Mali: The 'gentle' face of al-Qaeda

 Al-Qaeda has based itself in northern Mali for 10 years, as part of an alleged secret agreement with Amadou Toumani Toure (ATT), the president of Mali who was deposed in a military coup in March 2012 as northern cities were falling to Tuareg rebels. 
Mali: The 'gentle' face of al-Qaeda - 2012 Year in Review - Al Jazeera English

Brasil prepara plano para ampliar mão de obra estrangeira

O legislativo e o executivo deveriam estar mesmo pesquisando a regulamentação contemporanea de outros países para repensar a lei do estrangeiro. Não adianta tentar emendar, a lei 6815-80 não apenas está ulttrapassada, mas sobretudo reflete a política xenofóbica da ditadura militar.
 
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/1207957-brasil-prepara-plano-para-ampliar-mao-de-obra-estrangeira.shtml

Média de homicídios no Brasil é superior à de guerras, diz estudo

 Com 1,09 milhão de homicídios entre 1980 e 2010, o Brasil tem uma média anual de mortes violentas superior à de diversos conflitos armados internacionais, apontam cálculos do "Mapa da Violência 2012", produzido pelo Instituto Sangari e divulgado nesta quarta-feira.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/portuguese/noticias/2011/12/111214_mapaviolencia_pai.shtml

Pakistan Taliban chief says group will negotiate, but not disarm

 The head of Pakistan's Taliban said his militia is willing to negotiate with the government but not disarm, a message delivered in a video given to Reuters on Friday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/us-pakistan-taliban-idUSBRE8BR06F20121228

Hunger strike pressures Canada PM, aboriginal protests spread

 A Canadian aboriginal chief in the third week of a hunger strike is urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to "open his heart" and meet with native leaders angered by his policies as small impromptu protests spread beyond Canada's borders.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/us-aboriginals-idUSBRE8BR0BS20121228

China unveils new internet laws

New measures will grant government powers to delete online posts deemed to be 'illegal'.

China unveils new internet laws - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Iran starts war games in Strait of Hormuz

Iran starts war games in Strait of Hormuz - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Iran starts war games in Strait of Hormuz

Iran starts war games in Strait of Hormuz - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

U.S. moves to sell advanced spy drones to South Korea

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/26/us-usa-korea-drones-idUSBRE8BO06V20121226

Secret UK files lift lid on Thatcher-Reagan Falklands contacts

 Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wrote an emotional letter to U.S. President Ronald Reagan during the 1982 Falklands War calling him the "only person" who could understand her position, formerly secret documents showed on Friday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/us-britain-usa-falklands-idUSBRE8BR00620121228

Indian Jews from 'lost tribe' of Bnei Menashe arrive in Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

 An Israeli chief rabbi recognized them as a lost tribe in 2005 and about 1,700 moved to Israel before the government stopped giving them visas; now that Israel has reversed that policy, 7,200 more are expected to immigrate.
Indian Jews from 'lost tribe' of Bnei Menashe arrive in Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Egypt approves disputed draft constitution - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

 Charter drafted by Islamist supporters of President Mohamed Morsi wins 63.8 percent of votes in two-round referendum.
Egypt approves disputed draft constitution - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Egypt upholds death penalty in Sinai attacks

Egypt upholds death penalty in Sinai attacks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

UK pays out millions to Iraqi torture victims

 Ministry of Defence has spent $22.7m settling claims from 205 Iraqis who alleged abuse by British troops.
UK pays out millions to Iraqi torture victims - Europe - Al Jazeera English

France recognises Algeria colonial suffering

France recognises Algeria colonial suffering - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Internet regulation

A digital cold war?

