Libya security issues ‘prevent voting in 101 centres’

Libyan democracy: Regional division, bloodshed mar first post-Gaddafi poll – RT

 

EPA (File)

 

Acts of sabotage, mostly in the east of the country, prevented 101 polling stations from opening on Saturday in Libya’s first post-Kadhafi election, the electoral commission’s chairman said.

RT:Libya tribal hack and slash: Hundreds killed and wounded in ­week

Clashes between warring factions are heating up in western Libya. Tribes that once supported the country’s uprising are battling each other and pro-Gaddafi rival tribes – all against the background of freebee arms.

Warships en route to Syria to protect Russian nationals – reports

Naval infantry equipment being loaded onto Russia’s Black Sea Fleet military ship Cesar Kunikov on July 20, 2011 (RIA Novosti / Sergey Pyatakov).

It is being reported that large Russian amphibious naval ships are steaming toward the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russian civilians and naval infrastructure are under threat from ongoing civil disorder.

Syria: Setback for US interests, UN mission in muddy waters (Op-Ed)

Just in time for the G-20 Summit in Mexico, where the most critical topic will be Syria, clashes in Syria have calmed down after the last 10 days of heavy military campaign by the army against terrorist strongholds.

Russia and China pull together to counter US Asia drive – RT

Chinese sailors march pass the Russian destroyer Admiral Vinogradov berthed at a naval base in Qingdao, northeastern China on April 23, 2012 (China Out/AFP Photo).

President Vladimir Putin has said Russia will cement its military alliance with China, including an increase in joint exercises in the Asia-Pacific. The move follows a US pledge to step up its naval presence in Asia in a bid to extend its influence.

Sudan oil-war spiral could split world powers

Laaska News Apr.19, 2012
Bashir says fighting the only way to resolve differences with South Sudan 

Over 2,300 Mujahideen pledge allegiance to President al-Bashir to defend Sudan 

A SPLA (South Sudan People’s Liberation Army) soldier sits next to a machine gun on a vehicle outside a SAF compound in Heglig, on April 17, 2012 (AFP Photo / Adriane O’Hanesian) – RT

Sudan’s president has threatened to topple the government to his south to “liberate” the South Sudanese. As a bloody battle over a disputed oil field heads towards full-scale war, it threatens to provoke conflict between the US and Russia-China.

US, UK warn Israel against ‘premature’ attack on Iran

Laaska News Feb. 20, 2012.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague. (Reuters / Mike Hutchings) 

The US and Britain have urged Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear sites. And while the West shares Israel’s unfounded belief that Tehran is developing nukes, top officials say a direct military response would be unwise – at this point in time.

Up in arms: Iraqis say radicals are smuggling weapons to Syrian opposition

Laaska News  Feb. 12, 2012

Iraqi deputy interior minister Adnan al-Assadi told AFP that “weapons are being smuggled from Mosul through the Rabia crossing to Syria, as members of the same families live on both sides of the border.”

UN resolution drops demands for Assad’s resignation, arms embargo – reports

The United Nations Security Council meets on Syria January 31, 2012 at the United Nations in New York. Western powers clashed with Russia as they pushed for a UN resolution ordering the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and an end to what the United States called his “reign of terror.” (AFP Photo / Don Emmert)

Diplomats at the United Nations Security Council have reportedly agreed to drop demands for an arms embargo against Syria and the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. Russia had vocally opposed both points.

UNSC continues talks for a Syria resolution, nearing ‘better understanding’

Laaska News Feb. 2, 2012          

Some progress has been made in the discussion of a draft resolution on Syria, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said after a closed session at the UN on Wednesday, RT reports

“We have a much better understanding of what we need to do to reach a consensus,” Churkin stated.

 UNSC continues talks for a Syria resolution