 | MANILA, 11 August 2012 (IRIN) - Years of haphazard urban planning, combined with worsening weather events, are bringing death and destruction to the Philippines more often. The country of 100 million people has seen huge slum areas multiply, while riverside communities and upscale city developments have grown across an archipelago battered by about 20 storms annually, some of them deadly. |
Aug 13, 2012
PHILIPPINES: A long week in the Philippine floods
PHILIPPINES: A long week in the Philippine floods:
LAOS: Diversifying crops to cope with climate change
LAOS: Diversifying crops to cope with climate change:
 | LUANG PRABANG, 13 August 2012 (IRIN) - Lemons and sweet bamboo may not be associated with frontline efforts to adapt to climate change in most parts of the world, but in Kioutaloun village in northern Laos, rice farmers hit by landslides, land erosion and severe flooding are looking to different crops. |
SOMALIA: Activists laud ban on FGM/C, say implementation will require more
SOMALIA: Activists laud ban on FGM/C, say implementation will require more:
 | NAIROBI, 13 August 2012 (IRIN) - Activists have welcomed a ban on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the new constitution of Somalia – a country where 96 percent of women undergo one of the more extreme forms of the practice – but warn that translating the law into action will require more than just a legal declaration. |
YEMEN: Time running out for solution to water crisis
YEMEN: Time running out for solution to water crisis:
 | SANA'A, 13 August 2012 (IRIN) - The government of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh had taken strides to improve water access in Yemen in recent years. But last year's uprising has pushed water down the list of priorities for the new government, according to aid workers and a government employee, with potentially devastating consequences. |
Germany refocuses on neo-Nazi threat
Germany refocuses on neo-Nazi threat:
Until the discovery last year that a string of unsolved killings had been perpetrated by neo-Nazis, few in Germany considered far-right extremism a major threat.
After the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, security agencies around the world poured energy into fighting Islamist terrorism, and Germany did so with special urgency because several of the hijackers had lived in Hamburg. But the shift led to the neglect of other types of homegrown violence in this nation of 82 million people, critics now say, allowing a neo-Nazi movement to flourish.
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Until the discovery last year that a string of unsolved killings had been perpetrated by neo-Nazis, few in Germany considered far-right extremism a major threat.
After the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, security agencies around the world poured energy into fighting Islamist terrorism, and Germany did so with special urgency because several of the hijackers had lived in Hamburg. But the shift led to the neglect of other types of homegrown violence in this nation of 82 million people, critics now say, allowing a neo-Nazi movement to flourish.
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Google to Buy Frommer's
Google to Buy Frommer's: Google is acquiring the Frommer's travel-guide business, further thrusting itself into content publishing in a bid to attract more advertising dollars tied to online-travel bookings and local-business information.
Nigeria army 'kills 20 Boko Haram members'
Nigeria army 'kills 20 Boko Haram members': Nigerian military confirms a raid on the group's hideout in the Gwaidamgari area of Maiduguri.
Mexican mayor-elect shot dead
Mexican mayor-elect shot dead: Unidentified gunmen shoot dead the mayor-elect of the city of Matehuala and his campaign manager.
Australia panel urges offshore asylum centres
Australia panel urges offshore asylum centres: Report recommends increase of humanitarian intake from 13,000 to 20,000 people per year, and up to 27,000 in five years.
Mali's Traore 're-appoints' prime minister
Mali's Traore 're-appoints' prime minister: President-elect Dioncounda Traore gives Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra three days to form unity government.
'Massive raid' reported in heart of Damascus
'Massive raid' reported in heart of Damascus: Rebels claim to shoot down fighter jet in Deir Ezzor, as fighting rages in Aleppo and mass arrests reported in capital.
Egypt's Morsi 'empowered' by army shake-up
Egypt's Morsi 'empowered' by army shake-up: Egyptian media hails president's decision to dismiss powerful defence minister and curb military's sweeping powers.
New government regulation threatens forest protection
New government regulation threatens forest protection: New central government regulations will allow mining and palm oil plantation companies with regional licenses to buy their concessions in state-controlled forests.The regulations, No. 60/2012 on ...
Jakarta is burning during dry Ramadhan
Jakarta is burning during dry Ramadhan: The current dry season and carelessness have led to a spike in the number of major fires in Jakarta during Ramadhan, according to the city’s fire chief.Four major fires have broken out since ...
