Peru: more killed in Puno, Huancavelica protests; demand investigation of García for repression
Regional leaders across Peru have issued a demand that outgoing President Alan García be investigated for the serial acts of deadly repression in his six-year term. The call comes after new deadly violence in Puno and Huancavelica.
Bolivia inaugurates new gas pipeline to Argentina
Bolivia is to start delivering increased volumes of natural gas to Argentina though a new pipeline starting at the end of this month, in what leaders hailed as a key step in South America’s alternative integration.
Bolivia grapples with “food sovereignty” —and food crisis
Amid protests over food prices, Bolivia’s Evo Morales government instated a new law to achieve “food sovereignty” and protect the campesino sector. But is a sop to agbiz, the law also lifts restrictions on GMO crops.
UN applauds arrest of Guatemala genocide suspect
The UN announced its approval of the arrest of Gen. Hector Mario López, former Guatemalan armed forces chief accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity during his tenure from 1982-3.
Fukushima on the Missouri?
We sure hope not, but this isn’t looking too good. From AP, June 26: BROWNVILLE, Neb. — A berm holding the flooded Missouri River back from a Nebraska nuclear power station collapsed early Sunday, but federal regulators said they were… Read moreFukushima on the Missouri?
Japan: angry parents march in Fukushima
Angry parents held a hundreds-strong march in Japan’s Fukushima city to demand greater protection for their children from radiation—as the government prepares to re-open reactors closed in the wake of the disaster.
Chile: court suspends HidroAysen mega-hydro project
An appeals court in Puerto Montt, Chile, ordered a halt to all construction and permitting processes for the controversial HidroAysén five-dam mega-project while a case against the project is pending.
Congress members protest Clinton’s “green light” for deadly force against Gaza blockade busters
After the State Department issued a warning that those running the Gaza blockade may face “injury and death,” six Congress members sent a letter to Hillary Clinton “to ensure the safety of the US citizens” on the new aid flotilla.
Israel plans to forcibly transfer 40,000 Bedouin citizens
A new Israeli proposal that would forcibly transfer more than 40,000 Bedouin citizens into government-planned townships in the Negev desert has raised the ire of Bedouin communities and their supporters
Syria: security forces fire on protesters —again
Security forces opened fire as thousands took to Syria’s streets for Friday protests to demand the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. At least 15 people were killed and many more injured in demonstrations following evening prayers.
Congress and the Libya war: Orwellian logic on both sides
The Obama administration argues that the bombardment of Libya does not constitute "hostilities," to weasel out of the War Power Act restrictions—while anti-war commentators ignore the fact that Libya's rebels avidly support the bombing.