What's Happening Today - Tuesday 1 March

Australia: 

International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition Avalon 2011 held in Geelong

Vietnam: 

Ninth Session of National Assembly, begins as price of electricity increased by 15% in one day.

Russia: 

All-Russian Muslim conference; begins as first Russian Muslim channel begins broadcasting

Russia:

Medvedev signs off decision to sack over 9000 administrators at the Interior MInistry

Russia:

New Algerian naval upgrade contracts under discussion in St Petersburg [Russia has delivered  last two contracts very late]

Russia: 

New police law comes into effect, changing name of police force previously known as "militsiya" to "politsiya”

Russia: 

Russian Airborne Troops continue large-scale command-and-post exercise in Tula and Ryazan regions (-5 Mar); supervised by Airborne Troops Commander Lt-Gen Vladimir Shamanov 

Pakistan:

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) resumes voluntary repatriation programme for Afghan refugees

Armenia:

The opposition Armenian People’s Party will rally in Yerevan to call for early elections.

Turkey:

Erbakan memorial service; Erdogan has cancelled his trip to Brussels so as to attend funeral

Iraq: 

"Day of Arab Anger" held in northern city of Kirkuk, an important Kurdish centre 

UAE:

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is to visit; before moving on to Tunisia on Wednesday

Yemen:

Yemeni opposition to organize huge protest in Sana'a, according to Hayat newspaper, which noted Aljazeera correspondents have been asked to leave

Saudi Arabia:

OIC holds international contact group meeting on Afghanistan

Jordan:

Supporters of the salafist trend plan to stage a sit-in in the Al-Husayni Mosque courtyard to demand the release of prisoners associated with Islamic organizations.

Egypt: 

TENTATIVE Stock exchange reopens about a month after it closed amid protests that ousted President Husni Mubarak; there have been calls for reopening to be delayed 

Libya: 

UN General Assembly scheduled to vote on motion to suspend Libya from UN Human Rights Council

Ukraine: 

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton visits, then travels to Moldova

Estonia:

EU member Estonia to remove the national visa fee for Belarusian citizens.

Switzerland:

First media day at Geneva Auto Show, which opens to public from March 3-13.

Switzerland:

Tunisian deputy foreign minister meets WTO director general in Geneva

Germany:

CeBit - The world's largest computer fair (to March 5). 

Italy: 

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera visits as part of tour which also includes Israel, Palestinian Territories and Spain

Holland

Trial of former Bosnian Croat leader Jadranko Prlic continues at Hague war crimes tribunal

Belgium:

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, briefs on North Africa (0700).

Belgium:

Kyrgyz president meets EU Commission president in Brussels

UK: 

Afghan President Hamed Karzai arrives in UK for two-day visit for talks on withdrawal of British forces and bilateral relations. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Prince Charles and members of UK parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and will also open exhibition "Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World" at British Museum 

UK:

Amnesty reports on unlawful killings by Tunisian security forces during protests

UK:

Transparency International's launch of the 2011 Report on Revenue Transparency of Oil and Gas Companies.

UN:

China takes over presidency of UN Security Council

US:

UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a motion to suspend Libya from the U.N. Human Rights Council in General.

US:

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski continues visit (- 5 Mar

US:

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is scheduled to testify before a key congressional panel on the Obama administration's efforts to reduce the government's role in the $10.6 trillion U.S. mortgage market.

US:

Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup takes place

Posted via email from luay's posterous

My Press Review - Tuesday 1 March

Necmettin Erbakan’s funeral expected to draw huge crowd

The late leader of the Felicity Party (SP), Professor Necmettin Erbakan, who once served as Turkey's prime minister, will be laid to rest at the Merkez Efendi Cemetery in İstanbul today. The funeral for the late politician is expected to draw a huge crowd.

 

Iran opposition leaders in prison, report says

Iranian authorities have taken senior opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi to a prison in Tehran, a reformist website said Monday

 

Libya rebels resume oil exports

Libya's revolutionary leaders sought to prove their pro-western credentials on Monday by announcing an immediate resumption of oil exports to foreign clients - even though the proceeds will go straight to Col Muammar Gaddafi.

 

All Libyans love me, declares Gaddafi

Volunteers were pleading for international help last night as Libya began to experience food and medical shortages.

 

Food prices spiral in Libyan capital amid fighting

The West moved to send its first concrete aid to Libya’s rebellion in the east of the country, hoping to give it the momentum to oust Muammar Gaddafi.

