#252: Sat Rally Aotea Sq: "Drop the Charges"

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #252, August 28, 2008

Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/ Contact details: Forums – John Minto, Work: (09) 845 2132, Home 09 846 3173 jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 0295254744 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Wellesley St, Auckland. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter visit http://www.gpja.org.nz/ or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.

To access the newsletter online go to: http://gpja.org.nz/

If you find this news letter useful, kindly forward it to your friends and encourage them to join this mailing list. http://www.gpja.org.nz/

Kia ora koutou,

AUCKLAND RALLY POSTER: http://indymedia.org.nz/usermedia/application/10/aug30.pdf
End the criminalisation of dissent; End the colonisation of Ngai Tuhoe; End the global wars of
Terror

12 NOON, SAT, AUGUST 30TH - PROTEST LAST YEAR’S STATE TERROR RAIDS. RALLY IN AOTEA SQUARE
This protest is part of an international day of action focusing on the raids which resulted in 17 activists arrested in a dramatic exercise of state power. Two days later the activists will appear in court for a depositions hearing on the charges. The outcome threatens the right to dissent and the civil liberties of all New Zealanders. The police failed in their attempt to lay terror charges against the activists but they are continuing to press arms charges. The nature of the police evidence is such that if their evidence holds up then any breaches would be technical and would normally have resulted in a warning without prosecution. GPJA has called for all the charges to be dropped.
http://www.october15thsolidarity.info/

SEPTEMBER 1ST GPJA SEPTEMBER FORUM: WHAT THE ANTI-TERROR RAIDS MEAN FOR DISSENT IN NEW ZEALAND.
Monday 1st September, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. Speakers include: Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law, Auckland University; Valerie Morse, defendent and author of Against Freedom: The War on Terrorism in Everyday New Zealand Life; John Minto, spokesperson Global Peace and Justice Auckland

Monday, September 1, 9.15am-10.30am, Auckland District Court, Cnr Kingston & Albert St
SOLIDARITY DEMO OUTSIDE COURT – Deposition hearings for the arrestees of the October 15th "anti-terror" raids last year begins on September the 1st. The October 15th Solidarity group in Tamaki-Makaurau are calling for a morning picket to show support and solidarity for the arrestees. We have not forgotten the state surveillance, repression, and imprisonment of Maori sovereignty activists and anarchists. We have not forgotten the racist harassment of the residents of Ruatoki. We have not forgotten the long history of colonisation, violence, and confiscation. Nor have we forgotten the indigenous struggle for self-determination and resistance to the colonial state that continues to this day. Come show your support for Tino Rangatiratanga and Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe. Stand in solidarity with the arrestees. Please bring banners, placards and flags. Food will be provided at lunchtime. Ka whawhai tonu matou, ake ake ake!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAIHOPAI ANZAC PLOUGHSHARES UPDATE: 26 AUGUST 2008 - ACTION ALERT: DEPOSITIONS HEARING DATE SET
- Thursday 18 September is the date set for the Depositions Hearing - this is where the Police present their evidence and witnesses to the judge and defence. One day has been set as the time required for this hearing - so supporters are encouraged to try and attend as this is one of the few chances we will have to show that a significant proportion of the public support the action and draw attention to the issues it raised (NZ's small but significant contribution to the War With No End, US occupation of Iraq, US global military and economic hegemony, etc.). Speakers and a vigil will be organised outside the Blenheim Courthouse - email us ploughshares08@gmail.com if you plan to drive or want to hitch a ride to get there.
Other news...
- The Mega Sausage-Sizzle & Cake Stall organised by Adi last week to fund the reconstruction of Iraq failed to reach the US$80billion target. While disappointed, Adi was encouraged by the well-behaved crowd of supporters who turned out to help eat the food. Photos available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pl200808a.htm thanks to Peace Movement Aotearoa.
- Many thanks to Paul Frazier from Syracuse, New York who generously gave his time to input email addresses to this mailing list database from the messages of support on the Waihopai ANZAC Ploughshares website. Welcome to those who haven't received one of these updates previously - they seem to come out about once or twice a month. See the link at the bottom of this email if you would prefer not to receive occassional updates.
- We have almost secured enough loans to cover the publishing costs for Ciaron O'Reilly's book "Bomber Grounded, Runway Closed: Prison Letters & Court Notes of a Gulf War Resister". We hope to sell the book internationally as a fundraiser for future Ploughshares activities and thanks to the generosity of supporters we have a number of loans pledged ranging from $400 to $2,000. Lenders can let us know when they would like the money repaid - we are hoping to have covered costs within two years but if this is too long then let me know. The text and images have been received from Ciaron and the book is currently being redesigned - if anyone has images you think might be appropriate for the cover or inside let us know. And if you are friends with Martin Sheen or another celebrity who might write a new Foreword (and potentially broaden the appeal of the book to wider audience) that would be great too.
On a lighter note - (if you have broadband) check out Roy Zimmerman's new song about the Democrats' presidential candidate on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu-c3VgHCUQ
- Manu ploughshares08@gmail.com - http:// www.ploughshares.org.nz

