Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov was sworn in as Turkmenistan’s president, having won by a predictable 97%. His personalistic dictatorship mirrors that of his autocratic predecessor “Turkmenbashi”—and is the lynchpin of the planned trans-Afghan pipeline.
Benjamin Netanyahu made the first-ever visit by an Israeli leader to Cyprus, to discuss offshore gas development and a possible new pipeline. But Turkey objects to the plans, claiming sections of the exploration blocs as under its continental shelf rights.
The assassination of Kartam Surya, legendary leader of the Salwa Judum militia in Chhattisgarh state, raises question about the Indian government’s ongoing collaboration with the officially outlawed paramilitary network.
The UN General Assembly voted to condemn Syria. The resolution supports an Arab League plan that encourages President Bashar al-Assad to step down. There were 12 votes against the resolution including Russia, China, Iran and Bolivia.
There are doubtless many good reasons to oppose Henrique Capriles Radonski, the bourgeois politician who is challenging Hugo Chávez for Venezuela’s presidency. His Jewish background is equally assuredly not among them.
Carlos Pérez, one of four El Universo newspaper managers convicted of libel against Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa, was granted asylum by Panama. El Universo is appealing to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Human Rights Watch called for the reduction of overcrowding to improve poor prison conditions in Latin America following a prison fire in Honduras. The fire killed more than 300 inmates while injuring dozens more.
Argentina’s confederation of transport workers (CATT) has instructed its members not to work on British ships or aircraft arriving in the country, as a show of support for the Argentine government’s claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
Amnesty International released a report accusing the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya of allowing the abuse and torture of supporters of former leader Moammar Qaddafi by unofficial militias that control detention facilities.
As we have pointed out over and over, a driver’s license in New York City is literally a license to kill. Meanwhile, police crack down on the solution. From Transportation Nation, Feb. 15: NYPD Issued Almost 50,000 Bicycle Tickets in… Read moreWHY WE FIGHT
Honduras is in shock after a fire at a triple-capacity Comayagua prison left at least 360 dead, many burned or suffocated to death in their cells. Reports said guards hurled keys away before fleeing, abandoning the prisoners.
Accused Indonesian terrorist Umar Patek went on trial for the 2002 Bali bombing and other attacks. He was arrested in Abbottabad, Pakistan, just a few weeks before US special forces killed Osama bin Laden in the same town.