 

Many Libyans oppose U.S. invasion

Many Libyans oppose the idea of Western troops on the shores of Tripoli, as the Obama administration and its allies on Monday said no option is off the table in their effort to oust longtime dictator Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

 

Yemen power sharing option fails to woo tribesmen

Powerful Yemeni tribal leaders have thrown their weight behind opposition demonstrators who have taken to the streets of Sanaa, spurning a power sharing from Ali Abdullah Saleh, the country's President.

 

Turkish PM Angers Germany over Integration Remarks

Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for Turkish citizens living in Germany to learn Turkish before German, feeding fires of cultural tension in the country.

 

Duke must lose trade job, says MP

The Duke of York should be sacked as a UK trade ambassador because of his links to Colonel Gaddafi's family, senior Labour MP Chris Bryant says.

 

Must look beyond Mideast risks

Israel's defense minister said Monday that his country would be ready to talk peace with Syria if Damascus were serious about doing so — a sharp departure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's go-slow approach to peacemaking while the Middle East is in turmoil.

 

Netanyahu Warns On Settlements

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu berated leaders of his Likud Party on Monday after they pressed him for more settlement construction.

 

Yemenis protest, unrest high in south

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 32-year rule of Yemen joined demonstrations on Monday, while skirmishes in the south killed three soldiers and a policeman.

 

Oman protests spread, road blocked

Omani protesters demanding jobs and political reforms blocked roads to a main port in the north of the Gulf Arab sultanate as looters trashed a nearby supermarket on Monday, and demonstrations spread to the capit

 

Two ministers resign in Tunisia

Two ministers quit Tunisia's interim government a day after Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announced he was resigning from his post, following demands from protesters.

 

Russians See Damage in Iran’s Reactor

The account of what happened at the Bushehr plant was the first official rationale for a delay in its planned opening.

 

Egypt bans Mubarak, family from travel

Egypt’s public prosecutor has issued an order imposing a travel ban on former President Hosni Mubarak and his family while complaints against them are being investigated, a prosecutor’s spokesman said on Monday.

 

Iraqi court gives Briton 20 years over slayings

An Iraqi court on Monday convicted a British man and sentenced him to 20 years in prison over the shooting deaths of two contractors, making him the first Westerner convicted in an Iraqi court since the 2003 US invasi

 

Bahrain protesters block parliament

Anti-government protesters blockaded Bahrain's parliament and massed outside the state broadcaster on Monday in efforts to escalate pressure on the nation's embattled monarchy after two weeks of nonstop marches and deadly clashes.

 

Hamas fights Gaza Holocaust lessons

The history of the Holocaust is planned to be included as part of a human rights curriculum in schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency, which is responsible for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. More than 200,000 children attend UNRWA schools in Gaza.

 

UN team attacked in Ivory Coast

United Nations experts in Ivory Coast come under fire while trying to investigate reports of a violation of the arms embargo.

 

Venezuelan union leader jailed

A Venezuelan trade union leader is jailed for seven years over a strike at the state iron ore mining company in 2009.

 

YouTube urged to delete sermons

Anwar al-Awlaki uses internet to spread his message that violence against the west is just

 

Irish party leaders meet to discuss coalition

Two former opposition parties were holding talks yesterday aimed at forming a new government after the long-dominant Fianna Fail suffered a crushing defeat at the polls. 

 

China Issues Warning on Climate

China’s environment minister issued an unusually stark warning about the deleterious impacts of unbridled development.

 

Wales prepares for referendum

This week, people in Wales will vote in a referendum on whether to give more law making powers to the Assembly in Cardiff.

 

Fidel Castro expected to resign as Cuba party chief

The Cuban Communist Party has moved forward the election of new leadership to a congress in April where longtime party leader Fidel Castro is expected to step down, sources close to the party said over the weekend.

 

Argentine military dictators on trial over baby kidnappings

Two former Argentine military dictators have gone on trial charged with the kidnapping of babies allegedly seized from political prisoners and opponents minutes after birth.

 

Ortega set for Nicaragua poll run

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega is set to run for a third term in November's election after securing his Sandinista party's nomination unopposed.

 

Egypt stock exchange open delayed

The reopening of the Egyptian stock exchange has been delayed, the state-run news agency MENA reports

 

With Russia's $650 billion rearmament plan, the bear sharpens its teeth

If Russia can reduce reliance on its aging Soviet-era nuclear missile deterrent, analysts say it could create a 'whole new ball game.'

 

Banned books back on Egypt shelves

Works by censored authors available again in wake of revolutions

Population now stands at 1.341 b

Slower growth prompts suggestions to loosen family planning policy

 

Life origins clue from meteorite

A meteorite found in Antarctica could lend weight to the argument that life on Earth might have been kick-started from space.

