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Howdy! International Developments ❖ “Nigeria’s army has begun operations against militant Islamists [Boko Haram] in the north-east.” ❖ “More than 60 people” killed and “dozens hurt in several bomb attacks apparently targeting Sunnis” in Iraq.  This source says 40 killed, following “two days of attacks in Shia districts”. ❖ “Who’s who in Syria’s battlefield: Key [...]

Good evening. International Developments ❖ “At least 23 people have been killed in a series of deadly bomb attacks in Shia districts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.”  10 more people were killed in bomb attacks in Kirkuk. ❖ “A suicide bomber has blown himself up near a convoy of foreign troops” in Kabul.  Update: “15 [...]

Greetings! International Developments ❖ The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction:  ”The Afghan government [with no legal basis] has charged a tax bill of nearly $1bn . . . to foreign firms working for the US military and government over the last five years”. ❖ “Hundreds of refugees who fled to Turkey to escape the [...]

Patience, please: catching up and moving forward. International Developments ❖ “The US and the UK say they will work to strengthen the moderate opposition in Syria and create a transitional body to replace President Bahar al-Assad.”  What moderate opposition?  Does Israel really want “US military intervention in Syria”? Update:  Grisly video “sparks doubts over wisdom of backing [...]

Hello there. International Developments ❖ United Nations’ top human rights official warns of “‘much greater urgency’ in efforts to end the conflict in Syria, saying massacres carried out in recent days should spur international action.”  She disparaged “disgraceful disregard for the protection of civilians”. ❖ “Assad forces gaining ground in Syria“, with the “support of [...]

Greetings. International Developments ❖ Anonymous US military official:  “Marines and other American forces in Europe have been placed on a heightened state of alert” due to a “deteriorating security situation” in Tripoli, Libya. ❖ Turkey says Syria “employed chemical weapons against opposition forces.” ❖ Good grief:  “Two senior members of the Canadian mafia have been murdered [...]

Howdy! International Developments ❖ “US Secretary of State John Kerry has said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would have no role in a political settlement to Syria’s conflict.”   10% of Jordan’s population is now comprised of Syrian refugees. ❖ Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai “reveals US will retain nine bases after withdrawal”.  He’s “conciliatory” about it. [...]

Hello. International Developments ❖ Professor Stephen Hawking will not attend a conference in Israel as part of a boycott to protest Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.”  Update: Israel Maimon, former Cabinet Secretary, “is furious” over Hawkin’s decision.  Update:  Cambridge University has retracted its denialthat  Hawking was going to boycott the conference.  Update:  Is Hawking a hypocrite? [...]

Greetings. International Developments ❖ “Internet Access Cut Off in Syria“. ❖ “Russia, U.S. call for Syria conference with both sides” for this month. ❖ “Syrian Rebels Seize 4 U.N. Peacekeepers” who were patrolling the Golan Heights. ❖ “Israel tries to tamp down Syrian anger after killing dozens of its elite soldiers (+video).” ❖ “No universally [...]

Greetings. International Developments ❖ Aftermath of Israeli hits inside Syria:  “Russia, China express alarm”. Israel’s Prime Minister said the air strikes “did not aim to weaken [President Bashar al-Assad] and dismissed the prospects of an escalation”.  Oil prices went up.  Turkey won’t intervene “because it’s terrified Moscow will retaliate” if it does. At least 42 [...]

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! International Developments ❖ “The Syrian government said that Israeli air strikes against military targets around Damascus amounted to “a declaration of war”.  Syria has claimed the Israel air strikes were “‘co-ordinated with the terrorists’.” The Arab League, “which has given its Syria seat to the rebels”, is demanding the “UN Security [...]