The Internet in Asia

Iraqi PM and insurgents communication via email

Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki has set up an email account that was flashed during a broadcast Sunday night on state-run al-Iraqiya television. The address was advertised as an email account that insurgents could write to and be assured of confidentiality. The government did not repeat the address after the initial broadcast to prevent it from being flooded with junk mail. Iraqi presidential security adviser Wafiq al-Samaraie said the response so far had been low with only two authentic messages being received in four days.

Kuwaiti candidates campaign via the Internet

For the first time, the Internet has played a larger role in the electoral process in Kuwait. Some people say that the Internet provides an ideal medium for political campaigning due to the scorching summer heat. This election is also the first ever to include women.

Somalians send long distance SOS SMS

"My name is Mohammed Sokor, writing to you from Dagahaley refugee camp in Dadaab. Dear sir, there is an alarming issue here. People are given too few kilogrammes of food. You must help." , so read the SMS sent out by a Somalian refugee to the London offices of the UN World Food Programme. This is probably the first time that such a message of help has been sent.

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