The continuing deterioration in being able to provide individuals protection in war-torn Afghanistan has resulted in some Japanese organizations suspending their relief activities in order to protect personnel. The Basic Human Needs Association which has been active in developing telecommunications systems in that nation have pulled out its personnel after the death of a Japanese […]

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A new report for the World Health Organization(WHO) which was put together through the combined efforts of hundreds of researchers and university experts reveals the “toxic” combination of bad policies, economics and politics is killing people on a large scale. Health inequalities are widespread and could be avoided if governments were cognizant of the needs […]

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The Georgia breakaway region of Abkhazia is seeking recognition from the European Union for its decision to end relations with Georgia and become an independent state. Deputy Foreign Minister Maxim Gunjia emphasized: “we want the European Union to recognize our independence. This is a very positive moment for the EU.” In a sense, South […]

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Attacks on Christians and their churches continued in Orissa leaving at least nine people dead. Pope Benedict XVI in an address at the Vatican spoke of his “deep sadness.” The Pope appealed to “religious leaders and civil authorities to work together” to bring people of diverse religions to end the violence. There are reports […]

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The negative reaction from Western powers to Russia’s lightening strike against Georgia has caused President Medvedev to turn eastward seeking support from friendly nations like China and former members of the Soviet Union. A spokesperson with the Foreign Ministry said: “We are hoping that our efforts in resolving the conflict in Georgia will be acknowledged.” […]

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Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai issued a strong criticism of US and coalition forces for their continued use of air strikes which result in the death of civilians. His comment comes in the wake of a United Nation report which found “convincing evidence” that US-coalition troops and Afghan forces killed 90 civilians including 60 children. Karzai […]

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The North Korean government said it will halt efforts to disable it nuclear facilities and consider restoring the Yongbyon reactor that can make material for atomic bombs. It charges the United States with violating a disarmament deal. “We have decided to immediately suspend disabling our nuclear facilities,” the KCNA news agency quoted a […]

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel was quite skeptical about the performance of President Saakashvili in the initial stages of the war in Georgia, but there are some signs he is winning over European leaders. The Georgian president has portrayed himself as a “victim,” as the fighting leader of democracy against the evil brutal Prime Minister Putin […]

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The Japanese government in a new report to the United Nations claims it has made “every conceivable” effort over the past seven years to rid the nation of any form of racial discrimination. Human rights groups, and Doudou Diene, the UN special rapporteur on racism, have called for passage of legislation which would make clear […]

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It is now thirty years since Islamic groups in the southern Philippines launched a rebellion against the government. During these past thee decades there have been truces, promises and one agreement after another that was broken by either side. A cease fire once again has broken down and government forces are fighting elements of the […]

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