Inner Asia

Arson attacks on Tibetan monasteries?

Three mysterious blazes at historic Tibetan monasteries across western China in as many months have sparked speculation about a campaign of arson attacks. 

Palestine

Political archaeology advances in West Bank

Israel is financing construction of an "archaeological park" on a contested site in Hebron—assailed by Palestinians as cover for expansion of the city's Jewish settlement. 

North Africa

Morocco considers amending rape law

Morocco's parliament announced a proposal to amend Article 475 of the penal code, which allows rapists to avoid charges if they marry their victims.

Africa

South Sudan: Yes, another war for oil

South Sudan may be developing into proxy war, pitting US client states Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia against Khartoum in a struggle for control of pipeline routes.

Planet Watch

Polar Vortex: Yes, it’s global warming!

Climate-change denialists are gloating at the "Polar Vortex"—failing to understand that it was unleashed by destabilization of the Jet Stream due to loss of arctic ice cover.