Rhoma cleared of campaign violations
Rhoma cleared of campaign violations: The Jakarta Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) cleared the “King of Dangdut”, Rhoma Irama, of alleged campaign regulation violations on Sunday.Panwaslu chairman Ramdansyah said that the ...
Government to decide Idul Fitri on Saturday
Government to decide Idul Fitri on Saturday: The government will conduct an isbat (confirmation) meeting to decide the first day of Idul Fitri on Saturday evening, Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali has said. Suryadharma said Monday ...
Aug 12, 2012
Crowds Grow at Romney Rallies
Crowds Grow at Romney Rallies: The crowds at Romney rallies swelled to the thousands and grew more raucous, and all of a sudden both men on the ticket were touting their Midwestern roots.
Southeast Asia Looks Abroad
Southeast Asia Looks Abroad: After years of fat profits and rapid growth, many Southeast Asian companies are running out of room to expand at home, much as Chinese, Indian and other Asian companies did before them.
Turbulent Times at Manila's Airport
Turbulent Times at Manila's Airport: Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport can strike fear into the hearts of even the most hardened business travelers, but sorting out its infrastructure problems is emerging as a top policy priority for the Philippines.
Anti-government protesters rally in Morocco
Anti-government protesters rally in Morocco: Demonstrators accuse ruling party of not fulfilling its pledges to address social grievances and fight corruption.
Indonesia Fishermen Victimized by People-Smuggling Trade - Journal of Turkish Weekly
Indonesia Fishermen Victimized by People-Smuggling Trade - Journal of Turkish Weekly:
 The Express Tribune | Indonesia Fishermen Victimized by People-Smuggling Trade Journal of Turkish Weekly JAKARTA — Fleeing troubled zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Sri Lanka, a wave of asylum seekers heading to Australia is fueling the people-smuggling business in Indonesia. While bilateral efforts to tackle the illegal trade are underway ... Off Indonesia coast: Pakistani among over 200 asylum-seekers rescuedThe Express Tribune Australia Rescues More Than 200 From Asylum Boat off IndonesiaJakarta Globe New bid to stop asylum seekersHerald Sun Tengrinews all 310 news articles » |
Indonesia Says 'No, Thanks' to More Sukhoi Fighters - defpro
Indonesia Says 'No, Thanks' to More Sukhoi Fighters - defpro:
 defpro | Indonesia Says 'No, Thanks' to More Sukhoi Fighters defpro 9, 2012) MOSCOW | Indonesia will buy no more Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia, opting instead for U.S. F-16s, Air Marshal Eris Herryanto told Flightglobal aviation news portal on Thursday. The Indonesian Air Force has 10 Su-30 and Su-27s with six ... and more » |
Skills, training and education keys to reducing labor abuse abroad
Skills, training and education keys to reducing labor abuse abroad: The Panca Karsa Association (PPK) has since long provided legal advocacy for troubled migrant workers from West Nusa Tenggara. Its executive director Endang Susilawati gave an interview with The ...
Fauzi gets more support for runoff
Fauzi gets more support for runoff: As many had speculated, incumbent Governor Fauzi Bowo finally managed to nab support in the gubernatorial runoff from the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), despite intensive lobbying from ...
Stories from Indonesia
Stories from Indonesia: People have different ways of expressing their love for their country. In the case of Farid Gaban and Ahmad Yunus, it’s through beautiful stories.Farid, a former senior journalist with national ...
Sailing on a paper boat
Sailing on a paper boat: Many fans of singer turned writer Dewi “Dee” Lestari have been anticipating the screening of the film Perahu Kertas (Paper Boat), which is adapted from her novel bearing the same title. Now they ...
The descent from developmental state into predatory state
The descent from developmental state into predatory state: Indonesia’s two longest-serving presidents, Sukarno and Soeharto, were both authoritarian and were both brought down by economic crises. Bankrupt economies caused severe economic contraction and ...
In Full Swing: Drought-Driven Voters Vent Anger Over Farm Bill
In Full Swing: Drought-Driven Voters Vent Anger Over Farm Bill: With lawmakers at home for a recess, constituents are venting their anger over delays in enacting a new five-year farm bill.
