Day: May 27, 2013

woman equal man

Whither Iran’s democratic opposition?

SidakhanFollowing recent Turkish air-strikes on the border area of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, Iranian artillery and drones struck a village in Sidakan district of Erbil province, killing one civilian and wounding two more. The mayor of Sidakan said a young girl who was working in the fields outside the hamlet of Dere was killed in the attacks, and her two bothers wounded. Orchards and pastures were also set ablaze in the strikes. Sidakan has frequently come under attack by Turkish warplanes targeting presumed strongholds of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and the Iranian attack was apparently aimed at an allied Kurdish armed group that opposes Tehran, the Party for Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK). (Photo via Al Monitor)

WHITHER IRAN’S DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION?

border wallThe US Department of Homeland Security announced that it will begin re-implementing the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a Trump-era policy forcing asylum-seekers to "Remain in Mexico" for the duration of their immigration proceedings. The announcement follows a Supreme Court order requiring re-implementation of the MPP over the objections of the Biden administration. The policy may, however, violate international law. The 1951 UN Convention & Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees requires states to grant refugees the right to seek asylum, to have free access to courts, and to be afforded movement within the country. It also prohibits expulsion ("refoulement") to a country where their lives or freedom may be threatened. (Photo: WikiImages via Jurist)

Continue ReadingWHITHER IRAN’S DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION? 
North Africa

Mali to resume talks with Tuareg rebels

Mali’s government and the MNLA, at odds over whether army troops will be allowed into the rebels’ northern stronghold for upcoming elections, will resume talks in Burkina Faso.

Southern Cone

Argentina war crimes suspect arrested in Uruguay

Col. Alberto Julio Candiotti, a former Argentinine military officer wanted for crimes committed during the country’s 1976-1983 “Dirty War,” was arrested in Montevideo. 

The Andes

Bogotá, FARC reach deal on land reform

Negotiators from Colombia's government and the FARC rebels signed an agreement on agrarian reform, calling for redistribution of illegally held or underused lands.