Stories Central Asia & Caucasus from October, 2008
What the World Thinks of America
More and more Americans are looking outside the box to see what the rest of the world thinks about the their country and the role it plays in the lives of millions worldwide. Here are two projects which ventured outside the US to poll international citizens for their views.
Dear American Voter: An International Perspective
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.
Georgia: Peace Corps Volunteer Blogs
Although Georgia was not the first country in the South Caucasus where the U.S. Peace Corps started working, it was until recently the most active in terms of blogs. However, the situation has changed considerably since war with Russia saw volunteers evacuated to Armenia with no prospect for return.
Azerbaijan: Peace Corps Volunteer Blogs
The U.S. Peace Corps started working in Azerbaijan in 2002. Since then, over 190 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Azerbaijan and a number set up blogs from the beginning of 2006. Operating outside the capital, Baku, the blogs detail life in the regions of an oil-rich country that few would otherwise experience.
Armenia: Peace Corps Volunteer Blogs
While the number of blogs on or based in the South Caucasus is often put in the tens of thousands, the actual number of bloggers is significantly lower. Moreover, the vast majority based on the ground are usually situated in the capital cities of the three republics making up the region. Low Internet penetration standing [...]