ONLINE PETITION TO ANZ AND HSBC TO STOP FUNDING OCEANAGOLD MINE IN PHILIPPINES
Dear friends and advocates, Greetings! The people of Nueva Vizcaya are asking your support for their resistance against the Didipio Gold-Copper Mining Project in Nueva Vizcaya province, Philippines. Part of their campaign is to pressure the financial supporters of the transnational mining company OceanaGold Corporation (which owns the mining project) to withdraw their involvement in the project. Below is their petition urging ANZ and HSBC to withdraw their financial support for the project. To give support, please visit the link http://www.kalikasan.org/kalikasan-cms-new/ where you can find the online petition. Please do circulate this letter to your friends and network. Thank you very much. For the people and the environment, Defend Patrimony, Didipio Earth Savers Movement (DESAMA); Kasibu Inter-Tribal (KIRED)(RULANAS); Save the Valley, Serve the People Alliance for the Environment (SVSP-Nueva Vizcaya)

WELLINGTON ARTIST AND BENEFICIARY TAO WELLS HAS RESPONDED TO NATIONAL LEADER John Key's recent statements concerning beneficiaries and solo mothers. Wells has announced his WINZ National Tour in which he will expound his "Three Ideas for the State." The exhibition will open at the National Gallery in Christchurch September 16. Check out the video promo featuring a sheepish looking John Key here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiHB6mjFxX4
www.artaristocracy.com www.threeideasforthestate.com

HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE SERIES
- the Centre for Continuing Education, in association with the United Nations Association of New Zealand, brings you three lectures looking at human rights in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the declaration. You may choose to attend individual lectures or register for the series. The fee is $27 per lecture or $67.50 for the series. A concession of $18 per lecture or $45 for the series is available to students and unwaged.
ENROLMENT FOR THE SERIES Class Number: 78063 Cost: $67.50 (International Fee $106.90), $45 Student/Unwaged
When: 3 sessions, Monday 6, 13 & 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here for more information and to enrol for the series http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
THE PLACE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: THE UNIVERSALIST-RELATIVIST DEBATE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Mohsen al Attar LLB, LLM . Since the birth of human rights, a debate has raged between two camps. Universalists argue that rights should be regarded in exactly the same manner across the globe and thus criticise societies that do not follow the dominant Western model. Conversely, relativists maintain that cultures vary and that even fundamental human rights can be perceived differently from nation to nation; the one-size-fits-all model must give way to national autonomy. In this seminar, we will examine the place of this debate today. Are Asian values still a viable alternative to the universalist doctrine? Are First World feminists justified in challenging cultural practices that they perceive to undermine female autonomy in the Third World? What of the rebuttal of Third World feminists? How has globalisation and the 'neoliberal' Washington Consensus impacted our perception of socio-economic human rights and has the 'democratic socialist' Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela undermined this consensus? These issues, among others, will be discussed and debated.
Class Number: 78062 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged
When: 1 session, Monday 6 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE LAW Kris Gledhill, BA, LLM,Margaret Bedggood, MA, LLB
This lecture will be in two parts as follows: Part one, Enhancing the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Aotearoa New Zealand will be presented by Margaret Bedggood. This lecture will outline developments in the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the last decade at international, regional and local level. It will then consider the situation in this country in the light of these developments and international norms and suggest ways in law and policy in which such rights can be better protected for various groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Part two entitled, Taking Human Rights Seriously: Key Developments in the Human Rights Framework will be presented by Kris Gledhill. This lecture will trace the key steps which have the potential for turning the fine ideals expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into a practical reality, emphasising the role of a committed international judiciary in this process. An assessment will be offered as to whether New Zealand's government - including its judiciary – takes its duties seriously.
Class Number: 78053, Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged
When: 1 session, Monday 13 October, 7 - 9pm, Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
"WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IT ANYMORE": SEXUALITY, GENDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS Joy Liddicoat, LLM (HONS)
In this lecture we will examine current issues of sexuality, gender and human rights in New Zealand and the Pacific region. We will consider both human rights and development theory changes, including from "women in development", to "women and development", up to the present day theories of "gender and development." In doing so, Joy will draw on experiences from New Zealand and the region to critically reflect on sexuality, gender and human rights issues, seeking to provoke discussion on such questions as: What happened to women's human rights? Is gender still relevant? Can we talk about sex and human rights?
Class Number: 78079 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged When: 1 session, Monday 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...

