Making history, Bolivians approve new constitution
Bolivians celebrated long into the night following referendum approval of a new constitution by a 62 percent majority on Jan. 25. Opposition forces gained 36.4 percent of the 3.9 million votes cast. “The democratic spirit of the new constitution” represented for Mexico’s La Jornada newspaper “a notable political achievement,” unique in South America.
WORLDNOTES - February 7, 2009
Philippines: Political killings rise UN: Poverty kills babies & pregnant women Gaza: Protests vs. Israeli blockade South Africa: Labor demands Zimbabwe solution Sweden: Cancer survival varies by area Cuba: Castro on Obama, change
Give diplomacy a chance in Afghanistan
In its opening days, the Obama administration has set the stage for both diplomatic and military moves in Afghanistan and South Asia. Peace movement leaders here urge emphasis on diplomacy and economic aid, and warn that military actions will worsen the situation.
UN greets Obamas actions on family planning
New policy helps promote equality for women, girls UNITED NATIONS—After eight years of antagonistic relations between the world community and the far-right, ideologically driven family planning policies of the Bush administration, the U.S. is moving back into the international mainstream.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza is critical, Kucinich urges
With the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the challenge now is to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza as the first step towards resolution of the conflict, Congressman Dennis Kucinich told a large meeting Sunday at ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.
Remembering William Pomeroy
William J. Pomeroy, a legendary fighter for the independence and freedom of the Filipino people and a staunch member of the Communist Party USA, died in London Jan. 12. He was 92.
When health care is a right
Discussion on health care, centered now within the Obama administration, has centered on costs and lack of access. The plea here is that unmet need share the stage with funding considerations – or better, take over.
FMLN gains in El Salvador's legislative and municipal elections
The Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) took results of municipal and legislative elections in El Salvador Jan. 19 as confirming the leftist party’s position as “the primary political force” in the national congress, and solidifying front-runner status for FMLN candidate Mauricio Funes in presidential elections set for March 15.
WORLD NOTES: January 31
Paraguay: Agrarian reform unveiled Uganda: Nile nations jostle over water Russia: Privatization and early death Gaza: International solidarity with victims builds Sri Lanka: “Then they came for me” Cuba: Dialogue on work and pay
The Cuban Revolution and the liberation of Africa
When the Cuban Revolution triumphed on Jan. 1 1959, its leaders openly declared their enmity for imperialism and colonialism, and began to organize material solidarity for revolutionary struggles in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
