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Front Page: Study Pegs Afghanistan as Crisis, State Ownership of Banks Considered, Zimbabwe's Inflation Hits Extreme High

CitizenSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:00:26 -0700

Study Pegs Afghanistan Crisis:
A report by US intelligence agencies says Afghanistan is in a "downward spiral" and injects doubt over the ability of the Afghan government to overcome the Taliban's influence. The strength of the government has been severely compromised by corruption within Karzai's administration. The conclusions of the report indicate it should have been central to the war on terror, an effort now in need of more international troops.

State Ownership of Banks Considered:
The White House is considering ownership stakes in some US banks as a way of stemming the severe global credit crisis. Though no decision has been made, the $700 billion Bailout Bill allows the Treasury Department to get ownership stakes in financial institutions in exchange for the bailout.

Zimbabwe's Inflation Hits Extreme High:
The official annual inflation rate of Zimbabwe has hit 231,000,000 percent. The new astronomical number is up from 11,000,000 percent a year ago. The power-sharing deal between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai did little to reverse the downward spiral of the economy. The UN estimates two million people are in need of food aid, a number that will rise to half the population by early next year.

Cows Become Currency in Zimbabwe

LibertySugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:59 -0700

A Zimbabwe school is telling parents that if they can't scrape up enough money, they should pay tuition with livestock or fuel coupons. Thanks to insane inflation, parents are short on cash. School fees are about 100,000 Zimbabwe dollars, but banks only let people withdraw 1,000 Zimbabwe dollars a day. In addition, the official inflation rate this year is 11,000,000 percent.

Even though school officials say the in-kind tuition deal idea came from the parents, residents are asking the government to step in a stop the program. Many worry that the teachers or headmasters are getting a windfall from the practice.

Since the money crisis has been turning people into vegetarians, it makes some sense they are giving up their livestock. Maybe President Bush should tell Congress that they better pass the bailout soon, or the US will soon be using cows as its currency.

Source

Front Page: Fed Pumps in Money, Petraeus Leaves Iraq, Rivals Sign Power Sharing Agreement

CitizenSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:00:17 -0700

Fed Pumps in Money:
The Federal Reserve has added $70 billion of reserves into banks, the largest cash infusion since the attacks of 9/11. They're hoping to reverse a surge in borrowing costs caused by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Meanwhile, stocks in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong all fell sharply.

Petraeus Leaves Iraq:
Gen. David Petraeus has handed over command of the US military in Iraq to Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno amid praise from Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Upon leaving, Petraeus said, ". . . the reality is that there has been significant progress but there are still serious challenges.” His successor Odierno warned of the progress saying, "gains are fragile and reversible."

Rivals Sign Power Sharing Agreement:
And end to 28 years of uninterrupted power, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has signed an agreement with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to divide the responsibilities for the troubled country. Mugabe said of the plan, “we are committed to the deal. We will do our best, and Tsvangirai said it means he, “sees the return of hope to all our lives.” Among the audience watching the signing were many opposition workers who had been in hiding after government sponsored violence forced them to flee.

Source

Front Page: Hurricane Ike Tonight, English Channel Fire Burns, Zimbabwe Rivals Strike Power Agreement

CitizenSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:00:51 -0700

Hurricane Ike Tonight:
Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall with a direct hit to Galveston and Houston, with a population of 5.6 million. The National Hurricane center was crystal clear with their warning for evacuation: "Persons not heeding evacuation orders in single family one- or two-story homes will face certain death." Forecasters expect water 22 feet above sea level.

English Channel Fire Burns:
Firefighters are still putting out small fires after a blaze shut down undersea traffic in the tunnel between England and France. The tunnel remains closed to train traffic after a fire broke out yesterday afternoon in a truck aboard a 30-car shuttle train. The fire is the most serious incident since the tunnel opened in 1994.

Zimbabwe Rivals Strike Power Agreement:
President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have agreed to a power-sharing deal after more than a month of discussion. Though specific details of the deal have not been released, the fact that Mugabe has released any authority signals a loosening of his grip over Zimbabwe. Worry remains that the deal has too much crossover power to grant the country the stability it needs.

Source

Front Page: US Clinches Relay, China Leads Medals, Zimbabwe Talks to Resume, Floods in Vietnam Kill 100

CitizenSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:00:41 -0700

US Clinches Relay, China Leads Medals:
The US swimming relay team broke the world record, took gold, and snatched victory from the favored French team as the oldest member of the US swimming team accomplished one of the biggest comebacks overtaking the French team in the last few meters of the relay. The win keeps Michael Phelps dream of winning eight Olympic golds alive. In the overall medal count, China is in the lead with nine golds and 14 medals, South Korea is second in gold, and the US is third with three golds and but second overall with 12. President Bush attended the Games this weekend and said they exceeded his expectations.

