POLITICS & POLICY

In The Name of God: Turkish Youth Lured to Fight in Syria

"These children here are fighting for the jihad. Are you an infidel to keep them away from the jihad? We will shoot you and bury you here if you come here again.” a Turkish father, who went to Syria, fanatically searching for his twin sons, was told. He returned home empty-handed.
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More New Zealanders Have No Job Security, Less Legal Protection

A third of New Zealanders are unemployed afraid of losing their jobs or are have temporary work, according to a study conducted by the Council of Trade of Unions. The results of the study were released in a biennial conference in Wellington. The study also suggested that temporary workers in New Zealand have limited legal protection compared to workers in most developed nations.

Australia-India Nuclear Trade Talks Soon: What’s in store?

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will meet his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN and the East Asia Summit Oct 9-10. Top on the agenda will be the need for finalisation of a nuclear deal between the two countries. The External Affairs Ministry has already said that the two countries are hoping to hold a third round of nuclear cooperation talks in Dec 2013.

Should Australians Worry About Internet Privacy?

Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, had earlier leaked information about PRISM, a highly sensitive issue commonly known as global spying program. This was a bombshell that shocked the country after the revelation that the U.S. government had installed a global spying system, which can burrow deep an individual's web activities through social media platforms and email exchange.

China Education: Bribes, Not Brains, Get Kids Enrolled and Accepted at School – Report

Xi Jinping, China's new president, may have to go to the root core of corruption in the country if he wants it totally eliminated - the state educational system. While academic performance still matters, it's been found that Chinese parents bribe teachers and school administrators to ensure their child gets preferential treatment and placement in the school.

EU Prohibits Smoking, Children Warned To Stop the Habit

Under the newly proposed legislation, all kinds of cigarettes are banned in Europe. According to the new rules that will be implemented by the European parliament Tuesday, 65 percent cigarette packs will contain health warnings while menthol cigarettes and other flavored versions will now be banned.

China Exec Terminated Over Son’s 3-Day Lavish Wedding Rites

A state official of the China's ruling Communist Party was sacked Tuesday after the reported three-day lavish wedding celebration of his son amounting to over 1.6 million yuan ($260,000). Such move amplifies the government's intent to restrict government staff from extravagant lifestyle and curb the notion for graft and corruption.

Canada: No More Funding For War-Rape Victims

Canada has decided to shelf its funding on overseas projects that deal with war and rape victims. Christian Paradis, an international development minister, said the government would no longer release any fund for the victims of war-rape or teenage brides who have the access to abortion. He cited this after meeting the Canadian Network, adding the government would still continue its commitment as proclaimed at the G8 summit 3 years back in Muskoka.

Australia Hits Hottest Temperature Yet On Record

Australia's newly rebadged Climate Council is naming this year as the hottest calendar year documented since record keeping began. 2013 is set to have the highest temperatures, passing by far 2005's warm climate. The elevated temperature is cause for concern as local governments are concerned with spontaneous bush fires may erupt should this budding heat wave continue. This is one hot streak that the public should be talking about.

Survey: Most Sex Workers Abused By Cops

About 65 percent sex workers are abused by cops. This was according to a recent survey conducted by the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre (TLAC) to 80 Johannesburg-based sex workers in South Africa. The study revealed 52 of them were abused in different forms.

Nuclear Diplomacy: No Problem if Iran Continues Uranium Enrichment as Talks Progress, Feels European Union

Iran’s conciliatory approach at the UN and with the U.S. seems to be bearing some fruit. Notwithstanding Israeli opposition at the UN General Assembly annual debate on Tuesday, reports suggest Western governments are thinking about allowing Iran to continue some uranium enrichment. It could pave the way for smoother talks and better meeting of minds. The move comes after Iran said it wants to end its deadlock with Western powers, on the issue of alleged nuclear weapons within the next six month...

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