On Jan. 8 the National Security Archive, a Washington, DC-based research group, released declassified US government documents showing that US diplomats and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) knew at least since 1994 that the Colombia security forces “employ death… Read moreColombia: CIA knew of army-para ties
On Dec. 19 US Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff wrote Haitian president René Préval that “[a]fter very careful consideration” he was rejecting the Haitian government’s request for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for undocumented Haitians in the US. This would have… Read moreHomeland Security rejects “temporary protected status” for Haitians
On Jan. 6 Dominican soldiers removed some 600 Haitian immigrants without incident from the Nuestra Senora del Rosario church in the city of Dajabon, on the northwestern border with Haiti. The immigrants had occupied the church the day before after… Read moreDominican Republic: 600 Haitians occupy church
Israeli tanks rolled deeper into Gaza City from the northern outskirts Jan. 12, approaching the headquarters of Hamas’ security building. “We are tightening the encirclement of the city,” Brig. Eyal Eisenberg, commander of the Israeli offensive, told a small group… Read moreIsrael tightens grip on Gaza City; calls grow for war crimes probe
At least ten Israeli soldiers have opted for 14-day prison terms rather than going through with their deployment to Gaza. The refusals are the first of their kind since Israel launched its massive assault on the Gaza Strip. In a… Read moreTen Israeli soldiers choose jail over Gaza
Via the Israeli anti-occupation online magazine Kibush, Jan. 8: In support of the Palestinian human rights community call for international action A call from within – signed by Israeli citizens As if the occupation was not enough, the brutal ongoing… Read moreIsraeli citizens call for international action against Gaza aggression
Israel poured thousands of reservists called up in recent days into Gaza in the early hours of Jan. 12, after a day in which its troops pushed deeper into Gaza City and warplanes carried out nearly 60 air-strikes. Thousands of… Read moreGaza: Israel pours in reserves as death toll nears 900
From the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) via Socialist WebZine, Jan. 11: Sisters and brothers: The PGFTU has been working at all levels in Palestine and in its international relations to mobilise international support for peace in the… Read moreMessage from Palestinian trade unions on Gaza
Israeli troops bombed Gaza into a third week as both Tel Aviv and Hamas ignored a UN Security Council demand to end the fighting. The Palestinian death toll reached 854 as Israel carried out more than 40 air-strikes.
The US House and Senate both approved bipartisan resolutions voicing strong support for Israel’s Gaza offensive—as Venezuela broke diplomatic relations with Israel in protest.
Israel pounded Gaza with bombs and shells Jan. 9, vowing to pursue its war despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel would not bow to “outside influence,” as its warplanes carried… Read moreGaza: death toll passes 800 as Israel defies UN resolution
Oakland, Calif., exploded into violent protests Jan. 7 over the police slaying of 22-year-old African American father of one Oscar Grant. Following a memorial service for Grant at Palma Ceia Baptist Church, it was announced that officer Johannes Mehserle had… Read moreRiots rock Oakland after police slay youth