Zimbabwe Talks to Resume:
Talks to arrange a power-sharing between Zimbabwe's governing party and opposition are due to resume in the capital today. According to President Robert Mugabe, 14 hours of talks had ended inconclusively though he remains "confident" a deal could be reached. It's thought that Mugabe may become ceremonial president while opposition leader Tsvangirai becomes executive prime minister.
Floods in Vietnam Kill 100:
At least 100 are dead and 50 missing after floods and landslides from tropical storm Kammuri battered the country over the weekend. Flash flooding reduced entire villages to rubble, and the government says more than 4,000 buildings have been flooded. Troops have been deployed in boats to reach those cut off by the waters.

For a stunning underwater photo of the swimming relay,

AIDS Group Says Zimbabwe Using Rape As a Tool of Terror

LibertySugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:15:57 -0700

The Zimbabwe government's youth militia use the most horrific tactic — rape — as a tool to terrorize those suspected of sympathizing with the opposition. President Robert Mugabe's ruling party has been carrying out a campaign of political terror since opposition supporters contested his election.

Today's New York Times paints a graphic picture of how many of Zimbabwe's women have been abused, humiliated, and raped, often in front of their families. State hospitals have turned away rape victims, who are often in pain and bleeding, and looking to prevent pregnancy, HIV, or other STDs.

To find out how an upcoming power-sharing deal might mean the perpetrators never see justice,

Zimbabwe Faces 50 Million Percent Inflation, Uses Gasoline Coupons For Currency

CitizenSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:40:59 -0700

Zimbabwe Faces 50 Million Percent Inflation, Uses Gasoline Coupons For Currency Reeling from the highest inflation rate in the world, barred by the government from using US dollars for purchases, Zimbabweans turned to a new money source Wednesday: gasoline coupons. The move reflected the complete chaos of Zimbabwe's financial system, where prices are openly quoted in the American currency, in Zimbabwe's own new currency that came out Friday, and in its old denominations, which have 10 more zeros than the new bills.

Front Page: Cyclone Recovery to Top $1 Billion, Obama in Iraq, Zimbabwe Rivals Near Deal

CitizenSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:01:34 -0700

Cyclone Recovery to Top $1 Billion:
Cyclone recovery efforts in Myanmar are expected to top $1 billion according to a report released this morning by the UN and ASEAN. The aid will cover the still pressing needs for food, agriculture, and housing, and the country still needs everything from clean water to fishing nets and buffaloes. $178 million has been given already. The May cyclone left at least 138,000 dead or missing.

Obama Arrives in Iraq:
Barack Obama met today with Iraqi officials and military commanders about the conflict in Iraq — the ending of which he's made a feature of his campaign. In Basra, Obama met with US, UK, and Iraqi military leaders before traveling to Baghdad, where he is to meet Gen. David Petraeus and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Zimbabwe Rivals to Meet:
The ruling party of Robert Mugabe who won last month's contested and violent election, and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai are expected to sign a deal planning talks to end the political crisis in Zimbabwe. The deal, mediated by South African President Thabo Mbeki includes the formation of a unity government and election reforms. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has just introduced a $100 billion dollar bill, as the official inflation rate surpasses 2.2 million percent.

Source

Lykkelig! Danes Top List As Happiest in a Happier World

LibertySugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:45:37 -0700

The world is happier — thanks to economic growth, democracy, and social tolerance, according to the World Values Study. The findings contradicted the assumption that regardless of changing variables, happiness remains constant.

The researchers credit relative quality of life improvements for the global rise in happiness; for example, low-income societies like China experienced economic growth while developed societies saw a rise in equality and tolerance. Denmark is currently the happiest country and Zimbabwe takes last place. Check out the pictures bellow of the happy Danes.

The United States ranks 16th. To find out which countries beat the US,

Zimbabwe President's Spokesman to West: "Go Hang"

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:55:13 -0700

Zimbabwe President's Spokesman to West: "Go Hang" Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will not step down and Western critics who called the country's recent election a sham can "go hang," the longtime ruler's spokesman said Tuesday. Mugabe was attending an African Union summit where leaders have been unwilling to publicly criticize Mugabe, and instead are gently pushing behind the scenes that he accept some sort of power-sharing agreement with Zimbabwe's opposition.