 

Iran threatens to boycott London Olympics over 'racist' logo

Iran said it might boycott the 2012 London Olympics because of the event's 'racist' logo which resembles the word Zion.

How Your Web Searches Will Change

On Friday, after several months of atypically harsh coverage of the quality of Google's search results the planet's dominant search engine rolled out some major changes.

 

No paved way for naming Berlin street after Reagan

In this once-divided city where Ronald Reagan famously challenged the Soviet Union to "tear down this wall," a proposal to rename a public square or street in his honor has sparked heated debate over the U.S. president's role in Germany's recent past.

Anti-gay Christian couple lose battle to become foster parents

A Christian couple morally opposed to homosexuality because of their faith lost a landmark High Court battle today over the right to become foster carers.

 

Dogs who listen to children reading

Scheme aims to encourage children to read aloud

 

Conflict becomes child's play for young Pashtuns

Video of Pashtun children enacting suicide bombing shows the psychological impact of Taliban violence on a generation

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What's Happening Today - Monday 28 February

China:

China's Vice-Commerce Minister Fu Ziying signs $100 million loan agreement for 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower project. 

Koreas: 

South Korea, US start annual military drill amid North Korean denunciation

Vietnam:

Laotian Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong begins visit

India:

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presents the federal budget for 2011/12 fiscal year beginning April 1 (0530).

Russia:
 
Russian Airborne Troops starts large-scale command-and-post exercise in Tula and Ryazan regions (-5 Mar); supervised by Airborne Troops Commander Lt-Gen Vladimir Shamanov 

Pakistan:

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has urged all the registered Afghans to get their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards renewed before today’s deadline 

Georgia:

The Abkhaz population census, launched on 21 February, is completed. 

Iraq:

Iraqi parliament resumes after week-long suspension and rioting in several parts of the country

Iraq:

Sadrists to carry out a draft popular survey in some Iraqi cities which demand an improvement in the quality of the services provided.

Iraq:

Verdict in trial of British security contractor Danny Fitzsimons expected in Baghdad

Qatar:

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at the beginning of next week to improve business opportunities for Spanish companies operating in those countries.

Syria:

Sergey Vershin, director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is to visit Syria, Israel and the Palestinian territories as a personal envoy of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Yemen:

The Specialized Penal Court in the capital Sana'a judges four defendants, accused of collaborating with Iran

Sudan:

The [opposition] Alliance of National Consensus forces says it intends to hold a sit-in at the Popular Congress Party HQ to put pressure on the government and secure the release of political detainees including Darfur activists

Libya:

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to rally support over Libya at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

Mauritania:

Panel of five heads of state appointed by African Union to deal with post-election crisis in Cote d'Ivoire meet in Nouakchott; they are presidents Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz of Mauritania, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso and Idriss Deby Itno of Chad 

Bulgaria:

Census begins – people can pick their national identity. [May be interesting to see who records themselves as ethnically Turkish]

Switzerland:

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Switzerland to push the UN body to condemn Libya.

Switzerland: 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivers first-ever addres to UN Human Rights Council in Geneva 

Switzerland:

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi meets with a select group of reporters including AP. Expected from 1700 GMT.

Germany:

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits, attends official ceremony of opening CeBIT technology fair in Hanover with Chancellor Angela Merkel; fair itself starts on 1 March

Italy: 

Resumption of tax fraud trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi 

Holland:

Radovan Karadzic trial continues

France:

Following up as foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, who is caught up in the wrangling over her controversial Tunisian holiday, leaves the government - first EU victim of Arab revolutions 

Belgium:

EU ministers meet to discuss energy policy, including integrating the European energy market, investing in renewable energy and preventing fraud in energy trading.
    
Belgium:

The British Council and the Migration Policy Group publish a new study that measures integration policies in 31 countries in Europe and North America according to 148 different indicators. The U.S. will be included in the survey for the first time (as will Romania and Bulgaria).

Belgium:

EU to formally impose arms embargo on Libya

US:

President Barack Obama meets UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to discuss Libyan crisis

US:

TED 2011 conference takes place in California

US: 

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski begins visit (- 5 Mar) 

Posted via email from luay's posterous

My Press Review - Monday 28 February

From farce to brutality

Chinese authorities turn brutal at any sign of 'Jasmine protests'

 

Obama backs Bahrain king's pledge

US President Barack Obama expresses his support for the King of Bahrain's affirmed commitment to reform after two weeks of anti-government protests.

 

What next for Libya with Gaddafi defiant?

The BBC's Frank Gardner analyses what the future may hold for Libya, as Col Gaddafi clings to power despite mounting international pressure.

