Iraq
Mass protests shake Baghdad regime
Tens of thousands took to the streets of Baghdad to protest economic conditions and corruption. The demonstrations are bringing together Sunnis, Shi'ites and leftists.
Tag: control of oil
Planet Watch
Russia files revised bid for arctic territory
Russia’s Foreign Ministry submitted a new bid claiming over 350 nautical miles of oil-rich Arctic sea shelf before the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Planet Watch
Anishinaabe ‘Water Walk’ against pipeline plan
Anishinaabe activists in north Ontario are walking 125 kilometers of the proposed Energy East pipeline route to demonstrate their opposition, citing a threat to the region's waters.
East Asia
China allows first pollution suit under new law
A court in China ruled that a lawsuit against ConocoPhillips China and China National Offshore Oil for a 2011 oil spill can proceed under a new law allowing NGOs to directly sue polluters.
Planet Watch
Ice Age fears: don’t believe the hype
Russia Today trumpets specious claims of a new Little Ice Age—convenient propaganda for Putin to go on exploiting Arctic oil without worrying about global warming.
Mexico
Mexico sells offshore oil blocs, but majors are shy
For the first time in nearly 80 years, Mexico opened its oil industry to foreign investors, offering 14 offshore exploration blocs—but only two sold, and not to industry majors.
Europe
Greece seeks ‘security axis’ with Cyprus, Israel
With his own country in turmoil, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias spoke in Jerusalem of developing an "axis of security" made up of Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
Southeast Asia
Vietnam tilts to US in Pacific ‘Great Game’
Vietnam's paramount leader Nguyen Phu Trong meets with Obama at the White House, as the US and China play a dangerous game of chicken over disputed islands.
Planet Watch
New York state puts fracking ban in place
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation released a final environmental impact statement on the dangers of fracking, officially banning the practice in the state.
Greater Middle East
Israel denies backing Nusra after Golan lynching
Druze villagers in the Golan killed a wounded Syrian fighter seized from an IDF ambulance—in mistaken belief he was from Nusra Front, which has massacred Syrian Druze.
The Amazon
Bolivia: government divided on Amazon road project
Over the objections of members of his own cabinet, President Evo Morales now says he will revive an Amazon highway project that was suspended after a wave of angry protests.
Mexico
Mexico cracks down on narco-oil
In an open acknowledgement that it cannot secure its pipeline system from plunder by criminal gangs, Mexico will no longer pump refined gasoline and diesel through the network.