Front Page: Mugabe at African Union Summit, Bush Signs War Bill, India Goes Solar

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:58:14 -0700

Mugabe at African Union Summit:
Newly sworn-in for a sixth term as president, Robert Mugabe who wrested a win from violent elections in Zimbabwe, is traveling in his official capacity. Mugabe arrived in Egypt today for an African Union summit, under pressure from the UN and his neighbors to create peace with his adversaries, perhaps difficult as world leaders have called the contest illegitimate because of bloodshed and intimidation, being neither free, fair, nor credible. The UN deputy secretary general, told the African leaders "we are facing an extremely grave crisis. This is the single greatest challenge to regional stability in Southern Africa, not only because of its terrible humanitarian and security consequences, but because of the dangerous political precedent it sets.” US Secretary of State Rice has also urged strong international action against Zimbabwe.

Bush Signs War Bill:
Moments ago, President Bush signed $162 billion war spending plan that constitutes the budget for military action in Iraq and Afghanistan for the remainder of his term. The spending plan approved by Congress also includes an increase of GI Bill college benefits, and a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. This brings the total of money approved by Congress to more than $650 billion in the past five years.
India Goes Solar:
The Indian government has just announced a plan to confront the threat posed by climate change. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the plan focuses on sustainable sources of energy and that the development of India's capacity to tap solar power would be central to the strategy. Though India's carbon emissions are predicted to rise, Singh says of the plan, "our vision is to make India's economic development energy efficient. Our people have a right to economic and social development and to discard the ignominy of widespread poverty."

Source

Mugabe Sworn in After Discredited Election

CitizenSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:55:09 -0700

Mugabe Sworn in After Discredited Zimbabwe Election President Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a sixth term, just hours after electoral officials said he won a discredited runoff. As dignitaries watched under a red-carpeted tent on Sunday, Mugabe swore to uphold his nation's laws and then sat amid cheering to sign documents. African and other world leaders had condemned Friday's presidential runoff, in which Mugabe was the only candidate.

Front Page: Voters Led to Polls in Zimbabwe, N. Korea Blows, al-Qaeda Figure Dead

CitizenSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Voters Led to Polls in Zimbabwe:
As the Zimbabwe election dawns, any voter turnout could be credited to fear. Marshals are rounding up and leading voters to polling stations, with reports that voters fear punishment or even death if they can't produce the red-tipped finger that signifies a vote. One woman says, "I've got no option but to go and vote so that I can be safe." Not just a vote, a vote for current President Robert Mugabe, as a man concurs, “I voted for Mugabe because I didn’t want to risk my life.” Voters are being told to copy down the serial number on their ballot so that it could later be confirmed that they voted for Mugabe. Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai (who dropped out on Sunday) said, “today is not an election. Today is a shameful humiliation, another tragic day in our nation’s history.”

North Korea Blows:
A huge explosion rocks North Korea as the country demolishes its nuclear cooling tower, one day after agreeing to release the details of it's nuclear program. The tower was the largest visual symbol of the problematic program; its destruction is seen as "a significant and very important step," according to a State Department official.

al-Qaeda Figure Dead:
The US military reports that a militant killed earlier this week has been identified as the leader of al-Qaeda in Mosul. The man whose goes by the name Abu Khalaf had planned and executed many attacks before being shot and killed by US troops during a raid in Mosul. For the past month, US and Iraqi forces have been battling to drive al-Qaeda from the city, which US and Iraqi officials say is al-Qaeda's last urban stronghold in Iraq. Mosul has seen several large attacks in past days, directed toward local anti-Qaeda leaders.

Source

Front Page: Zimbabwe Election Moves Forward, Female Suicide Bomber Attacks, Weather Slows Typhoon Rescue

CitizenSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:58:25 -0700

Zimbabwe Election Moves Forward: After withdrawing yesterday from the run-off election in ZImbabwe, Tsvangirai has said today that he will negotiate with his rival, sitting president Robert Mugabe, if the political violence stops. He said, "We are prepared to negotiate with ZANU-PF but of course it is important that certain principles are accepted before the negotiations take place. One of the preconditions is that this violence against the people must be stopped." Though at this point opposition leaders Tsvangirai has pulled out of the election, it will proceed as planned on Sunday. He says party militias have killed 86 of his supporters and more than 60 opposition supporters have been arrested.