 

Gadhafi hits social media

After days of firing on unarmed protesters, Moammar Gadhafi's regime has turned its fury on those it blames for stoking the anti-government uprising: Libyan youths who spread revolution on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Libya: thousands pour across border into Tunisia

Thousands of Egyptians poured across the border from Libya into Tunisia on Sunday saying they had fled brutality inflicted by Col Muamar Gaddafi's loyalists.

 

Armed Gaddafi opponents head closer toward Tripoli

Armed rebels opposed to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi were in control of Zawiyah, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli, on Sunday and their red, green and black flag flew above the town.

 

Gaddafi unflinching as rebel city fears counter-attack

Rebels awaited counter-attack by Muammar Gaddafi's forces on Monday, after the Libyan leader defied calls for him to quit in the hardest-fought of the Arab world's wave of uprisings so far

 

 

Gaddafi's alleged lover flees country

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's personal Ukrainian nurse and alleged lover has fled violence-torn Libya and returned home.

 

 

Oman burns as Yemeni tribal chiefs join forces with opposition

A police station and a government building were on fire on Sunday in the Omani town of Sohar after police clashed with more than 2,000 protesters demanding reforms in the Gulf Arab state, a Reuters witness said.

 

 

Sultan Qaboos Appoints New Ministers and Officials

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has issued five Royal Decrees. Royal Decree No 13/2011 appoints Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidy

 

 

Egypt to call March referendum next month

Egypt’s ruling military council plans to hold a snap referendum next month on constitutional amendments, a lawyer who helped draft them said on Sunday.

 

 

Arab League boss Moussa to run for Egyptian president

Arab League chief Amr Moussa said Sunday he plans to run in Egypt's presidential elections expected later this year.

 

 

Four dead in Tunisia violence

Four people have died in new unrest in the Tunisian capital between stone-throwing protesters and police on the sidelines of demonstrations against the interim government

 

 

 

Israeli Panel Finds No Crime in 2002 Assassination

A panel said an assassination of a Hamas leader that killed at least 13 civilians was flawed but the deaths “did not stem from disregard or indifference to human lives.”

 

 

Iraqi prime minister gives government 100 days to improve

Iraq's prime minister on Sunday gave his ministers 100 days to improve their performance or risk being fired — an apparent response to a string of deadly anti-government protests against poor public services.

 

 

Veteran Juppe named new French foreign minister

Veteran politician Alain Juppe was appointed France's foreign minister on Sunday after Michele Alliot-Marie quit over a series of gaffes that damaged the government at a crucial time for relations with North Africa.

 

 

Clash over Cuba dissident march

Cuba's dissident "Ladies in White" are confronted by supporters of the communist government as they demonstrate in Havana.

 

 

Hondurans march against violence

Thousands of people join a march against violence in Honduras, which has one of the world's highest murder rates.

 

 

Crucial 30 days

Incoming Irish leader Enda Kenny has a busy month ahead of him

 

La Paz mudslide destroys 400 homes

Heavy rains caused a hilltop to collapse in a poor neighbourhood of the Bolivian capital on Sunday, cracking roads, destroying at least 400 homes and burying people's belongings under mud and debri

 

Berlusconi fraud court case resumes

Italian PM no longer immune from prosecution as sex life and business practices put under spotlight

 

 

Failed coup attempt in Congo

Nine dead after gunmen with machetes attacked presidential residence.

 

Kremlin's Plan to Prevent a Facebook Revolution

Recent events in the Arab world have sparked renewed optimism with online social networks. Many in the West are now convinced that Internet technology can create something previously impossible under authoritarian states - a strong opposition that can seize power through either elections or street demonstrations

 

Spanish tourism boosted by Arab unrest

Spain is getting a boost to its hugely important tourist industry as northern European sunseekers shun popular resorts in Egypt and Tunisia because of upheavels there.

 

Zuma launches new mining company

South Africa launches a state-owned mining company, the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation

 

Over 20,000 Chinese evacuated from Libya

More than 20,000 Chinese nationals out of the estimated 33,000 had been evacuated from unrest-wracked Libya as of Sunday morning, according to latest figures from China's Foreign Minist

 

Sun storm may be 'global Katrina'

A space storm could cost the world trillions, says top UK scientist.

  

Nuclear pioneer was a national hero

Zhu Guangya, a nuclear physicist and one of the key scientists engaged in the development of China's first atom bomb and first hydrogen bomb, died on Saturday at the age of 87.

 

Welsh town overrun by 250 gypsy horses

A town is being overrun by a pack of 250 wild horses abandoned by gypsies who can't afford to feed them.

