By: Matthew Cordell on September 15, 2008 Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s governing ZANU-PF party has signed a peace-sharing agreement with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, as well as one of the MDC faction led by Arthur Mutambara. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC, will serve as Prime Minister and Mutambara as his deputy. The opposition parties will hold 16 cabinet seats together. ZANU-PF will hold 15. Full details of the agreement are still emerging, and EU chief Javier Solana has said that the EU is postponing a decision on whether to lift sanctions. >>Bolivia – South American leaders are meeting in Chile today amid rising concerns over the violent clashes in Bolivia between the government and protesters from regions that seek greater autonomy. Evo Morales has declared a “state of siege” in some provinces. >>Pakistan – Two U.S. helicopters that had crossed into South Waziristan were turned back by Pakistani troops firing into the air. Roughly 20 people, including women and children, were killed in a raid by U.S. troops in this area this month. Pakistan’s military denied claims both that the U.S. helicopters were in Pakistani territory and that the shots came from Pakistani troops. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Talking About a Silent Issue Assessing “Crises” in Ethiopia This Just In — UNAMID Still Needs Helicopters Hurricaines and Destruction in Haiti Gender Inequality Renders Aid Ineffective, says UNIFEM The Rest of the Story Russia – Nato envoys on Georgian mission Russia – Nato head attacks EU’s Georgia deal America – Summit seeks to end Bolivian flare-up India – Arrests over India church attacks Indonesia – Ramadan alms giving sparks fatal stampede in Indonesia Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe parties sign power-sharing deal Australia – 6 Men Convicted of Terror Plot in Australia Thailand – Thailand Lifts State of Emergency Amid Fears of Harm to Tourism Thailand – Thaksin relative nominated for PM Pakistan – Pakistan soldiers ‘confront US’ China – Toxic milk toll rockets in China China – 2 Lose Posts in China Over Deaths Near Mine Afghanistan – Afghan bomber kills UN doctors Korea – Doubts mount over N Korea’s Kim Somalia – AU peacekeeper killed in Somalia Rwanda – Rwandans vote for new parliament Malaysia – Malaysia resignation amid arrests Iran – Iran ‘sending weapons to Taleban’ France – Benedict XVI Urges Redefining State-Church Divide in France Japan – Tainted rice poisons Japan’s sake celebrations
By: Matthew Cordell on August 25, 2008 The Beijing Olympics have ended. The U.S. won the most medals. China won the most gold. The Democratic National Convention begins tonight. Stay tuned. Travis, our man on the ground, will be sending updates. Top Stories >>Georgia – President Mikheil Saakashvili announced on Sunday that he intends to rebuild Georgia’s army and remains committed to keeping Abkhazia and South Ossetia under Georgia’s flag. Today both houses of Russia’s parliament voted today to request that President Medvedev recognize the independence of the two separatist enclaves. >>Pakistan – The party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has quit the governing coalition amid arguments over the reinstatement of judges dismissed by former President Musharraf and also who would be nominated as a replacement for the former President. Sharif claims that an earlier agreement had been reached to nominate a non-partisan candidate. The Pakistan People’s Party has nominated Benazir Bhutto’s widow, Asif Ali Zardari. Analysts believe it’s unlikely that the government will fall. Yesterday in UN Dispatch UN Plaza: Georgia Still on Our Minds Possible abortion ban to be enforced in Lithuania PSA From Our Friends at ONE The Rest of the Story Russia – An Uncertain Death Toll In Georgia-Russia War Russia – Blasts in Georgia Hit Train, 2 People Russia – US Navy arrives in Georgia to deliver aid India – India detains Kashmir separatists ahead of rally India – Kashmir Muslims defy India curfew India – Flood devastation in Bihar state Pakistan – Ten killed in militant attack in Pakistan’s Swat Iraq – Iraq suicide bomb attack kills 25 Iraq – ‘Ill’ Iraqi cleric courts press Kyrgyzstan – Plane crashes in Kyrgyz capital Ukraine – Ukraine vows speedier NATO bid North Korea – China’s Hu in South Korea for talks on North South Korea – China and South Korea Agree to Expand Cooperation Zimbabwe – MDC wins Zimbabwe parliament vote China – US in attack on stifling of dissent Israel – Israel frees jailed Palestinians Afghan – Two Afghans Lose Posts Over Attack Japan – Japan’s promised rice aid fails to emerge Guatemala – Ten killed in Guatemala small plane crash Mauritania – Mauritania coup a threat to Africa: president’s son Sudan – Sudan ‘kills refugees in Darfur’ Serbia – Serbian village unveils Bob Marley statue as emblem of peace Niger – Explosion at Niger arms handover Somalia – Missing Somalia journalists named Georgia – US warship reaches Georgian port Mexico – Mexico City Struggles With Law on Abortion Myanmar – UN envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi
By: Matthew Cordell on August 04, 2008 Top Stories >>China – In what the state news agency has called a “terrorist attack,” 16 policemen in Xinjiang were killed and 16 were injured when a truck rammed a group of police jogging and then attacked with explosives and knives. Xinjiang is home to a Muslim Uighur population that feels oppressed by Chinese rule. >>Bangladesh – Bangladeshis voted in the first stage of local elections today, the first poll held since the military took power through an interim government in 2007. All candidates were “independents” as political parties have been banned. A series of local elections will be held, concluding in October. No voting irregularities have yet been reported. >>AIDS – The Global Aids Conference opened in Mexico today, 25 years after the disease first became prevalent. Ahead of the meeting, new figures show that the number of affected people worldwide has decreased, although some nations are still seeing an increase in infections and many cannot get access to the correct treatment. Over 20,000 officials, scientists, and others, including President Clinton and Mark Goldberg, will be in Mexico for the meeting. Yesterday in UN Dispatch With President Clinton in Africa: The Promise of “Health Extension Workers” Day 3 @ Bellagio: mHealth = Global Health The Rest of the Story China – Savoring the Olympic Spotlight China – Pope’s hopes for Olympics Israel – Israel sends Gazans who fled Hamas to West Bank Israel – Ill Palestinians ‘asked to spy’ India – India orders probe into deadly temple stampede India – Murdoch plans expansion in India Russia – Russia warns Georgia over breakaway province Russia – Russia appoints senior general as new envoy to NATO Russia – Alexander Solzhenitsyn dead at 89 Iraq – Elections Bill in Iraq Stalls On Kirkuk Pakistan – Helicopters continue rescue on K2 Pakistan – Pakistan told to rein in militants South Africa – Supporters rally for ANC leader South Africa – S Africa utility faces double challenge Iran – Tehran says it won’t stop nuclear work, talks to EU Mexico – Global Aids forum opens in Mexico Georgia – Six dead in Georgia standoff Sudan – Sudan Runners Focus on Games, Not Darfur Turkey – Turkey picks army boss, public tension seen easing Afghan – Afghan airport to help switch from drugs to fruit Kenya – Kenya manhunt for al-Qaeda wanted Belarus – Demanding a say Nigeria – French sailors seized in Nigeria Zimbabwe – Rivals resume Zimbabwe deal talks Somalia – Bomb Blast Kills at Least 15 Women in Somalia Australia – Australians to Investigate Qantas Safety Korea – North Threatens to Expel South Koreans Japan – Japan close to declaring recession Brazil – Brazil to dispute US subsidies Venezuela – Infighting threatens Venezuela vote Thailand – Grand Theft Auto withdrawn in Thailand after copycat killing Italy – Troops on the streets of Italy in crime crackdown Cuba – A Dissident’s Return to Cuba
