[sunnykerr]

Massive Israeli raid on Gaza Strip
Israel minister warns Palestinians of "shoah" (Holocaust)
101 killed in gun rampage in India

Banner made by 4N6 DNA

[sunnykerr]

South Korea Diverts Jets Over Threats Two airlines in South Korea are to re-route flights after North Korea said it could not guarantee their safety. Pyongyang's threat follows its warnings that a US-South Korean military exercise, due to take place next week, could trigger a military clash. North Korea has long described such exercises as provocative but tensions between the two Koreas are now high. About 30 international flights a day usually pass through North Korean airspace to and from the South. South Korea has called on the communist state to immediately withdraw its threat. "Threatening civilian airliners' normal operations under international aviation regulations is not only against the international rules but is an act against humanity," Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Ho-nyeon said. The BBC's John Sudworth in Seoul says passenger planes normally leave Seoul for the eastern United States by swinging north over the Sea of Japan to follow the Korean coastline towards Russia and North Alaska. The two major airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, have re-routed some 200 flights over the next two weeks, at the cost of four million won ($2,500; £1,800) per flight. 'War exercises' The annual US-South Korean drill, which involves tens of thousands of troops, starts on Monday and continues for 12 days. North Korea objects to the exercise every year, but this event comes amid high tensions on the Korean peninsula. Pyongyang has scrapped a series of peace agreements with the South over Seoul's decision to link bilateral aid to progress on denuclearisation. Six-nation talks on the aid-for-disarmament deal have stalled and North Korea's neighbours believe it could be preparing to test-fire a long-range missile under the guise of a satellite launch. Earlier this week, North Korea raised objections to the annual exercise at a rare meeting between its generals and the US-led United Nations Command (UNC) in the South. Then on Thursday a North Korean committee warned that "security cannot be guaranteed for South Korean civil airplanes" during the forthcoming drill. No-one knew what "military conflicts will be touched off by the reckless war exercises", it said. A second short meeting between generals and the UNC was held on Friday, but there were no immediate reports of progress. In Washington, US State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said the North's statement was "distinctly unhelpful". He said Pyongyang should be working on ways to fulfil its disarmament commitments "rather than making statements that are threatening to peaceful aviation". America's top envoy on North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, is currently visiting the region in an effort to breathe life into the stalled nuclear disarmament talks. Speaking in Japan, he described North Korea's warning on South Korean airliners as "unacceptable", and urged the communist nation against any rocket launch, whether of a missile or a satellite.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | S Korea diverts jets over threats

I always thought North Korea had agreed way too easily to de-nuclearize (or whatever) its arsenal and its territory. Of course, the U.S. Administration at that time was only too happy to hear them assent quickly. As we see now, any reversal on North Korea's part was bound to happen on the next guy's watch. Nevermind the fact that I really don't understand what kind of particular sway South Korea was ever meant to have over its neighbour to the North.

I do think that these military excercizes are inherently provocative (necessary, but provocative nonetheless). I mean, it's good to show Kim Jong Ill that South Korea has support in the world, should things between those two nations get testy. But it's not like we're dealing with a rational, common-sensical sort of man here. So now he's threatening civilian lives. Lovely, really.

[sunnykerr]

Japan Coast Guard Says 16 Missing After Ships Collide TOKYO -- Two cargo ships collided off the coast of a central Japanese island Tuesday, leaving 16 South Korean and Indonesian crew members missing, Japan's coast guard said. The coast guard dispatched five ships and three helicopters to search for the 16 crew - seven South Koreans and nine Indonesians. They were on board the South Korean-registered cargo ship, which collided with a Panama-registered cargo vessel in the waters off Izu Oshima, a small island about 120 kilometres south of Tokyo. "We are continuing search and rescue operations, but the 16 crew members remain missing," said coast guard spokesman Hidefumi Onoue. He said the South Korean ship was also missing, and that it might have sunk. "When the collision took place early in the morning, the visibility of the area was very poor due to rain," he said. All 19 crew on the Panama-registered ship are safe, Onoue said, adding that the vessel joined the search and rescue operations. The crew comprised 14 Thais, three from Myanmar, and two Indonesians. The South Korean ship carrying steel parts was on its way home, while the Panamanian ship carrying vehicles was heading toward a port in Aichi, about 200 kilometres west of the collision area, the coast guard said. It was not immediately clear how the collision happened.

CTV.ca | Japan coast guard says 16 missing after ships collide

I hope the missing are found safe and sound... and I really have to wonder what the heck happened over there.

[4N6 DNA]

Banner and related threads for the OP.

