Somalia
- UN report finds 50% of food donations are diverted to pirates, Islamist extremists, and corrupt contractors.
- The World Food Program is primarily responsible for such programs, and following this report, decided to not renew three contracts.
- A committee for follow-up investigation and recommendations has been established.
- Note the US continues to pledge money to the young government in their attempts to undermine the Islamist sect holding Mogadishu.
Israel
- Decision to begin building project in disputed land of 1,600 apartment homes.
- Backlash from Americans, notably Sec. of State Clinton and David Axlerod, who cite this move as intentionally undermining recent peace-making moves.
- Seemingly intended to undermine concurrent visit by Vice President Biden to Israel, threatening already fragile peace.
- Technically such a move would be a violation of international law, as the international community views the territory as occupied.
Iraq
- Nouri Maliki strengthens lead in polls over former PM Iyad Allawi
- Violence did not stifle voting rates, which reached 65%
- Claims of corruption continue as votes file in, and a successful vote is crucial for US withdrawal in August.
Thailand
- 100,000 red shirt protesters in Bangkok to demand a reelection of the new PM Vejjajiva.
- Most are supporters of PM Thaksin, ousted via military coup in 2006.
- Protests based on a strong connection between Vejjajiva’s success and military/elite support.
- Gave 24 hour ultimatum before protests, and likely riots, resume.
United States/Ireland
- American Colleen LaRose arrested for conspiring to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who depicted the prophet Mohammed’s head on a dog’s body.
- Used aliases Jihad Jane and Fatima LaRose thru networking websites to find a way to serve as a martyr.
- Reflects continued terrorist tactic to recruit members unlike the typical terrorist profile.
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