Iran

Persian Gulf militarized —by drug war

In addition to the naval face-off over a global oil outlet, the Persian Gulf has seen escalating militarization by international forces in the guise of narcotics enforcement.

Watching the Shadows

Ron Paul schmoozes clerical fascists

Ron Paul is scheduled to speak at a confab sponsored by a wing of the “Traditionalist” Catholic schism, sharing the bill with Italian neo-fascist leader Roberto Fiore. 

Central America

Guatemala: mining companies are dealt setbacks

Courts in Guatemala and Canada have issued important rulings in favor of anti-mining activists, and even President Pérez Molina has called for a moratorium on new licenses.

Mexico

Anti-mining protests in Mexico, Canada

The July 22 Global Day of Action Against Open-Pit Mining, most widely observed in the Andean nations, also saw coordinated protests in NAFTA partners Mexico and Canada. 

Leak at tar sands plant fouls Athabasca River

Tainted water poured for hours into Canada's Athabasca River before a broken pipe was sealed at one of the Suncor tar-sands plants that it is to supply the Keystone XL pipeline.

North Africa

Mali: US airlifts French forces

In a mission slated to last two weeks, US Air Force C-17 transport planes are ferrying troops and material from France to Mali for the offensive against jihadist rebels.

Planet Watch

Quebec: #IdleNoMore protesters block rail line

Protesters with the Idle No More movement, supporting a hunger strike by Chief Theresa Spence of Ontario’s Attawapiskat First Nation, blocked a rail line in eastern Quebec.