Another mosque threatened with closure

The Radio Liberty website is carrying news today of the closure of Sunni mosque outside Azerbaijan. The government's relationship with organized Islam is complicated. On one hand, the government sometimes has seemed eager to curry favor with religious authorities. On the other hand, it has on occasion acted repressively, especially against sects such as the Wahhabis. I think the guiding principle is constant across all authoritarian states. Any rival power center will be viewed suspiciously if not hostilely by the central government.

Secret Video from Tea Party Conference Reveals Talk of Secession

An interesting little piece - mostly because it's an inside look at the Tea Party folk.

A little creative opposition in the toy department

Home Fires - Transitions Online

Home Fires - Transitions Online

Spring - but not so much indolence

I noticed today that it has been over a week since I have written here. No real reason for the hiatus. The school term ending. Not much interesting to other people there. Sometimes - it isn't so interesting for me. As is clear, I am continuing to take photos of the beautiful spring that is unfolding here.

In the Caucasus, a Glass Half-Full - Transitions Online

In the Caucasus, a Glass Half-Full - Transitions Online

Good news from Kyrgyzstan

Some good news from the new government of Kyrgyzstan. Supposedly the "temporary government" will soon be permitting previously banned human rights organizations to enter to enter the country. Let's hope this decision of the temporary government isn't itself temporary.