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

Ukraine remembers the Holodomor

Ukraine's tragic history

http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2012/11/ukraines-tragic-history 

U.N. rights chief says Mursi decree breaks human rights law

The U.N. human rights chief has warned Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi that his decree expanding his powers would put him beyond the law and open the door to human rights violations, her spokesman said on Friday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-egypt-un-rights-idUSBRE8AT0QO20121130 

Colombia seeks talks with Nicaragua to solve maritime spat

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-colombia-nicaragua-maritime-idUSBRE8AT0UM20121130

Deploying missiles in Turkey could take several weeks: NATO

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-turkey-nato-idUSBRE8AT0VY20121130

Egypt's draft constitution

OVERVIEW - The draft provides for basic protections against arbitrary detention and torture and for some economic rights. But, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch, it fails to end military trials of civilians or to protect freedom of expression and religion.
* POWERS - The constitution limits the president to two four-year terms. The president must secure parliament's approval for his choice of prime minister. The head of state can declare war with parliament's approval, but must consult a newly defined national defense council, in which generals outnumber civilians.
* RELIGION - Sharia, or Islamic law, remains the main source of legislation. Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's top authority, is to be consulted on "matters related to sharia". In personal status affairs, Christians and Jews would follow their religious codes. Religious freedom is limited to Muslims, Christians and Jews.
* WOMEN'S RIGHTS - The draft drops an earlier article linking women's rights to sharia. But it does not mention women in an article prohibiting discrimination, saying only: "Citizens are equal before the law and equal in rights and obligations without discrimination." (Reporting by David Cutler, London Editorial Reference Unit, Editing by Mark Heinrich)
 http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-egypt-constitution-points-idUSBRE8AT0X520121130

Panama's police kill FARC guerrilla, capture 7 on Colombia border

Panama's national border police on Friday killed one FARC guerrilla and captured seven others while patrolling the remote jungle border province of Darien, a police spokeswoman said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/01/us-panama-farc-idUSBRE8B003620121201 

U.S. demands Iran release hunger-striking human rights lawyer

The United States on Friday demanded that Iran free jailed human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh, who it said has been on hunger strike for more than six weeks, and sharply criticized Iranian authorities for their treatment of the 49-year-old prize-winning lawyer.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/01/us-usa-iran-sotoudeh-idUSBRE8B002P20121201 

Thousands of Palestinians launch independence celebrations in West Bank and Gaza Strip

 Holiday declared in Palestinian Authority. For first time in five years, Fatah allowed to demonstrate in Gaza City, together with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Thousands of Palestinians launch independence celebrations in West Bank and Gaza Strip - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

In response to UN vote, Israel to build 3,000 new homes in settlements

 Netanyahu orders thousands of new housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank; controversial plans for new construction in the E1 area near Jerusalem will be advanced, contrary to commitments made to the Obama administration.
In response to UN vote, Israel to build 3,000 new homes in settlements - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Thousands rally in Cairo against constitution

uneasy transition ongoing
Thousands rally in Cairo against constitution - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

UNGA votes on Palestinian bid to become non-member observer state

The 41 nations that abstained are: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dem. Rep. of Congo, Estonia, Fiji, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Korea, Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, United Kingdom, Vanuatu.

 Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Panama, United States vote against.
LIVE BLOG: UNGA votes on Palestinian bid to become non-member observer state - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

U.N. General Assembly committee on Tuesday condemned Syria and Iran for widespread human rights abuses

 The draft resolution on Syria, which was co-sponsored by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Britain, France and other Arab and Western states, received 132 votes in favor - 10 more than a similar resolution last year received - along with 12 against and 35 abstentions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-syria-iran-un-idUSBRE8AQ1BG20121127

Turkey lifts headscarf ban in religious schools

 Turkey has lifted a ban on female students wearing headscarves in schools providing religious education, in a move drawing criticism from secularists who see it as fresh evidence of the government pushing an Islamic agenda.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-turkey-headscarf-idUSBRE8AR0JW20121128

Egyptian Christians sentenced to death for Islam film

 A Cairo court on Wednesday sentenced to death seven Egyptian Christians tried in absentia for participating in an anti-Islam video that was released on the Internet in September and prompted violent protests in Muslim countries.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-egypt-christians-court-idUSBRE8AR0J320121128

Britain could support Palestinian U.N. upgrade bid

Britain said it would support a Palestinian bid for a diplomatic upgrade at the United Nations if it received assurances that the Palestinians would return to peace talks and would not seek to prosecute Israelis through the International Criminal Court.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-palestinians-statehood-britain-idUSBRE8AR0HP20121128

Germany will not back Palestinian U.N. bid: government spokesman

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-mideast-palestinians-germany-idUSBRE8AR0IV20121128

Colombia leaves pact recognizing U.N. court rulings

 Colombia has withdrawn from a treaty that binds it to the U.N. International Court of Justice in anger at a ruling that shifts some of its resource-rich waters to Nicaragua, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Wednesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-colombia-icj-idUSBRE8AR16U20121128

