Inner Asia

Next: Free Siberia?

In a little-noted irony, as Vladiimir Putin backs the "People's Republics" in eastern Ukraine, he has cracked down on a separatist movement that has emerged in Siberia.

Central America

Nicaragua: inter-oceanic canal route approved

Nicaragua approved a route for its proposed inter-oceanic canal—sparking demands both by the Rama indigenous people and neighboring Costa Rica to be consulted in the project.

Africa

Deadly Ramadan in Somalia

Militant group al-Shabab has lived up to its promise to step up attacks in Somalia, mainly against government installations and personnel, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Southeast Asia

Mindanao: tribes want autonomy from Moro zone

Indigenous tribes within the proposed Bangsamoro territory in Mindanao, created under a peace deal with Moro rebels, are demanding that their ancestral lands be excluded.

Planet Watch

Canada’s high court upholds aboriginal title

First nations across British Columbia are celebrating a unanimous ruling by Canada's Supreme Court that recognizes aboriginal title to traditional territories outside reserves.

Europe

UN: breakdown of law and order in east Ukraine

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report citing abductions, detentions, torture and killings in the eastern regions of Ukraine where armed groups hold control.

Southeast Asia

Sharia (in)justice in Aceh (not just Brunei)

A rape victim is sentenced to be flogged for "adultery" in Aceh—more grim evidence that local autonomy in the Indonesian region has been usurped by clerical reactionaries.