By: Matthew Cordell on July 14, 2008 Top Stories >>Sudan – Today, ICC lead prosecutor Moreno Ocampo filed charges against president Omar al-Bashir for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Ocampo has charged that, through the “state apparatus,” al-Bashir killed at least 35,000 directly and caused the “slow-death” of up to 265,000. Sudan is not party to the court and has refused to cooperate with any investigation. A “carefully choreographed” protest against the charges was held in Khartoum. >>South Korea – South Korea announced today that it would recall its ambassador to Japan in protest of Japan’s announcement that it would publish details about the two nations’ dispute over the Dokdo/Takeshima islands in school teaching guides. In the middle school guides, the islands will be referred to as Japanese territory. The islands are uninhabitable but are surrounded by fertile fishing grounds. >>Malaria – Researchers in Melbourne believe they may have made a major breakthrough in the fight against malaria by removing a protein that makes the parasite “sticky” and more difficult for the body to flush. The protein is one of eight that allows the parasite to attach itself to the walls of blood vessels and keep from being destroyed by the spleen. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Giving Bashir His Day in Court When All Else Fails? Happy World Population Day Breaking: Sudan President to be Charged with Genocide Possble ICC Indictments Coming Monday More on the Attack on UNAMID The Rest of the Story Africa Sudan – Stampede Kills 23 in Sudan Stadium Zimbabwe – Gordon Brown turns to EU after failed Zimbabwe vote Somalia – Aid groups mull leaving Somalia Nigeria – Nigerian jobs scramble kills 12 Sierra Leone – Drug crew seized in Sierra Leone Americas America – 9 Americans Die in Afghan Attack U.S. – American and British troops face a switch from Iraq to Afghanistan Brazil – Brazil oil workers begin strike Mexico – Eight shot dead in Mexico attack East Asia China – China detains 100 for riot in southwestern town China – China detains two ‘underground’ Catholic priests South Korea – New S Korea call for North talks North Korea – N Korea to disable main reactor Thailand – Foes want Thai govt, Thaksin charged in temple row Japan – In Japan, Buddhism May Be Dying Out Malaysia – Police blockade Malaysian parliament to stop opposition attending debate Europe France – Leaders mass for parade in Paris Italy and UK – Italy and Britain eye nuclear power potential Belgium – Belgians buy Budweiser brewer Middle East Turkey – Turkey charges 86 for ‘coup plot’ Turkey – Five dead as Turkey battles PKK Israel – Israel moves Hezbollah prisoners ahead of swap Israel – Dispute on Paris summit wording Syria – Iran attack would hurt U.S., Israel: Syria’s Assad Syria and Lebanon – Breakthrough for Syria and Lebanon in Paris Oceania Australia – Pope May Apologize To Australian Victims South Asia India – India left launch nuclear protest Pakistan – Pakistan Marble Helps Taliban Stay in Business
By: Matthew Cordell on June 16, 2008 Top Stories >>Ireland – On Friday voters in Ireland rejected the carefully negotiated Lisbon Treaty, which would have provided a much needed restructuring to the European Union’s governing apparatus, by a margin of 53.4 percent to 46.6 percent. An aggressive “no” campaign appealed to voters’ fears. In order to come into effect, the Treaty needs to be ratified by all 27 EU nations. Some European leaders aren’t giving up. >>China – Some areas in southern China already devastated by the May 12 earthquake are now suffering under torrential floods, which have killed at least 57 and displaced over 1.25 million. The Guangdong province, an important export area for China, has been one of the regions worst hit. >>Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai threatened yesterday to send soldiers to fight Taliban militants in Pakistan if cross-border attacks continued. In response, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to receive a formal protest. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Training Telecommunications First Responders Security Council Condemns Eritrean Attack on Djibuti The Europe Effect Women’s Struggle in Myanmar Talk About Chutzpah Improving the Clean Development Mechanism
By: Matthew Cordell on June 09, 2008 Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – A report released today by Human Rights Watch states that a shadowy security politburo, which goes by “Joint Operations Command,” took power in Zimbabwe shortly after President Mugabe’s election defeat in March and has organized the campaign of violence against the opposition over the past few months. According to The Times of London, the report is ‘corroborated by senior Western diplomats who describe the situation in Zimbabwe as a “military coup by stealth.”‘ The report also suggests that, shortly following his defeat, Mugabe planned to step down but wasn’t allowed by the JOC, which fears prosecution in a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe. >>Venezuela – Yesterday President Hugo Chavez called for a “grand humanitarian gesture” from the new leader of FARC in the release of all remaining hostages. Analysts believe that the new leader, Alfonso Cano, will be more likely to negotiate their release. >>Nepal – Up to 450 Tibetan exiles were detained in Kathmandu on Sunday after protesting China’s crackdown in their homeland. Protests had been on hold as the Tibetan government-in-exile in India called for a hiatus in the wake of the earthquake in China. Yesterday in UN Dispatch On that Senate Investiation Into Pre-War Iraq Intelligence Security, Peace, and Justice in Northern Uganda ICC Readying New Indictments on Darfur? More on the Scandal that Wasn’t Prioritizing Gender-Based Violence World Environment Day: Kicking the CO2 Habit The Rest of the Story Africa Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition MP released Zimbabwe – ‘Military coup’ in Zimbabwe as Mugabe is forced to cede power to generals Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe vote ‘not free and fair’ Zimbabwe – Militias Block Zimbabwe Opposition Rally, Party Says Somalia – 20 Dead as Heavy Fighting Unsettles Somalia’s Capital Somalia – Somali peace talks splutter in Djibouti Algeria – Algeria bombs kill 12, including French engineer Senegal – Talks Seek to Bridge Hamas-Fatah Rift Sudan – Sudan agreement on Abyei reached Nigeria – Opec member dismisses call for emergency meeting Americas Venezuela – Chavez reverses course on citizen spying rules Venezuela – Chavez urges Colombian rebels to free all hostages U.S.A. – Treaty tensions mount as Iraq tells the US it wants all troops back in barracks Colombia – Tough Intellectual Takes Rebel Reins in Colombia Colombia – Tough Intellectual Takes Rebel Reins in Colombia East Asia Japan – Japan announces plan to cut emissions China – Aftershock near China quake lake China – China seeks to quell quake parents’ outrage South Korea – Seoul $10bn stimulus targets oil strains South Korea – S Korea sends beef envoys to US South Korea – South Korea truckers may add to president’s anguish Europe Greece – Quake strikes Greece, killing two, injuring 125 Spain – Bomb targets Basque paper Ireland – Irish PM bids to rally EU support Spain – Spanish Truckers Block Border Italy – Marching for Roma rights in Rome Hungary – Historic trial replays in Hungary Middle East Iraq – Turkish jets hit PKK rebel target Iraq – Iraq seeks to allay Iran’s concern over U.S. bases Iraq – Iraq suicide bomber kills U.S. soldier, wounds 18 Israel – Israel tries to play down minister’s warning of attack on Iran Israel – US professors face hostile reception in Jerusalem Iran – Bush to press Europe on Iran sanctions Turkey – Soldier and 3 rebels killed in eastern Turkey: sources Russia and Former Republics Afghanistan – Laura Bush Visits Afghanistan Afghanistan – BBC Afghan reporter is shot dead Afghanistan – British Afghanistan death toll hits 100 Russia – BP battle for Russia oil deal to escalate Russia – Hopes for Court Reform Stir in Russia Ukraine – Battle to save 37 Ukraine miners South Asia India – Marooned divers describe ordeal among world’s largest lizard India – Climate change blamed as mango harvest goes sour in India India – India tribe due to hold key talks Nepal – 450 Tibetans Detained in Katmandu Pakistan – Four Pakistani police die in ambush by militants
By: Matthew Cordell on May 19, 2008 Top Stories >>South Africa – Anti-immigrant attacks continued to escalate on Monday as mobs beat and raped foreigners and burned down their homes and shops. So far 22 have died in the violence. The groups mostly targeted Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, who they have accused of taking jobs and fueling the high violent crime rate. The unrest comes at a time when the nation is already struggling with power outages, inflation, and widespread anger at the government’s pro-business policies. On the flip side, investors are already worried about the growing influence of labor in an ANC lead by Jacob Zuma. >>Myanmar – Today Myanmar agreed to open its doors to aid from Southeast Asian neighbors but will still restrict access to others. An estimated 2.5 million survivors are still in dire need of aid. >>Iraq – An American sniper serving in Iraq has been sent home after it was discovered last week that he had used a Qur’an for target practice. Major General Jeffrey Hammond, the commander of U.S. troops in Baghdad, publicly apologized for the incident, which some Iraqi officers had threatened to quit over. Yesterday in UN Dispatch UN Plaza: Faltering Peace in Northen Uganda Taking On Maternal Death, One Cause at a Time Over the Moon Over Somalia Bad News on World Economic Health The Rest of the Story Africa Egypt – Bush Calls for Democratic Reform in Mideast Region South Africa – Southern Africa eyes visa-free regime Sudan – AU optimistic on Chad-Sudan relations after