The Andes

Venezuela: Chávez seizes oil service companies

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez sent troops to take over companies that provide services for the oil industry. “This is a revolutionary offensive,” he told workers near Lake Maracaibo.

Iraq

Iraq moves towards land privatization

The Iraqi government is taking fresh action to attract foreign investment, including moving toward allowing foreigners to own land, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told a London conference.

North Africa

Niger: president meets with Tuareg rebels

Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja held peace talks with Tuareg rebel leaders for the first time in the northern town of Agadez—as work commences on a giant uranium mine in the Tuareg region.

South Asia

Mumbai terror attack suspect pleads not guilty

Alleged Mumbai terror attack suspect Mohammed Ajmal Kasab pleaded not guilty in an Indian court to 86 charges stemming from his participation in the November 2008 attack.