Nassar's “Humans of LAU” page. Noura, who actually met Brandon Stanton in New York and is a student at the Lebanese American University, has this to say about her project:

“I've always admired Humans of New York. It teaches you not to judge people because everyone's got his own thing going on. I've always wanted to be part of Humans of Lebanon, but my arabic is terrible and it would be hard for me to communicate. And then I met Brandon in New York, and that really had an impact on me: I wanted to create a similar page but on a smaller scale, and that's how I came up with the Humans of LAU page. These are people that you see on a daily basis, but you never talk to and that you tend to judge.”

Lebanon is also represented by Humans of Tripoli and Humans of Beirut.

Humans of Amman

Giving out free smiles to people on Traffic lights.

Taken from the Humans of Amman page

Humans of Amman was started over a year ago by Ali Alhasani. It is a photography project “that aims to capture portraits of people around Amman, Jordan, without focusing on gender, race or color to spread the sense of unity among the Jordanian society. Other photographers are contributing to the project as well.”

Humans of Kuwait

“Show me your ball”

Taken from the Humans of Kuwait page

Also a recent addition to the Humans Of family, Humans of Kuwait City‘s story is the following:

“My name is Bryan and I began Humans of Kuwait in the winter of 2013 resulting in HOK. I Have a goal to catalogue 5,000 of the city’s inhabitants, so I set out to photograph Kuwait as I see it. As the social followers grow, HOK will provide a worldwide audience with a daily glimpse into the lives of strangers in Kuwait.”

Humans of Tunisia

Mohamed: I'm killing the time that killed me.

Me: Why are you saying that?

Mohamed: It took my son. He turned 23 on the day of Eid.

Humans of Tunisia was created a few months ago “to all those Humans of Tunisia who get lost in the every day and don't take time to appreciate it”.

Also from Tunisia is the “Humans of Tunis” page created by Akram Lahouel, Houssem Lamti and Samar Ouadhani. They also have a blog. And that's not all, you can check out “Humans of Sfax” as well.

Humans of Khartoum

Amm Saeed from the Nuba Mountains

-Seen next to The French Cultural Centre – Khartoum

Taken from the Humans of Khartoum page

Humans of Khartoum is “a small tribute to the people of Khartoum, Sudan, one street portrait at a time.”

Humans of Baghdad

Humans of Baghdad was created by Nasser Billah AlNasseri, a doctor and former journalist at a French news agency. He had to leave Baghdad after constant threats due to his work as a journalist.

Humans of Syria

“how much I love eating Falafel whenever my mum brings me back from school”

Taken from the Humans of Syria page

Humans of Syria was started just a few days ago. The photographer remains anonymous but here is what he or she had to say about the page: “Syria, to let out the unspoken thoughts that have been hidden in hearts unspoken in eyes, detained in tears vanished beyond the sound of war. To live again.”

Humans of Dubai and Humans of Abu Dhabi

These two camels were eating very quietly when this man walked by. He stopped, and one turned around and came closer to get a kind “hello” tap on the head, and got back to its food.

Taken from the Humans of Dubai page.

Humans of Dubai was created by a French photographer named Isabelle who has been living in Dubai for the past 9 years.

Also from the UAE is “Humans of Abu Dhabi“.

Humans of Tripoli

You're going to kiss the rainbow and taste the sun. no biggie.

Taken from the Humans of Tripoli page.

Humans of Tripoli was created as “an effort to create a photographic census of T-town, offering nothing but the beauty of all.”

Also from Libya is “Humans of Benghazi“.

Humans of Casablanca

- How long have you been friends?

- Friends? Who are you talking about?

- Of your donkey?

- I bought him in Settat 5 years ago. We have never left each others’ side since! He helps me a lot and has always been there for me.

Taken from the Humans of Casablanca page.

Humans of Casablanca was created a few months ago. Who are the photographers behind the project? In their own words, “We are those who believe that the only way to discover our true selves hidden within us is to go to people, to confront our past and learn from their experiences.”

Humans of Algiers

Hey mister, mister! Take my picture!

Taken from the Humans of Algiers page.