 

Prohibition fight in India's villages

Grassroots movement invokes little-known law in effort to tackle alcohol abuse in dozens of Punjab villages

 

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What's Happening Today - Sunday 27 February

Japan:

World's first robot marathon finishes in Osaka

China:

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to hold an online chat with internet users in China and overseas ahead of plenary session of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress; Wen took part in similar events in 2009 and 2010

China: 

Internet users calling for second round of weekly "Jasmine Revolution" protests in major cities 

Thailand:

Red shirts hold memorial ceremony in Bangkok

Russia: 

Opposition rally against ruling One Russia party held in western city of Kaliningrad

Bahrain: 

General strike and march in protest against detention of demonstrators following protests in mid-February 

Palestine:

Palestinians to pick new cabinet on Facebook, following Salam Fayyad’s invitation to participate. 

Tunisia:

Spanish PM travels to Tunisia, Qatar and UAE

Libya: 

Watching developments after UN Security Council unanimously votes to impose travel bans and asset freezes on Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi and other senior Libyan figures in response to violent crackdown on protesters 

Mauritania:

The five African leaders discussing efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ivory Coast are scheduled to meet in Nouackchott

South Africa: 

Governing African National Congress kicks off local election campaign at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg 

Benin:

First round of presidential election.  A run-off is due to take place on 13 March 2011, if necessary.

Lithuania: 

Municipal elections

Germany:

Turkish PM visits Germany

US:

Oscar awards for best U.S. films

Chile:

First anniversary of 8.8-magnitude earthquake.

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My Press Review - Sunday 27 February

Security Council Calls for War Crimes Inquiry in Libya

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to impose sanctions on Libya’s leader, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, and called for a war crimes investigation.

 

Envoy claims Libyans set up caretaker government

Libya's top envoy to the U.S. claimed Saturday that opponents of Moammar Gadhafi's regime are rallying behind efforts to establish an alternative government led by a former Libyan minister. He said the international community should back the movement....

 

Benghazi's joy at new-found freedom

The Libyan port city of Benghazi is now firmly under opposition control, much to the delight of many residen

 

Exclusive pictures from Libya by Telegraph photographer Julian Simmonds

Exclusive pictures from Libya by Telegraph photographer Julian Simmonds

 

 

Long Bread Lines and Barricades in Libya’s Capital

An effort by Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi to prove that he was in control appeared to backfire as foreign journalists he invited in discovered open defiance.

 

 

UK's secret £10 billion talks with Libya

The British Government was brokering a secret deal worth up to £10 billion with Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime before Libya descended into chaos, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt.

 

 

Bahrain Opposition Leader Returns

Hassan Mushaima exhorted a crowd of tens of thousands to continue demonstrating until they achieved a “successful revolution.”

 

Sunni-Shi'ite Divide Clouds Prospects for Reform in Bahrain

The monarchist regime buys time for itself by rallying Sunnis on sectarian lines, but the result could be dangerous long-term divisions

 

 

Egypt backs constitution changes

Egypt's army passes a draft of constitutional amendments to be submitted to a national referendum ahead of elections to be held within six months.

 

 

Egypt panel proposes competitive presidential elections

An Egyptian panel tasked with amending the country's constitution recommended Saturday easing restrictions on who can run for president and imposing presidential term limits — two key demands of the popular uprising that pushed longtime President Hosni Mubarak from power.

 

Iran's first nuclear plant faces more delays

Iran's surprise announcement it will have to remove fuel from its first nuclear reactor suggests a new setback for its atomic ambitions, but the reason for the unusual step and how long it may take remain unclear.

 

 

Numbers dwindling for Algerian protest movement

About 50 protesters attended a banned rally in the Algerian capital on Saturday, a drop in numbers indicating that opposition hopes of emulating popular uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world were fading.

 

 

Iraq's largest oil refinery bombed

Beiji refinery is among two to be shut down on the same day after fire at smaller refinery in Iraq's south

 

 

Israeli Strikes Wound Man and Baby

Israeli warplanes bombed a half-dozen targets in the Gaza Strip, wounding a 7-month-old girl and a Palestinian man, medics in the coastal territory said.

 

 

Soldiers confront youths in Tunis

Tunisian soldiers fired in the air and used tear gas in an effort to disperse dozens of youths who broke shop windows in central Tunis on Saturday.

 

 

Sheik Wants Yemeni Leader to Quit

In a significant challenge to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, a powerful tribal leader has called for his downfall.