talks Kuwait – Islamists Win 24 of 50 Seats in Parliament of Kuwait Somalia – Pirates Seize Jordanian Ship Carrying Aid to Somalia Senegal – World Aid Agencies Faulted in Food Crisis Algeria – Berber riots rock Algerian town Ethiopia – Drought returns to haunt Ethiopia Ethiopia – Clean sweep for Ethiopian party Americas U.S.A – US sniper shot at Koran in Iraq Venezuela – Colombia Denies Its Forces Entered Venezuela Illegally Mexico – Police chief steps down in Mexico Colombia – Top Farc commander surrenders Asia China – Quake rescuers work against time China – China declares three days of mourning after quake Myanmar – UN chief to visit Myanmar Myanmar – Hopes for Myanmar cyclone aid rise as ASEAN meets Japan – Tokyo set to relax investment stance Malaysia – Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir quits ruling party UMNO Taiwan – New Taiwan president to take reins, court China Philippines – 9 die in Philippines blood feud Europe Poland – Poland planning mass privatisations France – France says its envoy held talks with Hamas Italy – Neapolitans torch rubbish piles Middle East Iraq – Death penalty over Iraq killing Israel – Bush urges more freedom in Arab states Qatar – Qatari mediator pushes proposals at Lebanon talks Yemen – Al-Qaeda Operative Loses Freedom in Yemen Iraq – Bomb under bed kills local Iraqi police chief
By: Matthew Cordell on May 12, 2008 Top Stories >>Sudan – The rebel Justice and Equality Movement launched an attack on a Khartoum suburb Saturday, the first time in decades that the civil war has touched the capital. The Government rebutted the attack and severed diplomatic ties with Chad, who President al-Bashir blames for fomenting the attacks. JEM, which is seeking a stronger voice for regions in Sudan’s central government, fields only a few thousand soldiers compared to the government’s force of 100,000. JEM leader, Khalil Ibrahim, vowed more attacks. >>Serbia – In Serbia’s general election yesterday, the President’s pro-EU party, the Coalition for a European Serbia, appears to have secured a surprising victory over the anti-EU nationalists, represented by the Serbian Radical party. The Coalition did not win an outright majority, and it is still unclear whether it will be able to form a government as many smaller parties may side with the Serbian Radicals. The Socialist party, formerly led by Slobodan Milosevic, made unexpected gains and could be crucial in forming the new government. Prior to the vote, analysts had predicted that international support for Kosovo’s independence would be a boon for the Serbian Radicals. >>Lebanon – Hezbollah gunmen clashed with pro-government Druze in the mountains east of Beirut, killing 36. Hezbollah fighters overran positions of those loyal to Walid Jumblatt in the Chouf mountains before an agreement was struck for the Lebanese army to deploy in the area. The violence over the last five days, the worst since the civil war of the 1900s, has caused the Arab League to send a delegation headed by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, the Qatari foreign minister, to help end the crisis. Yesterday in UN Dispatch All Hail the Potato Here We Go Again Burmese Junta, Now Impounding Aid UN Envoy: Women’s Rights Critical to Liberian Development Burma/Myanmar and the Responsibility to Protect The Rest of the Story Africa Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition seeks peacekeepers for run-off Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe police arrest activists Sudan – Sudan ‘drives Darfur rebels back’ Sudan – Sudan severs Chad ties after Darfur rebels attack capital Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe election may be delayed Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe rejects Western election observers Nigeria – Obasanjo denies power corruption Americas Venezuela – Chavez denies charges of ties to Colombia rebels Venezuela – Venezuela’s Chavez to buy Chinese K-8 planes Colombia – UK palm oil consumption fuels Colombia violence, says report Venezuela – Venezuela’s Chavez slams Germany’s Merkel comments Chile – Hacker posts data of 6m Chileans Asia Myanmar – Myanmar Junta Still Blocking Much Cyclone Aid Japan – Japan wary of China’s panda diplomacy China – Gordon Brown appeases Chinese by barring Dalai Lama from No 10 China – China travel agents seek to cash in on torch euphoria China – Food prices drive China inflation China – Earthquake hits western China South Korea – Cull after bird flu hits S Korea Europe Serbia – Defiant Serbia conducts elections in Kosovo Serbia – Pro-EU parties take surprise lead in Serbian election Middle East Lebanon – Fighting spreads east of Beirut Israel – Embattled Israeli PM gets boost from party Israel – Israel aims to be at forefront of green motoring with Renault Sedan Israel – UN official: Basic humanitarian needs unmet in Gaza Israel – Egyptian mediator to meet Israelis after Hamas agrees ceasefire plan Israel – Israelis don’t believe scandal-hit Olmert: poll Israel – Israel allows fuel back into Gaza Yemen – Yemen court sentences four Shi’ite rebels to death
By: Matthew Cordell on May 05, 2008 Top Stories >>Myanmar – Cyclone Nargis slammed into the Irrawaddy delta on Saturday, leaving 4,000 dead, 3,000 missing, and hundreds of thousands without shelter. The nation’s military junta made a rare appeal for international assistance. Relief agencies met at the UN’s offices in Bangkok to coordinate their response. Myanmar is scheduled to hold a referendum on a new constitution next week, and the government’s response to the cyclone could shape that vote. >>Iraq – According to four Shi’ite militiamen captured in Iraq and questioned separately, Hezbollah has been training Iraqi militiamen at a base near Tehran. The U.S. has made such accusations in the past, and Iran has denied those accusations. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced Sunday that Iraq would launch its own investigation into the matter. >>Somalia – Tens of thousands of people rioted today in Mogadishu over high food prices. The riot began with the refusal of traders to accept old 1,000-shilling notes, which they claim are worsening inflation. >>Bolivia – Yesterday, Bolivia’s richest region, Santa Cruz, voted overwhelmingly for autonomy in a referendum boycotted by supporters of Evo Morales. The vote, the first of four on greater autonomy for eastern provinces, is seen as a rejection of Morales’s leftist reforms. Morales has said that, because of the boycott, the vote is invalid. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Necessary but not necessarily sufficient PSA The Rest of the Story Africa Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition mulls conditions for run-off Nigeria – Nigeria oil rebels say mulling Obama truce appeal Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe teachers threaten strike Sudan – Sudan to ask donors for $6 bln at Oslo meeting Americas Chile – Chilean volcano erupts after 2,000 years of silence Brazil – Search continues for Britons missing in Brazil U.S. – US ‘to send 7,000 extra troops to Afghanistan’ Mexico – Mexico Cites Reprisals in Killings of 9 Officers Bolivia – Clashes Break Out as Bolivian Province Votes on More Autonomy U.S. – Outrage over plans to extract uranium ore from the Grand Canyon Asia Malaysia – Malaysia plans women travel curb Indonesia – Asian nations to work together on rice China – Olympic Torch Begins Three-Month Relay Through China’s Cities Taiwan – Awaiting Tourism Deal, Taiwan Is Primed for More Mainland Chinese Visitors China – Hundreds protest against China chemical plant East Timor – Indonesia extradites East Timor army rebels Indonesia – Indonesia detains militant over 2005 Bali bombings Europe Latvia – Mass evacuation from Baltic ship France – France’s Fillon sticks to reform path despite polls Middle East Iraq – Iraq First Lady survives bombing Yemen – Bid to salvage Shia-Yemen truce Israel – Condoleeza Rice: peace in Middle East could be reached this year Israel – Rice maintains heat on Israel over settlements Iran – Iran to reject incentives that violate atomic rights Iran – Iran women activist gets suspended jail sentence Israel – Prodded by U.S., Olmert and Abbas meet privately
