Mass graves attest to the brutality of a 5-month-long power struggle for Ivory Coast’s presidency that ended last month. In a muddy slum at the edge of Abidjan, palm leaves stuck in rusty piles of earth mark the graves of 68 villagers. They were killed by rampaging militias over the last month.
In the lead-up to next week’s U.S. China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has vowed to oppose trade barriers imposed by the Chinese regime on US companies, if he is confirmed as the next ambassador to China.
Opposition “Red Shirt” supporters in Thailand say they are being silenced ahead of an upcoming general election. Police have reportedly closed down several anti-government radio stations for “lacking licenses or permits to broadcast”. But activists say the only stations targeted were ones run by Red Shirt supporters.
An unmanned aerial combat drone developed by Boeing has successfully completed its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Called the Boeing Phantom Ray, the aircraft is designed to support several potential missions including surveillance and attack.
As Syria intensifies its clampdown on anti-government protesters, international pressure on the regime is being stepped up. It comes as new amateur video whose authenticity cannot be verified purports to show mass arrests in Deraa.
Questions remain about how Osama bin Laden was killed, but the impact of his death on Al Qaeda inspired groups is already being evaluated. Indonesia’s government has been fighting its own battle against such groups for years.
There has been a mixed reaction among Muslims around the world to the news of the death of Osama bin Laden. They range from deep suspicion to relief.
The world’s most notorious manhunt in recent history is over, as Washington confirms it has eliminated its number one terrorist. This spot by the Russian government-owned Russia Today features commentary by Ahmed Quraishi, Senior Research Fellow with the Pakistan-based think-tank International Analyst Network. Quraishi argues Osama bin Laden’s death has provided the U.S. with a way to save face and withdraw from Afghanistan.
U.S. President Barack Obama was preparing to announce Osama bin Laden was dead when word got out and crowds gathered outside the White House in Washington and at Ground Zero in New York City.