South Asia
More protests in Kashmir
Thousands of protesters marched on an army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir, following the apparent murder of a young woman by an Indian soldier.
Iraq
Omar al-Baghdadi back from dead —again!?
Iraqi insurgent leader Abu Omar al-Baghdad, repeatedly announced dead or captured, issued a statementurging his insurgents to keep fighting despite the US pull-back from Iraq’s cities.
Central America
Honduras: non-dialogue in Costa Rica; real repression in Tegucigalpa
Both Mel Zelaya and Roberto Micheletti, arriving in Costa Rica for talks on the Honduran impasse, denied there is anything to discuss—as more repression of pro-Zelaya protesters is reported.
Afghanistan
Taliban score another heroic blow against Afghan children?
At least 25 were killed in Afghanistan’s Logar province after a truck loaded with explosives hidden under firewood was remotely detonated. Of the dead, only four were police; 16 were schoolchildren.
Iran
Tehran protesters defy official threats
Some 300 protesters marched on Tehran University chanting “Death to the dictator!” before being dispersed by police with tear gas. Authorities had pledged to “smash” any new demonstrations.
Africa
Genocide charges for Sudan leader?
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has filed an appeal to have Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir charged with genocide—but AU leaders say they will not cooperate in his arrest.
Central America
Costa Rica’s Arias to mediate in Honduran crisis; US withdraws recognition?
Hillary Clinton announced that Costa Rican President Oscar Arias will mediate in the Honduran crisis—while Zelaya-loyal chancellor Patricia Rodas told TeleSur the US has withdrawn recognition.
The Andes
Peruvian provinces paralyzed by paro
Peru’s government ordered thousands of soldiers into the streets as a paro or series of coordinated strikes against the free-trade policies of President Alan García entered its second day.
Africa
Nigeria: militants blow up Chevron platform
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) blew up a Chevron platform “in retaliation” for the “abduction of a traditional chief” by Nigeria’s Joint Task Force.
Central America
Honduras: activist priest forced into hiding
Father José Andrés Tamayo, recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize for his work defending the forests of Honduras, has been forced into hiding after leading protests against the coup d’etat.
The Andes
Peru: strikes, protests and “cold war”
Peru’s President Alan García says his country has become a pawn in a continental “cold war,” alleging Venezuelan and Bolivian involvement in a wave of strikes and protests.
The Caribbean
Haiti: some unions back down on minimum wage
Maquiladora workers in Haiti agreed to accept a lower minimum wage increase in order avoid lay-offs. The sector has been hit hard by the world recession