There are some rare occasions when the powers-that-be discover that it is ‘realistic’ to support civilian peace initiatives; when the manipulation of grievance has to be put in rapid reverse…
The founder of openDemocracy on a mind-changing trip to India.
Chittagong Hill Tracts shaken by riots and arson. India and Pakistan take steps to rebuild their relationship. Niger leaders rule themselves out of elections. Darfur rebels contradict president’s claim that the war is over. All this and more in today’s briefing.
Sudan and Darfur rebels sign ceasefire deal. Ailing Nigerian leader returns to Nigeria. Escalating dispute over Falklands Islands goes to the UN. Family of US activist to sue Israel. Turkish officers charged over coup plot. India reports border shooting ahead of talks with Pakistan. All this and m
Bangladesh accused of crackdown on Burmese refugees. Obama meets the Dalai Lama despite Chinese criticism; Maoists kills ten in Bihar. Protests rock Ivory Coast as president dissolves the government. Taliban running low on ammo in sixth day of Operation Moshtarak. Rumours of a coup attempt in Nige
Freedom of speech in India has always been a tricky issue, and the furore over Shah Rukh Khan's comments shows (updated)
Kenya tightens security on its north-eastern border with Somalia. Troops deployed as violence intensifies in Karachi. Clinton denies rumours of US-Iran prisoner swap. Rwandan opposition candidate attacked by mob in Kigali. Curfew declared in Srinagar, Kashmir, after days of violent protests. All t
Pakistan's military and political class have obsessed over gaining 'strategic depth' in Afghanistan for years, but the at times absurd concept is incompatible with Pakistan's zero-sum approach to regional politics.
The EU's trade negotiations with India bring back memories of colonial exploitation
Yemen’s foreign minister rejects possibility of US intervention in its battle against al-Qaeda, suggesting fears that US support might do more harm than good. Aid agencies warn of return to war in southern Sudan. Indian security forces bring day-long siege in Srinagar to an end with death of two m
When legal-constitutional guarantees fail, public hearings may be the only option available to those who have paid the price for India's rapid economic growth.
Anti-government protesters in Iran subject to police violence. US clueless on Bin Laden’s location. Police in Sudan break up opposition rally. Zimbabwe still in need of $378m in aid. India and Russia reach agreement on nuclear programme. All this and more in today's update.