Dec 14th 2012, 7:28 by L.S. | DUBAI

THE International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has always prided itself on being one of the most pragmatic organisations of the United Nations. Engineers, after all, speak a similar language, regardless where they come from. Even during the cold war they managed to overcome their differences and negotiate the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITR), a binding global treaty that even today governs telecommunications between countries.
But the internet seems to be an even more divisive than cold-war ideology. The World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) in Dubai, where the ITU met to renegotiate the ITR, ended in failure in the early hours of December 14th. After a majority of countries approved the new treaty, Terry Kramer, the head of the American delegation, announced that his country is “not able to sign the document in its current form.” Shortly thereafter, at least a dozen countries—including Britain, Sweden and Japan—signalled that they would not support the new treaty either. (Update (December 14th, 3.20pm): Of the 144 countries which had the right to sign the new treaty in Dubai, only 89 have done so.)

http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2012/12/internet-regulation

Egypt’s Constitutional "choice"

The Founding Brothers

If approved, Egypt’s new constitution would be a step back into the Mubarak era

Dec 15th 2012 | CAIRO | from the print edition

Should Egyptians approve the constitution, their country could become a very different place. In outline the new draft differs little from the constitution that prevailed until the fall of Hosni Mubarak’s regime. Like the old version it enshrines a powerful presidency and an overweening state, with an elected two-house legislature and an independent judiciary. Its 234 articles contain familiar talk of civic freedoms, individual rights, family values and national identity. Where it differs is in the details, which could give Mr Morsi’s party, the Muslim Brotherhood, a grip on power not unlike that enjoyed by Mr Mubarak.
Some parts of the draft provide improved guarantees, such as the one against arbitrary detention. Other bits are vague or contradictory. Workers have the right to form unions freely, proclaims one article, but the next limits them to one union per profession. Freedom of religion is guaranteed, but any insult to prophets will be punished. Article two says that “the principles of Islamic sharia” are the main source of legislation. Yet article four now says that the scholars of Al Azhar, an Islamic university, should interpret sharia, not parliament or the courts. A further clause defines those principles in rigid doctrinal terms.
Dozens of articles leave key matters to be defined by law. The constitution does not say whether provincial governors will be elected or centrally appointed, as in the dictatorial past. By contrast, a privileged role for the military is made disturbingly explicit. The army, headed by a defence minister who must be a serving officer, controls its own budget and operations, retaining a right to arrest and try civilians. Egypt’s sole legislative body, until elections fill the currently disbanded lower house of parliament, would be the upper house. Elected on a turnout of just 7%, it has an 83% Islamist majority.
Yet more important than the constitution’s numerous flaws is the context in which it is being proposed. 


http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21568394-if-approved-egypts-new-constitution-would-be-step-back-mubarak-era

South Korea elects first female president

 
 Park Geun-hye of the ruling New Frontier Party has made history by becoming South Korea’s first female president, narrowly edging out her opponent, human-rights lawyer Moon Jae-in.
South Korea elects first female president - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

France denies apologies for Algerian past

President Francois Hollande refused on Wednesday to apologize for France's colonial past in Algeria, saying instead that Paris wanted to move forward on an equal footing and boost trade with the oil-rich North African nation.
The trauma of the 1954-1962 Algerian war, in which hundreds of thousands were killed before France's departure, left deep scars in both countries which still hold back a partnership France believes could help revive the Mediterranean basin.
Speaking on his first state visit since his election in May, Hollande said the two had agreed a friendship declaration and a five-year strategic pact covering economic, cultural, agricultural and defense ties.
"I want to define with Algeria a strategic partnership on an equal-to-equal basis," he told a news conference after meeting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
"I am not here to repent or apologize, I am here to tell the truth."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/19/us-algeria-france-idUSBRE8BI17I20121219

Syria interior minister wounded in Damascus bombing, Lebanese officials say

 Lebanese security officials say Syria's interior minister suffered a serious back injury in the bombing of his ministry last week and is being treated in Lebanon.
Interior Minister Mohammed al-Shaar was wounded in the December 12 bombing in Damascus that killed several people and wounded more than 20. At the time, state-run Syrian TV said he was not hurt.
Syria interior minister wounded in Damascus bombing, Lebanese officials say - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Italy to press Germany on conviction of former Nazis

