Mexico’s National Tourism Development Fund (Fonatur) has announced a new mega-complex to be built in the conflicted southern state of Chiapas. Centering around the Classic Maya ruins of Palenque, the complex will include an 8,000-room hotel, theme park and golf… Read moreChiapas: mega-tourism, narco-terror at Palenque
Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) turned in its final report on last year’s unrest in Oaxaca May 24, blaming both authorities and protesters for “excesses,” and urging the government to investigate its finding that federal police tortured detainees. The… Read moreMexico: human rights commission hands in Oaxaca report
Bolivia’s lower house Chamber of Deputies has approved a measure calling for incorporation of indigenous languages into the educational system. Warning that “every langauge represents a unique vision of the world,” UNESCO recently found that 35 indigenous languages in Bolivia… Read moreBolivia moves to protect indigenous languages
Ethiopian troops opened fire and killed five civilian bystanders May 30 after a land mine exploded as their convoy passed through the center of a western Somali town of Belet Weyne. (AP, May 30) As the transition government backed by… Read moreSomalia: Ethiopian troops fire on civilians; AU calls for NATO airlift
Libya announced May 29 it will sign a $900-million exploration deal with BP, marking a return by the UK oil giant to the North African country after a 33-year absence. The announcement came ahead of a visit to Tripoli by… Read moreLibya to sign $900M oil deal with BP
The US will face worse attacks than 9-11 if it does not heed al-Qaeda demands, according to a new statement from Adam Gadahn, a California-born convert to Islam and the first US citizen to be charged with treason since the… Read more“California al-Qaeda” warns of new attacks
The Philippine government and the country’s largest Islamic rebel group are moving closer to a deal on defining Muslim ancestral, leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have announced. “It’s almost in the bag,” said Eid Kabalu, MILF spokesman…. Read morePhilippines: peace deal with Moro rebels?
The US military said coalition and Afghan troops killed six Taliban fighters and arrested four in eastern Afghanistan May 30, but a provincial official and residents said the casualties were villagers. The coalition statement did not mention the location in… Read moreAfghanistan: more controversy over civilian casualties
From the New York City environmental group Time’s Up, May 29: NYPD Issues “Parading Without a Permit” Summons on City-Advertised Critical Mass Ride Ride was listed on Bike Month Calendar financed by Department of Transportation Last Friday, May 25th, NYPD… Read moreNYPD shut down Critical Mass —again!
Spain announced May 28 it has arrested 16 suspected of recruiting Islamist fighters for Iraq and North Africa. The 14 Moroccans and two Algerians were alleged to have indoctrinated others with radical Islamic teachings and about “jihad.” Thirteen were arrested… Read moreSpain: more Salafist sweeps; 3-11 defendants end hunger strike
President Bush has announced an expanded regime of sanctions against Sudan, implementing what he called “Plan B” in his April speech at the Holocaust Museum, as an alternative to UN troops. Thirty companies owned or controlled by the Sudanese government… Read moreDarfur: Bush announces sanctions —against the resistance movement!
At least 16 were killed and 67 injured in two attacks in the eastern Ethiopia towns of Jijiga and Degah Abur May 28. Up to 11 were killed when a hand grenade was thrown as hundreds of people gathered at… Read moreEthiopia terror: ONLF guerillas or government provocation?