Massive Israeli raid on Gaza Strip
Israel minister warns Palestinians of "shoah" (Holocaust)
101 killed in gun rampage in India

[sunnykerr]

Response to Terrorist Attack Makes Bus Driver a Hero LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- His job was to drive the bus. But Meher Mohammad Khalil is now being hailed as a lifesaver. When gunmen jumped out of bushes and began spraying bullets at the bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team Tuesday, Khalil quickly sized up his options and got everyone to safety. "First I thought there were some firecrackers going off. Then, when I saw the elite force cars in front of me taking fire, I immediately lost my voice," Khalil told CNN on Wednesday. "At that time, the other elite car that was with us gave me cover, and then, when I saw he was giving me cover, my courage and my patience returned. "I decided to take the vehicle from there, and one way or another, even if I had to drive over someone, I would take this bus and escape." Khalil returned to the scene of the attack in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Wednesday to honor those who were killed and to place flowers in their memory. One of the dead was Zafar Khan, a friend and fellow bus driver who had been in a vehicle behind Khalil. "My eyes filled with tears that these were people that I was eating with and who died in doing their duty." Khalil had been part of a convoy heading to Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan cricket team was to continue a match against Pakistan. Six police officers were killed, in addition to Khalil's friend Khan who was driving a bus with the match umpires. The Sri Lankan cricketers praised Khalil's quick thinking and action, saying he saved their lives. Six team members were injured by broken glass and shrapnel. Team captain Mahela Jayawardene wrote on his Web site of Khalil: "He probably saved our lives, showing remarkable bravery in the face of direct gunfire to keep the bus moving." Crowds mobbed Khalil as he paid his respects at the place where his life changed in an instant. "He is a hero, a real hero, a real man of the people," a man in the crowd said. Private donors in Lahore have rewarded Khalil with 300,000 rupees (more than $3,000) -- a small fortune for a Pakistani bus driver. Today, Khalil says all he can feel is pain of the loss of life. And he called on the attackers to recognize that their victims are humans just like them, with mothers and sisters. "For God's sake, please stop this terrorism and let this nation breathe a sigh of relief," he said.

Response to terrorist attack makes bus driver a hero - CNN.com

I think that, with all of the horrible stories that come out of that region, this was just a lovely reminder that there are decent, honourable, brave people who go about their lives every day and who, given the chance, make the right choices.

I think Mr Khalil acted bravely and courageously. Most of all, though, I love that he made a stand. And my thoughts go out to him. I hope he is given the time and opportunity to heal.

[4N6 DNA]

I really like the article, thanks for sharing it. I am happy to hear they gave him some money. Fame means nothing to them, they need something to help them get through their tough times.

[sunnykerr]

I agree. A little goes a long way to reward great acts of courage such as was shown by Mr Khalil.

I found another article, though that's quite different:

Tibetan Monks 'Held After Riot' Some 93 monks have been held by Chinese police after a riot in an ethnically Tibetan town, state-run media report. The monks were held after a crowd of at least 100 attacked a police station in La'gyab township in Qinghai province on Saturday, Xinhua news agency said. The agency quoted officials as saying policemen and government staff had been assaulted and "slightly injured". The unrest was apparently sparked after a monk detained for advocating Tibetan independence escaped from jail. Chinese authorities said the monk fled on Saturday and was still missing. But a Tibetan website, Phayul, said the monk had killed himself by jumping into a river. The site quoted a former resident of the area who now lives in India as saying the incident sparked anti-China protests by crowds chanting Tibetan independence slogans. 'Deceived by rumours' Xinhua said six people had been arrested and 89 more had surrendered to police. All but two of the 95 people held were monks from the La'gyab Monastery. Police quoted by the agency said the people had been "deceived by rumours" about the monk, but gave no further details. It was earlier reported by Xinhua that the unrest had taken place in Gyala township, but the agency later confirmed the name of the town as La'gyab. It is difficult to confirm reports from Tibetan areas because foreigners are not allowed into Tibet and access to surrounding regions is restricted. Last week marked the 50th anniversary of a failed uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule which saw their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, flee into exile. The BBC's James Reynolds, in Beijing, says Chinese officials have taken extra security measures to avoid mass protests around the anniversary.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Tibetan monks 'held after riot'

Monks! They're putting monks in jail now!!!!!

I understand that Tibetan monks are a little more politically active than your run-of-the-mill Franciscans, for instance, but come on!!!

And I also know that nothing will happen here until one country out there has enough clout and enough balls to piss off China by officially recognizing the political independence of Tibet.

It just pisses me off sometimes.

[sunnykerr]

Journalists Decry Afghan Arrests Afghan journalists have condemned the arrest of two TV reporters over material they broadcast. The Afghan Union of Independent Journalists said the arrests were against the constitution and an infringement of freedom of speech. An Ariana TV journalist was arrested and released after broadcasting a programme involving two former Taleban members and one current member. A senior journalist from another TV station, Emroz, is still under arrest. He has been accused of broadcasting un-Islamic programmes. Correspondents say that Afghan Journalists critical of the government often risk being arrested. Last year a TV presenter, Mohammad Nasir Fayaz, was arrested and later released from detention. He was detained after the broadcast of a documentary which was critical of members of the cabinet.

