buy microsoft office suite 2007 adobe cs3 master collection price cheap windows 7 retail buy archicad 13 windows xp price in india buy photoshop elements for mac download autocad electrical 2010 adobe cs4 web premium oem windows 7 home premium 64 bit download adobe premiere elements 8 best buy buy windows 7 full version for students cheap windows 7 family pack discount windows 7 pro buy microsoft office online australia grahl pdf annotator 2 buy where to buy windows 7 australia cheap office 2007 uk buy adobe flash cs4 for mac cheap microsoft office 2010 buy excel 2007 download purchase windows xp oem windows 7 price details buy adobe illustrator cs4 download sony vegas 9 pro download corel draw x3 windows xp price canada xilisoft video converter ultimate 5.1 download buy windows vista full version buy windows 7 family pack online purchase windows 7 online windows datacenter licensing abbyy finereader 5.0 sprint autodesk electrical 2009 windows 7 home premium coupon buy after effects cs3 windows 7 ultimate best buy purchase cubase 5 buy windows 7 enterprise edition buy archicad 12 buy microsoft outlook 2007 where to purchase windows 7 starter buy symantec norton 360 3.5 buy windows 7 disc turbotax price buy windows 7 cheap australia windows 7 price egypt buy norton ghost 2003 windows 7 discount deals corel painter for mac parallels desktop coupon code buy photoshop elements 7 buy vegas pro 8 buy windows 7 ireland buy windows 7 education buy omnipage professional 17 adobe photoshop price in india buy office 2003 product key download paperport software buy windows 7 usa buy windows 7 download canada buy windows 2008 server online buy windows 7 ultimate oem adobe premiere full download cheap dreamweaver cs3 cheap microsoft money 2007 deluxe cheap microsoft project 2003 cheap illustrator software roxio creator 2009 ultimate edition buy windows 7 ultimate full adobe illustrator cs3 sale buy quickbooks cheap buy adobe dreamweaver cs4 best price adobe cs3 master collection cs3 design premium trial windows 7 discount purchase windows vista key 3ds max 2010 oem buy photoshop top secret should i buy windows vista or wait for windows 7 adobe premiere pro cs3 mac ms streets and trips 2010 download buy adobe flash cs4 windows 7 price list india cheap adobe cs4 production premium mac buy smith micro poser 7 cheap windows 7 home premium full buy microsoft project 2003 buy after effects cs3 download after effects cs3 best price adobe cs4 design premium windows 7 price 64 bit photoimpact download download cubase sx3 full version cheap microsoft digital image suite 2006 purchase microsoft project 2003 buy solidworks software cheap windows xp oem buy microsoft mappoint 2010 purchase office 2003 license buy windows 7 in pakistan cheap photoshop alternative buy office 2008 for mac product key should i buy windows 7 oem or retail buy wordperfect 11 microsoft mappoint europe 2006 download buy mcafee antivirus download guitar pro 5 mac buy visio 2003 windows 2003 datacenter download buy photoshop elements 7.0 design premium cs3 download buy photoshop and illustrator buy powerpoint 2007 download buy sony sound forge 9 windows xp buy online buy windows 7 premium dragon naturally speaking 10 price corel painter 11 for mac windows 7 price korea purchase windows 7 student windows xp buy download microsoft office discount for uk students buy creative suite 4 web premium purchase microsoft office home cheap windows 7 for college students microsoft money home and business 2009 windows vista business 64 bit iso buy windows xp sp2 online purchase windows xp australia how to buy windows xp license buy microsoft office 97 microsoft word 2007 online download best price autocad architecture 2009 buy autocad 2010 buy windows 7 online download windows 7 price increase 2010 buy windows 7 israel buy windows 7 full install cheap microsoft office xp windows 7 professional oem version download autocad electrical buy 3d home architect design suite deluxe 8 quicken 2010 price comparison abbyy finereader 9.0 price buy windows vista retail ptc mathcad download purchase windows vista ultimate parallels 5 price cheap solidworks 2009 windows 7 price guide buy office 2007 standard academic buy microsoft office software buy acronis software windows 7 price upgrade purchase adobe after effects for mac abbyy finereader 9.0 express edition 3ds max sale download fireworks cs4 windows 7 ultimate purchase download buy encarta 2009 buy windows vista singapore buy ms sql server 2008 buy efreesky magic utilities 2008 adobe photoshop price compare buy microsoft streets and trips 2010 buy acid pro 4.0 adobe acrobat price list buy visio 2007 professional windows 7 price watch purchase vista product key buy microsoft sql server 2008 presenter 7 adobe windows 2008 server purchase download corel dvd moviefactory 7 