From the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) via Socialist WebZine, Jan. 11: Sisters and brothers: The PGFTU has been working at all levels in Palestine and in its international relations to mobilise international support for peace in the… Read moreMessage from Palestinian trade unions on Gaza
Israeli troops bombed Gaza into a third week as both Tel Aviv and Hamas ignored a UN Security Council demand to end the fighting. The Palestinian death toll reached 854 as Israel carried out more than 40 air-strikes.
The US House and Senate both approved bipartisan resolutions voicing strong support for Israel’s Gaza offensive—as Venezuela broke diplomatic relations with Israel in protest.
Israel pounded Gaza with bombs and shells Jan. 9, vowing to pursue its war despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel would not bow to “outside influence,” as its warplanes carried… Read moreGaza: death toll passes 800 as Israel defies UN resolution
Oakland, Calif., exploded into violent protests Jan. 7 over the police slaying of 22-year-old African American father of one Oscar Grant. Following a memorial service for Grant at Palma Ceia Baptist Church, it was announced that officer Johannes Mehserle had… Read moreRiots rock Oakland after police slay youth
Greek journalists Jan. 9 harshly criticized police conduct at a protest in central Athens. Fourteen lawyers were among those detained after an estimated 3,000 people, chiefly teachers and students, took part in the demonstration to commemorate the 1991 murder of… Read moreGreece: police attack journalists, lawyers as protest wave continues
The head of the Basque government and his chief opponent went on trial Jan. 8 over alleged past contacts with Batasuna, banned political wing of the armed separatist group ETA—just weeks before they are to face off in regional elections…. Read moreSpain: Basque candidates face charges ahead of elections
Leonidas Vargas, one of Colombia’s most notorious drug lords, was shot dead in his Madrid hospital bed Jan. 8, Spanish authorities said. At least one gunman entered the room in Madrid’s Doce de Octubre Hospital where Vargas was being treated… Read moreColombian drug lord shot dead in Spanish hospital
Thousands of fishermen in Mexico went on strike last week to protest the rise in the cost of diesel fuel, which they say has reduced their profit margin to zero. The strike, dubbed “Zero Fishing 2009,” was declared in the… Read moreMexico: fishermen strike over fuel prices
The US is the major weapons supplier to Mexico’s bloody drug cartels, according to a report the Mexican Cabinet submitted to President Felipe Calderón.
During a live broadcast the night of Jan. 6, at least five masked gunmen riding in two pickup trucks fired high-caliber weapons and tossed a grenade outside the studios of the Televisa network in Monterrey, in the northern Mexican state… Read moreMexico: narcos wage terror campaign against media
From Witness Against Torture, Jan. 8: WASHINGTON – On Sunday, January 11 – the seven-year anniversary of the opening of the prison at Guantanamo – more than 200 human rights advocates will join 60 people who are beginning a nine-day… Read moreActivists fast to demand Obama close Gitmo