 Italy will demand that Germany goes after former Nazis found guilty of war crimes by Italian courts, Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata said Wednesday.
In October, judges refused to prosecute eight former Nazis who had been convicted in Italy for the 1944 killing of 560 civilians in Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a town in Tuscany.
"We will continue to demand that Germany applies Italian rulings ... I think this is a firm commitment of Italian authorities," Terzi di Sant'Agata said.
Italy to press Germany on conviction of former Nazis - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

The Future of Special Operations

The Future of Special Operations: pWith the rise of endless irregular wars playing out in the shadows, special operations have never been more important to U.S. national security. But policymakers and commanders focus too much on dramatic raids and high-tech drone strikes. They need to pay more attention to an even more important task these forces take on: training foreign troops.

A Real War on Inequality

The world could learn a lot from Brazil's fight against poverty.

A Real War on Inequality - By Daniel Altman | Foreign Policy

Syrian troops mass outside Palestinian camp in Damascus

 Syrian troops backed by tanks gathered outside the Palestinian Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus on Monday, the scene of clashes between Palestinians loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and rebels supported by Palestinian fighters, activists said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/17/us-syria-crisis-camp-idUSBRE8BG0K820121217

Sweden finds Soviet submarine wreck in Baltic Sea

 Swedish authorities had informed Russia of the find in order to give family members and the Russian navy the opportunity to conduct a memorial ceremony at the site, the military added.
Several Soviet submarines sunk during World War Two have been found in Swedish waters over the years, it added.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/17/us-soviet-submarine-idUSBRE8BG0KN20121217

fulfilling Soviet-era commitments

Russian arms exports reached a record $14 billion this year, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday, extending a run of record-breaking sales in recent years that have included deliveries to Syria despite the civil war raging there.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/17/us-russia-putin-arms-exports-idUSBRE8BG0NM20121217 

Son of Iran's Rafsanjani released from prison

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-iran-rafsanjani-idUSBRE8BF0GX20121216

Hungary's Jews face down new extremism

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-hungary-jews-idUSBRE8BF0HI20121216

Iran president cancels Turkey visit amid Syria rift

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-turkey-iran-idUSBRE8BF0KC20121216

France says Afghan officials to meet Taliban near Paris

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-france-afghanistan-idUSBRE8BF0K320121216

Bangladesh war crimes victims seek justice

The Bangladeshi war of independence with Pakistan in 1971 left an estimated three million people dead and displaced many more.
At the height of the conflict, rape was commonly used as a weapon of war.
Now, 42 years later, some of the victims are seeking justice. But they face an uphill battle.
A war crimes tribunal has been set up, but critics say the process is flawed with political motives.
Bangladesh war crimes victims seek justice - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Indigenous groups protest across Canada

Indigenous groups protest across Canada - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Spain seizes assets owned by Egypt's Mubarak

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/13/us-spain-mubarak-idUSBRE8BC0SK20121213

EU to consider all options to help Syrian rebels

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/14/us-syria-crisis-eu-idUSBRE8BD0HN20121214

Rousseff maintains popularity despite stalled Brazil economy

 Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff remains highly popular despite a stalled economy and political scandals that have tarnished the reputation of her ruling Workers' Party, an opinion poll published on Friday showed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/14/us-brazil-politics-poll-idUSBRE8BD0T120121214

Russia says Syrian rebels may be victorious

Russia says Syrian rebels may be victorious - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Israeli envoy warns against wearing kippot in Copenhagen

Israeli envoy warns against wearing kippot in Copenhagen - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

France steps up struggle against religious radicals

France will deport foreign-born imams and disband radical faith-based groups, including hardline traditionalist Catholics, if a new surveillance policy signals they suffer a "religious pathology" and could become violent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-france-religion-extremists-idUSBRE8BB0VA20121212 

France steps up struggle against religious radicals

  France will deport foreign-born imams and disband radical faith-based groups, including hardline traditionalist Catholics, if a new surveillance policy signals they suffer a "religious pathology" and could become violent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-france-religion-extremists-idUSBRE8BB0VA20121212

Panama embroils Argentina in its eighth WTO dispute since May

 Panama filed a dispute against Argentina at the World Trade Organization on Wednesday, alleging the government of Cristina Fernandez had broken WTO rules by discriminating against imports of goods and services.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-argentina-wto-panama-idUSBRE8BB1AL20121212

how to protect the right to circumcise infant boys (and to oppose)?