download adobe indesign for mac adobe audition buy cheap adobe lightroom 2 buy microsoft frontpage 2002 buy windows 7 professional upgrade buy excel 2007 online buy microsoft expression blend 3 windows 7 cost oem quarkxpress 8 download buy adobe flash cs3 buy photoshop elements 8.0 cheap microsoft works price of windows 7 ultimate cheapest windows 7 ultimate full version buy windows 7 switzerland 3ds max design price buy photoshop in australia buy vmware workstation 6.5 for windows cheap windows 7 professional (64 bit) buy windows xp pro upgrade turbotax premier 2008 download windows 7 professional oem download windows xp cheapest price cheap adobe illustrator cs3 steinberg nuendo 4 price windows 7 discount for vista buy symantec norton ghost 12.0 adobe cs3 web premium download after effects mac trial buy photoshop 5.5 cheap norton partitionmagic 8.0 robohelp price cheap dvd ripper platinum 5 purchase microsoft office enterprise 2007 buy office enterprise quickbooks enterprise pricing buy windows 7 uk student purchase office 2007 upgrade windows vista cheapest price corel draw coupon code dvd ripper platinum 5 download buy windows xp licence key where to buy windows xp 64 bit purchase microsoft office key online download encarta encyclopedia 2009 corel ulead video studio x2 buy windows 7 media center propellerhead reason 4 price purchase windows xp product key online cheap adobe premiere pro cs3 purchase microsoft office for students buy adobe audition 3 buy windows vista online microsoft expression download quarkxpress for mac buy autodesk mudbox 2010 cheap pixologic zbrush 3 mac buy ms outlook 2007 best buy microsoft word 2003 photoshop price tag tutorial buy windows 7 sri lanka adobe indesign cs3 cheap purchase adobe acrobat 8 download avid media composer 4 buy microsoft money plus buy microsoft office 2007 product key cheap windows 7 ultimate download cheap microsoft office ultimate ashampoo burning studio 8 download adobe fireworks pricing buy microsoft office for xp windows 7 price philippines windows 7 price list uk zonealarm antivirus 8 microsoft office 2007 price malaysia buy vista home premium download buy smith micro poser 7 buy autodesk maya 2009 download matlab r2008b purchase windows 7 india cubase 5 buy online buy roxio creator pro 2010 buy windows 7 lite windows xp price compare cheap windows 7 update buy adobe acrobat 7 buy sound forge audio studio 9 buy adobe photoshop for mac 3d home architect design suite deluxe 9 buy windows xp sp3 professional windows 7 price for students windows vista buy uk cheap windows 7 student upgrade best price adobe contribute cs4 buy powerdirector 7 ultra buy microsoft office license cheap roxio creator 2009 sound forge audio studio 9 buy photoshop windows buy adobe audition 2.0 purchase microsoft office 2007 product key buy windows vista business 32 bit buy windows vista home basic product key microsoft office enterprise 2007 buy buy windows 7 student uk windows 2008 enterprise price purchase archicad 12 discount microsoft windows vista cheap windows 7 home premium (32 bit) corel draw x4 price buy guitar pro 5.2 cheap photoshop elements 7 buy matlab download buy windows 7 home premium purchase windows 7 product key windows 7 price for teachers buy photoshop cs3 cheap cheap adobe photoshop elements 8 buy windows 7 overseas buy windows 7 spanish adobe cs4 price in india deskshare videoeditmagic 4.3 buy buy autocad inventor 2010 propellerhead reason 4 mac buy buy windows xp home full version buy adobe indesign cs4 buy ms excel 2003 microsoft office price singapore windows vista discount cheap norton 360 antivirus purchase windows 7 license only best price autocad mechanical 2010 buy microsoft office for netbook buy windows 7 professional key microsoft expression studio price windows vista best price buy sony vegas cheap buy photoshop student edition buy windows xp melbourne cheap mathcad 14 microsoft windows 7 price india buy windows 7 harvey norman buy windows 7 starter edition buy office 2007 student download dreamweaver cs3 full version buy windows xp tablet corel draw 10 mac windows vista 64 bit cheap roxio creator 2010 best price buy microsoft office 10 where to buy windows 7 64 bit buy windows 7 tigerdirect cheap windows 7 home premium (64 bit) photoshop price tag buy windows xp activation key cheap adobe flash cs4 cheap autodesk inventor lt 2010 excel 2007 to buy buy adobe premiere cs4 purchase powerpoint 2007 buy adobe flash buy onenote 2007 adobe indesign cs2 download purchase microsoft office 2003 download fireworks cs3 buy access 2007 cheap parallels desktop for mac purchase vista 64 bit buy windows 7 on usb illustrator download buy photoshop elements 7 cheap buy windows 7 buy ms word 2003 buy windows 7 uae acdsee pro 2.5 download buy symantec ghost solution suite buy sony vegas 9.0
now showing:

Asia / Pacific


Breaking News



2nd Decade of the 21st Century: Gender Equality, Food Security & Counter-extremism

January 2, 2010 :: J.E. Robertson :: One Comment

Because three issues alone will not adequately describe the breakthroughs we will experience in the coming decade, a second installment of the 2nd decade prognosis is necessary. While denuclearization pacts and a verification process for limiting the threat of nuclear weapons is likely to be key to international relations, and the green technology revolution will spur economic development around the world, international cooperation must also be directed toward issues relating to basic resources, like water and the food supply. Gender equality will be key to peacemaking efforts, and counter-extremism will be a leading aspect of collaborative development efforts.

More on page 5706

The Hong Kong Model: How China Can Democratize & Hold Together

December 30, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

China may be fast moving toward global superpower status, with rates of industrialization and wealth-creation nearly unprecedented in human history. But the ancient imperial state still faces pervasive problems of regional and ethnic disharmony and multiple separatist movements intent on breaking up the map of the modern political state. To hold together, Beijing will have to democratize public and private institutions at a rapid pace and in a credible way.

More on page 5662

Aung San Suu Kyi Gains Access to Party Leaders: Could House Arrest Be Lifted?

December 29, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: One Comment

Aung San Suu Kyi, the jailed Burmese pro-democracy opposition leader, was recently granted visitation rights to meet with three aging leaders of her National League for Democracy. The meeting marked the highest-level contact she has had with her party in years, even as the Burmese junta prepares to clamp down on pro-democracy elements ahead of the first nationwide election since her victory —never realized by taking office— in 1990. Suu Kyi has instead spent most of the last two decades under house arrest.

More on page 5640

Khamene’i Transported by Helicopter to Secure Location: online reports

December 28, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Iran’s supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i, has reportedly been transported by military helicopter to a secure location, on a military base outside Tehran. Reports emerging from Iran suggest the security forces’ brutal crackdown on unarmed civilians during the festival of Ashura has sparked active resistance. There are now reports of ongoing clashes across the capital.

More on page 5679

Iranian Police Fire on Crowds During Ashura Festival

December 27, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Iranian police have fired on crowds of unarmed civilians demonstrating in Tehran on the feast day of Ashura, the commemoration of the most sacred martyr of the Shi’a strain of Islam. At least four people are reportedly confirmed killed, including one nephew of the leading opposition politician, Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose supporters —along with numerous international observers— believe he won the disputed presidential elections in June of this year.

More on page 5655

Iran Security Forces Ban Mourning for Deceased Ayatollah

December 24, 2009 :: Evelyn Winston Perez :: No Comment Yet

The Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri died this past weekend, opening a period of seven days of mourning for one of the nation’s most influential clerics. The seventh day of mourning happens to coincide with the Shi’a holy day of atonement, Ashura. Ashura marks the killing of Hossein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed, by the Caliph Yazid, in the year 680. Yazid is often portrayed as a tyrannical ruler in Shi’a tradition, and the festival lends itself to an expression of the very anti-dictatorship language used by the reformist opposition.

