China: Sichuan quake imperils hydro-dams
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has dispatched teams to Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces to prevent dams that were damaged by the devastating earthquake from bursting and endangering the lives of residents. Several dams are believed to be… Read moreChina: Sichuan quake imperils hydro-dams
Burma: cyclone devastates rice market
The price of rice in Burma has jumped 50% since Cyclone Nargis devastated the country’s most important croplands and destroyed several fully stocked grain warehouses. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that the cyclone may “sharply decrease national rice… Read moreBurma: cyclone devastates rice market
Peace in Pakistan equals war in Afghanistan?
Truce talks between Pakistan’s government and tribal militants may be causing a rise in terror attacks in Afghanistan, NATO spokesman James Appathurai told reporters in Brussels. “The concern is that deals being struck between the Pakistani government and extremist groups… Read morePeace in Pakistan equals war in Afghanistan?
Berlusconi back: no immigrants, yes nukes
In a massive sweep of shantytowns in urban areas across the country, Italian police arrested nearly 400 undocumented immigrants in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi‘s first week back in power. 118 were immediately expelled, and many others held to face immigration,… Read moreBerlusconi back: no immigrants, yes nukes
Barack Obama: “apostate” Muslim?
Barack Obama just can’t win with some people. Either he’s too Muslim, or not Muslim enough. In a bizarre op-ed in the New York Times May 12, “President Apostate,” Edward Luttwak warns : As the son of the Muslim father,… Read moreBarack Obama: “apostate” Muslim?
Sudan: SPLA ex-combatants take up arms over Abeyi
South Sudanese former SPLA rebel fighters engaged government forces May 14 in the disputed oil-rich Abyei region, leaving up to four dead and sending hundreds fleeing. Heavy exchanges of machine gun and mortar fire could be heard from a UN… Read moreSudan: SPLA ex-combatants take up arms over Abeyi
Mali: Tuareg ceasefire breaks down
Mali is sending army reinforcements to the desert North after attacks by Tuareg guerillas on several army posts left one dead May 6. A military base in Diabaly was attacked by rebels who made off with army supplies. (AFP, May… Read moreMali: Tuareg ceasefire breaks down
“Indian Mujahedeen” claim Jaipur blasts
A little-known organization called the Indian Mujahedeen claimed responsibility for serial terror blasts in Jaipur (Rajasthan state), which killed 63 and wounded more than 150 on May 13. Indian Mujahideen is the same group that had sent an e-mail to… Read more“Indian Mujahedeen” claim Jaipur blasts
Colombia extradites paramilitary commanders
Colombia extradited 14 top commanders of the right-wing paramilitaries to the US May 13 on drug trafficking and other charges. Security forces rousted the warlords from their prison cells in a surprise pre-dawn operation and took them to Bogotá’s military… Read moreColombia extradites paramilitary commanders
Argentina: farmers block highways
Thousands of Argentine farmers blocked highways on May 8 to protest increased taxes on soy, a major export crop. The farmers had struck in March, halting shipments of grain throughout the country and presenting the center-left government of President Cristina… Read moreArgentina: farmers block highways
Dominican Republic: mass deportation of Haitians
The Jesuit Service for Refugees and Migrants reports that at least 1,693 Haitians were deported from the Dominican Republic in the first four months of 2008. The mass repatriations are “almost always marked by violations of the migrants’ human rights,”… Read moreDominican Republic: mass deportation of Haitians