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Myanmar Releases 9,002 Prisoners, Plus Democracy Activist

CitizenSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:49 -0700

Still reeling from the effects of the cyclone this Spring, rats and all, Myanmar's junta has released 9,002 prisoners in a gesture they say is full of "loving kindness and goodwill," despite the fact that many doubt political prisoners will be in those numbers. One exception, Myanmar's longest serving political prisoner, Win Tin, who has been held since 1989. The 78-year-old spoke following his release from a friend's house saying, "I have to continue with my unfinished task of trying to achieve democracy in Myanmar."

Oddly, that very "democracy" seems to have sparked the release of the 9,002 prisoners as the junta, who have ruled uncontested since 1962, say they released them in order to take part in elections set for 2010 as part of their seven-step "roadmap to democracy." Skepticism on that roadmap, abounds, and that it's nothing but a charade set to cement the military's power.

That military power just earned the country a dubious honor, and a big donation from Brad Pitt. To see what they won,

Front Page: Bush to Announce Troop Levels, Thai PM Told to Resign, Kim Jong-Il's Health Questioned

CitizenSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:00:05 -0700

Bush on Troop Levels:
In moments, President Bush is set to order a reduction of 8,000 more combat and support troops out of Iraq by February, leaving about the same level for the rest of the year. Bush's address today may be the final stamp on the war during his presidency. Of the 146,000 US troops in Iraq, there have been hints that troops could come home in the first half of 2009 if conditions improve.

Thai PM Told to Resign:
The Thai Prime Minister has been ordered to resign after being found guilty of constitutional misdeeds on a TV cooking show. He was found to have violated the ban on ministers having outside interests by accepting money to host the show. His entire cabinet must step down as well.

Kim Jong-Il's Health Questioned:
North Korea's 60th anniversary today is marked by boasts of its "war-deterring" nuclear capabilities, and questions whether its leader, Kim Jong-Il would appear. No plans for the massive military parades usually seen have been made, and Kim Jong-Il hasn't been seen in public since mid-August. The conspicuous absence raises questions of his health.

Source

Which Countries Are Most Corrupt? Not New Zealand, Denmark

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:00:59 -0700

Money could very well be the root of all evil — though in the latest study of corrupt countries, it's actually the lack of money that sparks trouble. The new report by Transparency International found that in two-fifths of the world's nations, corruption continues to intensify — a trend that can be traced to economic realities. In the countries found to be the most corrupt, 40 percent are classified by the World Bank as low income.

Transparency International's rankings range on a scale from 10 (on the up-and-up) to 1 (rampant corruption). How common is corruption? Of the 180 countries surveyed, 132 of them had scores below a 5. Other factors that contribute to a cloudy ethical picture are weak governments and conflict. The chairman of Transparency International says, "Countries torn apart by conflict pay a huge toll in their capacity to govern. With public institutions crippled or nonexistent, mercenary individuals help themselves to public resources, and corruption thrives."

Another troublesome mix? Weak government plus plentiful natural resources, like in Equatorial Guinea where 30 percent of the newly discovered oil profits go straight to government officials' wallets. To see which countries ranked where,

Front Page: South Africa Sets Up Camps, Olmert Called to Step Down, Nepal To Become Republic

CitizenSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:00:06 -0700

South Africa Sets Up Camps: South Africa is about to create seven refugee camps around the country for foreign migrant workers who have fled a recent wave of anti-immigrant violence. Taking the pressure off of the increasingly unsanitary conditions currently housing the workers at temporary shelters put up around state buildings, the new camps will take up to 70,000 people. Respected international aid agencies have advised the government not to set up camps as they say South Africa does not have the expertise necessary to run them. Fifty-six people have been killed and more than 650 injured in the attacks.

Olmert Called to Step Down: Israel’s defense minister Ehud Barak called today for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step down pending the outcome of a high-profile corruption investigation in which Olmert is tied. Barak said, “The prime minister must disconnect himself from the daily running of the government.” Yesterday a Long Island businessman at the center of the corruption case testified that he gave about envelopes of cash totaling about $150,000, to Olmert over the course of 13 years. He said the money was for campaign funding and personal expenses. Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and has promised to step down if found guilty.
Nepal To Become Republic: The newly-elected Nepalese assembly is to meet in Kathmandu to abolish the monarchy but its key vote has been postponed by a boming in the capital that injured two people while the new cabinet was being sworn in. Thousands of people have gathered on the streets near the assembly in support of "republic day". Ending 240 years of royal rule, supporters are ecstatic. One said, "This is the people's victory. With today's declaration of a republic we have achieved what we fought for."