RIOT EXTRAS NEEDED
Jim Edwards' book "Waiting For the Revolution" is being turNed into a television drama. It tells the story of the Unemployed Workers' Movement and the hunger marches and the 1932 Queen St riot. The producers need hundreds of volunteers to take part in the re-created marches and the riot.They need lean and hungry males, 18-60.
Anyone interested, contact Aileen O'Sullivan, seann@ihug.co.nz

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2008 ROGER AWARD.
You can send your nomination, and any supporting material, by 1/ Filling in the below form and e-mailing it to this address. 2/ Or by sending it by snail mail to the Roger Award, Box 2258, Christchurch. The nomination form and full details about the Award, including past winners, Judges’ Reports, etc, can be accessed online at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/in...
Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. cafca@chch.planet.org.nz www.cafca.org.nz

VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY BRIGADE - NOVEMBER 2008
Register now for the next Australian solidarity brigade to Venezuela! November 20th-30th, 2008. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution. The deadline for registering for the November 2008 brigade is September 1, 2008. Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the brigade organisers are able to give advice and recommend a travel agent. You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $5000. This includes: (i) International airfare approximately $3500 (departing Australia). (ii) Approximately $500-1000 for accommodation (twin-share basis), food and other spending during your stay in Venezuela. (iii) $500 registration fee (for brigade organisation, including translators and transport). For more information, email brigades@venezuelasolidarity.org, or phone Lara Pullin on 0439 601 277 or Roberto Jorquera on 0425 289 394. (NB: Australian $ costs and ph numbers – but Kiwis welcome)
DOWN LOAD A BRIGADE REGISTRATION FORM http://venezuelasolidarity.org/files/novemberform.pdf

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE “50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION”
Dear Friends: Next year the Cuban Revolution will arrive to its 50th anniversary: 50 years of solidarity and friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the world. From October 5th through 19th this year, our Institute will welcome the “50th Anniversary of the Revolution” International Brigade and friends coming from all over the world will enjoy this unique opportunity to celebrate this important date in Cuba. We are looking forward to hosting you!!!!
Asia-Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Email: dasia@icap.cu Tlf: (53-7) 838 2430

INVITATION TO VENEZUELA EDUCATION STUDY TOUR
A Collaborative Exchange and Study Tour for Academics, Teachers & Students January 2009
Dear Friends and Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the first Education Exchange and Study Tour of Venezuela. A number of educators here in Australia and internationally have become increasingly interested in the radical education reform currently taking place in Venezuela. The study tour will take place in January 2009 and will involve a range of meetings (seminars) and visits with educational groups, institutions, and community organisations. The details of the week are to worked out in conjunction with colleagues from the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, and local schools and community organizations in Caracas. For further details, to contribute ideas and/or to register your interest please contact the organising committee: Tom Griffiths Tom.Griffiths [at] newcastle [dot] edu [dot] au / Jo Williams Jo.Williams [at] vu [dot] edu [dot] au / Roberto Jorquera roberto [at] latinamericasolidarity [dot] org / Jorge Jorquera Jorge.Jorquera [at] rmit [dot] edu [dot] au

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Saturday, August 30, 12 noon, Aotea Square
PROTEST LAST YEAR’S STATE TERROR RAIDS. This protest is part of an international day of action focusing on the raids which resulted in 17 activists arrested in a dramatic exercise of state power. Two days later the activists will appear in court for a depositions hearing on the charges. The outcome threatens the right to dissent and the civil liberties of all New Zealanders. The police failed in their attempt to lay terror charges against the activists but they are continuing to press arms charges. The nature of the police evidence is such that if their evidence holds up then any breaches would be technical and would normally have resulted in a warning without prosecution. GPJA has called for all the charges to be dropped.
http://www.october15thsolidarity.info/