Female Suicide Bomber Attacks: Yesterday, the latest attack in a wave of female suicide bombers killed 15 and wounded more than 40 others in central Baquba. Seven of the dead and 10 of the wounded were Iraqi police officers. The female bombing was the most devastating of four attacks in Diyala Province yesterday that left at least 25 people dead and close to 60 wounded. The bomber who struck the provincial capital was wearing a vest padded with powerful explosives and laced with small projectiles. The magnitude of the blast points to an increased sophistication of the bomb design, which witnesses described as unusually strong.
Weather Slows Typhoon Rescue: Rescue efforts in the capsized ferry accident in the Philippines yesterday were hampered by heavy wind and rains, leading hundreds of ferry passengers, including as many as 45 children, to be feared dead after the devastating typhoon. Rescuers found only a few survivors. The Red Cross reported that at least 137 people had been killed in the typhoon, not including six confirmed dead from the sinking of the ferry, which had been carrying more than 700 passengers and crew members when it went down on Saturday.

Opposition Leader Pulls Out Following Violence in Zimbabwe

CitizenSugar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:17:05 -0700

Today, Zimbabwe’s opposition party, the MDC, has announced it will withdraw from the June 27 run-off against current President Robert Mugabe citing among other reasons, escalating violence at the polls. Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai said his opponent Robert Mugabe had declared war, and that his party would not be part of his war.

Tsvangirai said upon withdrawing, "conditions as of today do not permit the holding of a credible poll. Given the totality of these circumstances, we believe a credible election is impossible. We can't ask the people to cast their vote on June 27 when that vote will cost their lives. We will no longer participate in this violent sham of an election."

Tsvangirai's party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has reported that dozens of their supporters have been murdered. An MDC spokesman painted an alarming picture of recent events: “People are being abducted at night. Our grassroots activists are being subjected to terror. Some of them are staying in the bushes and mountains to avoid Zanu-PF militias (pro-Mugabe).”

Mugabe's recent response to the challenge over his rule? He said that "only God" could remove him. "The MDC will never be allowed to rule this country — never ever. Only God who appointed me will remove me — not the MDC, not the British."

It seems that list now includes voters as well.

Source

Militia in Zimbabwe Attacks, Turns Election Violence Into Terror

CitizenSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:00:22 -0700

The pending presidential run-off in Zimbabwe has made the terrible journey from suspiciously unfair to savage. People are being mutilated and burned alive. Current president Robert Mugabe's militia forces arrived at the house of opposition (MDC) leader Patson Chipiro last Friday. Finding his wife home, the men brutalized her body, locked her in her hut, and threw a fire-bomb through the window.

When Chipiro arrived home, he found his three brick huts engulfed in flames and couldn't find his wife of 29 years anywhere. He said, “I was trying to put the fire out. I thought my wife was hiding in the bushes.” The his four-year-old nephew broke the news. “He ran to me. He said, ‘Auntie has been beaten and they threw her in the fire’.”

Yesterday, Chipiro's wife died, her charred limbs frozen outstretched so the coffin wouldn't close. When Chipiro tried to report the crime, he was first given a form that purposely left our the cause of death — had an officer not intervened, he would have been left voiceless. His wife's attackers came from a nearby ruling party (Zanu-PF) militia camp. Chipiro says, “these youths are taught cruelty. They get used to murdering. They enjoy murdering. They are doing it for money.”

He's scared the attackers will come back for him. Seventy local MDC supporters are camped out in front of his home for protection, and he remains resolute despite these crushing odds. “I am very frightened,” he said. “They want to kill me. But I have no alternative. My presence here as a leader is very important. If I leave, everyone else will leave. I intend to fight the battle, from here.”

Source

Front Page: Hillary and Obama Meet, Zimbabwe Halts Opposition, Bush Overstated Iraq

CitizenSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:57:08 -0700

Hillary and Obama Meet: After fooling the entire press corps, Obama held a secret meeting with Clinton last night in Washington DC. Obama was scheduled to board the campaign plane after a rally in Virginia, and gave the press the slip, staying off the plane, and on the way to Washington. They met in a secret "third party" location and according to aides, “Senator Clinton and Senator Obama met tonight and had a productive discussion about the important work that needs to be done to succeed in November.” Clinton is planning to endorse Mr. Obama tomorrow at a farewell rally with her supporters in Washington.