Humans of Algiers was created a few months ago as a place where “one story per day is remembered to tell the story of people of Algiers.”

Written by Joey Ayoub · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/24/photos-humans-of-mena/

10 Global Haiyan Relief Efforts That Touched Filipino Hearts

Also see Haiyan Devastates the Philippines, our special coverage page.

After supertyphoon Haiyan battered the central part of the Philippines last month leaving thousands dead and homeless, the global community quickly responded by sending aid, volunteers, and solidarity messages. Media groups provided extensive coverage of the disaster, UN agencies facilitated the entry of emergency supplies, and global aid organizations were immediately on the field assisting typhoon survivors. Foreign governments also deployed humanitarian teams which helped in the transporting of relief goods and other supplies.

There were many small and big initiatives that contributed to the global relief effort and all of them were greatly appreciated by Filipinos. These acts of kindness uplifted the spirits of many, especially typhoon victims. Below are some of these humanitarian actions which inspired Filipinos:

1. Two girls selling lemonade drinks in Los Angeles, California for the benefit of typhoon victims. The photo was taken two days after typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines

The future of humanity is alive & well in my neighborhood. Thank God 4 the beautiful hearts of children #Philippines pic.twitter.com/Tl2XA7oTDl

— Shekinah (@ShekinahEden) November 11, 2013

2. A six-year old Japanese pre-schooler donated his piggybank savings to typhoon survivors. Shoichi Kondoh was accompanied by his mother when he donated 5,000 Yen to the Philippine embassy in Tokyo.

Photo by R. Gavino. Philippine Embassy in Tokyo

3. The Empire State Building in New York lights up the colors of the Philippine flag

4. Toronto’s CN Tower lighting solidarity for the Philippines

Toronto's CN Tower is lit with colors of the Phil flag in solidarity with victims 'Yolanda' Photo by Jonathan Ponce. pic.twitter.com/5yE1eNmYuO

— CanadaEmbPhilippines (@CanEmbPH) November 20, 2013

5. Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker died in a car crash after attending a charity drive. He also sent a video message expressing sympathy for typhoon victims.

6. Pop star Justin Bieber came unannounced in the Philippines to cheer typhoon victims. He sang for the kids and played basketball in Tacloban, the ‘ground zero’ of the typhoon disaster.

Justin Bieber.. Playing basketball in Tacloban for the Yolanda survivors! pic.twitter.com/0ySs6RFOD2

— zyia moscoso (@ZyiaMoscoso07) December 16, 2013

7. ‘NBA Cares’ for the Philippines. Basketball is the most popular sports in the country. Filipino-American coach Eric Spoelstra of the Miami Heat sent his condolences to Filipinos:

On behalf of the Miami HEAT organization, we would like to extend our condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We value the many fans that we have over there, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Kobe Bryant, who visited Manila several times, also tweeted his support for the Philippines

#PrayForThePhilippines #heartbroken

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 12, 2013

8. Football teams showing support for the Philippines.

Help Unicef be there for children of the Philippines. Text UNICEF to 70123 to give £3. Thank you pic.twitter.com/1kPBMSjqu7

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) November 13, 2013

Doug Baldwin of Seattle Seahawks holding Philippine flag albeit the wrong way. It’s upside down (and it means the Philippines is at war) but Filipinos still appreciated the gesture.

Please continue supporting #Haiyan relief. @DougBaldwinJr appreciates your generosity. #PinoyPower pic.twitter.com/XbhoB8iNnm

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 18, 2013

9. Pope Francis offering prayers for the Philippines. The Philippines is the biggest Catholic-dominated nation in Asia.

I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 9, 2013

10. American singer Alicia Keys surprised typhoon victims in Manila. Keys visited an evacuation camp in Manila where survivors from Tacloban are temporarily sheltered.

Alicia Keys visits Yolanda typhoon victims in the Philippines, photos: http://t.co/fGuMm7WYaf http://t.co/y4OuO2qDeY pic.twitter.com/Heb9bBj8CE

— Alicia Keys Online (@aliciakeyson) November 25, 2013

Also see Haiyan Devastates the Philippines, our special coverage page.