 

 

Mideast Unrest Spreads to Nicaragua -- Virtually

Inspired by the protests in Egypt and Libya, Nicaraguan activists take to Facebook to challenge a reelection bid by President Daniel Ortega

 

In Beijing, Still Wary of a Jasmine Revolt

The organizers' original effort did not result in a "Jasmine Revolution," and it seems unlikely that subsequent attempts will either. But you couldn't tell that from the official reaction

 

 

Headless bodies dumped in Mexico

Four dead bodies with their heads severed are dumped in the Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo, in the latest atrocity blamed on drugs gangs.

 

Fine Gael celebrate in Irish elections

The Republic of Irelands's ruling party, Fianna Fail has suffered a humiliating defeat in the country's general election.

 

Ireland's new government on a collision course with EU

Country's ruling party wiped out in austerity programme backlash.

 

 

Largest crowds since Vietnam War march in Wisconsin

A crowd estimated at more than 70,000 people on Saturday waved American flags, sang the national anthem and called for the defeat of a Wisconsin plan to curb public sector unions that has galvanized opposition from the American labor movement.

 

Cuba to release key dissident

Cuba is to release the jailed dissident Diosdado Gonzalez, who had refused to go into exile in Spain, the Roman Catholic Church says.

 

Oil price set to double if production is cut off

Oil prices could hit $200 a barrel if the unrest in the Middle East spreads to countries such as Algeria and Saudi Arabia, according to analysts at Nomura. They predicted a doubling in the price if production were to be cut off by the world's biggest producers.

 

 

Top Libyan oil firm staff join protests - Quryna

Employees at Libya's Arabian Gulf Oil Co (Agoco) have joined the revolt against leader Muammar Gaddafi and have kept operations going since the unrest started, the online edition of the Quryna newspaper reported on Saturday.

 

China's Wen says price rises threaten social stability

Rapid price rises in China have affected social stability, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Sunday, telling citizens that taming inflation is a government priority that he is sure can be met.

 

French radio to boycott United

French radio stations have vowed to boycott the Manchester United versus Marseille Champions League clash next month over the "exorbitant" transmission fees being demanded by the English Premier League giant.

Garipçe is hopeful about third Bosporus bridge’s contribution

As Garipçe, a neighborhood in İstanbul’s Sarıyer district, has been selected as the European end of the third bridge that will be constructed over the Bosporus, residents of the area are hopeful that the third bridge and the historic buildings that will be renovated and opened to the public in the area will make significant contributions to Garipçe’s social and financial situation.

 

The lost diary of Queen Victoria's final companion

Abdul Karim's writings throw new light on a controversial relationship.

 

Pagans campaign for Census voice

Pagans campaign for druids and witches to declare their religious affiliation in next month's Census to gain greater recognition for the group.

 

Knee-high humanoid wins first robot marathon

A knee-high humanoid narrowly wins the world's first full-length marathon for two-legged robots, in the Japanese city of Osaka.

 

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What's Happening Today - Thursday 24 February

New Zealand:

22-member Taiwanese rescue team arrives in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island.

Japan: 

Third and final day of Asia-Pacific Operational Drug Enforcement Conference in Tokyo 

Taiwan: 

China's top envoy to Taiwan, Chen Yunlin, continues visit (-28) 

South Korea: 

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi visits for talks with counterpart Kim Sung-hwan; expected to focus on differences over North Korea's nuclear programme; second and final day 

Indonesia:

Abu Bakr Bashir faces his second trial under terrorism act.

Brunei:

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will make a two-day working visit 

India:

Indian Government unveils budget for state monopoly Indian Railways (0630).

Pakistan: 

Deadline for government to meet 10 demands put forward by opposition party Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz 

Russia:

Russia votes on 2010 Person of the Year

Russia:

President Dmitry Medvedev meets Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan.

Russia: 

King of Spain Juan Carlos visits St Petersburg, accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez Garcia-Herrera and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade Miguel Sebastian Gascon; meets President Dmitriy Medvedev for dinner (-25) 

Russia: 

New-generation Glonass-K navigation satellite launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Azerbaijan:

Hungarian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Zsolt Nemeth to visit 

Azerbaijan: 

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon visit from Armenia 

UAE:

Tenth annual International Defence Exhibition and Conference concludes (IDEX) 

Oman: 

UK Prime Minister David Cameron continues regional tour of Oman Qatar, Egypt and Kuwait 

Bahrain:

Deadline set by opposition for government to resign; opposition threatens to start civil disobedience if not met

Jordan: 

Islamist groups including Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic Action Front prepare for pro-reform rallies on "Friday of Rage" (25); protesters plan to set up camp outside Al-Husayni Mosque tonight

Israel: 

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visiting for talks on cultural, education, health and military cooperation 

Egypt: 

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle visits 

Egypt:

Stock market expected to re-open; was closed on 28 January after the benchmark Egyptian index lost about 17 per cent of its value in two days of trading.

