Stories International Relations from October, 2008

Chile: The 1985 Meeting Between McCain and Pinochet

  October 28, 2008

In 1985, a U.S. Congressman named John McCain traveled to Chile and met with dictator Augusto Pinochet. The previously unreported meeting was revealed by journalist John Dinges, who published the findings in two blogs, and which were especially timely because of the current Republican nominee “who has harshly criticized the idea of sitting down with dictators without pre-conditions, appears to have done just that.”

Africans reflect on Bush, Obama and McCain

  October 27, 2008

As the presidential election zooms towards the final lap, Africa finds itself in the throes of debate for the first time since the major party primaries ended in June. Since Barack Obama and John McCain beat back their respective challengers earlier this year, the two major party candidates have focused on other issues in the race for the presidency, like the global financial crisis and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of not having a place at the table, many Africans and African bloggers have followed the U.S. presidential race with keen interest.

Revisiting French bashing in the right wing discourse

  October 26, 2008

Superfrenchie asks a recurrent question about the US-France relation that considerably soured in 2003 over the Iraq war. “Is France still the bogeyman for the American right?” The instances of France being labeled as the stereotypical left-leaning and soft European country by the right wing rhetoric abound: Romney’s stump speeches,...

Today's Faves: Pondering Palin from across the Pacific

  October 24, 2008

Voices without Votes continuously aggregates interesting links about the election from world bloggers. Our authors take turns picking their top 3 personal favorites every weekday. Although Sarah Palin’s star is no longer in the ascendancy, I decided to feature three Australian bloggers’ latest posts which touch on the aspiring Vice President. The fascination with her has continued unabated in the U.S. but many bloggers over here are having trouble taking her seriously. It's much easy to laugh or dismiss her as inept.

Dear American Voter: An International Perspective

  October 24, 2008

Americans will soon be going to the polls to make a decision on behalf of the entire world. At least this is what international folks say. To shed light on what ‘foreigners' think and feel, Link TV has launched Dear American Voter, a pioneering project in which people from outside the US send video messages to Americans. Here is a cross-section of reactions, focusing on international affairs.

Today's Faves: Jackass, America's Image, and African Killer Bees

  October 24, 2008

Voices without Votes continuously aggregates interesting links about the election from world bloggers. Our authors take turns picking their top 3 personal favorites every weekday. The pickings were slim on Thursday but that didn't prevent me from finding analysis and commentary from some of the world's best. Ari Herzog looks at posts from Puerto Rico, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

UK: The Unlikely Bandwagon of Conservatives for Obama

  October 24, 2008

Historically, the UK's Conservatives ties to the Republicans have been strong. This year's US election is anything but business as usual. Malcolm Clark brings us the latest buzz from the United Kingdom. What are Conservatives saying about Senators Barack Obama and John McCain? And what has the Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's nomination got to do with it?

Dear American Voter

  October 23, 2008

In less than two weeks Americans will be going to the polls to make a decision on behalf of the entire world. At least this is what international folks say. To shed light on what ‘foreigners' think and feel, Link TV has launched Dear American Voter, a pioneering project in which people from outside the US send video messages to Americans. Here is a cross-section of reactions.

Bloggers Weigh in on Voting Irregularities

  October 23, 2008

With Election Day just less two weeks away and early voting booths opening, issues surrounding the validity of the different ways to vote have arisen. Hoa Quach reviews blogs on this matter.

Today’s faves: ‘Come, on!’ moment, Obama-mania and sold-out yarmulkes

  October 23, 2008

Voices without Votes continuously aggregates interesting links about the election from world bloggers. Our authors take turns picking their top 3 personal favorites every weekday. In today’s favorite round up, a German blogger writes about the irrelevance of Palin’s wardrobe, meanwhile an American in Palestine talks about her recent Obama-filled trip and an Obama supporter has sad news for Jews wanting to purchase an accessory.