Author Archive
22 Apr, 2013
Tit-for-tat: China Blasts U.S. Human Rights Record
BEIJING, (China Daily) — The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a report titled “Human Rights Record of the United States in 2012” last Sunday. It was in response to the U.S. State Department’s release of its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, which the Chinese describe as […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
UNWTO Chief: Visas, Security Issues “Not Out of our Hands”
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India – The UN World Tourism Organisation has called on the global travel & tourism industry to stop assuming that visas and security-related travel restrictions are “out of our hands” and work towards ensuring that 98% of legitimate global travellers do not become inadvertent victims of rules aimed at the remaining 2%. […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
Business of divorce gets more lucrative – Sydney Morning Herald
General manager of IBISWorld (Australia) Karen Dobie said the average cost of a straight divorce was $3600 per couple, while a contested one was just under $10,000. The research found the number of divorces in Australia had risen from 47,209 a year to 51,311 in the past five years. In that time the overall cost […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
PM’s Speech to Civil Servants Highlights Complexities of Governing India
Prime Minister’s Office, 21-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at Civil Services Day function in New Delhi today: “I am very happy to be with you today, as you begin your deliberations on the occasion of the 8th Civil Services Day. In these inaugural remarks, I […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Activist Post: FBI Caught in a Web of Lies in Boston
Fact: the FBI has been involved in staging numerous fake terror plots using patsies to make themselves look like heroes when they stop the attack. Now they’ve been caught in a web of lies surrounding one that went live and resulted in the deaths of Americans. Question: In what world are they not the prime […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
PressTV – US most obvious false flag attack yet
In 2005, President Bush (43) appointed Michael Chertoff, an Israeli citizen, as director of the Department of Homeland Security. It was Chertoff’s job, while Secretary of DHS, to place all law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and domestic surveillance operations under Israeli control. This was done by directing all contracts to Israeli companies, all equipment, all training, and […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
It’s an old numbers game. What if they’re wrong? – The Washington Post
As the U.S. budget wars repeatedly demonstrate, GDP (gross domestic product), unemployment, inflation and trade statistics determine how the government spends (or does not spend) trillions of dollars. These numbers also shape whether large businesses invest or don’t, and whether small businesses spring to life or remain ideas to be acted on later. Our debates, […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Beware the Labelling of Terrorist Attacks – People’s Daily Commentary
Beijing April 20, 2013 – Before or after the Boston marathon blast on April 15, other regions in the world have not been peaceful, either. The terrorist attacks toward civilians in Somalia, Iraq and Pakistan have all caused severe casualties. It’s a day that will go down in history along with other violent U.S. incidents […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Whistling in the dark – Hindustan Times
It’s common enough in India, and not quite foreign to the United States, where the pressure cooker has been around for nearly 75 years. You could purchase one from Macy’s in Manhattan, or from the desi bazaar at Jackson Heights. Though given its post-Boston infamy, I won’t be surprised if potential buyers have to undergo […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
U.N. Forum on Forests Adopts Pacts on Conservation, Financing
ISTANBUL, 19 and 20 April, Department of Public Information— Calling on Governments to recognize that forests and the socioeconomic benefits they provide were essential to human development, the United Nations forum working to build global consensus on implementation of forest-related agreements concluded its tenth session late this evening, also deciding to consider setting up a […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Japan to mull relaxing visas for S.E. Asian tourists – The Japan Times
The government will examine relaxing visa requirements to encourage more tourists from emerging nations in Southeast Asia to visit Japan, sources in the Abe administration said Saturday. The move comes as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has determined it is necessary to lure more travelers from fast-growing economies to attain its goal of […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Scammed tourists begin class action – Sydney Morning Herald
Australian holidaymakers are pursuing a class action lawsuit against one of the world’s largest banks after hundreds of false accounts were used in an international travel scam. Over the past 18 months, tourists have wired millions of dollars into accounts with London-based Barclays Bank to pay for luxury accommodation in dream destinations around the world. […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Jim Dean, PressTV – Israeli-riddled FBI uses proxy info to blame Muslims for Boston terror
The long series of FBI manufactured terrorists operations organized from beginning to end using proxy informants who brought them easily influence people on the fringe of the Muslim community is a scandal. This includes a court system who put a stamp of approval on process. The FBI is now held in contempt by much of […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Palestinian NGO Study Says Israel’s Water Policy in West Bank is Apartheid
RAMALLAH, April 16, 2013 (WAFA) – Israel’s policies and practices in relation to water in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) amount to a system of “water-apartheid,” said a new study by the human rights group, al-Haq, published Tuesday. The report, “Water For One People Only: Discriminatory Access and ‘Water-Apartheid’ in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” said […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Bedouin Community Faces “Transfer” as Israel Continues to Wipe Palestine Off the Map