Written by Mong Palatino · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/23/10-global-haiyan-relief-efforts-that-touched-filipino-hearts/

Cold, Rain and Flooding for 1.8 Million Palestinians in Gaza this Winter

Palestinian family in #Gaza rescued by boat from flooded homes. More: http://t.co/3IlcwTUy40 pic.twitter.com/kzUKdnNil4

— Yousef Munayyer (@YousefMunayyer) December 13, 2013

Around 10,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza were displaced from their homes after four days of torrential rain. Their problem is compounded by the fact that the strip's only electricity power station had been shut for 50 days, thanks to a shortage in fuel in the besieged enclave.

The Gaza Strip is home to 1.8 million Palestinians, who have had to endure up to 14 hours a day, without electricity, for the past seven weeks. Following the flooding, triggered by the Alexa storm which just hit the region, the United Nations declared northern Gaza “a disaster zone” and Qatar stepped in to pay for fuel for the power station.

Omar Ghraieb, from Gaza, notes:

#Gaza: Electricity crisis eases up a bit after nearly 50 days of very minimal power!Power outages reached & sometimes topped 21 hrs per day!

— Omar Ghraieb (@Omar_Gaza) December 16, 2013

He adds:

The New electricity schedule in #Gaza: 8 hours of electricity followed by 8 hours of a power outage per day everyday!

— Omar Ghraieb (@Omar_Gaza) December 16, 2013

And Palestinian Nour Odeh exclaims:

In '07 north #Gaza drowned in sewage, now all of Gaza drowns in rain & world still debates if there is a #siege! http://t.co/PnIGUQslOk

— Nour Odeh (@nour_odeh) December 15, 2013

Footage shared online shows a horrible humanitarian situation.

This video, by Jehad Saftawi, shared by the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) starts with a bare-footed Palestinian child running in icy conditions (Videos used under CC BY License):

The commentary provided with the video, which shows families in unheated shelters, reads:

Residents of Gaza City's An Nafaq neighborhood are seeking shelter wherever they can find it, including at the Abdel Rahman bin Auwf school shown in this footage from today. Some of the scenes, which includes a child shivering in an unheated concrete classroom, are made even more disturbing by the fact that they are not the exception in today's Gaza, but the rule. Like much of the 25-mile-long strip, An Nafaq has been devastated by flooding made worse by a suffocating Israeli siege. UN spokesperson Chris Gunness minced no words when he called today for an end to that siege: “Any normal community would struggle to recover from this disaster,” said Gunness. “But a community that has been subjected to one of the longest blockades in human history, whose public health system has been destroyed and where the risk of disease was already rife, must be freed from these man made constraints….”

This second video, also filmed by Saftawi for the IMEU, shows submerged areas in the Palestinian enclave, and sheds light on some of the suffering Gaza's inhabitants have to endure in this worsening humanitarian situation:

Written by Amira Al Hussaini · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/16/cold-rain-and-flooding-for-gaza-this-winter/

Aam Admi Party Emerges As A Cleaner Option In Indian Politics

Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party celebrated the party's result in the Delhi Assembly elections in Allahabad. The new political party played spoiler in the race and pushed Congress into third place, according to early results. Image by Prabhat Kumar Verma. Copyright Demotix (8/12/2013)

The Aam Admi Party (AAP)- or Common Man's Party – led by anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal, is challenging India's mainstream parties. During the recently concluded Delhi Assembly poll, AAP emerged as the second largest party winning 28 seats in the assembly out of a total 70 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 31 and the Indian National Congress could secure only eight. The AAP success helped put an end to 15 years of Indian Congress Party rule in the Delhi state government.

Dubbed as India's pirate party, it was formed about an year ago when two anti-corruption movement (India Against Corruption) activists Arvind Kejriwal and Anna Hazare had some differences. Hazare wanted that their movement should remain politically unaligned while Kejriwal opted for a direct political involvement by creating a new party.

