October 31, 2003

The government has arrested another popular Internet "dissident" (someone who posts eloquent commentary the government does not agree with is promptly labeled a "dissident.") Many more "dissidents" are threatened by local officials, and the Culture Ministry is working to install an electronic monitoring system to police the 110,000 internet cafes in the country.  The government, however, is losing the battle of the media, as the internet is now everywhere and problems in one part of the country quickly become known all over the country. Thus there are more riots, protests and demonstrations against corruption, government incompetence and other nationwide problems the government has been unable to deal with.