Jewish group raps eastern EU states on Holocaust property claims

 A global Jewish group urged central and east European countries on Wednesday to return or provide compensation for property seized during the Holocaust and accused Poland, Latvia and Romania in particular of foot-dragging.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-europe-holocaust-property-idUSBRE8AR19Q20121128

Hungarian Jews ask Russia to return looted scrolls

 
Hungarian Jews ask Russia to return looted scrolls - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Nazi war criminal, 91, charged in Germany with third WWII murder

 
Nazi war criminal, 91, charged in Germany with third WWII murder - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Norway police apologize over World War II deportations of Jews

Norway's chief of police Monday expressed "regret" over the police force's role in the arrests and deportations of Jews from the German-occupied country during World War II.
"On behalf of Norwegian police and those involved in the deportations of Norwegian Jews, I wish to express regret," Odd Reidar Humlegard said on public broadcaster NRK.
The apology coincided with the 70th anniversary of the deportation of 532 Norwegian Jews on a vessel named Donau.
During the war, 772 Norwegian Jews and Jewish refugees were deported to Nazi concentration camps. Only 34 survived.
Norway police apologize over World War II deportations of Jews - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Let Women Fight

Let Women Fight: The U.S. military’s ban on women in combat rests on false stereotypes and an outdated understanding of war. Irregular warfare has blurred the concept of frontlines, meaning that many female American soldiers already risk their lives in battle. And research suggests that women can meet the functional requirements of fighting and that mixed combat units are no less effective than all-male ones. It’s time to abandon a policy that does no good -- and treats half of Americans as less than equal.

Palestinians win more European support for limited statehood

 Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, and Spain will join France in backing Palestinian upgrade at UN; Britain seeking assurances from Palestinians; Germany will oppose move.
Palestinians win more European support for limited statehood - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Egypt police fire tear gas at throngs in Tahrir Square, one protester dead

Egypt police fire tear gas at throngs in Tahrir Square, one protester dead - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

toward a counter-revolution?

"the revolution itself paralyzes its own apostles, and equips only its adversaries with passionate violence. When the "Red Spectre", constantly conjured up and exorcised by the counter-revolutionists finally does appear, it does not appear with the Anarchist Phrygian cap on its head, but in the uniform of Order, in the Red Breeches of the French Soldier." The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, Karl Marx
Tension high in Cairo after mass protests - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Brazil's Rousseff scrambles to contain latest scandal

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-brazil-corruption-idUSBRE8AQ0QQ20121127

war criminals could escape law in Colombia

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-colombia-un-rights-idUSBRE8AQ0QG20121127

Hungarian Jews ask Russia to return looted scrolls

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-hungary-russia-jewish-property-idUSBRE8AQ0PF20121127

Palestinians say no rush to join international court after U.N. vote

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-palestinians-statehood-idUSBRE8AQ0ZC20121127

"Jewish list" call in Hungary parliament

 A call in the Hungarian parliament for Jews to be registered on lists as threats to national security sparked international condemnation of Nazi-style policies and a protest outside the legislature in Budapest on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/us-hungary-antisemitism-idUSBRE8AQ1BN20121127

Gazans say 'Thank you Iran', for missiles used against Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

 
Gazans say 'Thank you Iran', for missiles used against Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Iran allegedly planning nuclear weapon stronger than bomb used on Hiroshima

 
Iran allegedly planning nuclear weapon stronger than bomb used on Hiroshima - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

France to recognize Palestinian state at UN

 
France to recognize Palestinian state at UN - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Hundreds of thousands pack Cairo's Tahrir Square in anti-Morsi demonstration - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

 
Hundreds of thousands pack Cairo's Tahrir Square in anti-Morsi demonstration - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Egyptians stage mass anti-Morsi rally

Egyptians stage mass anti-Morsi rally - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

How to negotiate with pirates in the Horn of Africa

 Economists have been interested in the free-market ways of pirates for a while. Last year a team of three published a paper drawing on data from more than 10,000 negotiations that took place from 1575 to 1739 between North African pirates on one side and monks acting for Spanish families on the other. They found that the Spanish managed to pay lower ransoms by dragging talks out. Data on the activities of present-day pirates in Somalia are more, well, patchy. To fill the gap, the authors of a new paper gathered data from pirate negotiators.

http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21567077-how-negotiate-pirates-horn-africa-bargain-somali

Australia apologizes for abuse in military going back to 1950s

Australia's government and defense force commander apologized to hundreds of victims of abuse within the military on Monday, clearing the way for victims to receive compensation.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-australia-abuse-idUSBRE8AP04120121126 

Medvedev criticizes France for backing Syrian rebels

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-russia-france-idUSBRE8AP05120121126