By: Matthew Cordell on April 28, 2008 Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – Partial results from the recount of the vote in the parliamentary election, released over the weekend, confirm that President Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party has lost control of parliament. Results from 18 of 23 constituencies have been retabulated and confirmed with no seats changing hands. Mugabe will now have to choose whether to appoint an opposition cabinet or attempt to run the country on presidential orders instead of parliamentary legislation. Representatives from Mugabe and opposition leadership will be invited to verify results from the presidential election today, prior to their release. It is possible that opposition leader Tsvangirai has won outright and will avoid a runoff but not likely. >>Afghanistan – Suspected Taliban insurgents executed a well-coordinated, but unsuccessful assassination attempt against President Karzai during the Afghan national day military parade on Sunday. Three were killed in the attack — a tribal chief, a member of parliament, and a 10-year-old boy. Afghan security forces, which the government has pressed as a replacement for foreign troops guarding Kabul, prepared for weeks in advance of the event. The Taliban, claiming to have received help from within the security forces, worked in two teams, one working a mortar and the other guns, which were fired into the V.I.P stands. >>Olympics – On Sunday the Olympic torch traveled to North and South Korea. In South Korea, it was greeted by protesters seeking better treatment for North Korean refugees in China and thousands of young pro-China demonstrators who subsequently attacked the others with rocks and steel pipes. Two North Korean refugees attempted to light themselves on fire in protest. North Korea on the other hand, was the least contentious stop on the torch’s world tour. Tens of thousands of North Koreans waving flags lined the 12-mile route. Meanwhile Chinese authorities are locking down Lhasa in advance of the torch’s visit. Yesterday in UN Dispatch For Somalia, Trouble By Land and By Sea – A Building Made of States – Harold Pollack Says, “Send a Net, Save a Life” – Getting an Education for Afghan Girls – Bad Moon Rising Over Northern Uganda – The Rest of the Story Africa Kenya – Deadline for Kenya prison strike Morocco – Arrests over Morocco factory fire Zimbabwe – Partial recount endorses Mugabe party defeat Tanzania – World Bank backs anti-Aids experiment Congo – UN peacekeepers ‘traded gold and guns with Congolese rebels’ Americas Cuba – Raul Castro raises state pension Mexico – 13 Shot Dead in Mexico in Drug Traffickers’ Clash Haiti – Haiti’s President Picks Candidate for Premier Asia Iran – Iran discusses “serious” nuclear ideas with Russia Ukraine – Ukraine helicopter crash kills 19 Korea – N Korean crowds hail torch relay Japan – Japan PM’s party in poll defeat Pakistan – Iranian president visits Pakistan Afghanistan – Karzai unhurt after parade attack Indonesia – Indonesian Mosque Attacked by Hardliners Korea – North Korean Officer Defects to South Korea – Olympic Torch Protesters Attacked in South Korea Philippines – Philippines Introduces Cash Subsidies and Cheaper Rice for the Poor Vietnam – Rice harvest shortages forecast troubled times ahead China – Lockdown in Lhasa as Olympic torch heads for the roof of the world Europe Switzerland – UN meeting to address food crisis Serbia – Negotiations Put Europeans Closer to Pact With Serbia Austria – Austria: sedate town is stunned by news Middle East Iran – Iran’s conservatives win run-off Iraq – US and Iraq claim 38 militants killed in clashes Israel – Israeli attack kills four children of Palestinian family
By: Matthew Cordell on Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – Partial results from the recount of the vote in the parliamentary election, released over the weekend, confirm that President Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party has lost control of parliament. Results from 18 of 23 constituencies have been retabulated and confirmed with no seats changing hands. Mugabe will now have to choose whether to appoint an opposition cabinet or attempt to run the country on presidential orders instead of parliamentary legislation. Representatives from Mugabe and opposition leadership will be invited to verify results from the presidential election today, prior to their release. It is possible that opposition leader Tsvangirai has won outright and will avoid a runoff but not likely. >>Afghanistan – Suspected Taliban insurgents executed a well-coordinated, but unsuccessful assassination attempt against President Karzai during the Afghan national day military parade on Sunday. Three were killed in the attack — a tribal chief, a member of parliament, and a 10-year-old boy. Afghan security forces, which the government has pressed as a replacement for foreign troops guarding Kabul, prepared for weeks in advance of the event. The Taliban, claiming to have received help from within the security forces, worked in two teams, one working a mortar and the other guns, which were fired into the V.I.P stands. >>Olympics – On Sunday the Olympic torch traveled to North and South Korea. In South Korea, it was greeted by protesters seeking better treatment for North Korean refugees in China and thousands of young pro-China demonstrators who subsequently attacked the others with rocks and steel pipes. Two North Korean refugees attempted to light themselves on fire in protest. North Korea on the other hand, was the least contentious stop on the torch’s world tour. Tens of thousands of North Koreans waving flags lined the 12-mile route. Meanwhile Chinese authorities are locking down Lhasa in advance of the torch’s visit. Yesterday in UN Dispatch For Somalia, Trouble By Land and By Sea – A Building Made of States – Harold Pollack Says, “Send a Net, Save a Life” – Getting an Education for Afghan Girls – Bad Moon Rising Over Northern Uganda – The Rest of the Story Africa Kenya – Deadline for Kenya prison strike Morocco – Arrests over Morocco factory fire Zimbabwe – Partial recount endorses Mugabe party defeat Tanzania – World Bank backs anti-Aids experiment Congo – UN peacekeepers ‘traded gold and guns with Congolese rebels’ Americas Cuba – Raul Castro raises state pension Mexico – 13 Shot Dead in Mexico in Drug Traffickers’ Clash Haiti – Haiti’s President Picks Candidate for Premier Asia Iran – Iran discusses “serious” nuclear ideas with Russia Ukraine – Ukraine helicopter crash kills 19 Korea – N Korean crowds hail torch relay Japan – Japan PM’s party in poll defeat Pakistan – Iranian president visits Pakistan Afghanistan – Karzai unhurt after parade attack Indonesia – Indonesian Mosque Attacked by Hardliners Korea – North Korean Officer Defects to South Korea – Olympic Torch Protesters Attacked in South Korea Philippines – Philippines Introduces Cash Subsidies and Cheaper Rice for the Poor Vietnam – Rice harvest shortages forecast troubled times ahead China – Lockdown in Lhasa as Olympic torch heads for the roof of the world Europe Switzerland – UN meeting to address food crisis Serbia – Negotiations Put Europeans Closer to Pact With Serbia Austria – Austria: sedate town is stunned by news Middle East Iran – Iran’s conservatives win run-off Iraq – US and Iraq claim 38 militants killed in clashes Israel – Israeli attack kills four children of Palestinian family
By: Matthew Cordell on April 14, 2008 Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – On Sunday, authorities ordered a recount of votes for 23 seats in last month’s parliamentary election, which, according to the original count, gave the opposition Movement for Democratic Change control of parliament. The MDC has challenged the legality of that recount in Zimbabwe’s supreme court, which will rule on Tuesday. They are also expected to rule today on whether the long-delayed results of the presidential election should be released immediately, a request made by the MDC. >>Kenya – A new unity cabinet has been announced by Kenya’s government, ending weeks of stalemate that threatened a renewal of violence. The government retains many of the top positions, but opposition leader Raila Odinga will be named the prime minister. The new cabinet houses 94 members, half of parliament. Its dramatic expansion, necessary to satisfy all groups, will present a large financial burden for the government. >>Nepal – The most recent tally from last Thursday’s election shows an unexpected widening lead for former Maoist rebels. Analysts had expected them to finish third. This election will have significant consequences for the future of the nation, as the new parliament is slated to rewrite Nepal’s constitution and will likely end the 240-year-old monarchy. Friday in UN Dispatch Senegale Changes Constitution to Try Former Chadian Leader More Khalilzad Speculation The Rest of the Story Africa Somalia – Somali militants kill two Britons, two Kenyans Tanzania – Olympic torch travels on to Oman Congo – Congo’s ‘Change of Mentality’ Sudan – Gordon Brown offers to host peace talks to end Darfur crisis Sudan – In the wake of Darfur, Sudan athletes hunger for glory in Beijing Americas Mexico – In Mexico, War on Drug Cartels Takes Wider Toll Colombia – Union Killings Peril Trade Pact With Colombia Canada – Bail in Canada for 2 From Protest Ship Ecuador – Gap year adventure ends in tragedy as five killed in bus crash U.S. – American Airlines ‘normal again’ Asia Afghanistan – 2 NATO Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan India – India hit by two Maoist attacks Taiwan – Taiwan VP-elect says China agrees to official talks Korea – South Korea’s Black Day for love, big day for noodles Japan – Japan fleet misses whaling target Malaysia – Malaysia rally for Anwar’s return China – Chinese ambassador warns of backlash India – India’s Savers Turn to Investing Korea – North Korean women face China family dilemma China – Dalai Lama Says His Aides Are Talking to China Taiwan – China and Taiwan Report Small Steps in Easing Tensions Malaysia – Malaysia Opposition Chief Rallies to Seek Top Post Japan – Japan’s Arctic methane hydrate haul raises environment fears India – Dhaka-Calcutta train link resumes Europe Ireland – Housing Woes in U.S. Spread Around Globe Germany – Brussels warns Germany over blocking stake in VW France – Academie Francaise, bastion of high culture, admits Jean-Loup Dabadie, writer of pop lyrics Italy – Voting Begins in Italy’s Election Middle East Iran – Iran Says Blast at Mosque Could Be Accidental Iran – Iranian official’s meeting with IAEA head postponed Iraq – Iraq and U.S. to pressure Iran with diplomacy, force Iraq – Iraq Dismisses 1,300 After Basra Offensive
