Iraq
Iraq terror targets Shi’ite pilgrims —again
At least five people were killed in attacks targeting Shi’ite pilgrims in Baghdad commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of the seventh Imam, Musa al-Kadhim.
Author: CounterVortex
Central America
Honduras: more talk of “unity government” as protest actions continue
Deposed Honduran President Mel Zelaya said he agreed to a proposal made by mediator Costa Rica to form a national unity government—as his supporters continue to block highways to demand his return.
Central America
El Salvador: body of missing activist found with signs of torture
The body of missing community activist Gustavo Marcelo Rivera was found with signs of torture in in Cabañas department, El Salvador. Rivera had led a campaign against mining operations in the region.
The Andes
Bogotá claims FARC link to Ecuador’s Correa
A videotape that appears to link Colombia’s FARC guerillas to President Rafael Correa of Ecuador was broadcast on Colombian TV. Correa rejected the claims as “idiocies” and “barbarities.”
The Andes
Venezuela: ex-defense minister charged in Caracazo
Venezuela’s former defense minister Italo del Valle Alliegro faces charges over his role in violent repression of the protests in Caracas in 1989, an affair today known as the “Caracazo.”
Iran
More protests in Tehran; Israel prepares intervention?
Police fired tear gas to disperse opposition supporters who gathered for Friday prayers at Tehran University—as Israel sends warships into the Red Sea, in a “message” to Tehran.
Central America
Honduras: protest actions continue; compromise in works?
Thousands of protesters again blocked roads across Honduras to demand the return of ousted President Mel Zelaya, as Costa Rica’s Oscar Arias is proposing a “national reconciliation government.”
The Andes
Colombia nears deal with Washington for military base
Colombia says it is close to sealing an agreement with Washington which would make the country the hub for US anti-drug operations in South America—despite protests that the move is unconstitutional.
The Andes
Colombia extradites Betancourt captor
FARC guerrilla Gerardo Antonio Aguilar AKA “César” was extradited to the US to face drug charges. “César” guarded hostages including Ingrid Betancourt before his arrest in July 2008.
The Andes
Peru: Fujimori admits bribery —but not “criminal responsibility”
Peru’s former president Alberto Fujimori admitted at his corruption trial that he paid his spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos $15 million in public funds to quit—but denied “criminal responsibility.”
Southeast Asia
Jakarta: terror targets business confab
Nine people were killed in explosions at the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels in South Jakarta. Some of the victims were attending an Indonesian business forum held at the Marriott.
Central America
Honduras: Micheletti seeks normalization; Zelaya invokes “right to insurrection”
Honduras’ de facto President Micheletti is attempting to woo striking teachers back to work, while the ousted Zelaya said from exile that his backers have “the right to insurrection.”