This turban stays on
This turban stays on:
America is a deeply religious nation. Like the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, the Aug. 5, 2012, massacre of Sikh worshipers in Wisconsin shocked the conscience of America and generated a groundswell of sympathy for Sikh Americans. Although most of this support has been unconditional, some have suggested that Sikhs assimilate and avoid danger by removing their turbans.
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America is a deeply religious nation. Like the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, the Aug. 5, 2012, massacre of Sikh worshipers in Wisconsin shocked the conscience of America and generated a groundswell of sympathy for Sikh Americans. Although most of this support has been unconditional, some have suggested that Sikhs assimilate and avoid danger by removing their turbans.
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Lebanon Charges Syria-Linked Politician
Lebanon Charges Syria-Linked Politician: Lebanon's Military Tribunal charged a prominent politician close to Syria and Hezbollah of conspiring to carry out terrorist attacks in Lebanon and plotting to assassinate politicians and religious figures in the country.
The Pathway to Peace and Reconciliation
The Pathway to Peace and Reconciliation:
While the official launch was underway, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had just delivered his keynote speech and the discussion forum was just about to start, I was still in disbelief that I was attending a forum along with these three highly prominent figures. Jose Ramos Horta, who was the former President of Timor Leste had experienced an assassination attempt. Another prominent figure was Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian Opposition Leader who was severely beaten and imprisoned for six years. Whereas, the third prominent figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, was Thailand’s former Prime Minister who was overthrown by a military coup and forced into exile.
On July 17th 2012, Shilla and myself were invited to attend the official launch of the Strategic Review Journal and Discussion Forum on Peace and Reconciliation. From my point of view, one of the highlights of the event, besides having the presence of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Cabinet Ministers and several other dignitaries, is the presence of three high profile figures that became speakers at the Discussion Forum, namely, Jose Ramos-Horta; Anwar Ibrahim, and Thaksin Shinawatra.
Prior to sharing the highlights of the discussion, I believe it’s best to give brief background information on the Strategic Review Journal. Quoting from the words of Strategic Review’s Editor in Chief, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda, “One of Strategic Review’s main strengths is to provide a forum, both in print and in cyberspace, for people with diverging views to share them openly.” He added, “The editorial and advisory board of Strategic Review do not subscribe to any particular position or ideology, except maybe that all ideas and opinions are welcome and should be disseminated to the widest possible audience.” Ergo, we could say that Strategic Review’s objective is to give a more balanced point of view on issues that have drawn the public’s attention.
After knowing briefly about Strategic Review Journal, let’s continue to the highlights of the discussion, shall we?
While the official launch was underway, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had just delivered his keynote speech and the discussion forum was just about to start, I was still in disbelief that I was attending a forum along with these three highly prominent figures. Jose Ramos Horta, who was the former President of Timor Leste had experienced an assassination attempt. Another prominent figure was Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian Opposition Leader who was severely beaten and imprisoned for six years. Whereas, the third prominent figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, was Thailand’s former Prime Minister who was overthrown by a military coup and forced into exile.However, even with the presence of these prominent figures, I still thought that the discussion on how to maintain peace and go through a smooth reconciliation would be more on the theoretical side. In reality, all of them mostly talked about their real life experience and their encounters with conflicts in their respective countries. Anwar Ibrahim even joked on how a Malaysian prisoner was a lot less privileged when compared with the prisoners in Indonesia. He said there was no possibility for him to request a room with air conditioner and other luxury. As a prisoner, he was sent to a maximum-security prison with plenty of security checkpoints.
Anwar Ibrahim continued to share his experience when dealing with issues related with reconciliation. He said, “After you’ve experienced the difficulty in getting your rights and freedom, then you would realize the necessity to maintain freedom.” Later, he also praised Indonesia for its ability to “not be saddled by the baggage of the past.” He resisted the urge for payback and asked instead for Malaysia to allow fair elections as the path to reconciliation. He also added, “I am only able to forgive, and move on. Not necessarily forget, but move on. If you are totally committed to democracy, you don’t have time for retribution.”
The day was still young, and it was Thaksin Shinawatra’s turn to share his experience. One of the aspects that he stressed on was the need for calm in handling the political crisis in his country. He said, “I think we need truth, but the truth must not lead to future conflict, we must learn from our past failures, but we also must move on.”