Monday 1st September, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
GPJA SEPTEMBER FORUM: WHAT THE ANTI-TERROR RAIDS MEAN FOR DISSENT IN NEW ZEALAND.
Speakers include: Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law, Auckland University; Valerie Morse, defendent and author of Against Freedom: The War on Terrorism in Everyday New Zealand Life; John Minto, spokesperson Global Peace and Justice Auckland

Monday, September 1, 9.151m-1`0.30am, Auckland District Court,
Solidarity Demo outside Court – Deposition hearings for the arrestees of the October 15th "anti-terror" raids last year begins on September the 1st. The October 15th Solidarity group in Tamaki-Makaurau are calling for a morning picket to show support and solidarity for the arrestees. We have not forgotten the state surveillance, repression, and imprisonment of Maori sovereignty activists and anarchists. We have not forgotten the racist harassment of the residents of Ruatoki. We have not forgotten the long history of colonisation, violence, and confiscation. Nor have we forgotten the indigenous struggle for self-determination and resistance to the colonial state that continues to this day. Come show your support for Tino Rangatiratanga and Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe. Stand in solidarity with the arrestees. Please bring banners, placards and flags. Food will be provided at lunchtime. Ka whawhai tonu matou, ake ake ake!

Wednesday, September 3, 5.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Aotearoa Indymedia and October 15th Solidarity presents . . . . . . . . 3 Black Panthers and the Last Slave Plantation
This film tells the gripping story of three men, former members of the Black Panther Party, known collectively as the Angola 3. Exploring their extraordinary struggles for dignity, justice, and human rights while incarcerated in Angola Prison in Louisiana, one of the "most brutal and racist prisons in the United States". Politicized through contact with Black Panther Party while inside prison they formed one of the only prison Panther chapters in history. Under conditions of racism, and repression, they organized other prisoners to build a movement for their rights. 3 Black Panthers and the Last Slave Plantation focus on the cover-ups that have surrounded their cases while exploring the political climate of the 1960s and 70s that produced "political" prisoners in America. For more information
www.october15thsolidarity.info/ www.indymedia.org.nz

Wednesday 3 September, 7-9pm, Room 029, Clocktower Bldg. No.105, 22 Princes St
FROM POVERTY TO POWER, Duncan Green ( Head of Research Oxfam, UK). This seminar, offered in partnership with Oxfam and Continuing Education at The University of Auckland, will provide critical insights into the massive human and economic costs of inequality and poverty and will propose realistic solutions. Based on his latest book, From Poverty to Power, Duncan Green will argue that a radical redistribution of power, opportunities, and assets is needed to break the cycle of inequality and poverty, and that this change can be achieved through a combination of active citizens and effective states. Free admission. Thanks, Jo Davies, Programme Manager, Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland. Phone: 09 3737599 ext 88693; Fax: 09 373 7419; E-mail: je.davies@auckland.ac.nz Web: www.cce.auckland.ac.nz

Thursday 4th September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Methodist Church Hall (Corner of Alfriston Rd and Great North Roads)
MANUREWA, EDUCATION AND THE ELECTION: Manurewa has been much in the news recently and QPEC is organising a public meeting in the electorate for representatives of political parties to discuss education in Manurewa and how this relates to wider problems for the community. Everyone welcome. Please spread the word.
Invitations have been sent to: Green Party - Metiria Turei (spokesperson) and Alan Johnson (local candidate); Labour Party - Chris Carter (spokesperson) and George Hawkins (local candidate); Maori Party - Te Ururoa Flavell (spokesperson); National Party - Anne Tolley (spokesperson) and Cam Calder (local candidate; New Zealand First - Winston Peters (party leader); United Future - Judy Turner (spokesperson). The particular policy areas we have asked each party to address are: (1) The long tail of educational underachievement in low-income communities. (2) Access to quality early childhood education in Manurewa. (3) Access to quality tertiary education for students from Manurewa including - (a) Auckland University's plans to restrict entry to all courses from 2009 which will disproportionately affect students from low-income areas and (b) the high cost of tertiary education. (4) Policies to address critical problems in special education.
John Minto, National Chairperson, Ph (09) 8463173 (H); (09) 8469496 (W). Email: jbminto@xtra.co.nz