More on page 5630

China’s Carbon-fuel Economic Trap

December 24, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

China has outraged political and diplomatic leaders around the world by aggressively blocking agreement on hard targets for binding emissions cuts, refusing even to agree to any accord that would include mention of other nations’ specific cuts. One observer told the BBC that he observed China, India and Saudi Arabia as the key powers working to prevent binding targets from being adopted, but China was the most immovable opponent to a binding agreement.

More on page 5628

Glaciers Are not just a ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’

December 23, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

As ongoing global climate destabilization builds momentum, and fundamental climate-linked environmental processes come apart, we are hearing time and again that melting ice, whether in glaciers or in the Arctic Ocean, is “the canary in the coal mine”. The metaphor is very tempting, indeed, as coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel in use and a major contributing factor to global warming and climate destabilization, but the problem with the metaphor lies in the meaning of the canary being nothing more than an alarm signal. Glaciers are very much more important to human civilization than that.

More on page 5606

Philippine Pres. Macapagal Arroyo’s Address at Copenhagen (video + transcript)

December 19, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

The Philippines looks upon these negotiations in Copenhagen with a critical sense of urgency. The average world per capita CO2 equivalent emission is 6 tons and must be brought down to 3 tons to stabilize at 450 ppm in 2050. The Philippines is already doing better than that. Our emissions are only 1.6 tons per capita and we are committed to further deviate from our business-as-usual growth path.

More on page 5546

US Pledging $100 Billion for Climate-change Mitigation

December 18, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: One Comment

The United States is pledging to “take the lead” on a global fund of $100 billion over ten years, designed to help developing nations transition to a zero-combustion energy economy and fend off the already mounting ravages of climate destabilization. The offer was announced yesterday by Sec. of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and was intended in part to put added pressure on China to agree to a binding climate deal with emissions reduction verification processes built in.

More on page 5498

Philippines Military Mobilizing to Evacuate, as Mayon Volcano Nears Eruption

December 17, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

The government of the Philippines has deployed military forces to the vicinity of the Mayon volcano, near Legazpi City, to evacuate at least 50,000 people who live in the expected path of lava flows or ash plumes that could result from an impending eruption. Mayon is the most active of the 22 active volcanoes across the Philippines archipelago. The Philippines has failed to prevent loss of life in natural disasters like urban flooding linked to poor management of drainage systems and mudslides linked to illegal mountainside logging, and is determined to do succeed in doing so in this case.

More on page 5488

China, World Bank Plan Industrial Development Zones for Africa

December 14, 2009 :: Evelyn Winston Perez :: No Comment Yet

The World Bank is working with the Chinese government to fund major industrial development in specific areas across Africa, as part of an effort to spur development and create jobs. The effort is needed in order to breathe new life into African cities that are experiencing population explosions, with little new investment to match the demand for resources and jobs. But three key factors raise questions about whether the China plan for African industry will be good for Africa.

More on page 5315

World Food Supply Under Threat from Environmental Factors

December 10, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

The global food supply is facing major security challenges, as warming global average temperatures and the destabilization of climate patterns and natural services undermine dependable agricultural cycles and threaten resources. The food supply is the most direct and visible connection between the breakdown of global climate systems and human health and wellbeing, but not the only link. The possible collapse of a major part of the human food supply means the collapse of agriculture, i.e. the breakdown of the human habitat.

More on page 5320

Bangladesh Faces Threat from Rising Seas (video)

December 9, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

With a population of over 150 million people, and much of its land below sea level, Bangladesh is already losing significant amounts of cropland to rising seas related to persistent warming in global average temperatures and polar and glacial ice melt. It is expected that in 10 to 20 years, Bangladesh could lose 20% of its land mass to rising seas or chronic flooding.

More on page 5339

Iran Bans Foreign Media Ahead of Student Demonstrations

December 6, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: No Comment Yet

Iran’s government has temporarily banned foreign media from operating in the capital, Tehran, in anticipation of student rallies on Monday, marking Iran’s Student Day commemoration. The government has warned against any “illegal rallies”, suggesting it fears the student rallies could turn into a new round of protests against the alleged rigging of the June presidential vote and the subsequent violent crackdown against dissent.

