International News Update - April 26, 2010

Poland- Twin brother of slain former president to run in his place

• Jaroslow Kacyznski will run in the June 20 election to replace his brother and former president, Lech Kacyznksi.
• He will face off against Bronislow Komorowski, former PM and current temporary head of state.
• Experts expect Kacyznski to gain a large sympathy vote, but having lost his former position as PM in a 2007 election, questions remain.

Sudan- Despite war crimes charges, al-Bashir gets elected amidst fraud claims.

• Despite charges by the ICC of crimes against humanity, Omar al-Bashir won the first multiparty election in over 20 years.
• All main opposition leaders dropped out well before the final vote, citing serious fraud, claims that have been confirmed by outside observers.
• In the semi-autonomous south, Salva Kiir, a former rebel leader,w on 98% of the vote.
• Plans for a referendum considering the secession of the mainly Christian south from the Arab north are still planned, with al-Bashir supporting the outcome regardless.

United States- Oil rigger explosion threatens environmental crisis, workers still missing.

• A BP oil rigger exploded last week and sank in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a massive oil leak.
• Eleven workers are still missing and presumed dead, with over 100 other workers rescued last week.
• Submersive vehicles are attempting a complicated mission to contain the oil spill, but if this fails, a reservoir well may be instated.
• If uncontained, the spill threatens to damage surrounding beaches and wildlife.

Thailand- Red shirts increase protests while government refuses talks

• Red-shirt protestors created roadblocks throughout the country, halting traffic and police movement into cities of protest.
• The government refuses to restart talks with the yellow-shirts, refusing to negotiate through intimidation tactics.
• Violence has been rising in recent weeks, as militant red-shirts have attacked yellow-shirt high profile members, including a recent attack on a former PM.
• Despite this, red shirts remain adamant that they will continue peaceful protests until the current President calls for new elections.