Libya: 

Watching developments after Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi yesterday fought to maintain hold on west while protesters consolidated control over cities in east 

Libya:

Iskenderun ferry arrives in Libya to start evacuating thousands of Turkish expats.

Algeria:

Butafliqa may change ministers who have remained in government for a long time, may deliver a speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons

South Africa:

The African National Congress and its trade union and communist partners will hold an alliance summit.

South Africa: 

Finnish President Tarja Halonen visits South Africa, has talks with counterpart Jacob Zuma; the two co-chair meeting of UN High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability

Ukraine:

'Guam' foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine meet in Kiev

Ukraine:

Nato secretary general visits Ukraine

Bulgaria:

EU Defence Ministers Meeting (Informal)

Romania:

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy meets Romanian President Traian Basescu.
    
Albania:

Lawmakers to vote on lifting the immunity of former economy minister Dritan Prifti, accused of corruption, a week after they lifted immunity for former deputy premier Ilir Meta, paving the way for him to be investigated in a case that has triggered a severe political crisis. Parliament session starts at 0900 GMT.

Austria:

Press round-table with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis, whose country currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 1445 GMT.

Germany:

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano meets Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Christian Wulff. A Joint news conference to follow (1515).

Germany:

Finance minister speaks in Frankfurt.  Wolfgang Schaeuble is scheduled to speak on "the relationship between state and financial markets-learning from the crisis" at the Centre for Financial Studies in Frankfurt at 14:00 GMT.

Belgium: 

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels for discussions on energy, trade foreign policy

France:

France releases unemployment figures

France:

President Nicholas Sarkozy meets rival Dominique de Villepin over G8 and G20

UK: 

Belmarsh Magistrates Court in London delivers ruling in Sweden's extradition case against Wikileaks website founder Julian Assange 

UK:

Research predicts world's biggest mud volcano in Indonesia will keep erupting for 26 years

Canada: 

Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) leaders from Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Russia conclude meetings to develop a common Inuit position on resource development in the Arctic 

UN:

Launch of UN Women takes place in New York. The speakers are due to include the General Assembly president, Joseph Deiss, the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, and the UN Women executive director, Michelle 
Bachelet. The event begins at 18:00.

UN:

Security Council debates East Timor and Middle East

Panama:

Latin American Cities conference takes place in Panama

Argentina

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez will hold talks with her Uruguayan counterpart Enrique Mujica in Buenos Aires.

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My Press Review - Thursday 24 February

Rebels Hope for Qaddafi’s Fall but Remain Fearful

For many in the Libyan opposition, failure to remove Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi could mean death.

 

 

Libyan protesters keep up struggle, death toll 1,000

Militiamen loyal to Muammar Gaddafi clamped down in Tripoli, with the sound of gunfire ringing in the air, while protesters who control much of the eastern half of Libya claimed new gains in cities and towns closer to the heart of Gaddafi's regime in the capital.

 

 

Interviews with Mercenaries

TIME's correspondent in Libya comes across a group of alleged Gaddafimercenaries. But many may turn out to be just more of Gaddafi's victims

 

 

Italy fears 300,000 refugees

Italy fears that up to 300,000 Libyans could try to reach Italian soil as a result of the chaos in the North African country.

 

 

Kremlin Sees Peril in Arab Unrest

In remarks more natural for his hawkish predecessor, Vladimir Putin, President Dmitry Medvedev said the latest revolts in the Arab world were instigated by outside forces that were also scheming to topple the authorities in Russia.

 

 

Rescue of 25,000 Turks from Libya priority for government

The government recently briefed opposition parties, who accused Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of acting too passively in the face of the recent turmoil in Libya, to appeal to them to avoid turning the matter into a topic of domestic politics. Erdoğan reminded them that what is at stake is the safety of 25,000 Turkish citizens currently stranded in Libya.

 

 

Bahrain frees prisoners to mollify protesters

Bahrain has freed 23 people accused of trying to topple the island’s Sunni Muslim monarchy, along with other prisoners and people detained in last week’s protests, a Shiite opposition lawmaker said on Wednesday.

 

 

The battle for Bahrain

The fervor for change that inspired revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt is now rocking Bahrain.

 

 

My trip to Yemen

Shock at reality of life on 'front line of terror'

 

Yemen Protests: How Long Can It Hang Tough Against the Thugs?

