one fellow's political coverage, music ramblings and general hijinks across decades under a range of guises at several locations often in a state of awe.
Human rights group Amnesty calls on Thailand’s security forces to halt the use of torture in the country’s south; the Sri Lankan military takes control of the Jaffna peninsula from the Tamil Tigers; and India’s Slumdog Millionaire wins four Golden Globes, becoming a contender for the Academy Awards.
Fighting between Israel and the Palestinian territories force Indonesians and Thais onto the streets; Pakistan admits for the first time that the surviving gunman from the Mumbai attacks is a Pakistani citizen; and the US president signs-off on the creation of new marine reserves in the Pacific.
2008 was a landmark year for Taiwan – the small but incredibly wealthy island just south of Japan, nestled alongside its massive neighbour and frequent agitator, China. With its fourth direct democratic presidential election, the self-governing island that China considers part of its territory saw its second fully democratic change in power. This time though, … Continue reading “Taiwan’s year of living democracy”
In the Solomon Islands, capital, Honiara, three men have faced a court bail hearing over a machete attack on a New Zealand RAMSI officer earlier this month. The three men surrendered to police in the Guadalcanal village of Avu Avu, and police believe that their close consultation with community leaders played a large part in … Continue reading “Solomons men face court over RAMSI attack”
To Malaysia, where the government’s law minister has quit in protest against the arrest of three people under the country’s harsh Internal Security Act. Zaid Ibrahim tendered his resignation saying he disagrees with the use of the act against an anti-government blogger, a journalist and an opposition politician. The three were arrested on Friday and … Continue reading “Cracks in Malaysian ruling party over ISA arrests”
From WorldWide Religious News.
The distinctive tattoo and carving techniques on the bodies and faces of the Maori and Polynesian peoples is said to be surging in popularity after decades of being driven out of sight. Known as “ta moko” by the Maori, “pe’a” and “malu” by Samoans, its traditional statements tell of family ties, history and status. Renown … Continue reading “Maori, Polynesian tattoos back in fashion”
Taiwan’s Vice President, Annette Lu, has announced she will visit four Pacific allies next week to shore up relations following recent elections in the region. Ms Lu will start her tour in the Marshall Islands on Wednesday, then Nauru and the Solomon Islands, followed by Palau.
The Italian government has stepped outside of the European Union and is offering Pacific nations direct development funding. The $US12 million grant over the next three years is to be used to tackle health and climate change issues across the region.
Thai Capital on alert after blasts; Bhutto’s son to lead party; Pakistan president blames al-Qaeda; Hicks free, gagged by control order; China says no direct elections for Hong Kong in 2012; Cambodian Safari park plan draws fire.
