Palestine

HRW calls on Hamas to end internal violence in Gaza

Hamas authorities should end the systematic detention, torture, and execution of political opponents and suspected Israeli collaborators in the Gaza Strip, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.

Iran

Geneva katzenjammer has Jews pissed at Pope

Pope Benedict’s decision to send a delegation to Durban II has opened a new rift with Jewish groups. Rome rabbi Riccardo Di Segni called it the Vatican’s “latest imprudent step.”

Southeast Asia

Thailand’s Thaksin to take refuge in Nicaragua?

Nicaragua has issued a passport for Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra—who is wanted on charges of inciting the recent riots. Thai diplomats say they will request extradition.

Palestine

Palestinian killed in West Bank protest

A local protester, Bassem Ibrahim Abu-Rahma, was killed after being hit by a tear gas canister during a demonstration against the separation wall in the West Bank village of Bilin.

Planet Watch

EPA claims power to regulate greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare, the Environmental Protection Agency finds in a scientific review ordered in 2007 by the Supreme Court.