JERUSALEM, April 20, 2013 (WAFA) – In an attempt to uproot Palestinians from locations in the Israeli-controlled Area C of the West Bank, the Israeli Defense Minister has recently approved a master plan to forcibly transfer approximately 2500 Bedouins from the Jahalin tribe to a small, concentrated area in Nwei’mah, adjacent to Jericho, according to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
S.F. Bay Area Group Leads Historic Israel-Palestine Effort to Remove Landmines From Bethlehem
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 19, 2013 — Representatives of a Bay Area non-profit group which spearheaded a historic Palestine and Israel agreement to remove landmines from the City of Bethlehem will travel to the Holy Land to oversee the first removal and detonation of mines. Heidi Kühn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
EC Vice President: European Union has “Deep Structural Flaws”, Needs Redesign
19 April 2013 – Text of the speech by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission at the Bratislava Global Security Forum – GLOSEC/Brussels, “A new vision for redesigning Europe”. As posted on the EC website. Ladies and Gentlemen The motto of the European Union, as I am sure you all know, is ‘United in […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Joint Statement: Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, Arab American Groups Urge Unity & Restraint
Muslim Advocates, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Sikh Coalition, and the National Network for Arab American Communities issued the following joint statement urging Americans to unite in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks. April 19, 2013 – Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks. We are grateful […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
‘They were set up, FBI followed them for years’- Tsarnaevs’ mother to RT USA
Russian ‘Alpha’ Special Forces team-veteran and vice-president of its International Association, Aleksey Filatov, believes there is more to the case than meets the eye. He emphasizes, firstly, that the origin and religious beliefs of the suspect, along with the specifics of the bombing, have all been carefully pre-meditated and planned by someone within the United […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
UN Experts Urge World Bank to Raise Human Rights Standards For Project Finance
GENEVA (18 April 2013) (UN OHCHR media release) – A group of United Nations independent experts on extreme poverty, indigenous peoples, right to food and foreign debt called on the Word Bank to adopt human rights standards, during the upcoming review this weekend of its environmental and social policies—also known as ‘safeguard policies’—which apply to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
After Boston Bombing, Everyone Is Being Watched–and Everyone is Watching | Alternet
April 19, 2013 | FBI special agent and head of the bureau’s Boston office Richard DesLauriers has been running an crowd-sourced campaign for information about suspects in the Boston marathon bombing that left three dead and more than 170 wounded. So far, it appears to be working–but it also may herald in an unexpected end […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
‘Premanisme’, a root cause for violence in Yogyakarta | The Jakarta Post
As Yogyakarta develops and becomes Indonesia’s second most-popular tourist destination after Bali, the city that is dubbed the heart of Javanese culture is also witnessing its service sector growing, as can be seen in the emergence of numerous nightspots. Such nightspots have led to the birth of private security services, referred to as preman (thugs) […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Indian tourists third most likely to steal hotel items: Study – Indian Express
Indian tourists have been ranked third in the list of nationalities that nick items from a hotel room as 38 per cent of them confessed they have stolen from a hotel, according to a new global survey. The survey by an online accommodation booking service found that 35 per cent of global travellers steal hotel […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Workaholic Indians use technology to find work-life balance – Indian Express
With as many as 64 per cent Indians describing themselves as workaholics, their reliance on technology to strike a work-life balance has increased more than ever, according to a new study. In fact, 91 per cent of the Indians surveyed admit that the widespread use of technology has enabled them to achieve a more ‘flexible’ […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Buddhist monk uses racism and rumours to spread hatred in Burma – The Guardian
His name is Wirathu, he calls himself the “Burmese Bin Laden” and he is a Buddhist monk who is stoking religious hatred across Burma. The saffron-robed 45-year-old regularly shares his hate-filled rants through DVD and social media, in which he warns against Muslims who “target innocent young Burmese girls and rape them”, and “indulge in […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
U.S. Mayors: “Senators Did Not Hear the Gunshots That Were Heard Around The World”
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — United States Conference of Mayors President Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued the following statement after the Senate’s rejection today of various amendments focused on reducing gun violence: “It is with deep disappointment that the nation’s Mayors today watched the Senate reject amendment after amendment that would have strengthened […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Hate Crimes in Massachusetts, New York Follow Boston Bombings
WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/18/13 (CAIR media release) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said hate incidents in Massachusetts and New York occurred following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon. CAIR reports that a mother of Middle Eastern heritage wearing an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Israeli “Expert” on “Islamic Terrorism” Stirs the Pot, Offers Advice to U.S.
NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As the entire nation joins Boston in mourning three deaths and massive injuries and amputations, Americans are once again facing the reality of homeland terrorism and resurrecting questions of security. David Rubin, Israeli terrorism expert, draws parallels between Boston and Israel, a nation plagued by long-term terrorism. Editor’s […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Arab-Americans Issue Advisory: Be Cautious, Report Hate Crimes
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 18, 2013 — As a result of a recent increase in attacks and discrimination targeting Arab and Muslim Americans following the bombing in Boston, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is asking that all members of the affected communities exercise extreme caution and immediately report any incidents of harassment, abuse, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out of pocket – The Independent
Thousands of British travellers are being swindled out of millions of pounds each year through scams involving flights, accommodation and religious pilgrimages. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 1,000 separate holiday scams in the UK last year that cost consumers more than £1.5m. Read the rest: Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Perspective: Home is Where the Overwhelming Majority of Violence Occurs | Alternet
Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women. The incidents add up to more than all the rapes, muggings, and car accidents women experience each year. One out of every four women in the U.S. will be physically injured by a lover in her lifetime. That translates into a woman being assaulted […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Survey: Solid Majority of Iranian Americans Oppose Military Strike on Iran
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 18, 2013 – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) today released the findings of its 2013 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans. The results demonstrate that Iranian Americans retain close ties to Iran and want to see a democratic Iran that respects human rights. A majority are supportive of […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Majority in U.S. Want Wealth More Evenly Distributed – Gallup Poll
PRINCETON, NJ — About six in 10 Americans believe that money and wealth should be more evenly distributed among a larger percentage of the people in the U.S., while one-third think the current distribution is fair. Although Americans’ attitudes on this topic have fluctuated somewhat over time, the current sentiment is virtually the same as […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Bomb response refreshingly honest – Commentary – Sydney Morning Herald
Let’s clear something up: our responses to terrorism are not about the loss of innocent life. We think they are because that’s the first thing we talk about. We use the suffering of victims to emote, and we look at the attacks through that prism. But it’s never really about the victims. It’s about us. […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
The US, a Nation of Idiots? Commentary – Sydney Morning Herald
Next time the US struts the world stage, claiming American exceptionalism, setting itself out as leader of the so-called free world, it risks being dismissed as a nation of idiots. It’s too easy to defer to strong polling support for gun control and to just vent about the Senate and the House – after all, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
David Sirota: Why I Hope the Boston Bomber is a White American | Alternet
I’m not the kind of person who hopes to ever find conservative Fox News host Bill O’Reilly agreeing with me. But with my Salon piece on the Boston bomber now on the front page of Drudge, I think it is worth pointing out that last night O’Reilly effectively agreed with my piece by confirming the […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Trades Union Report Blasts IMF Over Jobs Market Prescriptions
17 April 2013: IMF labour market advice, as part of the Troika, undermines democracy and risks economic dictatorship across Europe and beyond warned the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and will create more divisions and social unrest, without producing any economic benefits. The ITUC Frontlines 2013 report, “Ideology without economic evidence: IMF attacks on collective […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Our secularisms – Indian Express
Often, secularism is a kind of gesture of reaching out, as Nitish Kumar hinted: recognising that the topi has the same place as the tilak. Faced with the organised violence of rightwing mobs, this is a valuable gesture. But this politics has limitations. It rests on creating coalitions of fear: the topi being swamped by […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
‘Muslims are evil. Let’s kill them all’: US TV commentator’s Twitter rants
While public officials were urging caution in the immediate aftermath of the bomb attack on the Boston Marathon, some were quick to apportion blame. One of those was conservative commentator Erik Rush, who provoked a furious reaction after seemingly advocating the killing of Muslims in response to the attack. Rush is a columnist for Worldnutdaily […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Turkey Becomes First Country With Ambassador To Palestine
RAMALLAH, April 17 (NNN-TODAY’S ZAMAN) – Turkey has become the first country with an ambassador to Palestine after its envoy in Ramallah, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, presented his letter of credentials to President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday. Reflecting the upgraded status of Palestine from an entity to a non-member state by a UN vote in November, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Chinese Expert: US should re-think anti-terrorism strategy
