East Asia
Okinawa protesters score win over Pentagon
A protest campaign on Okinawa has won a commitment from the Pentagon and Japanese government to delay deployment of Osprey aircraft to the island pending further study.
Author: CounterVortex
Aymara strike for water rights
Aymara indigenous residents of Acora community in Peru's Puno region announced that a 72-hour paro (civil strike) will begin Aug. 13, to protest President Ollanta Humala's plans to move ahead with the Pasto Grande II irrigation project. The Pasto Grande II project would divert waters… Read moreAymara strike for water rights
The Andes
Peru: more protests over mining, water
Campesinos in Peru blocked roads to protest the pollution of local waters by a US-owned mining project in Áncash region, and the Pasto Grande II water diversion scheme.
The Andes
Peru: state of emergency extended in VRAE
Peru’s President Ollanta Humala has extended the state of emergency in the jungle area called the VRAE, where the Shining Path guerilla movement remains active.
The Andes
Peru: Cajamarca dialogue nears collapse
Leaders in Peru’s Cajamarca region said they see no purpose in continuing talks with two Catholic priests trying to mediate a solution to the dispute over the Conga mining project.
The Amazon
Ecuador to export via north Peru pipeline
Ecuador will use the pipeline that links Peru’s northern Amazon oil zone to the Pacific coast to transport crude under a deal the comes despite renewed border tensions.
Southern Cone
Brazil mobilizes troops to southern borders in anti-narco drive
Brazil has mobilized nearly 9,000 military troops to its borders with four neighboring countries as part of an operation aimed at interrupting narco-trafficking networks.
The Andes
Colombia: UN calls for dialogue with indigenous movement
The UN representative for indigenous rights, James Anaya, called on Colombia to respect demands for the removal of military forces from indigenous territories.
The Andes
Colombia: blows against narco-para network?
Colombian National Police arrested one top cartel kingpin, “Sebastian,” and extradited another, “Nano.” But a new paramilitary network linked to the cartels is fast consolidating.
Palestine
Rafah attack: Muslim Brotherhood blames Mossad; IDF blames ‘global jihad’
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood blamed the deadly attack at the Rafah crossing on Israel’s Mossad, while the IDF said it was carried out by “global jihadists.”
Greater Middle East
Ramadan drone strikes in Yemen, Pakistan
Multiple US drone strikes have hit targets in Yemen and Afghanistan during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, killing several—all said to be al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Tibetans march in Assam
Tibetan exiles in India’s restive northeast have become increasingly vocal, with a series of recent public meetings and protests in Assam state, demanding liberation for their homeland just across the Sino-Indian border to the north. But Assam itself is home… Read moreTibetans march in Assam