Monthly Archives: April 2010
Economic Recovery for Africa?
The news today brings us two optimistic articles on the African economy.
Mass Sickness of Afghan Schoolgirls Raises Poisoning Fears
Since April 21, at least eighty Afghan schoolgirls at three schools in the increasingly violent northern city of Kunduz have mysteriously fallen ill after reporting a strange smell in their classrooms. Most of the affected girls have been hospitalized briefly and released, but the sudden, mysterious epidemic of fainting and nausea is raising fears of poisoning by opponents of girls’ education.
Members of U.S. Congress Circulate Anti-ICC Letter
Members of the U.S. Congress are circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter to oppose the Obama administration’s decision to participate in a conference of the International Criminal Court. Next month, an American delegation will attend the International Criminal Court’s first “Review Conference” in Kampala, Uganda. At the meeting, countries that have ratified the treaty that created the ICC — called the Rome Statute – will decide whether or not to make certain amendments to it.
Ban Ki Moon on American Idol (Video)
Last week the United Nations made its debut on American Idol when Ban Ki Moon offered a video message about the UN’s work to Idol’s sizable audience. The occasion was the charity event Idol Gives Back of which the United Nations Foundation was one of five beneficiaries. This is what millions of Idol viewers saw last week.
Humanitarian Aid: A Warmonger’s Best Friend?
Does humanitarian aid prolong wars? Yes, argues Dutch journalist Linda Polman in her new book War Games: The Story of Aid and War in Modern Times, which was just reviewed by The Guardian.
Climate Science is Complicated
According to Reuters, a week of clear skies over Europe has given scientists another rare glimpse into the effects of aviation on the Earth’s climate. Given that there are roughly 100,000 flights every day, getting control samples is usually impossible.
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The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
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The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
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The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
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