Unlike Egypt, there is no surge of a growing but irate middle class to push the revolution forward. And then there are the baltegeya

 

Yemen rallies after demonstrator killed in clashes

Thousands streamed into a square in Yemen's capital of Sanaa on Wednesday, February 23, trying to bolster anti-government protesters after club-wielding backers of President Ali Abdullah Saleh tried to drive them ou

 

 

Algerian police who beat students to be punished

The head of communications for the Algerian police says officers who beat up two students at a recent demonstration could face criminal proceedin

 

 

Arab Unrest Propels Iran as Saudi Influence Declines

Iran has already benefited from the ouster or undermining of Arab leaders who were its strong adversaries and has begun to project its growing influence, analysts say.

 

Iraq’s Top Shiite Leaders Urge Delay of Protests

Moktada al-Sadr and the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani dealt a significant blow to protest organizers, who had hoped to fill Iraq’s streets with millions calling for improved government services.

 

South Sudan's accusations of northern interference stoke tensions

South Sudan's charges that Khartoum is arming rebel movements to destabilize the future independent country could further strain between the historic rivals.

 

 

Moroccan single mother burns herself in protest

A young Moroccan set herself on fire after being excluded from a social housing scheme because she was an unmarried mother, a local government official said on Wednesday, February 23.

 

NATO: Afghan attrition remains stubbornly high

Attrition rates in Afghan security forces remain stubbornly high, but there is no shortage of recruits so NATO still expects to meet its goal of having 305,000 Afghan soldiers and policemen by October, a general in the alliance said on Wednesday, February 23.

 

New Violence as Strongman of Ivory Coast Fights Ouster

Forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to leave office despite losing a presidential election, assaulted a neighborhood of Abidjan that is a center of support for his riva

 

Indian trade unions rally over food prices

Tens of thousands of trade unionists marched through the capital yesterday in protest at high food prices and corruption.

 

 

U.S., Russia clash over shared missile program

Talks between the U.S. and Russia over a new anti-ballistic missile system for Europe are stuck on a key point, with Moscow demanding to run the system jointly and Washington refusing to yield.

 

 

Calls for a ‘Jasmine Revolution’ in China Persist

Activists have asked citizens to express their displeasure at the lack of reforms by silently meeting in front of department stores or other public areas.

 

 

China to execute Uighur murderers

The country's highest court has approved the executions of four men convicted of a series of murders in the restive western region of Xinjiang last yea

 

 

Fianna Fáil slips further in polls

Hours before voting begins in Irish Republic, the outgoing ruling party drops to a historically low 14% in opinion polls

 

 

Sinking ship

Can Belgium's economy survive without a government?

 

Georgia Calls for Probe of Former President's Death

Georgian lawmakers have requested a new investigation into the mysterious death of the country's first post-Soviet president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who was ousted in a military coup shortly after leading the country to independence.

 

Egypt Urges UK’s Support to Cancel Debts to EU

Egypt’s Minister of Finance Samir Radwan called on British Trade and Investment Minister Lord Stephen Green to back

 

 

Saudi Arabian King Abdullah announces $35 bln aid for citizens

Saudi King Abdullah unveiled a series of benefits for Saudis estimated to be worth $35 billion on his return home on Wednesday after three months abroad for medical treatment.

 

Europe rethinks dependence on Libyan oil

Italy and Spain depend on Libya for as much as 22 percent and 13 percent of total crude consumption, respectively, a supply not easily replaced on short notice.

 

 

Qatar expresses UK bank interest

Qatar's prime minister expresses an interest in investing in Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group - both part-owned by the UK government.

 

 

Oil prices reach $100 per barrel

Oil prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $100 per barrel for the first time since 2008, driven by growing concerns about global supplies, as Libya's Moammar Gadhafi continued to lose his grip on the oil-rich country.

 

Kuwait, UK Sign Nuclear Energy Agreement

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met his visiting UK counterpart David Cameron on the

 

Copper price falls

Copper declined to the lowest level in almost a month on concern that escalating geopolitical tensions may derail the economic recovery.

 

Anti-abortion billboard in New York sparks outrage

An anti-abortion billboard featuring a young black girl and the slogan "the most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb" has provoked sharp criticism in New York.

 

'Water gypsies' fear lifestyle sea change

Tanka communities face wave of uncertainty, Shi Yingying reports in Hainan.

 

Palestinians' home located inside a metal cage

The al-Ghirayib family lives in one of the stranger manifestations of Israel's 43-year occupation of the West Bank: a Palestinian house inside a metal cage inside an Israeli settlement.

  

Children at illegal shisha dens

Children as young as 12 are smoking tobacco in illegal shisha dens across Blackburn, officials claim

 

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