Iran, Afghanistan etc

Developments are still running high over the region... a large number of un-chronological links - but all recommended reading.

First a Friday update link: an article on EU action by 2 Swedish researchers.

Afghanistan,
Largely from a Swedish perspective, due to the situation of our troops in the north. Also, searching for Afghanistan's buddhist heritage, on Obama's democracy challenges.

To the Swedish aspect, attacks have been numerous in recent weeks: here, here and here.

An analysis of the increased violence here, contextualising the escalation here, networks of supplies, language challenges, escalation again,, meeting the opposition, immigration of young afghan boys to Sweden,

Different voices on the consequences: Nina Hjelmgren, Aftonbladet, defense minister Tolgfors.

Iran
On Iranian "facebook police", on prisoners, Swedish golfer supporting green movement, on Iran's managed democracy, religious leaders demand referendum, election campaign funding, regional implications, hunger strike by Ganji, and Ahmedi-nejad's relative weakness, enhanced by today's developments at the cemetery.

Xinjiang
On Chinese information activities and consequences for China in the long-run.

Louvre online

The Louvre offers online tours and databases of their exhibits and objects, now also in English.

As you already know, they are set to open in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and have exhibited objects already this summer. The museum trend of renewing and branching out is commented here, with the Louvre as but one example.

Villa Petrolea again

Nobel family villa

The Nobel family villa - Villa Petrolea - in so-called Black Town of Baku (the oil industry district) is now a museum and executive club.







As Swedes we were warmly welcomed to tour quite at the spur of the moment.

Economist Arab world

This week's the Economist has a special report on the Arab world, exploring many issues related to the themes of Arab Human Development Report, which I previously blogged about.

Science palace

Side views of the elaborate Ismailov palace, housing the administration of the Science academy.

Baku street lights

Literature at the heart

Literally at the heart of Baku is the Museum of Literature - previously a fancy hotel. I tried to understand if this mirrored the position of literature in culture and identity politics. The interior did reveal a strong inclination to Persian styles and influences, more than Turkish - which I believe was quite typical, though.

Iran and Internet - the story goes on...

Another full post on Iran, inlcuding recent developments and specifically media-related issues (internet activity etc). I thank all of you who knowingly or more offhandedly tip me off about reading!

I include here some quite techie Internet stuff (and here and here and here), some of which I may have shared before... and which I don't fully comprehend myself, comments are very welcome!

Note also the discussion on NedaNet, created just the other day.

To the less technical analyses, I have noted the following:

On fighting the net, on twitter use and abuse, on digital activism, on monitoring, on intelligence activity online, and finally on conspiracy theory rampant! On outside support online, too.

More news-related:
army officers were arrested, has siding in the crisis diminished the leader's position?, are we seeing the beginning of the end?

Masoumeh Ebtekar, of fame both from her position in the hostage-drama and in Khatami's administration, blogs. In English, with a fitting name, too!

Durham University published a policy brief on the new Iran.

Baku Town

Outside the old city Baku has a distinct Soviet style, not unlike other post-Soviet cities I have seen, with wide boulevard and trees, magnificent buildings and space.

Arab Human Development Report 2009

Arab Human Development Report 2009 on Human Security, was released in Beirut today (21 July 2009) and can be found here, in Arabic and English (it's 288 pages if you try to download or print).

Other related links to Arab Human Development Report, Human Development Report and UNDP here.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but may update with comments and reactions later.

Thursday update: Dagens Nyheter commented here.

Friday update: Economist also comments!

Saturday update: National comments here and here.

Shadowing me in Baku

Balcony-mania

My addiction is serious - but you knew that already, huh? ;-)

Corniche/boulevard

Back outside the Old City, on Neftcilar, looking out over the boulevard strolling area with teahouses, amusement park features and space for people.

Poppies and opium wars

Another book I recently read is "Sea of Poppies" by Amitav Ghosh, reportedly the first of three. Wonderful and complex novel by a very interesting writer (though not my favourite of his so far, that was The Hungry Tide).

Green views

Outside the old city, Baku gave a green feeling, with details of fantastic buildings being glimpsed behind the trees.

Wooden box-balconies

Another typical balcony-style...!

Recycling

I was positively surprised to see recycling bins!

Baku fountains

A selection of fountains from across central Baku.

Baku metro

The only full photo I have of a metro station, is from behind. Just outside the walls of the old city.



Traditionally Soviet style very deep metro lines, excellent way of transport in the city.

Surrounding the Old City

Walls surrounded the old city - the Icheri Sehir - in Baku.

Qiz Qalasi

At the foot of Baku old city is a defence tower. Queasy of heights, I never climbed it, but it certainly looked impressive.