The Irrawaddy ( Burma published in Thaïland)

Sarcastic cartoon

The Irrawaddy, Burma and South East Asia’s news magazine, uses a cartoon to criticize the military junta’s handling of Cyclone Nargis and its decision to go ahead with a referendum at the weekend amid widespread devastation.

Le Figaro (France)

“Limits to the right to interfere”

“Les limites du droit d’ingérence”

Le Figaro’s editorial column strongly attacks Burma’s military junta for not letting international aid teams into the country. The columnist describes how leaders celebrated their referendum results and continue to export rice each day to Bangladesh as people in their own country die of starvation.

The Nation (Thailand)

“Redemption time for Asean and Burma”

The Nation highlights how important it is for members of Asean leaders not to be associated with what it describes as Burma’s “thugs”. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is currently working with the World Bank and the UN on long-term rehabilitation projects for Burma. According to the article, however, some of its member countries, such as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, are suspiciously quiet about the situation.

Libération (France)

“Debate over Justice’s provocative clip”

“Un clip provocateur de Justice fait débat »

A music video posted online by French electro duo Justice has been causing controversy in the French Press. Libération features an article about the group’s choice of footage for its latest single, Stress. Showing a group of hooligans on a violent suburban rampage, it has been banned by some French television companies. There are currently debates over whether the clip is designed to be provocative, to denounce violence in France’s suburban areas, or if it is simply racist. At any rate, it has served as a strong publicity campaign for the group – there have been over one million hits on MySpace, YouTube and DailyMotion, since the video was posted.

El Mundo (Spain)

“Psychological secrets on the art of seduction”

« Secretos psicologicos del arte de la seduccion »

The Science section of El Mundo describes the style of the world’s different seducers. Depending upon genetics and early relationships with teachers, family and friends, most people fit into one of nine categories.