CounterVortex

Iran

Tulku Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche

After all the talk we've heard in recent years about how depressed oil prices are now permanent, in the wake of Trump's announced withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal Bank of America is predicting that the price of Brent crude could go as high as the once-dreaded $100 per barrel in 2019. The report also cited collapsing production in Venezuela due to the crisis there. Brent prices have risen above $77 per barrel since Trump's announcement. Prices have jumped more than 8% over the past month and 15% since the beginning of the year. According to the analysis, investors fear that renewed sanctions on Iran could lead to supply disruptions. Although the report failed to mention it, the Israeli air-strikes on Iranian targets in Syria have doubtless contributed to the jitters. (Photo: Shana)

Greater Middle East

tulku

Egypt's chief prosecutor referred 555 individuals suspected of joining a local ISIS affiliate to military court. The charges against them arise out of a series of attacks carried out by dozens of small militant groups situated in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The suspects will faces charges for the planned and executed killings of security personnel, attacks on military checkpoints, and the destruction of a gas pipeline between Egypt and Jordan. The charges come amid growing concerns over torture, lengthy solitary confinement and other rights abuses in Egypt's prisons. (Photo: Egypt Daily News)

Africa

Egypt expels Darfur rebel reps in growing crackdown

Egyptian authorities escalated their crackdown on Darfur rebel groups maintaining offices in Cairo, expelling Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) representative Hafiz Youcif Hamoda from the country. The move comes with increasing pressure on Sudanese migrants and refugees in Egypt. No explanation… Read moreEgypt expels Darfur rebel reps in growing crackdown

Africa

Sudan: “bloodbath” in Abeyi; US talks on hold

For the past three days, the disputed Sudanese territory of Abeyi has been undergoing what one local SPLA official calls a “bloodbath,” with Misseriya ethnic militiamen attacking local Ngok (Dinka) residents, and Battalion 31 of the Sudan Armed Forces shelling… Read moreSudan: “bloodbath” in Abeyi; US talks on hold

Africa

Zimbabwe opposition: rights probe a sham

Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change accused President Robert Mugabe’s government of setting up a sham investigation into electoral violence to deflect international criticism. The MDC says 43 of its members have been killed and scores forced from their homes… Read moreZimbabwe opposition: rights probe a sham

Inner Asia

Tibetan religious leader arrested in Sichuan

From the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, May 19: The Chinese authorities had arrested a revered religious figure in Kardze, Tibet according to reliable information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).

Mexico

Mexico: union attacked in capital

The Authentic Labor Front (FAT), an independent Mexican labor group, announced on May 13 that one of its affiliates is set to declare a strike at the Central de Abasto, Mexico City’s huge wholesale food market, on May 30. For… Read moreMexico: union attacked in capital

The Andes

Colombia: rights activist threatened

On May 15 the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders—a program sponsored jointly by the World Organization Against Torture and the International Federation of Human Rights—issued an urgent call for the Colombian government to ensure the safety of… Read moreColombia: rights activist threatened

The Andes

Colombia: refugee leader murdered

On May 13 unknown persons riding a motorcycle shot and killed Julio Cesar Molina, a leader of refugees from Colombia’s internal conflicts who were displaced to the rural zone of Ansermanueva in the southwestern department of Valle del Cauca. On… Read moreColombia: refugee leader murdered

The Andes

Venezuela charges Colombian military incursion

Bogotá May 18 rejected charges from Venezuela that 60 Colombian soldiers had entered its territory in what Caracas called a provocation aimed at destabilizing the region. “There has been no incursion,” Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos told local radio,… Read moreVenezuela charges Colombian military incursion

Mexico

Mexican military to take over Juárez police?

Ciudad Juárez Public Safety Director Guillermo Prieto submitted his resignation following a string of killings that included some of his top officers. AP May 18 cites a city spokesman saying Prieto would be replaced by a military officer on leave… Read moreMexican military to take over Juárez police?

Palestine

Lebanon: “civil war by any standard”

Lebanon’s polarized politicians appealed to Qatar May 17 to come up with a proposal on the question of Hezbollah’s weapons during Arab-brokered talks in Doha. 65 people were killed in nearly a week of fighting, in which Hezbollah and its… Read moreLebanon: “civil war by any standard”