Feb 11, 2009 -
After 11 months of devastating violence, Zimbabwe's waring factions came together in a sign of unity today. President Robert Mugabe presided over the swearing in of his nemesis, Morgan Tsvangirai, who became prime minister.
Last March, Tsvangirai ran against Mugabe for the presidency.
- 15 Comments
Oct 09, 2008 -
- Study Pegs Afghanistan Crisis:
A report by US intelligence agencies says Afghanistan is in a "downward spiral" and injects doubt over the ability of the Afghan government to overcome the Taliban's influence. The strength of the government has been severely compromised by corruption within Karzai's administration. The conclusions of the report indicate it should have been central to the war on terror, an effort now in need of more international troops.
- State Ownership of Banks Considered:
The White House is considering ownership stakes in some US banks as a way of stemming the severe global credit crisis.
- 4 Comments
Sep 26, 2008 -
A Zimbabwe school is telling parents that if they can't scrape up enough money, they should pay tuition with livestock or fuel coupons. Thanks to insane inflation, parents are short on cash. School fees are about 100,000 Zimbabwe dollars, but banks only let people withdraw 1,000 Zimbabwe dollars a day.
- 7 Comments
Sep 16, 2008 -
- Fed Pumps in Money:
The Federal Reserve has added $70 billion of reserves into banks, the largest cash infusion since the attacks of 9/11. They're hoping to reverse a surge in borrowing costs caused by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Meanwhile, stocks in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong all fell sharply.
- Petraeus Leaves Iraq:
Gen.
- 2 Comments
Sep 12, 2008 -
- Hurricane Ike Tonight:
Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall with a direct hit to Galveston and Houston, with a population of 5.6 million. The National Hurricane center was crystal clear with their warning for evacuation: "Persons not heeding evacuation orders in single family one- or two-story homes will face certain death." Forecasters expect water 22 feet above sea level.
- English Channel Fire Burns:
Firefighters are still putting out small fires after a blaze shut down undersea traffic in the tunnel between England and France.
- 8 Comments
Aug 11, 2008 -
- US Clinches Relay, China Leads Medals:
The US swimming relay team broke the world record, took gold, and snatched victory from the favored French team as the oldest member of the US swimming team accomplished one of the biggest comebacks overtaking the French team in the last few meters of the relay. The win keeps Michael Phelps dream of winning eight Olympic golds alive. In the overall medal count, China is in the lead with nine golds and 14 medals, South Korea is second in gold, and the US is third with three golds and but second overall with 12.
- 15 Comments
Aug 08, 2008 -
The Zimbabwe government's youth militia use the most horrific tactic — rape — as a tool to terrorize those suspected of sympathizing with the opposition. President Robert Mugabe's ruling party has been carrying out a campaign of political terror since opposition supporters contested his election.
Today's New York Times paints a graphic picture of how many of Zimbabwe's women have been abused, humiliated, and raped, often in front of their families.
- 17 Comments
Jul 21, 2008 -
- Cyclone Recovery to Top $1 Billion:
Cyclone recovery efforts in Myanmar are expected to top $1 billion according to a report released this morning by the UN and ASEAN. The aid will cover the still pressing needs for food, agriculture, and housing, and the country still needs everything from clean water to fishing nets and buffaloes. $178 million has been given already.
- 2 Comments
Jul 01, 2008 -
The world is happier — thanks to economic growth, democracy, and social tolerance, according to the World Values Study. The findings contradicted the assumption that regardless of changing variables, happiness remains constant.
The researchers credit relative quality of life improvements for the global rise in happiness; for example, low-income societies like China experienced economic growth while developed societies saw a rise in equality and tolerance.
- 8 Comments
Jun 30, 2008 -
- Mugabe at African Union Summit:
Newly sworn-in for a sixth term as president, Robert Mugabe who wrested a win from violent elections in Zimbabwe, is traveling in his official capacity. Mugabe arrived in Egypt today for an African Union summit, under pressure from the UN and his neighbors to create peace with his adversaries, perhaps difficult as world leaders have called the contest illegitimate because of bloodshed and intimidation, being neither free, fair, nor credible. The UN deputy secretary general, told the African leaders "we are facing an extremely grave crisis.
- 2 Comments