April 18, 2013 – Monday’s terrorist bombings in Boston is the major terrorist attack the United States has suffered since September 11, 2001. Although the scale and losses is not on par with the 9/11, it happened at the sensitive moment when the U.S. is accelerating withdrawal from Afghanistan and continuously concentrating anti-terrorism front, which […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Annual Australian Alcohol Poll Cites “Carnage” and “Devastating Harms”
Canberra, 18 April 2013, (Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education) – Australians are drinking to get drunk in greater numbers and feeling guilty afterwards, but remain overwhelmingly in favour of fixing our collective national hangover. This year’s Annual Alcohol Poll found that in 2013, 40 per cent or 4.5 million Australians drank to get drunk, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Changes in H1B visas to affect Indian IT firms – Indian Express
The proposed changes in the issuing of H-1B visas, the highly sought after US work permits, will badly affect the Indian IT firms which depend heavily on these work visas. The changes under the Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) put a curb on use of H-1B visa for those companies which have a higher ratio of […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
U.S. Muslims mobilize to prevent Boston backlash | Religion News Service
On his show, conservative host Glenn Beck opined that “no American citizen blows up random people; that’s a Middle Eastern scene, that’s not an American scene. When our crazies go off, they target the government, not streets that are crowded with people.” On Monday afternoon, the New York Post had to pull a story that […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Japan’s depopulation time bomb – The Japan Times
The progress in the graying of the nation means that the need for social services for residents such as medical and nursing care services will increase. The population decrease means that the nation’s total tax revenues will decline. As a result, grants from the central government to local governments will diminish. Both the central and […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Japan’s population falls by record level – The Japan Times
Japan’s population fell by a record 0.22 percent to 127.515 million as of last Oct. 1, while people aged 65 or older surpassed the 30 million mark for the first time, the government said Tuesday. The figures are from a survey by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. The decline of 284,000 in the total […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
US ‘pivot’ policy destabilizing Asia-Pacific region – China Daily Commentary
Beijing, April 17, 2013 – The US “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific, including the country’s expanding military presence and consolidation of military alliances, has destabilized the region, according to a Ministry of National Defense report issued on Tuesday. Military experts said Beijing has no problem with Washington seeking involvement in the region’s prosperity, but it is […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Chinese Buddhist Monks fight to keep UNESCO out
Xi’an, (Global Times) – April 17, 2013 – Getting up at 4 am. Morning prayer. Breakfast. Studying Buddhist classics. More prayer. Master Kuanshu’s daily routine is an example of that practiced in temples for millennia. In the past few days, however, Kuanshu and other monks have diversified their habits a bit to handle interviews from […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Technology Fueling Workers’ Desire for More Choice, Flexibility and Mobility
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new survey has found that technology is fueling workers’ desire for more choice on the job, including greater flexibility and mobility. In a survey of more than 1,000 people in the United States and Canada, 61 percent want to use a more mobile device than a desktop while at work. Additionally, a third […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Facebook Etiquette at Work: Sharing Personal Info, Opinions Pose Career-Risks
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–17 April 2013 – Employees who share personal information and opinions on Facebook are in danger of risking job security and jeopardizing workplace relationships, according to a recently released survey conducted by Fierce, Inc., leadership development and training experts. Nearly one in three employees have witnessed or know of a coworker reprimanded for an […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indigenous Brazilian Activist Fights To Save His Tribe And The Amazon Rainforest
United Nations, Apr 16 2013 – Almir Narayamoga Surui was born into an indigenous Amazonian tribe – the Paiter-Surui – in Rondonia in north-west Brazil at a time when his people had very little contact with the world outside of the forest. He is the first member of the Surui to attend college, and for […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indian Finance Minister’s Speech at Harvard: “The Rise of the East: Implications for the Global Economy”
Following is the Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidamabarm delivered on 16 April 2013 at the South Asian Institute and Mahendra Humanities Center at Harvard University: “It is a great pleasure to be back in the grounds of Harvard University and a great honour to be invited to speak […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Report says Older Australians, Especially Home Owners, Want to Age at Home
Canberra, 17 April 2013 – Over 90% of older Australians intend to stay in their current accommodation rather than move to aged care or move at all, and this intent is strongest among older people who own their own homes, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Boston Marathon Bombing: Who Do They Plan To Blame?
