Highlights - Substandard housing conditions and withheld payments prompt the eighth Dubai labor strike since May 2005. - Delayed implementation of labor reforms, such as a minimum wage and …
Iraq: Oil Issues at Crossroads
Highlights • Unilaterally negotiated KRG oil deals deemed illegal by Iraqi central government raise concerns • Fear rises that Kurdistan is seeking enhanced sovereignty over its oil resources • …
Angola: Slow Movement Towards Elections
Angola’s 10-month long voter registration campaign ended on September 15, 2007, after a 90-day extension. According to the government, 8 million Angolans registered to vote during the process. The …
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Spain: ETA Vows More Attacks
On September 9, 2007, Basque separatist group, ETA, publicly announced its intention to continue attacks on Spanish soil as a crucial element to its revived violent campaign for an independent state. …
Germany: Xenophobia Attacks Continue to Rise
On August 25, 2007, a presumed neo-Nazi/far-right supporter attacked an Iraqi man in the eastern Germany city of Magdeburg. The incident is the second high-profile racially motivated attack in Germany …
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Russian general ‘sad’ on Polish tensions
Russia's top general said this week current Kremlin relations with Poland would leave "an unpleasant aftertaste in the future." "Assessments of the actions of a foreign government is not my territory. …
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Thaksin website blocked ahead of Thai court ruling
Thailand's army-backed government has blocked ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's website amid heightened tensions ahead of a court decision on the future of two key political parties, an official …
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United Arab Emirates: Immigration Concerns
With the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s booming economy, Arab and Western governments are lining up to sign economic agreements with the Emirate governing council. In 2006, the UAE’s economic growth was …
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President-Elect Sarkozy Chooses Cabinet, Details Reform Plan
On May 18, 2007, French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy unveiled a 15-minister government consisting of seven women and left-wing human rights champion, Bernard Kouchner as Foreign Minister. Giving an …
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China: Continued Interest in Cuba
Recent years have witnessed China’s growing economic and political influence in South America and the Caribbean. During a visit to Cuba in November 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged US$100 …