Mexico: bloody New Year despite arrest of kingpin
Mexican authorities announced Dec. 30 the arrest of Alberto Espinoza Barron AKA “La Fresa” (the Strawberry), reputed head of the “Michoacán Family“—the drug cartel accused of setting off two grenades during an Independence Day celebration in September, killing eight people… Read moreMexico: bloody New Year despite arrest of kingpin
Activists to Obama: demand Israel lift Gaza siege
From the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Dec. 28: Dear President-Elect Obama, Congratulations on your historic election as the next President of the United States. Last year, you pledged to “take an active role, and make a personal… Read moreActivists to Obama: demand Israel lift Gaza siege
Gaza death toll above 430 in solid week of Israeli bombardment
The number of Palestinians killed in the ongoing Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip reached 434, with at least 2,280 wounded as the air campaign entered its seventh day Jan. 3. Five children were killed in al-Qarara town, east of… Read moreGaza death toll above 430 in solid week of Israeli bombardment
Ethiopia begins Somalia withdrawal —chaos or peace next?
Ethiopia began pulling its military forces out of Somalia at the beginning of the year, having pledged to withdraw from the country by the end of 2008. Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s office said the withdrawal would take several days…. Read moreEthiopia begins Somalia withdrawal —chaos or peace next?
Yemen: journalist threatened for covering anti-Jewish attack
A group of tribesmen in Amran governate of north Yemen assaulted and threatened a reporter from NewsYemen service last week over his coverage of the trial for the murder of a leader of the country’s Jewish community, Moshe Yaish Nahari,… Read moreYemen: journalist threatened for covering anti-Jewish attack
MAMA
Following peace talks hosted by Eritrea, the government of Ethiopia announced a peace deal with the Oromo Liberation Front rebels. The deal guarantees rebel leaders the right to participate in Ethiopia's political process in exchange for laying down arms. The OLF has long been backed by Eritrea, and the pact comes one month after a formal end was declared to the two-decade state of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Ethiopia ceding its claim to the contested border town of Badme. This points to a softening of positions under Ethiopia's new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. The Badme deal was also said to have been quietly brokered by the United Arab Emirates, which has emerged as politically isolated Eritrea's most significant foreign patron, part of an apparent design to encircle Yemen. (Photo: Yassin Juma)
Please support our urgent fund drive
We are one-fourth of the way to our necessary winter fund-drive goal of $2,000. Unfortunately, the carnage in Gaza is making all too clear that our mission continues even as it seems likely that the incoming Obama administration will (at… Read morePlease support our urgent fund drive
Israel again bombs mosque as Gaza strikes enter seventh day
Israeli warplanes carried out some 20 strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight, destroying a mosque in the northern town of Jabaliya that the military said was a “terror hub.” As the air offensive entered its seventh day, Hamas ordered a… Read moreIsrael again bombs mosque as Gaza strikes enter seventh day
US bombs Pakistan —again
A suspected US drone fired two missiles in Pakistan’s South Waziristan region Jan. 2, killing four fighters, Pakistani intelligence sources said. The strike targeted an area believed as a stronghold of militant leader Baitullah Mehsud. It was the second missile… Read moreUS bombs Pakistan —again
Israel bombs mosque in sixth day of Gaza air offensive
As Israel continued its bombing of the Gaza Strip targets for a sixth day, targets included the offices of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, and a Gaza City mosque where Hamas activists were reportedly hiding. Rockets had also been fired… Read moreIsrael bombs mosque in sixth day of Gaza air offensive
Obama’s rightward tilt: our readers write
President-elect Barack Obama‘s tilt to the right became obvious immediately after his historic victory, with the appointment of Rahm Israel Emanuel, a pro-Israel hardliner, as chief of staff. Our December Exit Poll was: “Barack Obama: ruling class pawn or avatar… Read moreObama’s rightward tilt: our readers write