These demonstrators seems to ridiculous with such a nonsense agenda for them, hard to see it not as a german "civilized" approach towards "backwards" minorities!
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-germany-circumcision-idUSBRE8BB1AR20121212

Syria seeks arrest of Lebanese former PM Hariri

  Syria has issued arrest warrants against former Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri and a close political ally for "terrorist crimes" of financing and arming rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, the state news agency SANA said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-syria-crisis-lebanon-idUSBRE8BB1G420121212

Sri Lanka lawyers boycott courts over impeachment

 Sri Lankan lawyers boycotted courts on Wednesday, crippling the judicial system in a protest at what they call an unfair impeachment move against the chief justice and is viewed abroad as a blow to judicial independence.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-srilanka-impeachment-protest-idUSBRE8BB1GI20121212

Thousands of Hungarian students rally against government

 Thousands of students rallied on Wednesday against the Hungarian government's planned sharp cuts in state-financed places at universities, blocking peak traffic on one of the main bridges in Budapest and several roads in freezing weather.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-hungary-protest-students-idUSBRE8BB1I220121212

U.N. Security Council condemns North Korea launch, weighs response

 The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday condemned North Korea's missile launch and will continue discussions on how to respond to Pyongyang's violations of a U.N. ban on North Korean ballistic missile development, the council president said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-korea-north-un-idUSBRE8BB16Q20121212

Factbox: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-venezuela-chavez-person-idUSBRE8BB1N420121212

Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to investigate spy attack

 Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed on Wednesday to jointly investigate an assassination attempt last week on Afghanistan's spy chief that has heightened tension between the countries after Kabul said the raid was planned in Pakistan.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-turkey-afghanistan-pakistan-idUSBRE8BB1LV20121212

Syria opposition wins international backing

 More than 100 states recognise opposition coalition as "legitimate representative", opening way for greater assistance.
Syria opposition wins international backing - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

'Friends of Syria' recognise opposition

 Over 100 nations meeting in Morocco officially recognise opposition coalition as "legitimate representative" of Syria.
'Friends of Syria' recognise opposition - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

IMF $4.8 billion loan to Egypt delayed as crisis over constitution deepens

IMF $4.8 billion loan to Egypt delayed as crisis over constitution deepens - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

U.S. designates Syrian rebel group as terror organization

 State Department imposes sanctions on Al-Nousra Front leader for alleged link to al-Qaida; activists: up to 200 wounded in attack on Alawite village, unclear who behind assault.
U.S. designates Syrian rebel group as terror organization - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

as mães e os bebês do crack

 

http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/cotidiano/1198702-em-maternidade-para-viciada-em-crack-mae-tem-alta-mas-bebe-fica.shtml

Ataque a ônibus na Zona Norte de SP

2 people died inside the bus, but nowhere there are their names, family, like nameless people, so failed state that would be better to recognize how inhuman is all the media discourse that prefers to hope for a better future instead of demanding action from a state that sells itself as an emerging power 

http://g1.globo.com/sao-paulo/noticia/2012/12/seis-pms-sao-presos-por-abordagem-suspeitos-antes-de-ataque-onibus.html

U.S. drone strike kills another al Qaeda commander in Pakistan

The attack killed Mohammad Ahmed Almansoor and three others in a village close to Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, near the Afghan border.
The drone fired missiles at a house with Almansoor inside, destroying two rooms and a car. Four drones were seen flying over the area during the attack, residents and government officials said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/09/us-pakistan-drone-qaeda-idUSBRE8B802620121209