Zimbabwe Halts Opposition: After detaining opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai for the second time in as many days, Zimbabwe's authorities have canceled several opposition rallies ahead of the June 27 presidential election run-off. The opposition party said they'd received a police letter that saying that "several future public rallies" were to be banned because of security fears, effectively silencing the only method the party has to communicate with supporters.
Bush Overstated Iraq: In a 170-page Senate committee report released yesterday, Senate Democrats and some Republicans concluded that President Bush and his aides built the public case for war against Iraq by exaggerating available intelligence on Saddam Hussein’s links to al Qaeda. The report includes five years of investigations by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence into the use, abuse and faulty assessments of intelligence leading to the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Senator Rockefeller, chair of the intelligence panel said, “The president and his advisers undertook a relentless public campaign in the aftermath of the attacks to use the war against al Qaeda as a justification for overthrowing Saddam Hussein," while a top Republican calls the report a “waste of committee time and resources.”

Zimbabwean Opposition Leader Detained by Police

CitizenSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:55:51 -0700

Zimbabwean Opposition Leader Detained by Police The AP reports: Police have detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai after his convoy was stopped at a roadblock, an opposition party official said Wednesday. Tsvangirai and a group of about 14 party officials were being detained at a police station. No charges have been put to them. Tsvangirai had been campaigning in the area ahead of a presidential runoff on June 27 against President Robert Mugabe.

Front Page: Ted Kennedy In Surgery, Mugabe at UN Food Summit, Gates to Myanmar "Criminal Neglect"

CitizenSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:00:04 -0700

Ted Kennedy In Surgery: Ted Kennedy is at the Duke University Medical Center this morning undergoing surgery for his cancerous brain tumor. The surgery comes after the 76-year-old senator was diagnosed last month with a malignant glioma, an especially lethal type of brain tumor. He's being operated on this morning by one of the nation's top neurosurgeons, Dr. Allan Friedman, and the surgery will be followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Kennedy will recuperate in NC for a week, before moving to Massachusetts General for the rest of his treatment. Kennedy said of the support he's received, ''I am deeply grateful to the people of Massachusetts and to my friends, colleagues and so many others across the country and around the world who have expressed their support and good wishes as I tackle this new and unexpected health challenge. I am humbled by the outpouring and am strengthened by your prayers and kindness.''

Mugabe at UN Food Summit: Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe presence at a United Nations food summit has raised eyebrows and hackles and is being called "obscene". Australia's foreign minister said of the embattled leader's arrival, "this is the person who has presided over the starvation of his people." It's Mugabe's first visit to Europe since the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) won a majority in parliamentary elections in March. He still faces a presidential run-off on June 27 against opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
Gates to Myanmar, "Criminal Neglect": US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said yesterday that Myanmar was guilty of “criminal neglect” for blocking international aid to cyclone victims, and warned that more civilians would perish unless the military regime reversed its policy. Because of the stonewalling, he said it was probably a matter of days before the Pentagon withdrew four Navy ships carrying supplies that have been “steaming in circles” for days in the waters off Myanmar’s coast, waiting for permission to unload their cargo of aid. Gates said, “it’s becoming pretty clear that the regime there is not going to let us help. I’d say that unless the regime changes its approach, changes its policy, more people will die.”

Front Page: IAEA Concerned About Iran, Zimbabwe Toll, Fox Commentator Apologizes

CitizenSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:55:05 -0700

IAEA Concerned About Iran: The International Atomic Energy Agency issued an honest and specific report yesterday saying that Iran’s suspected research into the development of nuclear weapons remained “a matter of serious concern” and that Iran continued to owe the agency “substantial explanations.” The report pegged Iran with a willful lack of cooperation, especially answering whether nuclear capabilities are intended more for military use than for energy generation. According to Western intelligence agencies, Iranians have ventured into explosives, uranium processing, and a missile warhead design — nuclear weapons activities. One official said of Iran's actions, “There are certain parts of their nuclear program where the military seems to have played a role. We want to understand why.”

Zimbabwe Toll: Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said today of the violence resulting from the contested election held in March, "Over 50 Zimbabweans have been killed in the past six weeks. More than 25,000 people have been displaced. I've been saddened that Zimbabweans are willing to shed the blood of other Zimbabweans over political differences." The runoff election between Tsvangirai and incumbent Robert Mugabe is to be held June 27.
Fox Commentator Apologizes: Over the weekend, Fox analyst, Liz Trotta, said while discussing Hillary Clinton's RFK remark “now we have what some are reading as a suggestion that somebody knock off Osama, um, Obama — well, both, if we could.” The Fox News anchor interviewing her was startled saying, “Talk about how you really feel,” as Trotta laughed. Yesterday Trotta went back on Fox News Channel to apologize. She said, “I am so sorry about what happened yesterday in that lame attempt at humor. I sincerely regret it and apologize to anybody I’ve offended. It’s a very colorful political season, and many of us are making mistakes and saying things that we wish that we hadn’t said.”

