Global Voices: Daily Digest—October 18, 2011

Japan: We're losing to Apple, and here's why
Blogger Isseki Nagae considers the sorry state of the Japanese personal electronics industry in light of the recent success of Apple in Japan. Through the words of Steve Jobs, Nagae argues that Japanese manufacturers pay too much attention to the views of the average user rather than developing new ideas. read>>

Malawi: A Growing City and its Pay-to-Cross Footbridges
As the world's population reaches 7 billion at the end of October, one sign that Lilongwe, Malawi's capital, is growing rapidly are the numbers of people that flock to the city's markets. Two of such markets are on opposite sides of the Lilongwe River in this city of just over 1 million. One market sells vegetables and farm produce, the other clothing. read>>

Cuba: Remembering Laura Pollan
Four days after her death, the online tributes are still pouring in for Laura Pollan, the late leader of one of Cuba's most recognized and respected opposition groups, Las Damas de Blanco. Many bloggers are focusing on the resolve of the group to continue their fight for human rights on the island in the wake of Pollan's death, while others just want to remember their friend and hero. read>>

Arab World: Celebrations Break Out as 477 Palestinians Released
Tweeps have been busy today following the details of the Israel-Palestine prisoner swap, which saw the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners. A total of 477 Palestinians were released today and the remaining 550 prisoners will be released next month. Here is a summary of reactions of netizens from across the Arab world and beyond. read>>

Zimbabwe: Deportations of Zimbabweans a Political Move
"Mwana washe muranda kumwe" is an old Zimbabwean saying which means that when one is a foreigners they are a nobody in the eyes of the host country and this rings true today as thousands of Zimbabweans face deportation from South Africa back to Zimbabwe. read>>

More posts on Global Voices today...
Thailand: Flood Maps and Disaster Monitoring Tools
USA: October 15 on the Streets and Social Networks

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