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Journalists decry Afghan arrests

It does not look promising.

[Nad]

Troops in Thai emergency patrols Soldiers and tanks have appeared in Bangkok after Thai authorities declared a state of emergency, a day after protests stopped a major Asia summit. But protesters broke into the interior ministry and at one point attacked a car they thought was carrying PM Abhisit Vejjajiva. He was not inside. They have blocked a number of busy road junctions and at least one railway, and taken buses and two armoured vehicles. The prime minister has threatened "tough measures" to end the protests. But the army has so far not moved against the crowds. Hospitals have been asked to prepare for casualties in case they do. The government must implement further measures under the state of emergency Protesters have been blocking access to key government offices in the capital for the past week, but the collapse of the summit was a huge embarrassment to Mr Abhisit and he has vowed to restore order, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok. Our correspondent says that what began as a show of strength by the government's opponents two weeks ago has turned into a battle for control of the capital which neither side feel they can afford to lose. One of the leaders of the protests was arrested after the PM vowed to prosecute them. Arisman Pongruengrong, who spearheaded the protests by supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was arrested on Sunday after returning to Bangkok from the resort of Pattaya - venue of the cancelled summit talks. 'Incompatible' actions Under the state of emergency, gatherings of more than five people can be banned, media reports can be censored, and the army can be deployed to help police maintain order. But protesters have continued roaming around the streets. "It's not right. To declare the state of emergency is only to hurt the country more than before," one woman protester said. Mr Abhisit arrives for a meeting before declaring a state of emergency at Interior Ministry in Bangkok, April 12 Earlier, there were chaotic scenes at the interior ministry, where protesters forced their way into the building as Mr Abhisit was delivering a televised address to announce the state of emergency. They then attacked a car they thought was carrying the prime minister, hitting it with sticks and concrete slabs and throwing rocks and furniture at it. The protesters have been demanding the resignation of the prime minister, and have been urged by their leaders to attack him and his government at every opportunity. Soldiers fired warning shots as red-shirted protesters stormed the ministry, but initially made no attempt to stop them. In a new address, Mr Abhisit said: "I want to tell protesters that you have no right to break the law or to restrict other people's rights. "Otherwise the government must implement further measures under the state of emergency." His deputy warned against excesses by the security forces. "Authorities, policemen and soldiers, please practise your authority accordingly, and strictly within the law. Otherwise, it will bring more damage to the country," he said. 'Real change' Last year, the government imposed a state of emergency on several occasions, but the army refused to enact the measures. It is unclear if the army will be prepared to take action this time around. The state of emergency was last used to crack down on yellow-shirted protesters who had laid siege to Bangkok's airports last November. The crisis eventually led to Mr Abhisit's government taking over from allies of Thaksin. Our correspondent in Bangkok says the problem for Mr Abhisit is that he rode to power on the back of protests that were just as illegal, and may look hypocritical if he only goes after the red-shirted protesters who embarrassed him. Pre-summit street protests in the capital this week drew up to 100,000 people. Mr Thaksin himself, who remains in self-imposed exile to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption, has welcomed the protest in Pattaya. "I thank the Red Shirts in Pattaya who showed strength," he told a rally of supporters in Bangkok by telephone late on Saturday. "In the next few days we will see real change." Officials say months of turmoil have lost the country $6bn in tourist revenue, just as the economy is taking a hit from collapsing exports.

Source

Apparently the protests that stopped the ASEAN summit on Saturday spread further now.

[sunnykerr]

Thanks Nad, for bringing this story over.

I'm really concerned about Thailand. There's been stuff brewing, from the government, the military, and the people, for months now. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know?

[Nad]

Yeah, apparently the protesters have given up for now, but with the news about protests coming more frequent now, I'm sure this won't be the last we hear.

I wonder how the impact on the tourist industry will affect the situation. If the unemployment rate goes up, incomes decrease and so on, people will be even less satisfied with their situation, it could lead to more protests sooner rather than later.

[sunnykerr]

Well, speaking for only for my own circle of acquaintances. the Thai tourism industry has been dramatically affected. I know of at least three different people who were planning to travel there and who have changed their plans.

One of these three actually lived in Thailand for about a year before coming back more or less due to the current political instability. He was planning on going back, and now he's in Australia, trying to figure out what he's going to do because there seems an increasingly smaller likelihood that it'll happen in the foreseeable future.

[wanderer78]

Defying world powers, N. Korea conducts nuke test


I haven't gotten a chance to read the whole article. But it's pretty scary. I know it sounds hippieish and unreasonable, but I wish we could get rid of nuclear weapons all together

[Callace]

yeah. It's not exactly like they are doing the world any good.

[sunnykerr]

Yeah, but that's not really the point. Kim Jong Il actually believes he's either the son of god or actually a god. The day he allows anyone to tell him what to do? I just don't see that happening.