More on page 5286

Bhopal, 25 Years After Catastrophic Chemical Leak

December 3, 2009 :: staff :: One Comment

The date was 3 December 1984. The people of Bhopal, India, were the victims of a chemical spill of unprecedented proportions. 40 tons of toxic gas spilled into the city, killing tens of thousands of people. Methyl isocyanate, the substance that caused the mass death, prevents oxygen from entering the blood when inhaled. In just one night, thousands were killed, literally drowning in their own bodily fluids. At least 15,000 more people were killed over the next several weeks, and many believe the total number of those killed from exposure to methyl isocyanate is well above 30,000.

More on page 5241

Obama’s Afghanistan Address at West Point (video + transcript)

December 2, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Afghanistan is not lost, but for several years it has moved backwards. There’s no imminent threat of the government being overthrown, but the Taliban has gained momentum. Al Qaeda has not reemerged in Afghanistan in the same numbers as before 9/11, but they retain their safe havens along the border. And our forces lack the full support they need to effectively train and partner with Afghan security forces and better secure the population. Our new commander in Afghanistan — General McChrystal — has reported that the security situation is more serious than he anticipated. In short: The status quo is not sustainable.

More on page 5220

Pres. Obama Announces Troop Surge, Makes Moral Case for Afghan War Effort

December 1, 2009 :: staff :: One Comment

Pres. Barack Obama, in an historic address at the West Point Military Academy, to an audience of graduating Army cadets many of whom will be among those soldiers deployed next year, announced a new comprehensive strategy for intensifying US military efforts in Afghanistan and securing Afghanistan against the rise of violent extremism. He also cast the war effort in moral terms and cited his own obligation to make the right choice for the security of the American people.

More on page 5216

Philippine Clan Leader Arrested in Connection with Massacre of 57 Civilians

November 26, 2009 :: Riga Listin :: No Comment Yet

Andal Apatuan, Jr., the heir to a powerful political dynasty on the southern Philippine Island of Mindanao, and a candidate for governor in 2010, has been taken into custody after a raid by military and police forces. Ampatuan is running to replace his father as governor of Maguindanao province, his father being forced to step down after three consecutive terms due to term limits.

More on page 5189

Mass Grave in South Philippines Said Linked to 2010 Elections

November 24, 2009 :: Severino Villalonso :: No Comment Yet

With election contests heating up in the troubled southern region of the Philippines, Mindanao, a mass-grave has been unearthed that is said to contain the bodies of at least 46 people kidnapped and murdered yesterday in connection with the local campaign. At least 20 are reported to be journalists who were traveling with one of the candidates when his convoy was attacked and everyone in it kidnapped, and now, according to reports emerging from the region, summarily executed and thrown into a shallow mass grave.

More on page 5172

Obama, Singh Hold Joint Press Conference as US Builds India Ties

November 24, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is in Washington, DC, for the first official state visit of Pres. Barack Obama’s presidency. PM Singh was chosen by the Obama administration for the occasion in order to highlight the complex strategic partnership the US enjoys with India and to build a closer alliance on a range of issues. The bookish economist-turned popular PM is said to have a close working relationship with the legal scholar-turned popular president. Singh praised Obama for “the breadth of his global vision for peace and prosperity”.

More on page 5165

Obama Weekly Address: Overseas Trip to Bolster US Economy

November 21, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

From WhiteHouse.gov: “In an address recorded in Seoul, South Korea, the President discusses his trip to Asia. He talks about his push to stop nuclear proliferation in North Korea, Iran, and around the world. He talks about promoting America’s principles for an open society in China while making progress on joint efforts to combat climate change. And talks in-depth about the primary objective of his trip: engaging in new markets that hold tremendous potential to spur job creation here at home.”

More on page 5149

Can We Expect China’s Cooperation on Cutting Emissions? (discussion)

November 21, 2009 :: Eva Scherson :: No Comment Yet

Can we expect China’s cooperation on emissions reduction? It’s clear that China has shifted its energy policy somewhat, to take account for the potential long-term strategic economic benefit of being a major source for green energy technology, know-how and to use green energy to fill out the nation’s energy supply and possibly permit exportation of energy or fuels.