By: Matthew Cordell on Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – On Sunday, authorities ordered a recount of votes for 23 seats in last month’s parliamentary election, which, according to the original count, gave the opposition Movement for Democratic Change control of parliament. The MDC has challenged the legality of that recount in Zimbabwe’s supreme court, which will rule on Tuesday. They are also expected to rule today on whether the long-delayed results of the presidential election should be released immediately, a request made by the MDC. >>Kenya – A new unity cabinet has been announced by Kenya’s government, ending weeks of stalemate that threatened a renewal of violence. The government retains many of the top positions, but opposition leader Raila Odinga will be named the prime minister. The new cabinet houses 94 members, half of parliament. Its dramatic expansion, necessary to satisfy all groups, will present a large financial burden for the government. >>Nepal – The most recent tally from last Thursday’s election shows an unexpected widening lead for former Maoist rebels. Analysts had expected them to finish third. This election will have significant consequences for the future of the nation, as the new parliament is slated to rewrite Nepal’s constitution and will likely end the 240-year-old monarchy. Friday in UN Dispatch Senegale Changes Constitution to Try Former Chadian Leader More Khalilzad Speculation The Rest of the Story Africa Somalia – Somali militants kill two Britons, two Kenyans Tanzania – Olympic torch travels on to Oman Congo – Congo’s ‘Change of Mentality’ Sudan – Gordon Brown offers to host peace talks to end Darfur crisis Sudan – In the wake of Darfur, Sudan athletes hunger for glory in Beijing Americas Mexico – In Mexico, War on Drug Cartels Takes Wider Toll Colombia – Union Killings Peril Trade Pact With Colombia Canada – Bail in Canada for 2 From Protest Ship Ecuador – Gap year adventure ends in tragedy as five killed in bus crash U.S. – American Airlines ‘normal again’ Asia Afghanistan – 2 NATO Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan India – India hit by two Maoist attacks Taiwan – Taiwan VP-elect says China agrees to official talks Korea – South Korea’s Black Day for love, big day for noodles Japan – Japan fleet misses whaling target Malaysia – Malaysia rally for Anwar’s return China – Chinese ambassador warns of backlash India – India’s Savers Turn to Investing Korea – North Korean women face China family dilemma China – Dalai Lama Says His Aides Are Talking to China Taiwan – China and Taiwan Report Small Steps in Easing Tensions Malaysia – Malaysia Opposition Chief Rallies to Seek Top Post Japan – Japan’s Arctic methane hydrate haul raises environment fears India – Dhaka-Calcutta train link resumes Europe Ireland – Housing Woes in U.S. Spread Around Globe Germany – Brussels warns Germany over blocking stake in VW France – Academie Francaise, bastion of high culture, admits Jean-Loup Dabadie, writer of pop lyrics Italy – Voting Begins in Italy’s Election Middle East Iran – Iran Says Blast at Mosque Could Be Accidental Iran – Iranian official’s meeting with IAEA head postponed Iraq – Iraq and U.S. to pressure Iran with diplomacy, force Iraq – Iraq Dismisses 1,300 After Basra Offensive
By: Matthew Cordell on March 31, 2008 Dith Pran, a New York Times photojournalist, chronicler of the devastation wrought by the Khmer Rouge, and basis for the The Killing Fields, died on Sunday. Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – The results from Saturday’s presidential election in Zimbabwe have not been officially released, however the opposition is claiming a landslide victory over Robert Mugabe, who has held power for 28 years. A government spokesman responded by saying that such a claim “is called a coup d’etat and we all know how coups are handled.” Delayed reporting by the Zimbabwe Election Commission, which election monitors say should already have the results, has raised concerns that the ruling party would engage in underhanded tactics to fix the election. In the limited results that have already been announced, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, a member of Mugabe’s party, ZANU-PF, has already lost his seat. >>Iraq – Yesterday Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called for his followers to cease hostilities and demanded concessions from the Iraq’s government after six days of fighting in Basra, which, according to some calculations, has claimed more than 240 lives. Iraq’s government has announced that it will not stop its attack, and British troops previously stationed at Basra airport have entered the battle for the first time. Plans for a drawdown of British troops will be postponed in light of the new insecurity in Basra. >>Korea – A North Korean military commander has been quoted as saying, “Our military will not sit idle until warmongers launch a pre-emptive strike … Everything will be in ashes, not just a sea of fire, if our advanced pre-emptive strike once begins.” This statement is the most recent escalation in a war of words that began when South Korea’s new president threatened to halt new aid and speak out on human rights abuses should the North not abandon its nuclear program. The new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea said last week that the South would strike North Korean nuclear bases in response to a North Korean attack but said that he had no plans for a pre-emptive attack. >>Uganda – LRA commander Joseph Kony is walking to the Sudan-Congo border to sign a final peace agreement with the government of Uganda. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Breaking the Silence on Rape in the Congo Dire Humanitarian — And Political — Imperatives in Somalia The Rest of the Story Africa Audio: Chris McGreal reports from Harare Guardian Daily podcast: Zimbabwe moves for change WITNESS: Running in Kenya’s land of the champions Americas Venezuela bombs drugs airstrips Costa Rican minister steps down over FARC comments Letters: Brazil sugars the pill on biofuels Farmers meet president as strike grips Argentina Chavez ‘stifles Venezuelan media’ Asia Nicolas Sarkozy to lay out Afghan troop plans as Nato struggles Two British marines dead in Afghan blast Musharraf swears in 24 members of Pakistan cabinet Proposed Myanmar charter bars Suu Kyi from office Dutch MP’s film angers Indonesia China arrests suspect in schoolgirl rapes China blasts Dalai Lama as Olympic torch arrives Bush to Meet NATO Allies Divided Over Adding Troops in Afghanistan New Joint Effort Aims to Empower Afghan Tribes to Guard Themselves British Troops, Taliban In a Tug of War Over Afghan Province Flirting by Text Message, Indians Test Social Limits Security tight as Olympic flame arrives in China Japan PM in pinch as voters favor cheaper gasoline Europe Czech PM says U.S. radar deal almost ready: paper Split looms in Hungarian coalition after sacking ‘Le scrapbooking‘ takes France by storm Iceland counters alleged attacks France offers plane if Betancourt released
