Month: May 2009

UN Inquiry Critical of Israeli Attacks in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS – A detailed 184-page report critical of Israeli attacks on UN personnel and buildings during the Gaza conflict last December-January has been meticulously stripped down to a 27-page document – mostly due to political sensitivities and on security grounds. Responding to charges he had released only a "watered-down" version of the report by … Continue reading “UN Inquiry Critical of Israeli Attacks in Gaza”

Tuesday: 37 Iraqis Killed, Unknown Wounded

At least 37 people were killed in the latest incidents. Thirty-three of those were suspected militants killed during raids. An unknown number of villagers in Iraqi Kurdistan were wounded along with five Iraqis elsewhere. Meanwhile, the U.N. announced a change in the treatment of refugees from southern and western Iraq thanks to improved conditions. Also, three South Korean soldiers were convicted of seeking bribes while stationed in Iraq. And, Iraqi Kurdistan announced regional elections will take place on July 25.

Britain Tries to Block CIA Rendition Case

British High Court judges are expected to rule this week on whether a document by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency can be publicly disclosed, thus opening the courthouse door to a lawsuit charging that the British government was complicit in facilitating the rendition of a British resident by the CIA, which tortured and secretly imprisoned … Continue reading “Britain Tries to Block CIA Rendition Case”

Obama Considers Revamping Military Trials

Reports circulating in Washington suggest that President Barack Obama may try to revive the military commission system for prosecuting Guantánamo detainees, which Obama himself criticized during the administration of his predecessor, former president George W. Bush. While some detainees would be tried in federal courts, administration lawyers are reportedly concerned that some terrorism suspects could … Continue reading “Obama Considers Revamping Military Trials”