by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Argentina
True, but nonetheless, the always-crowded Plaza de Mayo was empty that night. No one was there except for the usual scores of doves flying about.
by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Argentina/Sweden
Having spent the summer months in Europe, away from my home in busy, wintry Buenos Aires, many observations have become permanent tenants in my mind. One of the issues that I am most consumed by is how much personal interest in or caring about critical international issues differs from continent to continent. Personally, I find myself hungrily reading everything written on the four yearlong conflict in Sudan and the horrific, unabated genocide in Darfur.
I encountered similar levels of disinterest in France and in Italy. The French seem to be either very upset or very thrilled about their new Le President de la Republique, as many call Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy. Italians on the other hand seem most concerned about the difficulties switching to the European currency is causing them. They complain loudly about how they no longer can afford the month-long vacations they used to be able to enjoy. “Now only Americans come to spend their cash,” sighed the owner of my bed and breakfast inn in Bellagio, by Lake Como in northern Italy.
by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Sweden
Yesterday, August 8th, was an auspicious date, symbolically, for China – it was one year to the day before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Unfortunately, a well known and extremely effective activist and frequent spokesperson for the Tibetan independence movement, Lhadon Tethong, the Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet International, was detained by the Chinese authorities on undetermined charges. She had been in China for only six days while covering the human rights situation at the one-year run-up to the Olympic Games.
By the third day of her stay, her blog had become increasingly popular, especially in Tibet, where many saw her visit to China as courageous and inspiring: she was putting her own freedom at risk for the cause of Tibet. Before being detained, Ms. Tethong had said, “The Olympics is an opportunity to push China for change, and it’s our responsibility to take the mask off the face of the Beijing regime.”
At first, the Chinese authorities had ordered only a few security officers to follow Tethong, but by the 5th day there were up to 30 plain clothes “minders” (aka plain clothes security agents) as well as vehicles following her every step.
Tethong had reported on the action that took place on the morning of August 8th at the Great Wall: the hanging of a “Free Tibet” banner by six international activists. She began her coverage of the arrests by saying, “I am at a loss for words. This morning, six amazing people of conscience risked their lives to defend the Tibetan people.” These six -- three Americans, two Canadians and one British citizen -- were detained after two hours, on charges that they threatened national security. The whereabouts of the six activists are still unknown.
by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Argentina
Buenos Aires, April 10th - On April 4th, Argentine public school teachers in the provincial capital of Neuquén, the largest city in Patagonia, held a rally for higher salaries, demanding more than their current pay of 1000-1200 pesos (USD 300-360) a month. A raise of 24% had been offered by the federal government, which the workers had taken as an insult.
During police intervention of this non-peaceful protest, a chemistry teacher, Carlos Fuentealba, was killed when he was hit in the head by a tear gas cartridge.
The following day, approximately 30 thousand people were mobilized into the streets of Neuquén, surrounding the federal government building and demanding the resignation of Governor Jorge Sobisch, accusing him of murder.
Demonstrations and public protests are commonplace in Argentina. They are always noisy, often aggressive, and seldom successful. In an election year such as 2007, they are also of great political importance.
by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
- Argentina -
Dec. 26 - As we approach the new year, we thought it appropriate to revisit our editors' thoughts as we prepared to launch The WIP in March 2007. - Ed.
I had just moved from Stockholm to Buenos Aires, intending to set up a life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. I was also looking for a way to start my own business, not knowing the least of where to start. At this transitory stage, it so happened that my best friend, Nina, had gotten me in touch with Katharine Daniels. Nothing surprises me anymore—life works its magic and all one has to do is follow along with it. Without hesitation.
Kate asked me if I’d be interested to work on a brave new project, The WIP, and edit international news written by women—for all readers. What an astonishing woman, I thought. She’s on to something fundamental.