By: Matthew Cordell on Dith Pran, a New York Times photojournalist, chronicler of the devastation wrought by the Khmer Rouge, and basis for the The Killing Fields, died on Sunday. Top Stories >>Zimbabwe – The results from Saturday’s presidential election in Zimbabwe have not been officially released, however the opposition is claiming a landslide victory over Robert Mugabe, who has held power for 28 years. A government spokesman responded by saying that such a claim “is called a coup d’etat and we all know how coups are handled.” Delayed reporting by the Zimbabwe Election Commission, which election monitors say should already have the results, has raised concerns that the ruling party would engage in underhanded tactics to fix the election. In the limited results that have already been announced, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, a member of Mugabe’s party, ZANU-PF, has already lost his seat. >>Iraq – Yesterday Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called for his followers to cease hostilities and demanded concessions from the Iraq’s government after six days of fighting in Basra, which, according to some calculations, has claimed more than 240 lives. Iraq’s government has announced that it will not stop its attack, and British troops previously stationed at Basra airport have entered the battle for the first time. Plans for a drawdown of British troops will be postponed in light of the new insecurity in Basra. >>Korea – A North Korean military commander has been quoted as saying, “Our military will not sit idle until warmongers launch a pre-emptive strike … Everything will be in ashes, not just a sea of fire, if our advanced pre-emptive strike once begins.” This statement is the most recent escalation in a war of words that began when South Korea’s new president threatened to halt new aid and speak out on human rights abuses should the North not abandon its nuclear program. The new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea said last week that the South would strike North Korean nuclear bases in response to a North Korean attack but said that he had no plans for a pre-emptive attack. >>Uganda – LRA commander Joseph Kony is walking to the Sudan-Congo border to sign a final peace agreement with the government of Uganda. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Breaking the Silence on Rape in the Congo Dire Humanitarian — And Political — Imperatives in Somalia The Rest of the Story Africa Audio: Chris McGreal reports from Harare Guardian Daily podcast: Zimbabwe moves for change WITNESS: Running in Kenya’s land of the champions Americas Venezuela bombs drugs airstrips Costa Rican minister steps down over FARC comments Letters: Brazil sugars the pill on biofuels Farmers meet president as strike grips Argentina Chavez ‘stifles Venezuelan media’ Asia Nicolas Sarkozy to lay out Afghan troop plans as Nato struggles Two British marines dead in Afghan blast Musharraf swears in 24 members of Pakistan cabinet Proposed Myanmar charter bars Suu Kyi from office Dutch MP’s film angers Indonesia China arrests suspect in schoolgirl rapes China blasts Dalai Lama as Olympic torch arrives Bush to Meet NATO Allies Divided Over Adding Troops in Afghanistan New Joint Effort Aims to Empower Afghan Tribes to Guard Themselves British Troops, Taliban In a Tug of War Over Afghan Province Flirting by Text Message, Indians Test Social Limits Security tight as Olympic flame arrives in China Japan PM in pinch as voters favor cheaper gasoline Europe Czech PM says U.S. radar deal almost ready: paper Split looms in Hungarian coalition after sacking ‘Le scrapbooking‘ takes France by storm Iceland counters alleged attacks France offers plane if Betancourt released
By: Matthew Cordell on March 24, 2008 The Olympic torch has begun its 85,000-mile journey. The American death toll in Iraq reaches 4,000. Top Stories >>Pakistan – On Saturday, the Pakistan People’s Party named its pick for Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gillani, a former speaker of the National Assembly who spent four years in jail under what many consider to be trumped-up corruption charges. Many speculate that Gillani was chosen over Makhdoom Amin Fahim, who ran the PPP during Benazir Bhutto’s exile, because he will be easier for Bhutto widower Asif Ali Zardari to dislodge after he runs for a seat in parliament and is eligible for the top position. Meanwhile, Musharraf has vowed to support the new government. >>Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s leading opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, has accused the government of Zimbabwe of printing 9 million ballots for Friday’s election when the nation only has 5.9 million registered voters, which includes nearly 600,000 extra for civil servants, police, and soldiers. Meanwhile, Mugabe increased government debt 65-fold ($53 billion) in the six weeks leading up to March 7 to bump up civil servant salaries and supply farm equipment. >>Colombia/Ecuador – Colombia has admitted that an Ecuadorean citizen was killed in the raid three weeks ago on FARC rebels in Ecuadorean territory that caused a diplomatic standoff between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Ecuador’s president, Rafael Correa, had previously said that it would be “extremely grave” if it proved true that an Ecuadorian was killed in the raid. >>Bhutan – The people of Bhutan will become members of the world’s newest democracy today as they vote in an election for seats in the lower house of parliament that will end the hundred years’ rule of the extremely popular Wangchuck royal family. The 28-year-old king has implored citizens to vote. Friday in UN Dispatch U.S. Intervenes on Ethiopian Abortion Law We’re Only Going to Get What We Give Final Word on Somalia The Rest of the Story Africa Talks seek to end Somali violence Peacekeeping in Darfur Hits More Obstacles Pope Calls for Peace and Celebrates Conversions Tanzanian troops from the African Union train to tackle rebels on Anjouan Zimbabwe’s whites fear vote will change little Mali battle hinders hostage effort, deadline nears Egypt releases Hamas men One Man’s Personal Mission To End Slavery in Mauritania Funeral costs rise as Zimbabwe elections loom for Robert Mugabe Americas Advertisers feel squeeze from Chavez The War Endures, but Where’s the Media? Haiti’s Poverty Stirs Nostalgia for Old Ghosts In Babel of Tongues, Suriname Seeks Itself Peruvian leaders cry foul as Chavez exports healthcare New DNA technology to identify Argentina’s disappeared U.S. Strike Kills 6 Iraqi Sunni Volunteers Asia Casualties in south Russia blast Taiwan ruling party to retool after another defeat Philippines’ Aquino, democracy icon, has cancer Family of slain Briton urges help to find suspect Hopes fade for Ukrainian sailors in Hong Kong collision Prized violin plays again for Moscow’s elite Asian bankers hope to escape US woes US-Afghan forces kill insurgents Politics heats up ahead of Bangladesh anniversary Final appeal for Bali bombers on death row withdrawn South Korea ruling party struggles for majority win Taiwan markets rally after poll Europe Call for EU to study Beijing Olympic boycott EU ‘committed’ to stiff CO2 cuts For a Prize Bull, Next Big Test Is in the Genetics Lab Serbia returns to the offensive over Kosovo France and UK to press banks over debt Latvian premier grapples with crisis
By: Matthew Cordell on March 17, 2008 Top Stories >>Tibet – China has closed Lhasa to visitors and blocked websites (including youtube) as violent protests continue there and spread to the neighboring Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu provinces. The Dalai Lama has said that he will not intervene to stop the protests, but instead called for an independent investigation into the “cultural genocide” that he says China is waging. Eighty Tibetans have been killed during the unrest. The Washington Post reports on the domestic politic aspects in China. >>Iran – Conservatives appear to have won as much as a 70 percent majority in Iran’s parliamentary elections. Many reformist candidates had been barred from participating. However, some analysts believe that President Ahmadenijad may still face significant resistance from moderate conservatives disgruntled over the state of the economy teamed with reformists. >>Iraq – As part of a congressional delegation, Senator John Mcain made a surprise visit to Iraq on Sunday. He’s scheduled to meet with Ryan Crocker, General Petraeus, and Prime Minister al-Maliki before traveling on to Jordan, Israel, France, and Britain. The LA Times takes a look at the history of his foreign policy. UN Dispatch Tensions high on Chad-Darfur border as refugee movements continue Peace and Democracy in West Africa The Rest of the Story Europe Sarkozy’s UMP suffers poll rebuke Milosevic allies trial to begin Militants extend hostage deadline Alitalia accepts Air France offer Italy dreaming of a new political class Five killed in Albania factory blast Alitalia agrees to Air France-KLM takeover Americas First coca find in Brazil Amazon The World: Aloft, With a Silent Companion Telemundo Is Said to Have Struck Deal in Mexico Families Sue Chiquita in Deaths of 5 Men 4 Freed in Guatemala Africa Deadly clashes in west DR Congo Hard times at Kenya’s desert school Makoni pledges government of national unity Lions fall victim to land fight at Hemingway’s treasured reserve Asia Suicide attack on NATO force kills 3 Afghans China denies Tibet death reports New parliament opens in Pakistan Three die in Afghan suicide blast Indian spy convict ‘faces death’ World Banker and His Cash Return Home India warns UK on immigration rules Japan hints at withdrawing its BoJ candidate Airstrike Kills 18 in Pakistan 4 FBI Agents Hurt in Islamabad Blast Middle East Millions of Iraqis lack water, healthcare: Red Cross Funeral Mass for Iraqi archbishop Five Years In: Fateful Choice on Iraq Army Bypassed Debate Generation Faithful: Violence Leaves Young Iraqis Doubting Clerics Bitter Protest in Jerusalem Over Attack at Seminary Iran Bans Pictures of Foreign Film Stars Oil tops Cheney’s Middle East tour agenda Diplomatic ‘surge’ to boost Middle East peace Two decades on, war victims of Saddam Hussein’s gas attacks draw their last breath Israel welcomes new Germany to a celebration of its 60th birthday Oceania Australia WW2 warship found, ends 66-year mystery
