Landmines threaten 2.7 million Iraqis, official says
BAGHDAD — The general director of the Iraqi Environment Ministry’s landmines department said Saturday that there are 25 million landmines occupying 1,700 kilometers of Iraqi soil, which in turn threatens 2,117 civilian communities, where 2.7 million citizens live.
Antarctic ice bridge shatters, ice shelf the size of Connecticut could be next
Dramatic message to polar summit Mother Nature sent a dramatic message to a global summit on the Arctic and Antarctic that opened this morning in Baltimore: On Saturday, an ice bridge that is believed to hold a vast Antarctic ice shelf in place broke up. It could mean a wider collapse of polar ice, scientists say. That could lead to glacier flows into the sea, and spur rising world sea levels. Global warming is considered the chief culprit.
Obama calls for partnership with the Islamic world
In yet another sharp break with the way things were done during the Bush years, President Obama, speaking to the Turkish Parliament Apr. 6, declared, “The United States is not at war with Islam” and called for a greater partnership with the Islamic world.
Maine Sister City celebration explores Cuba-Africa liberation links
A highlight of this year’s Cuba Week celebration by the Brunswick-Trinidad (Cuba) Sister City Association was the visit of Canadian academic and Cuba activist Isaac Saney, who lectured at area colleges and previewed his documentary film, “Sisters’ and Brothers’ Keepers: Cuba and Southern African Liberation.”
Abbas visits Iraq to build bridges for refugees
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sought to repair relations between Palestinians and Iraq on Sunday during his first visit to the country since the 2003 US-led invasion.
Judge: Detainees can use US courts
A US judge has ruled that some foreign detainees held without charge at the Bagram air base in Afghanistan have the right to challenge their detention in US courts.
New leadership, new goals for Korea's trade union confederation
Lim Seong-kyu, the newly elected president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU, Minju Nochong), said Thursday that the KCTU would “get itself down closer to the side of the socially disadvantaged and wage a labor movement grounded by people with less power.”
With great expectations, Venezuelas youth orchestra tours the United States
CHICAGO --- The internationally acclaimed Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela is travelling throughout the United States this week performing in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Houston. The first performance will be tonight April 3 at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.
Malawi blocks Madonna adoption effort
A Malawi judge rejected Madonna's request to adopt a second child from the country on Friday because of a requirement that prospective parents live in the country for at least 18 months.
Venezuelan president visits Iran
Teheran, Apr 2 (Prensa Latina) Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez started Thursday an official visit to Iran, to foster bilateral links, especially in the oil sector. Chavez's agenda here includes meeting with his Iranian peer Mahmud Ahmadineyad, and the creation of a joint mining company.