More on page 5146

Iran to Execute Post-election Demonstrators

November 19, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

A court in Iran has sentenced 5 people to death for their role in post-election anti-government protests this summer. At least 81 people have been sentenced to jail terms ranging up to 15 years in prison, for protesting the government’s handling of the election and its violent crackdown on the protesters. The government says all 5 are members of “terrorist and opposition groups”, apparently considering opposition to the ruling party a “terrorist” crime.

More on page 5125

Obama Secures China Cooperation on Recovery, Climate

November 18, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

Pres. Obama has reportedly secured Chinese president Hu Jintao’s pledge of cooperation on global economic recovery, efforts to curb emissions and combat climate destabilization, and nuclear non-proliferation, both in Iran and North Korea. The pledge of cooperation came despite Obama’s demand that China honor the “universal” human rights of its people, alongside differences over how strongly to pressure Iran to guarantee its nuclear pursuits are legal and peaceful in nature.

More on page 5112

Afghanistan Options Unsatisfactory, Pres. Seeks Winning Strategy

November 17, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

Last week, the United States’ ambassador to Afghanistan, retired Lt.-Gen. Karl Eikenberry, warned against sending any additional troops to Afghanistan in support of the corrupt system of government headed by Hamid Karzai, who appears to have rigged the recent presidential election that returned him to power. Investigative reporter and Afghanistan specialist Peter Bergen has told CNN the comment is “seismic”, but warned a delay based on waiting for the Afghan government to become less corrupt could mean years without effective resolution of security conditions there.

More on page 5111

Giuliani Politicizing 9/11 for Partisan Gain

November 16, 2009 :: Webb Tisch :: No Comment Yet

In a vile new low, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani has said he expects bringing the accused 9/11 mastermind to justice will directly cause new terror attacks on New York. Mr. Giuliani is now seeking to use the memory of 9/11 and the very real and lasting trauma felt by so many people, to [...]

More on page 5108

Lebanon Forms Government of National Unity

November 11, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: No Comment Yet

Lebanon has formed a new government of “national accord”, which will include majority leader and prime minister designate Saad Hariri and also representatives of Hezbollah, the militia group seen as a terrorist threat by Israel, and which was the target of an Israeli bombing campaign in 2006. The UN Security Council congratulated Lebanon on moving forward with national unity and wished the new government well.

More on page 5083

Routine Abuse of Domestic Workers Alleged in Lebanon

November 11, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

This report alleges widespread routine abuse of foreign-born domestic workers in Lebanon. Domestic workers are excluded from Lebanese labor regulations and does not monitor treatment in the home. It is reportedly common for employers of foreign domestic workers to illegally seize their passports upon arrival and forbid them to leave the home.

More on page 5090

Mississippi Governor Says He Will Not Attack Obama if He Chooses Not to Send Troops

November 8, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Haley Barbour, the Republican governor of Mississippi, today told David Gregory on NBC’s Meet the Press that the president’s decision about whether to send more troops to Afghanistan should not be politicized by Republicans. He said that he’s always been of the mind that domestic politics should “stop at the border” and that the president [...]

More on page 5031

Abdullah Withdraws from Afghan Runoff, Alleging Fraud

November 1, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan’s former foreign minister, has declared his withdrawal in protest from the presidential runoff election against Pres. Hamid Karzai. Abdullah says Karzai’s refusal to make key changes to the electoral commission —appointed by Karzai— to prevent a repeat of massive widespread fraud means there is no way the runoff can be free, [...]

More on page 4982

Suicide bombing in Iran kills 43, including 6 Revolutionary Guards Commanders

October 19, 2009 :: admin :: No Comment Yet

A suicide bombing yesterday in Pishin killed at least 6 Revolutionary Guards commanders and 37 other people and appears to be an attempt to strike at the leadership of the nation’s premier security forces. Tehran attributes the bombing to what it alleges are “western” efforts to destabilize Iran. There are also concerns the bombing may [...]

More on page 4927

Afghan Election Rigged, Possible Runoff Before Decision on Troop Surge

October 18, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: No Comment Yet

The fraud perpetrated in Afghanistan’s election was so pervasive, international monitors fear it may never be possible to determine the actual results. At least 1.5 million ballots are believed to be illegal or fake votes. Entire district tallies are reported to be possibly comprised of fake ballots. The report from the UN-backed electoral complaints commission [...]

More on page 4923

Ayatollah Khamene’i: Is He Dead or Alive?

