Month: November 2004

Burma Prisoner Release May Be Just a Ploy

BANGKOK – The initial euphoria that greeted the freedom granted to nearly 4,000 prisoners, recently released from jails in military-ruled Burma, seems to be dissipating fast. For all it may be, this amnesty might not necessarily translate into possible political reform. The profile of most prisoners freed, the timing of their release, and the reasons … Continue reading “Burma Prisoner Release May Be Just a Ploy”

US Media Miss Rumsfeld’s ‘Dirty Wars’ Talk

If three, five, or 10 years from now, Latin America returns to the military dictatorships and "dirty wars" of its all-too-recent past, analysts may point to the past week’s conference in Quito of the hemisphere’s defense ministers – and particularly Pentagon chief Donald Rumsfeld’s role in it – as a milestone in that journey. If … Continue reading “US Media Miss Rumsfeld’s ‘Dirty Wars’ Talk”

Groups Push Bulldozer Maker to End Sales to Israel

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has joined the campaign to pressure U.S.-based heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. to stop selling bulldozers to Israel’s military because it uses the machines to violate human rights in the occupied territories. Monday’s appeal by HRW followed an exchange with Caterpillar Chief Executive Officer James Owens, which began three weeks ago … Continue reading “Groups Push Bulldozer Maker to End Sales to Israel”

‘We Live Like Dogs’

"Doctors in Fallujah are reporting there are patients in the hospital there who were forced out by the Americans," says Mehdi Abdulla, a 33-year-old ambulance driver at a hospital in Baghdad. "Some doctors there told me they had a major operation going, but the soldiers took the doctors away and left the patient to die." … Continue reading “‘We Live Like Dogs’”

Diplomatic Front Heats Up in Ivory Coast

PARIS – Beneath the apparent calm after the last round of clashes, the diplomatic battle in Cote d’Ivoire is getting hotter. This time the clash is building up not between government and rebel leaders but between the government of President Laurent Gbagbo and the French, who had protected and supported Gbagbo until recently. French President … Continue reading “Diplomatic Front Heats Up in Ivory Coast”

Dubious Source for New Iran Charges

NEW DELHI – As Iran promised to meet Monday’s deadline for suspending a uranium enrichment process that could be used for making nuclear weapons – a freeze that could spare it UN Security Council sanctions – questions still remain unanswered. Does Iran already possess blueprints for a nuclear bomb and a certain quantity of enriched … Continue reading “Dubious Source for New Iran Charges”

Hawks Push Regime Change in North Korea

The coalition of foreign-policy hawks that promoted the 2003 invasion of Iraq is pressing President George W. Bush to adopt a more coercive policy toward North Korea, despite strong opposition from China and South Korea. By most accounts, North Korea ranked high in bilateral talks between Bush and Northeast Asian leaders, including Chinese President Hu … Continue reading “Hawks Push Regime Change in North Korea”

France Stands Up to the US

PARIS – The differences between France and Iraq entered a new phase at the summit that began at the Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh Monday. Differences are emerging starkly despite conciliatory statements from both sides. The meeting is bringing together members of the Iraqi interim government with leaders from the G8 (the eight leading industrialized countries: … Continue reading “France Stands Up to the US”