Southeast Asia

Philippines: justice deferred in 2004 massacre

A decade after striking workers were massacred at Hacienda Luisita in Central Luzon, nobody has been brought to justice. Survivors now demand resignation of President Aquino.

Central America

Nicaragua: opposition mounts to canal scheme

With work about to begin on an inter-oceanic canal through Nicaragua, campesinos who stand to be evicted for the mega-scheme pledge resistance and warn of a "massacre."

Iraq

US ground troops for Mosul assault?

Martin Dempsey, head of the US joint chiefs of staff, arrived in Baghdad, where he admitted that "we're certainly considering" sending US ground troops to assist in re-taking Mosul.

Iraq

Kurdish revolution: what odds for survival?

Will the anarchist-oriented Rojava Kurds ultimately be crushed in deference to Washington's NATO ally Turkey—or coopted into imperial clients? Is a third revolutionary option possible?

East Asia

US and China in new carbon pact; trading seen

China, the top emitter of greenhouse gases, has for the first time pledged to cap emissions—but is following the US and EU in carbon trading schemes as the means to achieve the cuts.

The Andes

Colombia: crime lord falls, para links revealed

The capture of "Marquitos," reigning crime lord of Colombia's La Guajira region, was followed by revelations of his deadly dealings with local paramilitaries and politicians.

Mexico

Mexico: missing students reported dead

Foreign investors remain "very excited with what's happening in Mexico" despite two notorious massacres so far this year. Mexicans see it differently: they continue to protest.

Central America

Costa Rica: port strike ends, issues remain

Under pressure to end a job action that tied up Costa Rica's main port, management and the union made a deal to end the strike—without addressing the issues.