Articles in Politics News
El Salvador to Recognize Indigenous Peoples
The government of El Salvador has moved to constitutionally recognize the existence of the country’s indigenous peoples, although the measure must first be ratified by the legislature. Ratification looks likely, despite opposition from the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). The measure would not provide any direct benefits to indigenous peoples, but it could be used to help protect them against discrimination.
Ambikesh Mahapatra Cartoon Incident in West Bengal
Ambikesh Mahapatra, a chemistry professor of the prestigious Jadavpur University, sent an email to 65 of his friends. The email contained a political cartoon criticizing Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s first female Chief Minister. The professor was assaulted by alleged activists, then arrested by the police.
Somali Migrants Land on Linosa in Italy’s Pelagie Islands
The Italian island of Lampedusa is well known as a place of entry into the European Union for would-be immigrants from Africa. Less commonly noted is the fact that Lampedusa’s neighboris in Pelagie Archipelago are in the same situation. Earlier this week, for example, 78 Somalis (15 women and 63 men) landed on the island of Linosa (5.45 km²; population 450), where they were immediately detained by the Carabinieri, Italy’s national police force
Niue’s Demographic Dilemma
The health minister of the remote Pacific island of Niue recently visited New Zealand to try to convince Niueans living there to allow the demolition of their abandoned houses back home. He came equipped with photographs of the islands derelict houses. According to Radio New Zealand, “Vegetation and vermin have overtaken dozens of homes, creating what officials describe as an eyesore and a health risk.”
Turkmenistan’s Renewed Personality Cult
The death of Turkmenistan’s president Saparmurat Niyazov in 2007 was widely viewed as a boon for his country but a loss for comedians worldwide. Niyazov, or “Turkmenbashi” (Leader of the Turkmens) had constructed a personality cult so lavish that it verged on self-parody.
New Internet Censorship in Iran
According to Lebanon’s Naharnet, Iranian authorities just unleased a sophisticated attack on internet usage. The new measures “completely stopping the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs),” software that has allowed millions to avoid web censorship.
Stalin Urges Love for the Tamil Race
Tamil Nadu, a populous and increasingly successful state, stands apart on the Indian electoral map, as its politics have long been dominated by Dravidianist parties focused on the distinction between Dravidian-speakers of southern India from Indo-European-speakers of the north.
Gaddafy’s Fall and the Drop of Migration to Malta
Malta has long been a major node in the movement of unlicensed migrants to Europe. Maltese authorities, however, have recently announced that that landings have essentially come to and end.
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