Greater Middle East

Turkish enviros block road to mine site

Local residents and environmentalists blocked the road to a forest area in the Cerattepeli region of Turkey's Black Sea province of Artvin to block preparation of a mining project.

Iran

Iran: hundreds flogged for Ramadan

At least 500 people have been arrested and the majority sentenced to flogging in Shiraz, Iran, for failing to observe the daytime fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mexico

Chiapas peasants march against narco-violence

Maya indigenous peasants in Mexico's southern Chiapas state marched cross-country to oppose violence by narco gangs and the corruption of local authorities that protect them.

North Africa

Mali: Tuareg rebels demand autonomous Azawad

Mali's government is boasting a deal with Tuareg leaders granting autonomy to the northern homeland of Azawad—but the biggest rebel factions are holding out for more power.

The Andes

Colombia: manhunt for paramilitary warlord

Authorities in Colombia are carrying out a manhunt Dario Antonio Usuga AKA "Otoniel"—the biggest since the campaign that brought down the legendary Pablo Escobar in 1993.