Kurdish militant leader wields influence from island prison

 Snatched by Turkish commandos in Nairobi, Kurdish rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan looked resigned and bewildered as he was flown back to Ankara, the gallows beckoning. A decade later, on his island prison, he appears to have the ear of a Turkish government eager to end a devastating conflict.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-turkey-kurds-ocalan-idUSBRE8AP07P20121126

Norway's police apologize for deporting Jews

 Norwegian police apologized for the first time on Monday for their complicity in the deportation and murder of over 700 Jews during the Nazi occupation in World War Two, just months after the prime minister made a formal apology.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-norway-holocaust-idUSBRE8AP0PM20121126

Iraqi forces agree with Kurds to defuse tension

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-iraq-kurds-idUSBRE8AP0TJ20121126

Separatist parties win Catalonia election in Spain

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-spain-catalonia-idUSBRE8AO08S20121126

Infographic: The politics of climate change - Interactive

Infographic: The politics of climate change - Interactive - Al Jazeera English

Jewish cultural center to open in Portugal - Trancoso

 
Jewish cultural center to open in Portugal - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Egypt judges call for nationwide strike

 Supreme Judicial Council has urged President Morsi to retract decree they see as an "unprecedented attack" on judiciary.
Egypt judges call for nationwide strike - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Nicaragua expects Colombia to respect border ruling

The ICJ ruled on Monday that a cluster of disputed small islands in the western Caribbean belonged to Colombia and not to Nicaragua but drew a demarcation line in favor of Nicaragua in the nearby waters.
The court said the territorial waters extending out from the seven islets, which are nearer Nicaragua's coast than Colombia's, should not cut into Nicaragua's continental shelf. The ruling reduced the expanse of ocean belonging to Colombia.
The decision, which is binding, increases the size of Nicaragua's continental shelf and economic exclusion zone in the Caribbean, which would give it access to rich underwater oil and gas deposits as well as fishing rights.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/24/us-nicaragua-colombia-idUSBRE8AN01P20121124

More than 350 African migrants intercepted off Italy

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/24/us-italy-migrants-idUSBRE8AN0CU20121124

"Tomato revolution" gains momentum in Bulgaria

 Hundreds of Bulgarians, inspired by a shaggy-haired poet, protested in front of parliament on Saturday, some of them throwing tomatoes in what they are calling a "tomato revolution" against corruption.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/24/us-bulgaria-protest-tomato-idUSBRE8AN0CI20121124

Police posted at Venezuela synagogue after anti-Israel protest

 Police have been posted outside a synagogue in Venezuela's capital to step up security after an anti-Israel protest during which Jewish community leaders say demonstrators hurled fireworks and shouted anti-Semitic slogans.
Police posted at Venezuela synagogue after anti-Israel protest - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Spain to ease naturalization of Sephardic Jews

 
Spain to ease naturalization of Sephardic Jews - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

IDF arrests Hamas MP in West Bank

Palestinians: IDF arrests Hamas MP in West Bank - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Hamas official says group won't stop arming, despite truce with Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Moussa Abu Marzuk says smuggled, manufactured weapons helped Hamas to defend itself, adding that there was 'no way to stop obtaining and manufacturing them.'

Hamas official says group won't stop arming, despite truce with Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Ahmadinejad: Gaza flare-up shows Israel's must 'bow' to Palestinian rights

Iran's Ahmadinejad: Gaza flare-up shows Israel's must 'bow' to Palestinian rights - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

 

In keeping Gaza truce with Israel, Hamas shows it has much more to lose

Unlike in previous cease-fires, this time Hamas was quick to reign in small factions in the Gaza Strip, and handled an incident near the border fence with Israel differently than it would have in the past.

In keeping Gaza truce with Israel, Hamas shows it has much more to lose - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

when past strikes again

The Greek Resistance - Al Jazeera Correspondent - Al Jazeera English

Egypt judiciary blasts Morsi's decree - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

 
Egypt judiciary blasts Morsi's decree - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Lebanon's Nasrallah congratulates Hamas over 'victory'

Lebanon's Nasrallah congratulates Hamas over 'victory' - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Iron Dome is the hero of the hour

 
on post-modern warfare, robots are far more effective then humans, but still relies on a combination of both. it should lead to a further reflection on the role of armies and contention operations, and if they are really effective in cost-benefits terms...
http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/week-s-end/israel-s-iron-dome-is-the-hero-of-the-hour-but-bigger-challenges-lie-ahead.premium-1.480085

Morsi decree triggers mass protests in Egypt

the revolution and the counter-revolution
Morsi decree triggers mass protests in Egypt - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Ex-Ivorian leader's wife gets ICC warrant

Ex-Ivorian leader's wife gets ICC warrant - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Egypt president sacks prosecutor general

 President Morsi issues declaration sacking Abdel-Meguid Mahmoud and ordering new investigations into protesters' deaths.
Egypt president sacks prosecutor general - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Lebanon dismantles rocket aimed at Israel

Lebanon dismantles rocket aimed at Israel - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper