Top of the Morning: Lonmin Mine Massacre, One Year On

Top stories from DAWNS Digest. 

One Year Anniversary of the Lonmin Mine Massacre

On August 16, 2012 South African police opened fire on miners striking at a platinum mine. Thirty-four people were killed and 78 injured. “One year later, the killings at Marikana have not augured well for Africa’s wealthiest nation. The tragedy has left the South African economy battered, revealed new fissures in country’s labor movement, and prompted continuing ripples of unrest in South Africa’s globally important platinum and gold fields.” (CSM http://bit.ly/1dbgiwB)

Lebanon Bombing Could Be Deadliest in 25 Years

Around 20 people are likely to have been killed in the attack. “A car bomb killed at least 18 people and wounded over 200 in the southern suburb of Beirut Thursday, Lebanese officials said, and security sources said investigators are looking into accounts the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. The evening attack, which the Lebanese Army confirmed was a car bomb, occurred in the neighborhood of Ruwaiss, a Hezbollah stronghold, as residents had been returning home from their businesses.” (Daily Star http://bit.ly/1dbhwYO)

Egypt in Turmoil

The death toll has crept up to over 600. Meanwhile, Barack Obama refused to cut off military aid to the Egyptian regime, opting instead to cancel a planned joint military exercise scheduled for later this month. In the meantime, the Security Council has met to discuss the crisis. (BBC http://bbc.in/1cR9DJj)