Tuesday, September 9, 6pm, The University of Auckland Business School, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Auditorium, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland
THE AGE OF THE WARRIOR - AN HOUR WITH ROBERT FISK - Robert Fisk with Prof. Jane Kelsey [Chair] : Cost: $25
Robert Fisk is a bestselling author and journalist based in Beirut as Middle East correspondent of The Independent. He has lived in the Middle East for three decades and holds more British and international journalism awards than any other foreign correspondent. His last book, The Great War for Civilisation, a history of his career and the numerous conflicts he has covered, was published internationally to great critical acclaim. He is also the author of Pity the Nation, a history of the Lebanese war. Tickets are available through Ticketek at a cost of $25 per person, or $20 for students with a valid ID (services fees may apply). All proceeds will benefit Amnesty International. For more information please contact: Mandy Allan, Advancement, Ph. 3737599 ext. 83308, Email: m.allan@auckland.ac.nz

Saturday, September 20, 7pm, Centro Cultural ALAC Inc, 37 Selwyn Street, Onehunga
INVITATION: You are Invited to celebrate together with us CHILE'S NATIONAL DAY. $10 p/p. Children under 5 Free
AN Event organised by MAKEHUE Latin American Dance Group

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Mark! where his carnage and his conquests cease, He makes a solitude and calls it--peace!" : Lord Byron (George Gordon Noel Byron) -Source: The Bride of Abydos (canto II, st. 20)
"O for a lodge in some vast wilderness, Some boundless contiguity of shade; Where rumor of oppression and deceit, Of unsuccessful or successful war, Might never reach me more". William Cowper - Source: Task (bk. II, l. 1)

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND
Peter Lyons: Free market trip to lower wage future
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=34&objectid=10529142
Action needed on child poverty - Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan has called for action on recommendations in a report on how New Zealand should deal with child poverty.
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/newsandissues/actionneededonchildpoverty.p...
Brian Rudman: Road toll admission offers vague idea of Nats' agenda
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=49&objectid=10529143
ANZ National- Stop Horsin' Around!- Bank Workers Strike in Central Auckland
http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2008/08/anz-national-stop-horsin-a...

REVIEWS
Act of Violence: Last night I watched an extraordinary film noir on the Turner Classic Movie channel that was new even to me, a long-time aficionado of the genre. Directed by Fred Zinnemann in 1948, “Act of Violence,” available from Netflix, confirmed once again my suspicion that the developing Cold War spawned many of the finest noir films. Since noir films are typified by a bleakness of vision, what other period could have topped the late 1940s for having the effect of destroying hope in a better world-except perhaps for the last several decades.
http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/act-of-violence/
Poetry, Hip-Hop And The Palestinian Experience By Remi Kanazi
http://www.countercurrents.org/kanazi270808.htm

WORLD
The Great Illusion By PAUL KRUGMAN - So far, the international economic consequences of the war in the Caucasus have been fairly minor, despite Georgia’s role as a major corridor for oil shipments. But as I was reading the latest bad news, I found myself wondering whether this war is an omen — a sign that the second great age of globalization may share the fate of the first.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/opinion/15krugman.html?_r=1&oref=login...
George Monbiot: Rich countries once used gunboats to seize food. Now they use trade deals - The world's hungriest are the losers as an old colonialism returns to govern relations between wealthy and poor nations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/26/food.eu
The Madness Of Bankers: An Interview With Charles R. Morris By Robert Bryce - Millions of words have been written about the ongoing financial disaster largely caused by the subprime mortgage mess. But the most concise and easiest to understand handbook on the issue is almost certainly Charles R. Morris’ The Trillion Dollar Meltdown: Easy Money, High Rollers, and the Great Credit Crash. The book, published in March, spent several weeks on The New York Times best-seller list, and for good reason: The book explains in clear language exactly what happened and why
http://www.countercurrents.org/bryce240808.htm

CAUCUSES
Barriers That Are Steep and Linguistic
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/weekinreview/24barry.html
Nationalism, revolution and war in the Caucasus
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/764/39436

AFGHANISTAN
US Air Strike Kills Civilians In Western Afghanistan
http://www.countercurrents.org/cogan260808.htm
Taliban win over locals at the gates of Kabul: While clashes in remote Helmand dominate the headlines, another battle is being waged by the insurgents on Kabul's doorstep. There, the Taliban are winning support by building a parallel administration, which is more effective, more popular and more brutal than the government's
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/24/afghanistan

BOLIVIA
Bolivia: Right-wing rebellion spurs left offensive
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/764/39456
Beef Producers’ Boycott - Latest Opposition Strategy
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43640
Protests bring Bolivia's reforms to a standstill
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/db2d5156-73cf-11dd-8a66-0000779fd18c.html?ncli...

