How times change. Twenty years ago, when the Iron Curtain came tumbling down, readers in Australia observed the historical events through the prism of the Australian media. As some 2 million Cairenes gather in Tahrir Square chanting (according to Al Jazeera) ‘Irhal!’, or ‘Leave!’, onlookers from around the world are observing events from their computer screens. Here are some shortcuts for those wanting to know more.
The Nieman Foundation reports on how New York Times journalist Nick Kristof is covering events on his blog, Facebook and Twitter, as well as more old-fashioned places like his newspaper’s website.
Events in Egypt have produced some firsts: the first time a national government has reacted to a crisis by shutting down the Internet. Here’s the hows and wherefores. Al Jazeera has distinguished itself throughout the crisis - here’s a look at how its coverage has been breaking new ground.
Crikey’s Guy Rundle has a refreshing take on the international context, and Tom Cowie reminds us of how WikiLeaks is helping stoke the flames of anti-Mubarak sentiment.
The New Yorker’s Steve Coll has published an interview with a member of the Egyptian opposition.
Readers seeking background to better understand current events can’t go past the Daily Beast’s primer on the top 10 books to read about recent Egyptian history.
Addendum: Mother Jones on Mubarak’s human rights record.