October 16, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

There are rumors circulating that Iran’s supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i, is dead, or in a coma. The rumors are unconfirmed, which also means not proven false, and this has spurred still further speculation that the rumors might be true and Iran’s government struggling to determine how to see a smooth transition to a successor’s reign. The most prominent cleric after Khamene’i is a staunch opponent of the government of Mahmoud Ahmedinejad.

More on page 4909

Iraq War is THE CAUSE of High State & Local Taxes

October 15, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

School taxes are soaring, but schools are losing funding. States are going bankrupt and teachers are being threatened with mass layoffs. Property taxes are high, but property values are falling, and banks won’t refinance and won’t make new loans. The federal government is working to foster economic recovery through targeted investment, lending and community-building projects. But states are dealing with the budget crisis by hiking property taxes and shifting more responsibility to municipalities.

More on page 4759

Samoan Tsunami Kills at Least 99 People

September 30, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

An 8.0-magnitude earthquake, off the coast of Samoa, has resulted in a tsunami that came ashore just minutes after warnings were issued. Many areas received no warning, and officials now say at least 99 people have died. They also estimate the death toll could rise steadily as remote areas are accessed and the full scale of the tsunami is better understood and a comprehensive count of missing persons can be made.

More on page 4779

Afghanistan is not Iraq: Anbar Strategy Must Be Adapted to Intense Tribalism

September 29, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

In Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus’ advanced counter-insurgency strategy worked because a large key population, in Anbar province, wanted it to work. Petraeus, the leading counter-insurgency intellectual among the American military brass, was elevated to Iraq operations commander, because there was a need to use his know-how in community-building-linked counter-insurgency. The Anbar Awakening, however, was a grassroots, local movement among clergy, police and communities that wanted to push insurgents out.

More on page 4765

Iran Continues to Arrest Dissidents, Show Signs of Instability

September 27, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Iran’s precarious ruling power bloc, centered around Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i and Pres. Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, continues to use detention as a means of silencing the opposition. The Green Path of Hope movement started by Ahmedinejad presidential rival, the opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, has continued to stage protests and demands the release of leading politicians being held for protesting the legitimacy of the 12 June election.

More on page 4747

Obama’s Green Message to Gen. Assembly Wins China Support

September 22, 2009 :: staff :: One Comment

Pres. Barack Obama today delivered his first address to the UN General Assembly, promoting cooperation to green the global economy and combat climate change. He pledged the US would lead by example, and called on other nations to find common ground and work to secure the global environment against irreversible degradation.

More on page 4509

UN Gen. Assembly Seeks Global Consensus on Economy, Environment, Rights

September 22, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

The UN General Assembly, which brings together every head of government in the world, to offer their country’s position on issues, their country’s demands regarding trade and conflict negotiations, their country’s hopes for a more harmonious world, this year truly grapples with issues of global consensus. Economic recovery, for many parts of the world, will require an unprecedented expansion of women’s rights and sustained attention to responsible environmental stewardship.

More on page 4498

Mass Protests in Urumqi Force Ouster of Xinjiang Party Chief

September 9, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

The Communist party boss for Xinjiang province was is known as one of China’s toughest remaining strongmen, according to numerous reports. But when somewhere between 1,000 and 20,000 residents of Urumqi, the regional capital, took to the streets, Beijing reacted by removing the party chief in hopes of curbing inter-ethnic unrest and growing anti-government sentiment.

More on page 4356

Evidence of Rampant Fraud in Afghan Vote Sowing Unrest

September 3, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Since the day of the Afghan presidential election, there has been heated rhetoric on both sides, complete with accusations of massive vote-rigging, hostile acts, intimidation and other attempts to distort the voting process. By all accounts, it is amazing that the Afghan vote went ahead in a climate of outright terror and intimidation, owing to the Taliban-led insurgency and brutal attacks on civilians, including women and young girls.

More on page 4274

Japanese Opposition Wins by Landslide, Calls it Revolution

August 31, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: No Comment Yet

The Japanese opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has won an historic landslide victory in the nation’s parliament. Winning 308 of the 480 seats in the lower house of parliament, the DPJ now holds a nearly two-thirds super-majority, and has a mandate to effect major change in government. Yukio Hatoyama says his party will break the bureaucracy and pave the way for a more dynamic, 21st-century Japan.