While many people might immediately dismiss the concept, any student of true and unadulterated history has to eventually admit this fact: Governments exploit crisis. Sometimes, they merely take advantage of the ensuing chaos and aftermath of a disaster they had nothing to do with directly. Other times, they create those disasters themselves in order to […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Popular Resistance: Prof Mazin Qumsiyeh on the Boston Bombings
At first I thought I should not comment on the Boston bombings as it is obvious that we in Palestine, under siege and regular bombardment would clearly sympathize. But then I saw the usual pundits on mainstream media trying to spin the tragedy to serve racism. The Israeli Consul-General in Boston told the Jerusalem Post […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Bill Blum: Mass Violence, Gun Control and the American Culture of Death – Truthdig
Although the term “culture of death” largely has been used by the right wing to promote its anti-abortion agenda, it more aptly applies to what Rich Broderick, an unheralded journalist who writes for the online Twin Cities Daily Planet, describes as a “culture that embraces a soulless free-market idolatry in which the value of everything, […]
more…16 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: McKinsey Institute – Shaping a New Growth Formula
April 2013 (McKinsey Global Institute) – Beginning in the 1960s, South Korea has set economic-development records with a growth formula that focused on heavy-industry and manufactured exports. GDP has tripled in just the past 20 years, and South Korea became the first nation to go from being a recipient of aid from the Organisation for […]
more…16 Apr, 2013
$40 Billion Arms Deal for Israel: Why Obama’s Palestine Rhetoric Rings Hollow | Alternet
Words are important and the significance of the president articulating the obvious to an Israeli audience—that Israeli-Palestinian peace cannot be established as long as Israel continues to deny Palestinians self-determination and justice—should not be underestimated. However, Obama’s refusal to acknowledge, much less rectify, the seminal role that U.S. diplomatic and military support for Israel plays […]
more…16 Apr, 2013
Indian PM: Media Must Highlight Economic and Social Injustices
Prime Minister’s Office, 15-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the NDTV Indians of the Year Award function in New Delhi today: “It is a great pleasure for me to be here today amongst men and women of such great distinction. I join all of you […]
more…15 Apr, 2013
Israel is a country running from its future – Haaretz
The anti-Zionist settlement enterprise is casting its shadow over Israel’s future. The settlements depend on ignoring the existence of a huge Palestinian population that Israel cannot control, and anti-Zionist steps that threaten to turn Israel into a non-democratic country where a dark style of religion holds sway. There is no greater harm to Judaism than […]
more…15 Apr, 2013
U.S. visa waiver bill stymied over Arab Americans entering Israel – Haaretz
A legislative effort led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to enable Israelis to enter the United States without visas may be stymied by the government – Israel’s government. The hitch is Israel’s inability or unwillingness to fully reciprocate, something required for visa-free travel to the United States. Israel, citing security concerns, insists […]
more…15 Apr, 2013
Indonesia to Restore “Shockingly” Polluted Rivers
A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 15 April 2013 (04 Jumaada al-Thaani 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…13 Apr, 2013
Chinese scientists find egg white may help lower blood pressure
2013-04-12 (English.news.cn) – Scientists offered new evidence Tuesday that a component of egg whites, already popular as a substitute for whole eggs among health-conscious consumers concerned about cholesterol in the yolk, may have another beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure. Their study was part of the 245th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Debunking ten misconceptions of the ideal of the Chinese dream
April 12, 2013 – As the ruling ideology of China’s new leadership, the Chinese dream has drawn worldwide attention. However, following this heightened attention have come a raft of interpretations and appeals, some of which are misconceptions. Misconception one: Chinese dream is equal to China’s dream. President Xi Jinping has elaborated the Chinese dream, stressing […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
China opens four more Confucius Institutes
2013-04-13 — The opening of Confucius Institutes in New York and Washington in the past week brings a key part of China’s “soft power” initiative to the United States. Chinese and US dignitaries opened the first Confucius Institute in the US capital on Wednesday, expressing hope for a flowering of cooperation in education. George Washington […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
