In Israel, democratic rights in peril
The Israeli government this week took a new step to suppress democratic rights in Israel. The government has approved a bill banning all commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba of 1948, under penalty of imprisonment.
Auto workers take wage cuts
Canadian Auto Workers members have voted to support a cost-cutting deal with General Motors as the US corporation bids to qualify for more government handouts.
N. Korea nuclear test draws universal condemnation
North Korea has drawn universal condemnation following its announcement yesterday that it had carried out an underground nuclear weapons test. It also apparently test-fired several short-range missiles.
Islamists pull back from Swat fighting
Islamists fighting the Pakistani government have pledged to avoid combat in the Swat Valley city of Mingora in order to reduce civilian casualties.
Swine flu cases appear in Egypt, Kuwait, UAE
Confirmed cases of A(H1N1) influenza, commonly known as swine flu, have been reported in new countries in the Middle East. Hitherto only Israel had reported cases of the new influenza virus.
Class prejudice and Ireland's report on child abuse
Last week Ireland's Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse released a 2,575-page report detailing horrific conditions tens of thousands of children faced in Catholic-run institutions with government collaboration.
Sex theme park in China closed prematurely
In the end, Chongqing's 'Love Land' just lacked the staying power. With its adult and explicit themes, the country's first sex theme park proved to be 'too hot' for local authorities, and was torn down over the weekend.
Netanyahu vows to expand settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The prime minister told his cabinet that Israel will not build any new settlements in the West Bank but that existing settlements must be allowed to expand for what he calls 'natural growth' in their populations.
FMLN to form government in El Salvador
San Salvador, May 24 (Prensa Latina) El Salvador president-elect Mauricio Funes said the left-wing Farabundo Marti Liberation Front (FMLN) will have 'a visible presence' in his government after his June 1 presidential inauguration.
Communist elected to head Nepal government
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Lawmakers elected a communist party leader as Nepal's new prime minister on Saturday in a move aimed at ending weeks of political turmoil.
