The Amazon

Peru: Amazonian leaders press land demarcation

Amazonian leaders issued an open letter to President Ollanta Humala demanding that funds for the continued demarcation of indigenous lands be included in Peru's 2013 budget.

The Andes

Colombia: indigenous peace proposal advanced

An “Indigenous and Popular Peace Proposal” has been issued to bring demands for territorial autonomy to the talks between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.

Afghanistan

Pakistan to Lebanon: Shi’ites under attack

Bomb attacks on Shi’ite processions marking Ashura claimed lives in Pakistan, while Sunnis and Shi’ites clashed in Kabul and a planned attack on Shi’ites was thwarted  in Lebanon.

Iraq

Iraq: army, Peshmerga in stand-off at Kirkuk

An ongoing stand-off between an elite force of Iraq's national army and Kurdish Peshmerga forces around the contested northern city of Kirkuk led to skirmishes that left two dead.

North Africa

Mali: Europe prepares intervention

Military experts from Africa, the United Nations and Europe have drafted plans to retake control of northern Mali, as West African nations prepare a request for armed intervention.