By: Matthew Cordell on March 10, 2008 William Safire takes on the etymology of “waterboarding.” Top Stories >>Pakistan – Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, agreed on Sunday to join the Pakistan People’s Party — led by Asif Ali Zardari, Benazir Bhutto’s widower — in a governing coalition. They immediately agreed to reinstate judges who Mussaraf dismissed last November. Those judges could rule on petitiions challenging the validity of his last election. >>Venezuela and Columbia – Leaders from Venezuela and Columbia agreed to a 20-point declaration, which included a commitment by Alvaro Uribe to never again violate the sovereignty of his neighbors, at the Rio Group Summit on Friday, normalizing relations between the two nations only a week after tempers flared due to a Columbian raid on FARC rebels in Ecuadorian territory. Ecuador still needs some time before reconciliation. >>Spain – Prime Minister Jose Ruiz Rodriguez Zapatero and his Socialist party won a hard-fought election on Sunday, opening the door for the continuation of his liberalization agenda. The Socialist Party claimed five more seats than in 2004 and are just seven seats shy of an absolute majority. The opposition Popular party also carried more seats this time around. >>Serbia – The divided government of Serbia collapsed on Saturday due to intractable positions taken by nationalist Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and pro-Western President Boris Tadic over the nation’s relationship with the EU in the wake of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence. New elections will be held in May. >>Israel – Prime Minister Olmert has approved a plan to build 750 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, further imperiling peace talks. Yesterday in UN Dispatch A New Agenda for Women and Girls: A UN Dispatch Salon – Matthew Cordell Talking About Diplomacy Over Breakfast – John Boonstra War Coming Soon to Eritrea? (UPDATED) – Mark Leon Goldberg Finally, Some Helicopters for Darfur? – John Boonstra
By: Matthew Cordell on March 03, 2008 Protesters attack Japanese whalers with “non-violent chemical warfare,” rotten butter. Top Stories >Russia – Vladimir Putin’s hand-picked successor, Dmitri Medvedev, won Russia’s presidential election with roughly 70 percent of the vote on Sunday. Putin will be his Prime Minister. Medvedev has never before held political office and will be the youngest Russian ruler since Tsar Nicolas II. Voter turnout was 64 percent, amid widespread accusations that citizens were pressured to vote. The major European elections monitoring group had previously refused to monitor the elections due to restrictions placed on them by the Russian government. >>Venezuela, Ecuador, and Columbia – Venezuela and Ecuador sent thousands of troops, as well as tanks, to their border with Columbia yesterday after Columbia forces assassinated Raúl Reyes, a major FARC leader, inside Ecuador. President Rafael Correa of Ecuador expelled Columbia’s ambassador and withdrew Ecuador’s ambassador from Bogota. Hugo Chavez, who had been trying to mediate a prisoner exchange with FARC, has said that he would retaliate with recently bought Russian jets if Columbia were to make a similar incursion into Venezuelan territory. However most analysts agree that Venezuela’s economy (and Chavez’s political mandate) could not survive the loss of business with Columbia. >>Iran/Iraq – Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Iraq on Sunday, the first since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the first official state visit by any nation to post-Saddam Iraq, to cement “brotherly relations” (color on the fanfare in the Times). Ahmadinejad announced a $1 billion low-interest loan for reconstruction, and the two nations are expected to sign up to ten economic agreements over the next two days. Sunnis widely protested the visit. Quote of the Day “By this historical visit of our brother Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, we have first renewed the feelings of mutual struggle and jihad, which goes back a long time ago against the dictatorship.” – Iraq’s President Jalal Talabani
By: Matthew Cordell on February 25, 2008 Joel and Ethan Coen, as well as Daniel Day Lewis and Javier Bardem, took home some well-deserved hardware at the Oscars last night. The NY Philharmonic meanwhile plays Pyongyang. Top Stories >Cuba – Raul Castro became the new president of Cuba on Sunday, promising immediately to consult his brother on every major decision. The National Assembly stuck to the old guard when filling other major responsibilities as well, selecting 76-year-old Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, “a Communist hard-liner fiercely loyal to Castros,” to be the First Vice President and 70-year-old Ricardo Alacron to be the Assembly President. Some in Cuba had hoped that the mantle of leadership would pass to a younger generation. >>Cyprus – Demetris Christofias, leader of the Communist Party, was elected president of Cyprus on Sunday, bolstering hopes that reunification of the island might be a possibility. He agreed to meet with his Turkish Cypriot counterpart, Mehmet Ali Talat, “at the earliest possible date.” >>Turkey – Several hundred Turkish troops and dozens of tanks entered Northern Iraq at the end of last week, following hours of shelling and bombing by the Turkish military. Reports of casualties vary, but Turkey admits to the loss of one of its helicopters, which the PKK claims to have shot down. The incursion sparked intense criticism from the Iraqi government, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has urged Turkey to keep it short. Friday in UN Dispatch Bergmann on Funding UN Peacekeeping – by Mark Leon Goldberg Stiffing the Blue Helmets – by Mark Leon Goldberg Secretary-General Introduces his Adviser on the “Responsibility to Protect” – by John Boonstra The Rest of the Story Africa … China presses Sudan over Darfur peacekeepers Japan in talks for peace mission to Sudan Sudan ‘renews Darfur air strikes’ Madagascar cyclone toll doubled Islamists overrun Somali town SA power cuts threaten gold jobs Thousands of Darfuris ‘desperate’ Americas … In Argentina, No Assistance From Region on Gas Needs Asia … Manila security forces support Arroyo amid rallies Afghan drugs agency hit by staffing crisis Pakistan ‘sparks YouTube outage’ Russia pledges support to Serbia Pakistan army’s top medic killed Chinese Submarine Fleet Is Growing, Analysts Say South Korea’s New President Takes Office Europe … State vote seen boosting tensions in Merkel govt Middle East … Israeli PM calls for new sanctions against Iran Turkey admits loss of helicopter Iran Stepping Up Its Uranium Work Unrest Spreads in Armenia, and Some Are Arrested Suicide Bomber Kills 40 at Iraq Highway Rest Stop Rising Inflation Creates Unease in Middle East Israel Adds Border Forces Ahead of Protest in Gaza Oceania … Australia ends “Pacific Solution” for refugees
By: Matthew Cordell on February 11, 2008 Obama won primaries in Maine, Kansas, Louisana, Washington, and the Virgin Islands over the weekend, drawing the delegate count even closer. McCain won Washington, but lost Louisiana and Kansas to Huckabee. Amy Winehouse won five Grammys, but was forced to accept via satellite because she was denied a visa. Trailblazing supermodel Katoucha Niane, Yves St. Laurent’s muse during the 1980s and a campaigner against female genital mutilation, may have drowned in the Seine this week. Top Stories >>East Timor – President Jose Ramos Horta, winner of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, was shot three times early Monday morning in a drive-by shooting at his home, an apparent coup attempt. He is being report as in “serious, but stable” condition in Darwin, Australia, where he was airlifted. Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, who led a rebellion in 2006 and has been in hiding since, was involved in the assassination attempt and was shot dead at the scene. