Watching the Shadows

US releases names of indefinite Gitmo detainees

The US government released the names and nationalities of 46 men classified for “continued detention” at Guantánamo Bay, ineligible for release, transfer or prosecution. 

Afghanistan

Will ‘peace’ mean betrayal of Afghan women?

The Taliban have opened a "political office" in Qatar preparatory to talks with Kabul and the US—after years of propaganda about the US defending women's rights in Afghanistan.

Iran

US, Iranian forces converge on Syria

Some 5,000 US troops are in Jordan to participate in the multi-national Eager Lion exercises—just as Iran is sending 4,000 Revolutionary Guards to support Syria's Bashar Assad.

Greater Middle East

Turkish unions appeal for solidarity

Turkey’s DISK labor federation is calling for international solidarity as Prime Minister Erdogan declared its general strike in support of the protest movement “illegal.”

The Andes

Bolivia: how many indigenous nationalities?

Meeting with Bolivia’s jurists to hash out protocols for autonomy, traditional authorities accused the government of underestimating the number of indigenous peoples.

The Andes

Peru: is Conga project cancelled?

Peru’s mining minister Jorge Merino denied media reports that the controversial gold project at Conga, in northern Cajamarca region, has been cancelled.

Central America

Guatemala militarized after armed attack

Guatemala’s President Otto Pérez Molina inaugurated a new paramilitary force after an armed attack on a National Police post left eight officers dead and a commander abducted.

Central America

Nicaragua approves China-backed canal plan

Nicaragua sealed a pact granting Chinese business magnate Wang Jing exclusive rights to build a multibillion-dollar inter-oceanic canal through the Central American nation.