More on page 4236

Ahmedinejad Calls for ‘Merciless’ Prosecution of Political Rivals

August 30, 2009 :: staff :: 3 Comments

Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has thrown off the veil of pretending to honor democratic constitutional process, calling for the prosecution of opposition candidates for their criticism of his policies and the handling of the election. Even as Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i, the supreme leader, acknowledged Wednesday that opposition leaders are not in league with any foreign [...]

More on page 4201

Iran Opens 4th Mass Trial of Opposition Supporters

August 25, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: 4 Comments

Iran has put on trial a fourth group of leading opposition supporters, including some who served as ministers in the reformist government of former president Mohammad Khatami. The prosecution alleges the accused are guilty of conspiring with foreign powers to sow civil unrest in Iran and destabilize the republic. Opposition leaders and independent observers say the accused are being put on trial for nothing more than being in the opposition, within a democratic system.

More on page 4156

Afghan Vote Praised, but Sees Early Dispute of Count Totals

August 21, 2009 :: staff :: No Comment Yet

Both Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan’s incumbent and only post-Taliban president, and his main rival Abdullah Abdullah, claim they are ahead in early counting of the ballots. According to Australia’s ABC news service, “there are reports that in some parts of the country there has been violence, irregularities, and low voter turnout”. The procedural troubles have arisen despite word from international observers that the election appeared to be largely peaceful and to meet democratic standards.

More on page 4135

Iran Closes Opposition Newspaper, Bans Protest Over Closure

August 17, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: One Comment

The Iranian government has ordered the closure of an opposition newspaper which was to publish a statement by opposition candidate Medhi Karoubi —3rd in the June election tally—alleging Iranian security forces were raping political prisoners. Karoubi had made the claim previously, and says there is evidence to support the claim; his statement was to defend himself against criticism from the government and might have included evidence. The paper’s closure effectively stops the publication of his statement in the Iranian press.

More on page 4088

Sen. Jim Webb Wins Yettaw Release, to Meet with Suu Kyi

August 15, 2009 :: Anjika Sridhar :: No Comment Yet

Sen. James Webb (D-VA) has won the release of American John Yettaw, who was sentenced to 7 years, including hard labor, for swimming to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s lakefront home, effectively breaching the terms of her house arrest. Suu Kyi’s house arrest was extended by 18 months after she was convicted for allowing Yettaw to rest and recuperate at her home; the sentence will exclude her from the planned 2010 elections process.

More on page 4061

53 Million in ‘Emerging Markets’ Plunged into Poverty by Great Recession

August 15, 2009 :: J.E. Robertson :: One Comment

A World Bank study has projected that the global financial crisis and resulting recession will plunge some 53 million people across “emerging markets” —like China and India— into absolute poverty, in 2009 alone. In China, tens of millions of people have lost jobs related to the export-dependent manufacturing sector.

More on page 4049

Obama Awards 16 Medals of Freedom, Highest US Civilian Honor

August 13, 2009 :: staff :: One Comment

Pres. Barack Obama yesterday hosted 16 new Medal of Freedom recipients at the White House, honoring their lifelong contributions to the expansion of human understanding and the promotion of individual liberty and human dignity. Among the recipients were scientists and activists, soldiers and political leaders, preachers and athletes, native Americans, African Americans, Latin Americans, Africans and Asians. The 16 laureates exemplify not only rare talent and indomitable spirit, but also a devotion to human dignity and understanding.

More on page 4029

Against the Good Nukes / Bad Nukes Fallacy

Cynicism often lends itself to the construction of intellectually convenient, overly facile descriptions of future events, which —bolstered by the impassioned worries and self-promotion of the cynic, the anti-prophet— quickly assume an air of prophetic certainty. Buoyed by the psychological satisfaction of carrying prophetic certainty within, the cynic then commits more and more fully to the proclamation of unshakeable doctrines about the future, based on bad-faith arguments and a passion for the despairing global outlook.

Complete article...
CafeSentido Partner Sites: The Hot Spring Network :: Truth-First.com :: Words Against Chaos :: ThoughtPossible.com :: Elindulnék.com :: Naufragios :: Casavaria.com