COLUMBIA
Colombian regime launches new crackdown
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/764/39430
Freedom for Colombian unionist Liliana Obando
http://links.org.au/node/582

CUBA
Former officials call for democratic socialism in Cuba
http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=87567202

INDIA
Dr Binayak Sen, My Brother, Our Hero By Dipankar Sen - Twenty two Nobel Laureates pleaded for him in an appeal to the Prime Minister of India. He was given the highest American medical award, honours by medical colleges and doctors in recognition of his protracted work for the poor in remote interiors. And yet, he is condemned in jail on fabricated charges by the BJP government in Chhattisgarh. Dr Binayak Sen's younger brother arrives from Belgium to seek justice for his Dada, and discovers a saga of pain and injustice
http://www.countercurrents.org/sen260808.htm

KASHMIR
Land And Freedom By Arundhati Roy - Kashmir is in crisis: the region's Muslims are mounting huge non-violent protests against the Indian government's rule. But, asks Arundhati Roy, what would independence for the territory mean for its people ?
http://www.countercurrents.org/roy230808.htm
Looking Back: Kya Khoya Kya Paya - By Syed Ali Safvi - Today, the mood in Kashmir is different. Kashmiris, irrespective of age and ideology, want freedom. The valley is abuzz with pro-freedom slogans. Thanks to the land row, secessionist groups in the valley have regained their lost political ground. The Kashmiri youth are seen rallying around the seperatists, an ominous sign for New Del
http://www.countercurrents.org/safvi230808.htm

KOREA
Economist Nabbed for Praising Socialism; Female Spy Caught
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/08/113_30105.html

NEPAL
New Nepalese government finally formed
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/764/39416

PALESTINE
Israeli settlement growth nearly doubles since 2007
http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=28714
Sailing Into Gaza - Peace activists arrive in Gaza safely
http://www.countercurrents.org/arraf260808.htm
Israel's Outposts Seal Death Of Palestinian State By Jonathan Cook - The majority of the half a million settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are “economic opportunists”, drawn to life in the occupied territories less by ideological or religious convictions than economic incentives. The homes, municipal services and schools there are heavily subsidised by the government. In addition, the settlements -- though illegal under international law -- are integrated into Israel through a sophisticated system of roads that make it easy for the settlers to forget they are in occupied territory surrounded by Palestinians
http://www.countercurrents.org/cook260808.htm

PARAGUAY
Lugo: Paraguay's new broom? The country's new president takes office at a time of economic and political optimism for much of South America
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/22/paraguay.venezuela?g...

PERU
Hugo Blanco on the Indigenous Struggle in Amazonia
http://www.socialistvoice.ca/?p=317

SOLOMONS
Questions about RAMSI authority
http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=305...

SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has world's worst internal displacement of population
http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/154
Sri Lanka: Let the Tamils govern themselves
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/764/39445

SWAZILAND
The struggle for democracy in Swaziland
http://links.org.au/node/586

USA
Americans Need To Tear Down This Wall - The U.S. is building its own wall. The Bush Administration is putting up about 700 miles of fencing and other barriers along the U.S./Mexico border by the end of the year
http://www.countercurrents.org/brasch240808.htm
What Will Mac 'n' Mae Cost You and Me?: These government-sponsored entities guarantee or hold $5.2 trillion in mortgages and have been hammered by defaults across the nation. Fannie Mae's shares closed on Friday at $5, down from almost $70 a year ago. Freddie Mac fell to $2.61, which is down from about $65. Their heavily leveraged balance sheets magnify even a small rise in delinquencies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/business/24gret.html?_r=1&ref=business...
Police Trap Peaceful Protesters in Denver - A calm political protest quickly turned chaotic as anxious Denver police surrounded protestors peacefully marching toward the Democratic National Convention Center. After trapping the crowd between two buildings, hundreds of officers used pepper spray, batons and unwarranted aggression. After being surrounded for 20 minutes, two ANP producers managed to escape after recording the whole affair.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/08/26-14