“Legislation need to be put in effect, and must have an impact during the effort to withhold a peaceful situation,” Thaksin added. At first, I was a bit shocked to hear such a peaceful message from a person who has been dethroned by force and exiled from his own country, but later on I noticed that everything he said was not on getting things even with the opposition, but rather to create a greater good.
One of the best moments of the discussion in my opinion was when Ramos-Horta shared his experience on peace and reconciliation. He has actually done what Thaksin Shinawatra and Anwar Ibrahim so far had only put into words. He noted that after the former East Timor’s 1999 independence referendum and the bloody withdrawal of the Indonesian military, he and independence fighter Xanana Gusmão -who is now the country’s prime minister- made peace with Indonesia a first priority, despite calls for an international tribunal to investigate crimes committed there. “Sometimes we have to swallow this desire for retributive justice,” he said. However, the most important thing he said about peace keeping efforts was that leadership, passion, and humility are the traits that are essential in maintaining peace.
My expectations went sky-high after hearing what all of the speakers said, I went on hoping that the message of peace and forgiveness pointed out during the discussion will be realized in Timor Leste, Malaysia and Thailand. Most importantly, I hope all of the speakers could prove that they are true statesmen and in the future they will actually put their words into action.
I would like to close this article by quoting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, “There is no peace, no freedom, and no stability, unless we take out the cancerous seeds of conflict and hatred from our society and replace them with seeds of amity and good will.” May there be smooth reconciliation and everlasting peace in Indonesia, the Southeast Asia region, and other parts of the world.
Cultural Studies: Parting Is Such Sweet Revenge
Cultural Studies: Parting Is Such Sweet Revenge: Whether the leave-taking is voluntary or pink-slipped, anyone with a Facebook page, Twitter account or Tumblr feed can issue a very public kiss-off to a former boss or company.
Racial Profiling at Boston Airport, Officials Say
Racial Profiling at Boston Airport, Officials Say: Officers from the Transportation Security Administration’s “behavior detection” program in Boston assert that passengers who fit certain profiles are much more likely to be stopped, searched and questioned for “suspicious” behavior.
Egyptian Leader Ousts Military Chief
Egyptian Leader Ousts Military Chief: President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt forced the retirement on Sunday of his defense minister, the army chief of staff and several senior generals, in a stunning purge of the leadership of Egypt’s military.
Can Syria's Christians Survive?
Can Syria's Christians Survive?: Essay: In the land of St. Paul's conversion, ancient Catholic and Orthodox communities are finding themselves on the wrong side of an increasingly sectarian conflict.
Iran Quake Kills at Least 250
Iran Quake Kills at Least 250: The death toll from twin earthquakes in Iran has risen to 250, Iranian state television said, while more than 2,000 were injured.
Iran Quake Kills at Least 250
Iran Quake Kills at Least 250: The death toll from twin earthquakes in Iran has risen to 250, Iranian state television said, while more than 2,000 were injured.
2 Syrian Journalists Reportedly Killed
2 Syrian Journalists Reportedly Killed: Two Syrian journalists have been killed in the capital, according to reports from Syrian state news agency SANA and an Arab satellite station.
How, when and whether to end the war in Syria
How, when and whether to end the war in Syria:
“The beginning of wisdom,” a Chinese saying goes, “is to call things by their right names.” And the right name for what is happening in Syria — and has been for more than a year — is an all-out civil war.
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“The beginning of wisdom,” a Chinese saying goes, “is to call things by their right names.” And the right name for what is happening in Syria — and has been for more than a year — is an all-out civil war.
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Ryan’s budget becomes a focus of the presidential race
Ryan’s budget becomes a focus of the presidential race:
With the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as his running mate, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has reframed the campaign as a choice of political philosophies — one in which Ryan’s controversial budget plan will be a flash point.
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With the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as his running mate, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has reframed the campaign as a choice of political philosophies — one in which Ryan’s controversial budget plan will be a flash point.
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Summer’s record heat, drought point to longer-term climate issues
Summer’s record heat, drought point to longer-term climate issues:
Driving by a boat ramp one Saturday morning last month, a local man noticed some white spots on the Des Moines River. He stopped to have a look.
Turns out the spots were fish bellies. The undersides of dead sturgeon formed glistening constellations in the muddy brown water.
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Driving by a boat ramp one Saturday morning last month, a local man noticed some white spots on the Des Moines River. He stopped to have a look.