When the party first decided to contest for the elections and was approved the symbol of a “broom”, it was dismissed as an insignificant and inexperienced toddler party. But Vidyut at Aam Janata blog wrote before the elcetions why people should vote for the AAP:

For me the issue isn’t even corruption alone, but the inequality of power. [..] For me it isn’t a matter of who paid a bribe to whom or who did how big as scam. It is about the people having authority to speak on what their interest is. Never mind the big parties and big talk and fancy think tanks and fancier explanations. Fact of the matter is that the government’s objectives seem to move on a separate track from people. I my view, this has to change, and at least in terms of stated interest, the AAP is setting its agendas on the streets and settling them by the word of the constitution, instead of the usual setting agendas in backroom deals and settling them on the streets. This is already more than most parties offer whether elected or not.

However, Gopan K has apprehensions about AAP:

AAP is indeed a spoiler. It took a major chunk of votes from Congress and damaged it at the same time ensured that BJP is not having a sweep. The AAP themselves failed to estimate the impact they caused and it is indicating the huge expectation the people have on them. The television channels and the social media engineering helped them in the cause. The huge expectation puts a lot of pressure on the baby shoulders of AAP. They have zero administrative experience and their working plans are raw and very conceptual. It may be tough to execute in a practical way. The different could be same as an advertisement and the actual product. They have two actual risks waiting for them.

Celebration rang out from the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) headquarters in New Delhi as polling results revealed their success. Image by Louis Dowse. Copyright Demotix (8/12/2013)

There were strong reactions in the social media, especially Twitter.

Some celebrated the success of AAP:

"If u want to change the system, Join the system" No-one thought this to be practical. Today, things 've changed a bit, Massive Respect #AAP

— Gabbar Singh (@GabbbarSingh) December 8, 2013

I can't get over the success of #AAP it's a historic moment in our lives. A revolution has begun. Must do everything to keep it going.

— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) December 9, 2013

#AAP has proven itself in Delhi polls. The so-called apolitical people want to have some victory too! @SunilSurf2 @ismohd87

— Pran Kurup (@pkurup) December 15, 2013

Some have high hopes:

#AAP shows the way forward for India. Anything is possible. Don't give up hope in the people of India.

— Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) December 8, 2013

STOI: #AAP’s victory is symbolic of a larger social churn. It’s a sign Indians are demanding accountability today http://t.co/SEdaemc9Hn

— Times of India (@timesofindia) December 15, 2013

#AAP has made a point. It needs courage to stand up against the most ruthless corrupt system. If they don't win, Delhi looses.

— Sridhar R (@Sridhar67) December 4, 2013

There's not been a more important movement in India than #AAP since 'Quit India'.Need Quit India movement for corrupt politicians now

— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) December 11, 2013

Some are apprehensive about the party's success:

The Aam Aadmi Party of India is the new communist party of India with Arvind Kejriwal as their Stalin.
#AAP

— Suman Gangopadhyay™ (@sgangopadhyay) December 15, 2013

#AAP got only 29% votes
#BJP got 34% votes in Delhi
yet people say AAP won it— hypocrite fools
pic.twitter.com/kN6bXk9WJH (read & decide)

— Jia Sharma (@JiaSharmaRockz) December 11, 2013

A party needs at least 36 seats in the House of 70 members to form a government in Delhi. So it was predicted that Aam Admi Party could form a government with a qualition partner. However latest reports say that AAP will not form a Government at this moment. It remains to be seen what impact this party will have on Indian politics in near future.

Written by Rezwan · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/15/aam-admi-party-emerges-as-a-cleaner-option-in-indian-politics/

Abducted a Year Ago, Sombath Somphone Case Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Laos

Protest in front of Laos embassy in Bangkok. Photo from Facebook page of Joey Oliveros Dimaandal.

Sombath Somphone, a development economist and educator from Laos, was abducted by unidentified men exactly a year ago a few moments after he was stopped by a police car. His disappearance was captured by a CCTV footage. Today, his family and friends from around the world are asking the Laos government to undertake more decisive actions to help find Sombath.

Dec 15 marks 1 year since #Sombath Somphone was abducted in public view caught on CCTV camera. Why has the Lao govt no news for us till now?