Atheists around world suffer persecution, discrimination: report

 According to its survey of some 60 countries, the seven where expression of atheist views or defection from the official religion can bring capital punishment are Afghanistan, Iran, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.
The 70-page report lists no recent cases of actual execution for "atheism" -- but researchers say the offence is often subsumed into other charges.
In a range of other countries - such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait and Jordan - publication of atheist or humanist views on religion are totally banned or strictly limited under laws prohibiting "blasphemy".
In many of these countries, and others like Malaysia, citizens have to register as adherents of a small number officially-recognized religions -- which normally include no more than Christianity and Judaism as well as Islam.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE8B900520121210

Egypt's Morsi rescinds controversial decree

Egypt's Morsi rescinds controversial decree - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The Arab villages that were: a new Israeli guidebook

 
 A new volume in Hebrew and Arabic retraces a past that many prefer to forget.
By Moshe Gilad The Arab villages that were: a new Israeli guidebook - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians mark Hamas' 25th anniversary in Gaza rally

 
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians mark Hamas' 25th anniversary in Gaza rally - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Iran's historic baazar - In Pictures

 
In pictures: Iran's historic baazar - In Pictures - Al Jazeera English

Lebanon's Tripoli begins to look like Syria

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-lebanon-tripoli-idUSBRE8B60OL20121207

Hamas chief Meshaal makes historic Gaza visit

 "I hope God will make me a martyr on the land of Palestine in Gaza," Meshaal said shortly after crossing from Egypt into Gaza via the southern Rafah crossing.
Hamas chief Meshaal makes historic Gaza visit - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

As tanks face off, Iraqi rivals see political gains

A hundred miles from Baghdad, tanks are facing off across a frontline defined not by an international border but by ethnic enmity, fueled by past bloodshed and future oil wealth, that risks tearing Iraq apart.
The sun-blazoned flag of Kurdistan flies from the turrets of Soviet-built armored vehicles, seized a decade ago from Saddam Hussein's army, their barrels now aimed at the unseen forces of Iraq's national government on the far side of Tuz Khurmato, a town beyond the formal boundary of the Kurds' autonomous region.
For three weeks, Kurdish "peshmerga" and soldiers of Baghdad's Arab army, have been reinforcing positions in the "disputed territories", a long, ill-defined swathe of northern Iraq, rich in oil and communal complexity, where the federal government and Kurdish leaders based in Arbil vie for control.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-iraq-kurds-standoff-idUSBRE8B50UC20121206

EU, U.S. step up WTO action in Argentina trade row

 The European Union and the United States stepped up their fight against Argentine trade practices on Thursday, formally requesting the World Trade Organization rule on whether the South American country's import restrictions are illegal.
The move followed similar challenges from Japan and Mexico, meaning Buenos Aires is now embroiled in disputes with four major trade partners, who say its rules discriminate against foreign goods at a time when trade is central to their hopes of an economic recovery.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-eu-trade-argentina-idUSBRE8B510120121206

Guatemala rejects request for asylum by McAfee

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/net-us-belize-mcafee-guatemala-idUSBRE8B513F20121206

Muslim Brotherhood offices in Cairo set on fire

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-egypt-politics-fire-idUSBRE8B51FS20121206

King Abdullah first 'state visit'

 
Jordan slams Israeli E-1 settlement plans during king's rare visit to West Bank - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Brazilian architect Niemeyer dies at 104

R.I.P
Brazilian architect Niemeyer dies at 104 - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Hamas chief to make first visit to Gaza on Friday

interesting what would happen if Israel happens to kill him in a targeted killing... at least hard to believe they gonna go that far
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-palestinians-hamas-chief-idUSBRE8B414A20121205

Russia, Turkey discuss new ideas on Syria: Kremlin

 Russian and Turkish diplomats will soon start working on new ideas for ending the conflict in Syria which emerged in talks between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-syria-crisis-russia-turkey-idUSBRE8B415T20121205

