On January 16, Freedom House released the findings from the latest edition of Freedom in the World, the annual survey of global political rights and civil liberties. According to the survey’s findings, the year 2007 was marked by a notable setback for global freedom. The decline was most pronounced in South Asia, but also reached significant levels in the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. It affected a substantial number of large and politically important countries—including Russia, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Venezuela—whose declines have wider regional and global implications. Furthermore, results for 2007 marked the second consecutive year in which the survey registered a decline in freedom, representing the first two-year setback in the past 15 years.
Lies, damn lies and statistics. I am sceptical of most surveys. As regards these findings, I have several issues. Did freedomhouse question the freedoms and civil liberties of Gauntanamo detainees? Indian Kashmir is free, yet Pakistan Kashmir is not? There are a good deal many other questionable conclusions: Haiti, Sierra Leone, Turkey, UAE, Venezuela, Ukraine, Israel.
Civility and freedom are not the monopoly of western style democracies. You know, I know and the world knows some democracies are set up in order to steal the very liberties they hail as their own. It is also noticeable that Muslim countries and those states that don’t play catch with the west rank low. India is described as free. But ask that question to those who suffered in the Gujrat riots or the Sikhs who were attacked after the assassination od Indira Ghandhi. What political rights were propagated in these situations?Civility, freedom, respect, honesty are not the domain of any political system but are instilled in the character of honourable men, where ever they may be.
You should regard this as "Freedom of Press" mainly, not necessarily as "Freedom" of everything. Freedom in "west" is also limited, its not "unlimited" (curtailed by law, determined by the people [supposedly]).
Lies, damn lies and statistics. I am sceptical of most surveys. As regards these findings, I have several issues. Did freedomhouse question the freedoms and civil liberties of Gauntanamo detainees? Indian Kashmir is free, yet Pakistan Kashmir is not? There are a good deal many other questionable conclusions: Haiti, Sierra Leone, Turkey, UAE, Venezuela, Ukraine, Israel.
Civility and freedom are not the monopoly of western style democracies. You know, I know and the world knows some democracies are set up in order to steal the very liberties they hail as their own. It is also noticeable that Muslim countries and those states that don’t play catch with the west rank low. India is described as free. But ask that question to those who suffered in the Gujrat riots or the Sikhs who were attacked after the assassination od Indira Ghandhi. What political rights were propagated in these situations?Civility, freedom, respect, honesty are not the domain of any political system but are instilled in the character of honourable men, where ever they may be.
Very true, let me add more:
Liberia, East Timor, KSA, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazachstan, Ivory Coast ...etc