— Shalmali Guttal (@commonmolly) December 12, 2013

CCTV showed police stopped him but govt has refused to acknowledge any role in his disappearance despite intl pressure #sombath #laos

— Thin (@thinink) December 11, 2013

The Solidarity for Asian Peoples’ Advocacy Working Group on ASEAN is accusing the Laos government of hiding something about the case:

We hold the government of Lao accountable for his enforced disappearance. The inconsistencies in the Lao government's policy pronouncements over his case prove our point that it has something to do with what happened to Sombath Somphone. We challenge Lao officials to, once and for all, provide a credible action and resolution on his case. It must prosecute individuals and institutions responsible for his enforced disappearance.

The Laos government has denied that it was involved in the disappearance of Sombath.

Nalaka Gunawardene clarified that Sombath is not an activist:

Sombath isn’t a politician. Nor is he an activist, although some have given him that label. The Sombath I know is a sensitive thinker who pauses to reflect on where his country and the world are headed. He is also a teacher and mentor who has helped thousands of young Lao nationals to improve skills and find their own voice.

In a Facebook note, Anne-Sophie promised Sombath that his friends will keep alive the advocacy until he is found:

Someone said that “the one who has been killed dies once, the disappeared dies again everyday”. We refuse to let this happen. This is why we are starting this discussion with you today. And this discussion will continue, everyday, to keep you alive. Your engagement has been a lot about giving voice to the people. It is time for others to give you a voice. Silence will not prevail. Because we will never forget. Because we keep hoping.

Return #Sombath #Somphone rally at #Laos embassy pic.twitter.com/QcuQ1H3NG9

— Debbie Stothard (@DebbieStot) December 15, 2013

One year after the enforced disappearance of Sombath Somphone pic.twitter.com/zH9TcQAYb4

— Pablo Solon (@pablosolon) December 15, 2013

Meanwhile, 62 NGOs in the Asia-Pacific signed a statement urging the Laos government to form a new body to investigate Sombath’s disappearance:

Establish a new commission tasked with carrying out a prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into Sombath’s enforced disappearance and return him safely to his family.

Extend an invitation for a country visit by the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances

Sombath’s whereabouts remain unknown and there has been no progress in the investigation into the circumstances of his enforced disappearance. In addition, the authorities have rejected offers of technical assistance to analyze the CCTV footage.

M Rajaretnam hopes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN will demand more answers from the Laos government:

After a year of silence, the disclosure should be treated as an opportunity to seek redress for Mr Sombath. If Sombath Somphone can disappear in broad daylight, it can happen to anyone. Asean governments and their stakeholders, in the name of human decency, have the right to clear answers from the Lao leadership.

Written by Mong Palatino · comments (0)

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/15/abducted-a-year-ago-sombath-somphone-case-highlights-human-rights-abuses-in-laos/

“Digital Hooligans” from Iran Attack Messi's Facebook

Argentinian footballer Leo Messi's Facebook page

“Digital hooligans” from Iran bombarded thousands of insulting and threatening comments in Persian on the Facebook page of Argentinian football player Lionel Messi as the World Cup groups were determined on Saturday. Argentina, Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Nigeria were polled together.

Many of the comments use very foul language.

Many Iranians published comments and tweets calling the cyberattack shameful.

Kargadan tweeted [fa]:

به نظر من دولت ایران و مارک زاکربرگ باید دست به دست هم بدن و فیسبوک رو از هموطنان عزیز پاکسازی کنن که این وسط آبروی بقیه ملت نره! #مسی

— ـكرگـ ـدنـ (@Rhino_x) December 7, 2013

Zuckerberg [Facebook's founder] and the Iranian government, should hand in hand clean out Facebook's page of Iranians to save our honor.

Sooskak tweeted [fa]:

همون بهتر فیسبوک فیلتره
#مسی

— سوسکِ قاچاقچی (@Sooskak) December 7, 2013

It's good that Facebook is filtered [in Iran].

Baridya tweeted [fa]:

اگر همین فردا هم جمهوری اسلامی سقوط کنه خیلی سریع یه حکومت عالی جایگزین بشه باز هم 15-20سال طول میکشه تا فرهنگ این مردم درست بشه!
#مسی

— Bardiya (@1Bardiya) December 7, 2013

If the Islamic Republic collapsed today, it would take 15-20 years for this people's culture to improve.