African American Investors Optimistic About Economy, but Concerned About Retirement
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 10, 2013 –African American investors report high levels of confidence in their financial future, along with optimism about the political and economic future of the country, according to a recent Wells Fargo nationwide survey. Despite proactive planning and intentional cuts in spending, African American investors remain focused on day-to-day living expenses, […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Indian Visa on Arrival Scheme up 63%
Ministry of Tourism, 12-April, 2013 – The Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the Government for foreign tourists registered a growth of 63% during March, 2013. During the month, a total number of 2,107 VoAs were issued as compared to 1,287 VoAs issued during March, 2012. The following are the other important highlights of VoAs […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Employee-Employer Relations Under Strain in Europe, Says New Report
The on-going economic crisis poses a serious challenge to the dialogue between workers’ and employers’ representatives and governments according to a report published today by the European Commission. The report shows that recent government reforms have not always been accompanied by fully effective social dialogue, leading to increasingly conflictual industrial relations in Europe. László Andor, […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
“Airlines for America” Hammers Huge Passenger Tax Hike in White House Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)- 11 April 2013 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced its strong opposition to the FY2014 White House budget proposal, which seeks to offset the federal deficit by imposing billions of dollars in new and higher aviation taxes and fees on the backs of […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
No “green economy” without “blue economy,” says FAO
12 April 2013, Apia, Samoa/Rome (FAO Media release) – Efforts to end hunger and fight the effects of climate change in the Pacific Islands will hinge on the success of sustainable development, including wise use of oceans and fisheries, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva told ministers from the region today. “There can be no […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
U.S. Companies Report $63 Billion Wasted as “Why Are We Meeting?” Meetings Increase
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. companies report an increase in wasteful meetings, now costing $63 billion annually. The average employee is spending 31 hours per month in unproductive meetings (often the result of ineffective brainstorming), while 47% indicate that meetings are the #1 time-waster, leaving everyone asking, “why are we meeting?”…reports a […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: U.S. Small Business Survey on Taxes Cites Complexity as Primary Problem
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Small Business Association (NSBA) today released the 2013 Small Business Taxation Survey which provides detailed insight on how America’s small-business community is being impacted by federal taxes. Complexity and inconsistency within the tax code continue to be a major problem for small businesses, and one-in-four report spending 120 […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Alcohol Justice Announces Youth Video Winners: Free Sports From Alcohol Ads
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Three young filmmakers were awarded top prizes today for their entertaining counter-alcohol ads submitted to the 2013 Free Our Sports™ Youth Film Festival. The contest challenged them to help expose and eliminate global alcohol advertising, sponsorships, branding and promotions from every sport, from college games to the NFL […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
10 Mistakes of the Iraq War – NYTimes.com
Ten years after the start of the war, Colonel Spain and Terry Turchie, the former deputy assistant director of the terrorist division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have co-written “Breaking Iraq,” published by the History Publishing Company. The book is an assessment of 10 decisions made by the American military and government that derailed […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
U.N. Debate On Terrorism Exposes Deep Chasms Over Who Holds Whom Responsible
United Nations, (Department of Public Information), 08 April 2013 – The time was “propitious” for the General Assembly committee charged with negotiating a comprehensive anti-terrorism convention to take the necessary decisions, especially on the outstanding issues that had — for years — hampered substantive progress on such an instrument, said its long-time Chairman, as he […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
Obama’s Peace Antics In Israel – Four More Years Of This?
31 March, 2013 – At the precise moment US President Barack Obama’s Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion Airport on March 20, persisting illusions quickly began to shatter. And as he walked on the red carpet, showered with accolades and warm embraces of top Israeli government and military officials, a new/old reality began […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
Ramesh Thakur rebuts John Howard’s claims: Five Myths about the Iraq War
CANBERRA, April 10, 2013– Ten years on, let’s dispel five myths about the Iraq war. 1. It doesn’t matter why we went in, it only matters that we got rid of Saddam Hussein. Actually it does, greatly. Suppose the government eliminates someone and says he was a mass murderer. Having first killed him, we will search […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
‘We were right to invade Iraq’ – John Howard
Full text of the speech former Australian prime minister John Howard delivered to the Lowy Institute for National Policy on April 9, 2013. I thank the Lowy Institute for the opportunity to revisit the most controversial foreign policy decision taken by my government, in the almost 12 years it held office. Before tackling the substance […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Chinese Warned of Dangers of Investing in US Realty Sector
2013-04-09 – Chinese people have developed a new craze: real estate investment. The sale of “one-dollar villas” in the United States as a result of the subprime crisis a couple of years ago prompted some Chinese investors to go bargain hunting across the Pacific. Now Detroit, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, has lured […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Master Hsing Yun at Boao Forum: Asia Losing Its Traditions of Honesty and Integrity
BEIJING, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As Asia grows aware of it’s soft power, the virtue of honesty and integrity are caught in a crisis. Master Hsing Yun , the founder of the Buddha’s Light International Association was invited, with Mr. Liu Changle, Chairman of Phoenix TV, to discuss the strength of honesty and integrity at […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Asian Development Outlook 2013 – Asia’s Energy Challenge
HONG KONG, CHINA – Strong consumption and fiscal spending in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will fuel a rebound in growth in 2013, but government steps to cool pressures on the environment and to narrow income gaps will limit the upside in 2014, says a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report (click here to […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Major South Asian Rivers May Overrun 2,200 Hectares of Land in 2013
DHAKA, April 7, 2013 (BSS) – Three major rivers — the Jamuna, the Ganges and the Padma — may grab around 2,200 hectares of land leaving nearly 22,900 people homeless and landless this year. The forecast was made at a dissemination seminar titled ‘Erosion Prediction-2013 for the Jamuna, the Ganges and the Padma rivers’ prepared […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Study Links 180,000 Global Deaths to Sugary Drinks
Source: Turkishpress.com. Published: 3/19/2013 — Researchers reported Tuesday that they have linked 180,000 obesity-related deaths worldwide to sugary drinks, including about 25,000 adult Americans. Overall, 1 in 100 deaths of obese people globally can be blamed on too many sweetened beverages, according to a study presented at an American Heart Association scientific conference in New […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: The Future of Australian Sport Report Launched
Canberra, 08 Apr 2013 (Source: Australian Sports Commission) – Australians love sport. It always has been and will continue to be part of our cultural identity. From playing catch in the backyard to the Olympic and Paralympic podiums, the majority of Australians play, watch and enjoy sport. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has partnered with […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Chinese President at the Boao Forum: Non-Asian Countries Should Respect Asia’s Diversity
BOAO, Hainan, April 7 (Xinhua) — The following is the translated version of the full text of a keynote speech entitled, “Working Together Toward a Better Future for Asia and the World”, by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, Boao, Hainan, 7 April […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Denver Is Crowned Cycle Town, USA
DENVER, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The people have spoken – and Denver has emerged triumphant in REI’s hotly contested Cycle Town Showdown, which pitted several U.S. cities against each other in a battle to see which city was the most bike-friendly. Of course the outcome was no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed The […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Mehreen Faruqi Set to be Australia’s First Muslim Woman MP
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 08 April 2013 (27 Jumaada al-Awwal 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…8 Apr, 2013
Indonesian President attends Hindu Day celebration
Jakarta (ANTARA News) Sun, April 7 2013 – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono attended the celebration of the National Dharma Shanti Hindu Day of Silence 2013 at the Senayan Sports Palace here on Sunday evening. The President was accompanied by First Lady Mrs Ani Yudhoyono. Vice President Boediono’s wife, Herawati Boediono, also […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Media demonising Muslim community: Markandey Katju – Indian Express
“Discrimination” against Muslims is giving rise to a feeling of injustice among them, Press Council Chairman Markanedya Katju today claimed and rebuked the media for what he described as “demonising” Muslim community through “irresponsible” journalism.” Whenever a bomb blast occurs or such incident takes place, within an hour or so many TV channels start showing […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
Palestinians Call for More Pressure on Israel to Comply with International Law
United Nations, 5 April 2013, (Department of Public Information) – Amid growing tensions, it was a “critical time” for Member States to put pressure on Israel to comply with international law in order to “open the door” to a meaningful political process that would lead to a two-State solution, Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
Tony Blair and Iraq: The damning evidence – The Independent
Hitherto unseen evidence given to the Chilcot Inquiry by British intelligence has revealed that former prime minister Tony Blair was told that Iraq had, at most, only a trivial amount of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and that Libya was in this respect a far greater threat. Intelligence officers have disclosed that just the day […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
David Ignatius: America the war-weary and war-wary – The Washington Post
The discussion here arose during an off-the-record conference organized by a Washington group. One of the topics was possible U.S. involvement in Syria, and it provoked an intense conversation. Many members from both parties made clear how uneasy they are about new U.S. adventures in this part of the world, no matter how noble-sounding the […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
Academic boycott of Israel approved by Irish union | The Jewish Chronicle
The Teachers Union of Ireland has voted to boycott all academic collaboration with Israel, including research programmes and exchange of scientists. It is thought to be the first full academic boycott enforced by a European teaching union. A motion, calling for all members of the union to end work with Israeli counterparts, was passed unanimously […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
India’s rich are the problem – The Hindu
The import bills on account of both oil and gold do not seem to fall much despite rising prices and slowing GDP growth. A feature of both these commodities, especially gold, is that it is the rich that largely account for the growth in their demand. Over the year ended September 2011, demand for gold […]
more…6 Apr, 2013
Time to revisit the Vienna Convention – The Hindu
The past three decades have witnessed an increasing effort on the part of western countries to unilaterally introduce changes in the application of the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations to the detriment of diplomats of developing countries. They say that this aggressive approach is in keeping with new standards of humanitarian and labour laws. However, […]
more…6 Apr, 2013
Asia Times Online : Now for a vacation in Gaza, maybe
GAZA CITY – “We wanted to help foreigners in Gaza, so we created an English map of Gaza City,” says Amir Shurrab, one of the minds behind the foldable Gaza Tourist Map. At the time a lecturer for the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS), Shurrab led a team of Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals […]
more…6 Apr, 2013
Asia Times Online : After Iraq, the moral abyss still gapes
The only message American children will take away from the war in Iraq is that if you repeat a boldfaced lie enough, it will someday become accepted truth. And as a corollary, saving face is much more important than admitting a mistake, no matter how destructive the outcome. Unfortunately for these children, manipulating the truth […]
more…6 Apr, 2013
A Few Tips on How to Age Gracefully
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Source: Amelia House, a senior living community — If getting a few gray hairs sends you running for the hills – and to your local hair salon – it may be time to take a different view on getting older. We all feel the effects of aging, from body aches and wrinkles […]
more…6 Apr, 2013
Asia Times Online: The time of the Global South has finally come
It is not so far-fetched to imagine Walter Benjamin’s Angel of History succumbing to the temptation, and stressing that the time of the Global South has finally come. Oh yes, it will be a long, arduous and winding road. But would the Google/Facebook generation need only one textbook detailing the stuff of dreams, trials and […]
more…5 Apr, 2013
Air France fined for kicking pro-Palestinian activist off Israel-bound flight | Haaretz
A court in France fined Air France 10,000 euros $12,800 on Thursday for ordering a pro-Palestinian activist to disembark from a Tel Aviv bound flight because she was a non-Jew, AFP reported. The student in question, Hori Ankour, was trying to fly to Israel last April in order to take part in the “Welcome to […]
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