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s home was also attacked, but he was unharmed. >>Chad and Darfur – Sudanese airstrikes in Darfur have pushed more than 12,000 new refugees into eastern Chad, adding to the up to 400,000 refugees already in the border region. The first wave, arriving at the border on foot, were men. A second wave of women and children (unable to cross the distance as quick) are reported to be following. The EU is planning to resume the deployment of its 3,700-strong peacekeeping force to eastern Chad. Rebel groups have cautioned them against doing so. >>Myanmar – Myanmar’s military junta announced its “road to democracy” on Saturday, setting a constitutional referendum for May and elections for 2010, the first since 1990 when Dawn Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory. Although there is deep skepticism abroad and from the National League of Democracy, there appears to be some hope on the streets of Yangon that this is an opportunity (albeit the sampling size is small). Quote of the Day “There is no cease-fire, the war is going on. In this situation it is very difficult to talk about peacekeeping when there is no peace to keep.” – Suleiman Sandal Haggar, a senior commander of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur Yesterday in UN Dispatch Taking the Long View on Renewables – by Matthew Cordell Senate Urges Bush, International Community to Provide Helicopters for Darfur Mission – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … Kenya’s Middle Class Feeling Sting of Violence DR Congo warlord due in The Hague Optimism at Kenya talks, negotiators urge patience Qaeda says behind killing of 8 Algerian troops Americas … Chavez Threatens to End Oil Exports to U.S. in Exxon Feud Mexico City Journal: On Single-Sex Buses, Relief From Unwanted Contact El Salvador probes funding claim US seeks execution for 9/11 plotters Chavez warns Nestle and Parmalat Asia … Marine Arrested Over Japan Rape Top Afghan militant ‘captured’ Olympic gag row leads to review Policemen die in Sri Lanka attack Fire hits South Korea landmark Terror Threats Force Norway to Close Embassy in Kabul Musharraf’s Approval Rating Plummets Snowstorms in China wreck an area of forest larger than England Islamist parties face drubbing in Pakistan vote Europe … Gang steals French art in Zurich Archbishop Has No Intention of Resigning Over Sharia Uproar Sex DVD scandal turns spotlight on Greece’s ills Russia warns as Kosovo independence looms Middle East … Global Classrooms: In Oil-Rich Mideast, Shades of the Ivy League Egyptian Court Allows Return to Christianity Israelis Urge Tougher Action in Gaza Work starts on Gulf ‘green city’ Iran banks seek to sidestep US curbs Olmert hints at targeting Hamas leaders Iran’s Clerical Old Guard Being Pushed Aside Census finds Palestinian population up by 30% Druze leader warns of anarchy and war in Lebanon
By: Matthew Cordell on February 04, 2008 The NY Giants pulled off one of the greatest upsets in American football history by beating the undefeated (and record-breaking) New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Nearly 750,000 have flocked to Carnival (video). And Sarko-Bruni is official (or as some are saying BRUNI-sarko). Top Stories >>Chad – The government is reporting that they have pushed rebels, who overran Ndjamena on Saturday, to the eastern outskirts of the capital. The rebels retorted that they were allowing civilians safe passage before launching another attack. UNHCR has said that thousands fled to Cameroon during the fighting. There are reports of Sudanese involvement in attacks on border towns, and analysts fear an all-out war between Chad and the Sudan. Contributors to StopGenocideNow.org had been blogging on the ground until they were evacuated. >>Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda – Kofi Annan brokered a deal on Friday to set up a framework for negotiations between Kenya’s ruling party and the opposition led by Raila Odinga. However, violence continued over the weekend (NY Times in pictures), and Mr. Odinga has called for AU peacekeepers. Meanwhile, in the Western Rift Valley, at least 40 were killed by two magnitude 6 earthquakes. >>Serbia – Serbia’s President Boris Thadic, generally considered pro-western, was reelected on Sunday, defeating nationalist Tomislav Nikolic, an ally of Slobodan Milosevic. Tadic has said that he will not use force should Kosovo choose to succede, which it may do at any time. Friday in UN Dispatch CEDAW V. Saudi Arabia – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Putin’s man takes chance to stress continuity Eight killed in mudslides outside Rio de Janeiro Setback for UK wind farm push Scandal gnaws at Buddha’s holy tree in India Warring Sri Lanka marks 60 years of independence Defense Bill Aids Pakistani Paramilitary Group Iraqi Leaders Allow Controversial Baathist Law to Take Effect Opposition Unity Talks Collapse in Zimbabwe Al-Qaeda Commander Moved Freely in Pakistan China battles “coldest winter in 100 years” Bush Budget Includes Cash to Hire 1,100 Diplomats Derailed China train destroys houses, kills six Sudan agrees operating rules of Darfur peace force Turk war planes bomb rebel Kurd targets in N.Iraq China weather crisis to continue Top Khmer Rouge figure in court Iranians inaugurate space project Migrants’ advice packs proposed Rare suicide bombing hits Israel 11 Killed in Suicide Attack in Sri Lanka Colombia Says Rebels to Hand 3 More Hostages to Chavez U.S. Says It Accidentally Killed 9 Iraqi Civilians Pro-West Incumbent Wins Serbia’s Presidential Runoff Proposed Military Spending Is Highest Since WWII Great Firewall of China Faces Online Rebels At Least 6 Killed in Pakistan Bombing Five killed in Philippines clash A Frail Economy Raises Pressure on Iran’s Rulers Israeli Defense Minister to Stay in Olmert Coalition Sri Lanka Suicide Bombing Kills 11
By: Matthew Cordell on January 28, 2008 Obama won the S.C. democratic primary, and today he picks up a key endorsement. President Bush delivers his final State of the Union tonight. And Bono is engaging in iPod diplomacy. Top Stories >>Right-wing ally of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Samak Sundaravej, was elected Prime Minister of Thailand, returning the nation to civilian rule. As well as being a former governor, PM Sundaravej was once a popular TV chef. Some suspect that his only goal as PM will be to rescind the five-year political ban on Shinawatra, so that he can then return to his former position. >>In what appears to be Kikuyu retribution for previous violence undertaken by opposition leader Odinga’s Luo tribe, gangs armed with rods and machetes rampaged through Rift Valley towns over the weekend, leaving up to 70 dead. In Naivasha, the home of Kenya’s flower industry, eight were burned alive locked inside a house. In a continuing effort to stem the violence, former Secretary General Kofi Annan met with opposition leader Odinga. >>In some of the worst violence in Beirut in two decade, eight were shot dead during protests over electricity rationing. According to Lebanon’s military, generally considered impartial, it is not yet clear who is responsible. The dead have been identified as Hezbollah members of the Amal opposition. >>As Russia completed the last of eight uranium shipments for Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, the Kremlin has barred Michael Kasyanov, the last liberal opponent of Dmitri Medvedev, from the presidential election, claiming that a significant portion of the signatures he needed to register his candidacy were faked. >>Former Indonesian dictator Suharto died yesterday after a protracted illness that left the country split on whether he was ‘father of the nation’ or a ‘criminal.’ >>Representatives from more than 100 nations met in Bali at a UN anti-corruption conference to develop new ways to stem the flow of billions of dollars taken by corrupt governments from their people. Quotes of the Day “There will be no celebration. I will continue with my normal life.” -New Thai PM Samak Sundaravej “We have moved out to revenge the deaths of our brothers and sisters who have been killed, and nothing will stop us,” -Anthony Mwangi, Kikuyu involved in the bloodshed over the weekend The Rest of the Story Israel Vows Not to Block Supplies to Gaza – by Steven Erlanger (NY Times) 13 Arrested in Push to Stifle Turkish Ultranationalists Suspected in Political Killings – by Sabrina Tavernise (NY Times) Karzai blocks Ashdown role in Afghanistan – by Julian Borger (Guardian) Gazans head home as Egypt chokes off supplies – by Will Rasmussen (Reuters) Guyana deaths spark village anger – by the BBC Beijing Unveils ‘Watercube’ Swimming Venue for 2008 Olympics – by Fox News ‘Scores die’ in Sri Lanka clashes – by the BBC Yemen’s Counterterrorism Unit – by the NY Times (Multimedia) Sri Lanka says weekend death toll hits 79, most rebels – by Reuters India bird flu disease ‘alarming’ – by the BBC Yemen’s Deals With Jihadists Unsettle the U.S. – by Robert F. Worth (NY Times) Lyon Journal: Smitten by Lyon, a Visitor Tries to Recreate the Magic – by Elaine Sciolino (NY Times) Tuna Sales Halt Urged – by Reuters Turkish court hears ‘insult’ case – by the BBC ‘Tantric Master’ Sets Record for Being Engulfed in Ice – by Fox News Dead Spy Satellite Could Hit Earth Within a Month – by Fox News Killer of Human Rights Activist Sentenced – by Tom Wright (WSJ) Mozambique to forcibly evacuate 10,000 from floods – by Charles Mangwiro (Reuters) Militia kill 21 in West Darfur-residents, rebels – by Opheera McDoom (Reuters)
