Africa
Sudan: hundreds killed in tribal clashes
At least 244 people have been killed this week in clashes between the Misseriya and Rizeqat tribes on the border of the regions of Darfur and South Kordofan, Sudan.
Author: CounterVortex
Watching the Shadows
Abu Ghraib photos depict rape, sexual assault: ex-US general
The photographs of detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison that President Obama does not want to release include depictions of rape and sexual assault, according to former Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba.
North America
Federal judge sentences Islamic charity officials
A US federal judge sentenced the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) and five of its officials pursuant to their convictions of providing material support to Palestinian group Hamas.
Mexico
Michoacán: 27 mayors and pubic officials arrested in federal sweep
In an operation involving hundreds of Mexican soldiers and federal police, a total of 27 mayors and public officials were arrested in President Felipe CalderĂłn’s home state, Michoacán.
Mexico
Mexico: peasant ecologist arrested in Chihuahua
Enrique Torres, leader of ejidatarios (communal farmers) who led blockades of mining operations for two weeks last year in Huizopa, Chihuahua, was arrested by state police.
The Andes
Colombia: lawsuit accuses Dole of funding paramilitaries
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Dole Food Co. on behalf of 73 people, survivors of murdered trade unionists and farmers in the banana-growing region of north Colombia.
Southern Cone
Bogus al-Qaeda bust in Brazil
A Lebanese man held in Brazil for three weeks for posting anti-US comments on the Internet is not a member of al-Qaeda, as one Brazilian newspaper reported, federal prosecutors said.
Africa
Niger: president dissolves parliament
Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja dissolved parliament a day after the constitutional court turned down his bid to extend his term. The opposition warns of a step towards dictatorship.
South Asia
Nepal: Hindu militants blamed in church attack
Two were killed and 12 injured in an explosion at a Roman Catholic church in Nepal. Police say they suspect the Nepal Defense Army, a Hindu extremist group that seeks to restore Nepal’s monarchy.
South Asia
Pakistan: Taliban blamed in Lahore attack
Pakistan’s government has blamed Taliban militants for a bomb attack in Lahore that killed 23 people and left hundreds more injured.
South Asia
Sri Lanka accused of “ethnic cleansing” in Tamil areas
Aid officials, rights workers and community leaders in Sri Lanka say Tamils are being driven out of areas in the northeast by killings and kidnappings carried out by pro-government militias.
Central America
Panama: trouble for FTA in US Congress?
Assistant US Trade Representative Everett Eissenstat said President Obama won’t seek approval of a free trade agreement with Panama until he has established a new “framework” for trade.