Blogger 5Char published [fa] a screen shot of insulting comments and says it is typical of a generation that grew up under Islamic Republic.

Another blogger, Andarbab says [fa]:

These people try to make up for their inadequacy with slogans and insults. They are the same people who chant “Down with the USA” yet wish to get a US Green Card. They insult Messi, yet wish to get a souvenir fan photo taken with him.

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/10/digital-hooligans-from-iran-attack-messis-facebook/

4 Tragic Stories from Relief Volunteers in Typhoon-Hit Philippines

A street full of debris in Tacloban. Photo from Tudla

Almost a month has passed since super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the central part of the Philippines. Many towns were completely devastated by the storm surge which killed more than 5,000 thousand and left millions homeless.

Typhoon survivors initially complained about the slow arrival of food, water, medicine and other urgent aid. Remote towns couldn’t be reached because of bad roads and other logistical problems. Responding to criticism, the national government assured the public that it is doing everything to extend assistance to all disaster victims.

The widespread destruction caused by Haiyan inspired a global relief and rehabilitation effort. In the Philippines, thousands volunteered in relief and repacking centers. Many also travelled to the typhoon-hit villages where they documented the extent of damage left by Haiyan while providing much needed assistance to refugees.

These volunteers were able to share photos, videos and stories of what they witnessed in Samar and Leyte. Their documentation validated earlier reports about the deadly impact of Haiyan and the slow response of government offices.

Michael Beltran described the scene outside Tacloban airport. Tacloban is capital of Leyte and the ‘ground zero’ of the typhoon disaster:

The first image of our week in Leyte was an airport with people shivering and hungry on the one side, being ignored by the military and US Navy, and boxes and boxes of goods on the other. Apart from any physical structure that’s barely standing, what struck me the most was the grass and trees. Absent of any pigmentation, still upright, dry, no mud, just dead plants as far as the eye could see; trees with branches and leaves, frozen in the opposite direction of the wind brought by the supertyphoon. The image becomes permanently embedded in your mind right before you become acutely aware of the smell.

Activist Renato Reyes hit the slow recovery of dead bodies in the city:

After the pictures of the body bags in the public market in Tacloban, I stopped taking shots. I had to comprehend the fact that 2 weeks after Typhoon Haiyan, bodies were still being recovered, people were still living near decaying corpses, and there's an effort by the national gov't to downplay the casualty count and cover up official incompetence in dealing with the calamity.

Tent and candle towns are rising in Samar and Leyte, wrote environmentalist Leon Dulce:

We personally witnessed tent and candle towns rising above the debris amidst persisting rainfall. Fisher folks lost all their boats and other implements to the storm surges, while farmers can only stare at the hectares upon hectares of uprooted coconut trees and flooded rice fields.

Many survivors waited for several days before aid was provided to them. Photo from Antonio Tinio

A curfew was imposed in many typhoon-hit villages to maintain peace and order, specifically to prevent widespread looting. Photo from Antonio Tinio

Electricity will be restored in two to three months. Meanwhile, electric cables are still useful for those who need to dry their clothes. Photo from Antonio Tinio

Thousands of typhoon survivors are leaving Samar and Leyte. Many are migrating to Manila and other urban centers like Davao. Professor Mae Fe Templa explained how migration also reflected the loss of trust in the government:

The migration of survivors indicate the rising problem of people having lost trust in government.

The movement of Yolanda survivors from Leyte to anywhere in the country indicates two things: One is government inaction as people lose trust in government. Two, is the people’s initiative to transform their own lives and redefine ways of living under extreme conditions of poverty and climate change

Grounded ship along Anibong road in Tacloban City. Photo from Tudla

Many farmers also lost their livelihood in Marabut, Samar. Photo from Tudla

A damaged house in Hernani, Eastern Samar. Photo from April Val Montes

A typewriter was one of the salvaged things in Balangkaya, Eastern Samar. Photo from April Val Montes

A mass grave marker in Palo, Leyte. Photo from Pher Pasion

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via Global Voices » Feature http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/12/06/relief-volunteers-share-stories-from-typhoon-hit-philippines/