Quartet helped build 'pluralistic democracy' in Tunisia
A quartet of Tunisian civil society groups, including workers, business owners, rights activists and lawyers, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy” following Tunisia’s 2011 revolution that overthrew its long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The Tunisian national dialogue quartet “established an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war,” the Norwegian Nobel committee said in its citation.
Israeli troops kill five Palestinians in Gaza
Five Palestinian demonstrators died in a clash with Israeli forces along the Gaza strip on Friday. The Israeli military said about 200 Palestinians advanced towards the border, throwing rocks and rolling burning tyres at stationed troops. The military claimed its forces opened fire at the instigators to stop their advance. Meanwhile, Hamas’s leader in Gaza declared the current unrest an intifada [uprising], calling it “the only path that will lead to liberalisation”.
Russia steps up air strikes in Syria
Russian air strikes hit 60 Islamic State targets over 24 hours and killed around 300 militants, claimed the defence ministry on Friday. These were Moscow’s most intense bombings since it launched its campaign against IS 10 days ago. Russia said that the increased frequency of attacks was aimed at preventing militants from regrouping and dispersing in populated areas. In a separate development, the United States said it is abandoning its goal of training a new force of Syrian rebels and will instead focus on equipping, arming and supporting established groups fighting IS.
UNSC adopts resolution on trafficking in Mediterranean
The United Nation Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution aimed at disrupting human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. The European Union was authorised by the UNSC for a year to inspect and seize vessels operated by smugglers and human traffickers. The 15-member UNSC adopted the resolution with 14 votes in favour, with only Venezuela abstaining.
North Korea to flaunt military muscle in anniversary celebrations
North Korea will host one of its biggest military parades ever on Saturday on the 70th anniversary of the creation of the ruling Workers’ Party. The event is reportedly the government’s way of showing its military muscle to the world and a showcase of loyalty for its leader, Kim Jong Un. On Friday, senior state officials led a mass gathering in Pyongang singing praises of Jong Un and the party.
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
A quartet of Tunisian civil society groups, including workers, business owners, rights activists and lawyers, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy” following Tunisia’s 2011 revolution that overthrew its long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The Tunisian national dialogue quartet “established an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war,” the Norwegian Nobel committee said in its citation.
Israeli troops kill five Palestinians in Gaza
Five Palestinian demonstrators died in a clash with Israeli forces along the Gaza strip on Friday. The Israeli military said about 200 Palestinians advanced towards the border, throwing rocks and rolling burning tyres at stationed troops. The military claimed its forces opened fire at the instigators to stop their advance. Meanwhile, Hamas’s leader in Gaza declared the current unrest an intifada [uprising], calling it “the only path that will lead to liberalisation”.
Russia steps up air strikes in Syria
Russian air strikes hit 60 Islamic State targets over 24 hours and killed around 300 militants, claimed the defence ministry on Friday. These were Moscow’s most intense bombings since it launched its campaign against IS 10 days ago. Russia said that the increased frequency of attacks was aimed at preventing militants from regrouping and dispersing in populated areas. In a separate development, the United States said it is abandoning its goal of training a new force of Syrian rebels and will instead focus on equipping, arming and supporting established groups fighting IS.
UNSC adopts resolution on trafficking in Mediterranean
The United Nation Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution aimed at disrupting human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. The European Union was authorised by the UNSC for a year to inspect and seize vessels operated by smugglers and human traffickers. The 15-member UNSC adopted the resolution with 14 votes in favour, with only Venezuela abstaining.
North Korea to flaunt military muscle in anniversary celebrations
North Korea will host one of its biggest military parades ever on Saturday on the 70th anniversary of the creation of the ruling Workers’ Party. The event is reportedly the government’s way of showing its military muscle to the world and a showcase of loyalty for its leader, Kim Jong Un. On Friday, senior state officials led a mass gathering in Pyongang singing praises of Jong Un and the party.