Turns out the spots were fish bellies. The undersides of dead sturgeon formed glistening constellations in the muddy brown water.
Read full article >>
Election Day impersonation, an impetus for voter ID laws, a rarity, data show
Election Day impersonation, an impetus for voter ID laws, a rarity, data show:
A new nationwide analysis of more than 2,000 cases of alleged election fraud over the past dozen years shows that in-person voter impersonation on Election Day, which has prompted 37 state legislatures to enact or consider tougher voter ID laws, was virtually nonexistent.
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A new nationwide analysis of more than 2,000 cases of alleged election fraud over the past dozen years shows that in-person voter impersonation on Election Day, which has prompted 37 state legislatures to enact or consider tougher voter ID laws, was virtually nonexistent.
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Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, full of secrets
Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, full of secrets:
It wasn’t the greatest first impression I’d ever made. Arriving at the small, dusty Cambodian village of O’Key, where dogs scampered around the handful of bamboo houses, I smiled and waved at the mother and daughter sitting in the shade of a banana tree. The young girl stared at me. Then, lip trembling, she burst into tears.
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It wasn’t the greatest first impression I’d ever made. Arriving at the small, dusty Cambodian village of O’Key, where dogs scampered around the handful of bamboo houses, I smiled and waved at the mother and daughter sitting in the shade of a banana tree. The young girl stared at me. Then, lip trembling, she burst into tears.
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Colombia legal challenge could set precedent on gay couples’ familial rights in Latin America
Colombia legal challenge could set precedent on gay couples’ familial rights in Latin America:
Theirs is a storybook romance, from the time they became friends in the fourth grade to a love affair that blossomed when they were in their late 30s.
Now in a legal union, Ana Leiderman and Veronica Botero have a young son and daughter. But they are not quite a family under the law. Leiderman, who gave birth after being artificially inseminated, has custody of the children. And Botero has virtually no rights, or legal responsibilities, concerning them.
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Theirs is a storybook romance, from the time they became friends in the fourth grade to a love affair that blossomed when they were in their late 30s.
Now in a legal union, Ana Leiderman and Veronica Botero have a young son and daughter. But they are not quite a family under the law. Leiderman, who gave birth after being artificially inseminated, has custody of the children. And Botero has virtually no rights, or legal responsibilities, concerning them.
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Nuclear ruse: Posing as toymaker, Chinese merchant allegedly sought U.S. technology for Iran
Nuclear ruse: Posing as toymaker, Chinese merchant allegedly sought U.S. technology for Iran:
The Chinese toymaker said he was seeking parts for a “magic horse,” a metal-framed playground pony. But the exotic, wildly expensive raw material he wanted seemed better suited for space travel than backyard play.
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The Chinese toymaker said he was seeking parts for a “magic horse,” a metal-framed playground pony. But the exotic, wildly expensive raw material he wanted seemed better suited for space travel than backyard play.
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Aug 11, 2012
Idul Fitri falls on Aug. 19: Muhammadiyah
Idul Fitri falls on Aug. 19: Muhammadiyah: The second-largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah, has announced that the first day of Idul Fitri will fall on Aug. 19, following a calculation based on a hisab (astronomical ...
Indonesia to procure six Hercules
Indonesia to procure six Hercules: The Indonesian and Australian governments are close to striking a deal in the procurement of six more refurbished heavy transport aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), an official has ...
Buddhist organization urges KPK leniency toward Hartati
Buddhist organization urges KPK leniency toward Hartati: The Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi) has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to be lenient with its chairwoman, Siti Hartati Murdaya, who is a suspect in a bribery ...
From Java to Sulawesi, officials prepare for Idul Fitri exodus
From Java to Sulawesi, officials prepare for Idul Fitri exodus: Officials from Java to Sulawesi are readying for an onslaught of millions of travellers who will mudik, or return to their hometowns, for the Idul Fitri holiday.Central Java’s top cop said that ...
Special needs children find place in society
Special needs children find place in society: Noreen Flores had a difficult time trying to enroll her son in school.The boy, Jibrail, has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and ...
Although costly, RI needs to build more refineries: SBY
Although costly, RI needs to build more refineries: SBY: Indonesia still needs to build more fuel refineries to ensure the country’s future energy security even though the construction of such refineries will be very costly, President Susilo Bambang ...
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