Central Asia
Comoros air crash raises issue of safety standards
By Peter Daniels, July 6, 2009
The June 30 crash of a Yemeni airliner in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa has focused attention on the issue of air safety, especially in poorer sections of the world.
German military to engage more offensively in Afghanistan
By Marius Heuser, July 6, 2009
Over a half century after the Second World War, the German government is systematically working to condition the population to the role of the German army as a force for aggression.
Obama sends marines to suppress population of southern Afghanistan
By James Cogan, July 4, 2009
The Obama administration has ordered the marines into a brutal and potentially bloody offensive in the southern province of Helmand.
Corrupt election campaign unfolds in US-occupied Afghanistan
By James Cogan, July 2, 2009
Amid the chorus of denunciations in US and European ruling circles over the alleged theft of the Iranian elections, the Obama administration and its NATO allies are presiding over an election campaign...
Two summits in Russia: A cautious challenge to the US
By John Chan, June 22, 2009
Two summits in Yekaterinburg last week involving the emerging powers—Russia, China, Brazil and India—signal a shift in economic and strategic alignments under the impact of the global financial cr...
US reinforcements in place in southern Afghanistan
By James Cogan, June 11, 2009
The Obama administration’s “surge” in Afghanistan is taking shape, with 10,000 marines completing the commencement of their deployment to the volatile province of Helmand over the next several w...
US Army chief sees Iraq, Afghanistan occupations continuing for a decade
By Bill Van Auken, May 29, 2009
Amid mounting violence in Iraq and preparations for a major escalation of the US war in Afghanistan, the chief of staff of the US Army said that the military is preparing to continue its interventions...
China and Russia forge closer military cooperation
By John Chan, May 26, 2009
As the US war in Afghanistan and US-sponsored fighting in Pakistan intensify, Russia and China are stepping up military cooperation, announcing 25 joint manoeuvres this year.
Turkish unemployment soars to record level
By Sinan Ikinici, May 20, 2009
Despite platitudes from the Turkish government seeking to assure the population that a recovery is “around the corner,” unemployment has soared to its highest level ever.
Killing of Afghan civilians covered-up by Australian military
By James Cogan, May 19, 2009
Information has surfaced this month that the Australian military has covered up the role of Special Air Service personnel in the killing and wounding of civilians in Afghanistan.
Massacre in Kurdish area highlights Turkey’s “village guard” system
By Justus Leicht, May 13, 2009
Gunmen from a local “village guard” killed 44 people at a wedding party in the mainly Kurdish-populated region of Turkey on May 4.
Turkey: Metal workers protest threat of wage cut
By our correspondent, April 24, 2009
Turkish steel workers have demanded details of contract negotiations from the leadership of the Türk Metal trade union.