No military intervention in Mali before September: U.N. peacekeeping chief

Africa, no oil, takes time...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-mali-un-idUSBRE8B415120121205

Russia slams Hague court for freeing Croatian generals

 Russia sharply criticized the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on Wednesday over recent decisions to free two Croatian generals and a Kosovo Albanian former guerilla commander, describing the court as careless and ineffective.
Last month, the most senior Croatian military officer convicted of war crimes during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, General Ante Gotovina, was freed on appeal in a decision that is straining already fraught relations between Croatia and its old enemy, Serbia.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-warcrimes-gotovina-russia-idUSBRE8B500020121206

Ethiopia PM willing to talk to Eritrea

Ethiopia PM willing to talk to Eritrea - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Several killed in Egypt clashes

 At least four people have been killed in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, as supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi clashed near the presidential palace, the health ministry says.
Several killed in Egypt clashes - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Software guru to seek asylum in Guatemala

Software guru to seek asylum in Guatemala - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Brazil arrests dozens of 'corrupt policemen'

the enemy from within
Brazil arrests dozens of 'corrupt policemen' - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Clashes outside Egypt's presidential palace

Clashes outside Egypt's presidential palace - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Terrorist attacks mapped around the world

OF THE 158 countries the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) cover in their inaugural global terrorism index, only 31 have had no attacks in the ten years to 2011. Yet although attacks are distributed widely around the world, the majority are concentrated in just a handful of countries. Iraq ranks first based on a five-year weighted average of the number of incidents, deaths, injuries and estimated property damage. It has suffered from the most attacks, including 11 of the world's worst 20. Indeed, Iraqis comprised one third of deaths from terrorism between 2002 and 2011. But while the number of incidents there have climbed since 2007, deaths have actually declined. Other terrorist hotspots include Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. The worst attack over the period was in Nepal, where 518 people died and 216 were injured. If there is any small cause for comfort, it is that terrorist incidents have plateaued since their peak in 2008.

 
http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/12/daily-chart-0?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/dc/terrorism

Iraq denies entry to Turkish minister

Iraq denies entry to Turkish minister - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

It's time for Israel to talk to Hamas

 Just as the PLO was transformed into the Palestinian Authority, so it is time to start treating Hamas not as a 'terror organization,' but as a government.
By A.B. Yehoshua http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/it-s-time-for-israel-to-talk-to-hamas.premium-1.482124

Colombia rebels 'killed in military attack'

Colombia rebels 'killed in military attack' - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Court grants divorce to gay couple for first time in Israeli history

Judge rejects state's arguments that only the rabbinical courts have the authority to dissolve marriage, instructs Interior Ministry to register the former lovers as divorced.

Court grants divorce to gay couple for first time in Israeli history Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Following UN vote on Palestine, Israel may now find itself at The Hague

Following UN vote on Palestine, Israel may now find itself at The Hague - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Morsi calls referendum on new constitution

 Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi received a copy of the country's draft constitution on Saturday night and announced plans for a December 15 public referendum on the draft.
He called for the vote in a speech before members of the constituent assembly, the 100-member panel that drafted the controversial document. Morsi praised their work, describing it as another step toward "fulfilling the goals" of the revolution that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak last year.
Hossam el-Gheryani, the head of the assembly, also spoke. "We added freedoms in the draft that did not exist before," he said.
Morsi thanked the nearly two dozen members of the assembly who quit in recent weeks. "Their work can't be ignored," Morsi said.
But many feel it has been: Liberals and representatives of the Coptic Church withdrew from deliberations and accused the panel of pushing an Islamist agenda.
Morsi calls referendum on new constitution - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Palestinian statehood of confusion

 Palestine has now won recognition as a state from the United Nations and at least 132 countries. But whether it will succeed in translating its new title into substantive statehood, or whether continued Israeli rule will turn the title into an empty shell, remains an open question.
Palestinian statehood of confusion - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper