In Afghanistan, a second Guantanamo
By , E-mail the writer
Of all the challenges the United States faces as it winds down the Afghanistan war, the most difficult might be closing the prison nicknamed “The Second Guantanamo.”
The United States holds 67 non-Afghan prisoners there, including some described as hardened al-Qaeda operatives seized from around the world in the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. More than a decade later, they’re still kept in the shadowy facility at Bagram air base outside Kabul.
Closing the facility presents many of the same problems the Obama administration has encountered in its attempt to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba. Some U.S. officials argue that Bagram’s resolution is even more complicated — and more urgent. Egypt: Mohamed Morsi's allies admit defeat and plot to fly him into exile
Deposed President could resign via a televised address and hand powers to interim Prime Minister
Islamist allies of Mohamed Morsi are secretly discussing a face-saving deal in which the toppled President could be released from detention and allowed to officially “resign” his position, according to a source close to crisis talks currently taking place between opposing sides in Cairo.
Options being considered include allowing Mr Morsi – who has not been seen in public since being detained by the military a month ago – to announce his resignation in a televised address and formerly hand his executive powers to interim Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi. Another possibility is that Mr Morsi could be released and flown into exile, according to the source. “We’re hoping to find a dignified exit for him,” he added.
Dutch aid agency to help poor at home
Cordaid will use experiece gained abroad to help those trapped below poverty line
Peter Cluskey
One of the largest overseas aid agencies in the Netherlands is to begin working against poverty at home for the first time ever – as a result of the economic impact of austerity cuts on the unemployed and socially isolated.
Since it was founded in 1999, Cordaid – the Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development Aid – has become one of the most influential Dutch players in overseas development, working in 36 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with an annual budget of more than €170 million.
Creeping poverty
Now the agency says it will use the experience gained in countries such as Afghanistan and the Congo to begin its first anti-poverty campaign at home – where it says the number of people trapped below the poverty line has been creeping up as the economy has declined.
Creeping poverty
Now the agency says it will use the experience gained in countries such as Afghanistan and the Congo to begin its first anti-poverty campaign at home – where it says the number of people trapped below the poverty line has been creeping up as the economy has declined.
TURKEY
Verdict expected in Turkey's politically explosive Ergenekon trial
After nearly five years, the final verdict in Turkey's Ergenekon trial is scheduled for Monday. Around 300 people are accused of being part of an anti-government illegal network.
The Ergenekon trial is one of the most contentious in Turkish history. Around 300 people - lawyers, politicians, journalists, company executives and ex-military staff - have been charged.
They stand accused of being members of a terrorist network called Ergenekon (named after a place in Turkish mythology). It is thought to be part of the "Deep State" secret alliance, which is allegedly responsible for plotting attacks on and killing members of Turkey's political and cultural elite.
Thai bill to pardon protesters sparks unrest
August 5, 2013 - 12:46PM
Lindsay Murdoch
South-East Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media
Thailand's bitter political enemies are preparing for a showdown this week over moves in Parliament that could lead to a pardon for exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and spark new unrest in the capital.
The military has denied rumours swirling across social media of a coup, the government has invoked the Internal Security Act in parts of Bangkok and thousands of anti-government protestors have gathered in a city park ahead of the introduction of a controversial amnesty bill on Wednesday.
Senior officials of the ruling Pheu Thai party have refused to withdraw the bill, which covers people arrested for political activities since a 2006 coup that ousted Mr Thaksin, a deeply divisive figure in Thai politics.
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