To see the video of the incident,

South Africa's Xenophobic Violence Displaces Thousands

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:00:37 -0700

In South Africa, xenophobic attacks on foreigners have left at least 20 people dead and 30,000 displaced. For the first time since apartheid ended, South Africa has deployed its army on its own streets, in an attempt to quell the attacks which began about 10 days ago, and have spread throughout the country.

Taking out their frustration with a 40 percent unemployment rate, inflation, and crime, mobs of locals around Johannesburg are targeting Nigerian-owned businesses, or those who have fled turbulent and nearby Zimbabwe to settle in South Africa. Originally, locals were blaming the migrants for crime and economic hard times; yet, now it appears the violence is purposeless and simply criminal.

While President Thabo Mbeki tries to stop the murdering, abuse, and looting, South African relief agencies are raising funds to help address the long term needs of the thousands of people who have been wounded or displaced. The Red Cross hopes to connect victims with psychological assistance as well as with their families outside the country. The organization also is launching an anti-discrimination campaign in the local communities.

For an inside look at the unrest, check out these pictures. At what point do economic frustration and intolerance turn to widespread violence? How can this tipping point be avoided?

Source

Front Page: Fleeing South Africa Attacks, Ted Kennedy Seizure, Disaster Zones Mourn

CitizenSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:56:56 -0700

Fleeing South Africa Attacks: About 6,000 people fled violent attacks in South Africa on foreigners. The attacks have left at least 22 dead, according to aid workers. Thought to be a "classic refugee situation," many of those seeking refuge in South Africa are Zimbabweans who have fled violence and poverty in their own country. Estimates show as many as three million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa. The immigrants receive the blame for social problems — unemployment, crime and a lack of housing — one Zimbabwean man said of the violence, "if we go back into the streets, they're going to kill us there."

Ted Kennedy Seizure: After being hospitalized over the weekend with stroke-like symptoms, Kennedy's doctor says, “preliminary tests have determined that he has not suffered a stroke and is not in any immediate danger." Kennedy, 76, is still in the hospital but resting and doing well.
Disaster Zones Mourn: Both China and Myanmar, who've each experienced devastation in past weeks, have declared three-day periods of mourning. In China, flags are flying at half-mast and a nationwide silence has been observed to mark the time it struck a week ago. Since the 7.9 magnitude quake, more than 71,000 people are dead and more than 220,000 people injured. In Myanmar, the junta has followed ally China's lead declaring their own period of mourning. Cyclone Nargis left about 78,000 dead and another 55,000 missing. After initially stalling aid, correspondents say the junta has promised to accept significantly more international aid to help cyclone victims.

Front Page: Osama bin Laden Tape, Indictment in MySpace Case, Zimbabwe Names Date,

CitizenSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:02:08 -0700

Osama bin Laden Tape: Osama bin Laden just released another audio tape to mark Israel's 60th anniversary. Bin Laden has placed growing emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, putting it at the heart of the Muslim battle and calling it an inspiration to the bombers who attacked US cities on September 11, 2001. In the tape bin Laden says, "we will continue, God permitting, the fight against the Israelis and their allies ... and will not give up a single inch of Palestine as long as there is one true Muslim on earth." The Israeli anniversary celebrations were his inspiration to say, "this is evidence that Palestine is our land, and the Israelis are invaders and occupiers who should be fought."
Indictment in MySpace Case: A federal grand jury indicted the Missouri woman accused of creating a fake MySpace identity to manipulate a 13-year-old girl, who then committed suicide as a result. The woman, Lori Drew, was charged with one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing a computer without authorization and via interstate commerce to obtain information to inflict emotional distress. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Zimbabwe Names Date: The run-off in Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election will be held on June 27. Though opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round, the margin was not big enough to avoid a run-off. President Robert Mugabe called the poll "disastrous". Tsvangirai will compete in the second round, after originally threatening to boycott it.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Turning People Veggie

LibertySugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:37 -0700

In Zimbabwe, it costs 50 cents a month to eat meat every night for dinner. Think 50 cents sound like a good deal? Well, in Zimbabwe dollars, that's Z$ 8 to 10 billion, which equals one person's entire month salary!

Needless to say, many people are being force to trim the fat and go vegetarian. Only one in five people in Zimbabwe has an official job, and inflation is out of control. BBC News ran excerpts from the diary of a young woman living in Zimbabwe. "Esther" wrote:

So it looks like I am going to become a part-time vegetarian. Not a pleasant thought, as I love my meat. And Sunday breakfast used to consist of eggs, sausages or bacon, baked beans, nice crusty bread, and creamy coffee. Now it is tea with lemon or powdered milk, eggs and stale bread. Well these times will certainly leave us leaner and healthier!

