Syria Chemical Attack: ‘Red Line’ Breached Again but Obama Still Reluctant
President Obama’s “red line” statement last year on Syria has come to haunt him. On Wednesday, as reports of a horrific chemical attack by the Syrian army that killed hundreds on the outskirts of Damascus poured in, the US and global media screamed that Syria may have finally crossed the “red line.” However, the U.S. avoidance became evident, as it indicated reluctance to take direct action that could embroil America in an open-ended Syrian civil war.
Cost of Freedom: Manning and Snowden Demand Attention
It is a bit of news that Edward Snowden will be watching very closely. Like Snowden, who could not in his “good conscience allow the U.S. government to destroy privacy, Internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world,” - Bradley Manning, 25, sentenced to prison for 35 years, on several charges of espionage, said he leaked the secret files in the hopes of sparking a public debate about U.S. foreign policy and the military.
Vatican to Announce Canonisation Date of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII on Sept 30
It will be a date millions of Roman Catholics around the world will be looking forward to. On Sept 30, Pope Francis will host a meeting of cardinals to formally approve the canonisation of former popes John Paul II and John XXIII. Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes said that the date for the canonisation will be announced at that time.
Iran Nuclear Programme: With Moderate Foreign Minister Zarif in Charge, Iran Back on Talking Terms with P5+1
Intending to take a more moderate approach in its confrontation with the West, Iran, on Tuesday indicated that the new Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif would lead its delegation in talks with the major powers over Iran’s disputed nuclear programme.
Egypt Unrest: US, EU Mull Cutting Aid as the Political Crisis Deepens
The U.S. government, on Tuesday, condemned the military-backed interim government in Egypt for the detention of Mohammed Badie, the 70-year-old spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood terming it “certainly not the standard that the Egyptian people expect of their government.”
Indian Air Force Shows Air Craft Power to China, World
In a achievement that carries strategic significance for Indian defence forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF), on Tuesday, landed a C-130J "Super Hercules" tactical airlift aircraft at the rudimentary airstrip in Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) in eastern Ladakh in the Himalayan range.
Snowden Saga: Media for Freedom versus Government for Security
It is an epic war and will be studied for generations - media for freedom versus governments for security – the Snowden saga continues. On Tuesday, even as David Miranda sued Britain over his detention, UK defended its action saying that the government and the police have a duty to protect the public and national security.
Man in his Underwear Parties for Hours on German Chancellor Merkel’s Aircraft
An intruder, high on drugs, broke into German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s official aircraft on July 25 and partied on it for hours, in his underwear, before being apprehended. The incident happened last month, but has come into focus after a police report was leaked to German media.
Egypt: ElBaradei, Nobel Laureate, Former VP, to Face Breach of Trust Charge
Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, who recently quit as Egypt's interim vice president and left the country in the face of deadly crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood supporters by military-led government, will face charges for "breaching national trust".
Freedom Flotilla Sets Sail to West Papua: Indonesia readies for Showdown as Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr Warns Activists
Australia, on Tuesday issued a warning to its activists groups taking part in the Freedom Flotilla to Indonesia’s Papuan province. In a statement issued from Jakarta, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr termed the protestors as “fringe activists”.
Investigate Australia for Drone Strikes, Rights Groups Demand
Human rights groups in Australia have demanded that the U.N. expand its investigation scope to include Australia’s role in the deadly U.S. drone strikes. At a time when the country is gearing up for elections, this news could come as a major embarrassment for the government and stir up discussion on Australia’s role in the killing innocent civilians.
In India, Anything about Narendra Modi Makes News
The Indian media seems to be gleefully lapping up every mention about controversial Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. This time a comment by former Australian High Commissioner to India John McCarthy has drawn all the attention.
Israeli MP Ruth Calderon in Australia: Two-nations is Best Solution to Solve Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
A two-nation solution is the best way to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to Dr. Ruth Calderon, Israeli academic and politician, member of Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, for the new Yesh Atid party.
United Nations Team in Syria, Investigates Chemical Weapons Charges
As thousands of Syrians fled their conflict-ridden homeland into northern Iraq, a long-awaited team of chemical weapon investigators from the United Nations led by Swedish scientist Ake Sellstrom reached Damascus on Sunday.
Rimsha Masih Blasphemy Case: Pakistan Court Acquits Imam Chishti
Imam Hafiz Mohammed Khalid Chishti who was arrested for falsely implicating Rimsha Masih, a 14-year old mentally-challenged Christian girl of burning pages of the Quran in Aug 2012 has been acquitted by a trial court on Saturday for lack of evidence.
Egypt: Hosni Mubarak May be Freed This Week
If all goes well for him, ousted Egyptian autocrat, Hosni Mubarak could walk free from prison by the end of the week. This after an Egyptian court trying the former president cleared him of corruption charges on Monday.
Another Jail-break in Indonesia, 30 Inmates Escape
About 30 inmates escaped from the riot-hit Labuhan Ruku prison in the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Sunday. The incident which occurred in Batubara, Northern Sumatra is the latest in the several cases of prison riots and jail breaks that have happened in the country.
Australia Invites Controversial Narendra Modi
Australia on Friday extended an invitation to Narendra Modi the controversial Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat.
China Corruption: Bo Xilai Faces Trial on August 22
Former Chinese politician Bo Xilai will stand trial on Thursday, Aug. 22 on charges of bribery, graft and abuse of power.