U.S., UN to square off over lifting of Iraqi restrictions
Direction of Iraq's future gov't worries U.S. UNITED NATIONS (FinalCall.com)–The United Nations Security Council said they were engaged in serious dialogue over resolutions on Iraq, so on April 17 they moved their meeting out of UN headquarters to the embassy of a Council member. "This dialogue is very intense and is taking place right now and it will be...
War crimes probe focuses on U.S.
War leaders may face war crimes charges (Al Jazeera)The Crimes of War Project Online UNITED NATIONS (IPS)–A multinational coalition of jurists and civil society groups is launching an investigation of alleged war crimes in Iraq for potential prosecution by the young International Criminal Court (ICC). The move is motivated in part by Washington’s plans to set up...
Latin American rally hails Chavez
Venezuelan president stands tall for the Black and Brown Poor stand with Venezuela's president, despite country's hardships Latin America, Looking Backward (BlackElectorate.com)'Proof of US involvement in Venezuela Coup Attempt' BBC News CARACAS, Venezuela (IPS)–Who said that raised fists at a political rally were out of style? Representatives from the whole spectrum of the Latin American left gathered in Venezuela recently...
Democracy or Theocracy?
Direction of Iraq's future gov't worries U.S. (FinalCall.com) - As both Shi’a and Sunni Muslim groups continue their protests, at times jointly, against U.S.-led occupation in Iraq, U.S. concerns are rising over the possibility of the formation of a theocracy–political Islamic rule–in post-war Iraq instead of the U.S. preferred democracy. Some observers have said the demands of competing Iraqi Shi’a Muslim...
Japan walks tightrope with U.S./UN after Saddam
TOKYO (IPS)–Japan is walking a political tightrope, balancing its traditional support for the United Nations against the strategic value it puts on Washington’s backing as tension grows on the Korean peninsula. Tokyo found itself in a bind before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, caught between its ties with the United States and widespread pacifist demonstrations at home. Now, in...
Is America headed to Damascus?
UN weapons inspector Hans Blix: 'U.S. planned Iraq war in advance' The Bush administration begins rattling saber at Iraq's neighbors NEW YORK (FinalCall.com)–The Syrian government of President Bashar Assad faced renewed warnings from American officials not to provide safe haven for senior figures in Saddam Hussein’s regime. At Final Call press time, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell raised the possibility...
Caribbean seeks strength in face of aggressive U.S.
(FinalCall.com) - Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur recently went on the offensive, defending his nation’s right to speak out on international issues, a right that was challenged by an envoy of U.S. President George W. Bush during a recent television interview with members of the regional press. "The Barbadian government will fearlessly and freely state its opinion on international matters,"...
Cuba, U.S. in a battle over human rights
GENEVA (IPS)–Cuba has taken the offensive this year in the debate that pits Havana against Washington in the annual meeting of United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Havana delegation to the Commission accused the United States of tolerating terrorism against Cuba and other countries and rejected a proposed resolution on its handling of human rights presented by...
Nervous Pakistanis asking ‘Are we next?’
ISLAMABAD (IPS)–Worries are growing here about the long-term implications of the war on Iraq for Pakistan, its ties with the United States as well as with rival neighbor India. At worst, many fear that what they call the policy of U.S. expansionism may soon be knocking at Pakistan’s doors. "What does war in Iraq mean for Pakistan?...
Protesters blast Israeli aggression
5 Palestinians killed when F-16 fires missile at car in Gaza (Israel's Haretz)International Press Centre (Palestinian National Authority) NEW YORK(FinalCall.com)--Sixteen activists were arrested after a March 27 demonstration in front of the New York branch of Israel’s Bank Leumi. A spokesman for the group, Ryan Senser, said they had gathered to raise awareness about the escalation of violence against Palestinians by...