Esther also wrote about how that the lack of meat is the least of some people's problems. To see why,

Front Page: eBay Sues Craigslist, Zimbabwe Recount, India Rebuffs US

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:53:37 -0700

eBay Sues Craigslist: The "shop victoriously" eBay is suing the popular no-frills community and ad website Craigslist, saying it needs to "safeguard its four-year financial investment." eBay claims that Craigslist executives took actions that "unfairly diluted eBay's economic interest by more than 10 percent." No further details of that action were gvien. Craigslist responded saying it was surprised and disappointed by eBay's "unfounded allegations." Craigslist is the seventh most popular English-language website.

Zimbabwe Recount: In a recount, Zimbabwe's ruling party (Zanu-PF) has been confirmed as the winner of the first of 23 constituencies to analyze the results of March's election. The opposition, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has questioned the recounts as an attempt to rig the election and overturn its parliamentary majority. The initial results of the election have not been announced. The deputy information minister said that Zanu-PF was preparing for a second round in the presidential election."We are waiting for the official announcement of results to say, we're waiting for a re-run, that's a fact. MDC knows that, Zanu-PF knows that, that there is no clear winner. No-one has got 51 percent." Post-election violence in Zimbabwe has displaced 3,000 people, injured 500 and left 10 dead.
India Rebuffs US: India has declined a call by the US for it to ask Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program. India's foreign ministry said neither India nor Iran needed US guidance on how to proceed with relations. The rebuff came after a senior US official said the US would welcome India telling Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to curtail Tehran's nuclear program. Ahmadinejad is set to visit Delhi next week. A foreign ministry spokesman said, "India and Iran are ancient civilizations whose relations span centuries. Both nations are perfectly capable of managing all aspects of their relationship with the appropriate degree of care and attention. Neither country needs any guidance on the future conduct of bilateral relations as both countries believe that engagement and dialogue alone lead to peace."

Front Page: Birdflu Outbreaks, Zimbabwe, Flying Cell Phones

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:40 -0700

India and South Korea are both struggling with fresh outbreaks of bird flu. In India, officials have ordered the elimination of about 20,000 birds. The outbreak is based around Bangladesh and has spread to more than half the country. Earlier this year, more than a million birds were slaughtered in the eastern state of West Bengal after an outbreak of bird flu there. In South Korea the second outbreak of the year, at a duck farm, requires the elimination of hundreds of thousands of birds. The H5N1 bird flu virus has killed more than 230 people in South East Asia since late 2003.

Nine days after the Zimbabwe presidential election, a court in Harare is due to rule on the opposition’s demand for an immediate release of the final tally. The governing party has insisted on a recount leading to further delays. A spokesman for the opposition says, “You can’t ask for the remarking of an exam whose result is not known by the student. It shows their mischief and shenanigans in trying to manipulate the poll.” The opposition has declared victory, though independent election monitors question whether he won the majority required to win outright. President Mugabe's party’s decision to push for a runoff and efforts to delay publication of the election outcome, however, makes voters fear that it is playing for time to mount a campaign of violent intimidation.
The European Commission said today they will allow cell phones to be used on planes. Under the new rules, travelers will be able to receive and make calls safely using their own mobile phones while flying all over Europe, according to the EU. The luxury will be to a very few travelers at first over fears of interfering with the aircraft's functioning. The service might cost travelers however, as the airplanes plan to carry the calls on their own network — at higher rates.

Front Page: Tornado, Prince Philip in Hospital, MLK Jr. Remembered, Zimbabwe Raids

CitizenSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:01:15 -0700

A tornado ripped through the Little Rock, AR, area last night. The National Weather Service is reporting an unknown number of injuries. A spokesman for the local sheriff's department says, "there's some structural damage in the city of Little Rock and several areas north of North Little Rock. A lot of trees and power lines are down." The storm decimated a mobile home park leaving 50 trailers on fire. This Winter's weather hasn't been kind to Arkansas. In the last two months, Arkansas has seen a tornado during a storm outbreak that killed 13, a foot of snow, more than a foot of rain, and near-record flooding.

Britain's Prince Philip, husband to Queen Elizabeth, has been hospitalized. The 86-year-old is being treated for a chest infection. Reports say he's stable, and a spokeswoman says "His Royal Highness's program of engagements for the weekend have been canceled."
This day marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. King was shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, while helping organize a strike by sanitation workers, then some of the poorest of the city's working poor. Dr. King will be remembered today nationwide and with a march through Memphis and the laying of wreaths at the site of King's assassination.
Zimbabwe's government staged separate police raids on the main opposition party and foreign journalists. Four journalists, including one from the New York Times, have been taken into custody for violating the country's media laws. Zimbabwe only has one, government-controlled newspaper.

Front Page: Gaza Progress, Zimbabwe Run-Off, H-1B Visas

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:57:02 -0700

Israel's defense minister has just said he would consider reopening Gaza's border if violence from the territory stops. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on a visit this week pressed Barak to consider easing Israel's blockade of Gaza. The blockade has caused huge economic hardship in the territory of 1.4 million Palestinians. Israel considers Hamas a terrorist group and closed Gaza's crossings after the group took control of Gaza, only letting in limited humanitarian supplies since. Barak said, "when conditions have matured in the future for an end to the rockets, the terror and the reduction of the weapons' smuggling, we will be willing to consider easements in the Gaza crossings through cooperation with representatives of (Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam) Fayyad's government."

In Zimbabwe's presidential race, delays are causing increasing speculation that a runoff may be needed between President Robert Mugabe and his rival Morgan Tsvangirai. The delay is frustrating voters as they can see the results of local voting posted at polling stations throughout the country. Independent estimates of the results show Tsvangirai winning with 49 percent to Mugabe's 42 percent. About two-thirds of Zimbabwe's election results have been declared, with the parliamentary seats for the ruling party and opposition very close.
The annual lottery for visas for highly skilled temporary foreign workers begins today. Applications for the H-1B visas are in hot demand. Last year, the agency received enough petitions to cover the annual quota on the first day, and the number of visas offered is controversial. High-tech companies have urged Congress to raise the number offered as they face a shortage of highly skilled tech workers, but official figures show the biggest users of the visas are three Indian high-tech companies, who may be sending workers here to learn competitive information. There are currently 65,000 visas given each year.

Global Totals: Zimbabwe Election Results Baffling

CitizenSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0700

The results of the Zimbabwe election over the weekend seem a little like spring weather: if you don't like it, wait five minutes. Not just eager voters awaiting results, even news outlets are conflicted over how to report the tallies that are being released in a trickle, batch-by-batch.

In just the past few moments, the Washington Post reports, "Initial Tallies Show Mugabe Vulnerable, and All Africa says, "Mugabe Set to Claim Victory." Not to be outdone, the International Herald Tribune says, "Zimbabwe's Ruling Party and Opposition Tied in Early Poll Results."

The longer the results take, the more voters worry that untoward action on the vote totals is happening behind the scenes. And they have reason to worry — to see why,

Global Totals: Voting in Zimbabwe

CitizenSugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:06:13 -0700

Zimbabweans are voting for president, parliament, and local councils today. Current President Robert Mugabe, 84, is up for reelection amid controversy that voting will be fair. Mugabe insists he is fighting a legitimate contest saying, "why should I cheat? The people are there supporting us. The moment the people stop supporting you, then that's the moment you should quit politics."

Among other red flags in this election are an additional 3 million printed paper ballots above the number of actual voters, as well as "ghost voters" and "ghost polling stations" allegedly uncovered by one of Mugabe's competitors. Even if Mugabe overcomes those charges and wins today, he returns to work in a country facing an official inflation level of 100,580.2 percent, and an unemployment level that is above 80 percent.

I think we have some readers from Zimbabwe — please tell us what you saw today! Do you think the elections were fair?
Source

Front Page: UNC Remembers, Spain and Zimbabwe's Elections

CitizenSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:00:29 -0800

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, thousands of students attended a memorial service this morning to remember student body president Eve Carson. Carson was shot and killed in a suburban neighborhood near campus. At this point, the police have no leads and consider it a random crime. The UNC Chancellor said during the gathering, "The death of any parent's child or any student is a tragedy, but this is a tragedy magnified and multiplied by the number and depths of the relationships, meaningful relationships, that Eve Carson had on this campus. Eve Carson personified the Carolina spirit. ... She felt the very pulse and heartbeat of this university."
Spain heads into the final day of campaigning before Sunday's general election. Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is seeking a second term amid questions about the slowing economy. Inflation and unemployment are the highest they've been in nearly a decade. Recent polls however show the Socialists with a four-point lead.
In other global election news, Zimbabwe has banned election observers from Western countries from monitoring proceedings later this month. At this point, only African countries would be allowed monitors, along with allies such as China, Iran and Venezuela. Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, 84, says he suspects that Western countries are trying to remove him from government.