Sarkozy pushes for help in Darfur, NOW

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

It is about time someone else besides President Bush started pushing Bashir in Sudan and the EU to allow the AU-UN peacekeepers to take control. If something doesn't happen soon, we will have another Rwanda, if we don't already. Boy, I'll bet the Left would be just thrilled with that. They could blame Bush for it! Ah, but where are THEY? [Hello? Hello? (Kennedy on the Senate floor.)]

PARIS, France (AP) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy pushed fast international action toward speeding up deployment of troops in Darfur, as key world players met Monday to try to consolidate efforts and resources for the ravaged Sudanese region.

Sudan was not invited to the one-day Paris conference, organized by a new French government that has made the four-year conflict in Darfur a top priority. The meetings come after Sudan agreed -- under international pressure -- to allow the deployment of a joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping force in the region. [Continue reading.]

I shall be praying for the people in Darfur. I hope whoever reads this, if you still that you are not the be all to end all, would pray with me for these people. I will also be praying that the al Qaida will be found and killed! Have a great day.

Australia is transforming their naval forces to stay on top

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

I love Australia, and the Aussies are some of the most wonderful people. One thing I can tell you, they are quite independent. Just like we are. Wouldn't it be great if, even though it's for their own interest, they became the super-power in the Asian hemisphere? Yeah, baby!

CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) -- Australia will build an A$11 billion ($9 billion) fleet of advanced destroyers and amphibious warships, Prime Minister John Howard said, underscoring the country's plan to remain a key Asian military power.

The purchases would transform Australia's navy into one of the most powerful in the Asia region, with two amphibious carriers able to land more than 2,000 troops, 16 attack and transport helicopters and up to 23 Abrams tanks. [Continue reading.]

So, you see that the only country who has stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout our country's history is finally taking steps to move forward. Welcome! My only question: What took ya'll so long? (lol)

A glimpse at my 'work'

I have been over at my other sites again, and I have also added another writer to some of my sites. His name is Ronbo, and he certainly does speak his mind. I may not agree with the way he do so, but I will not censor him. After all, isn't that what we are fighting against?

Here are articles from DoD Daily News-2:

ANA aviators partner with U.S. counterparts. This is about a few Afghani pilots in the Afghanistan National Army working with our guys (actually, we are training them), and they seem to be enjoying it very much. They are coming along just fine.

US Navy Seabees improve Primary School in Ethiopia. This one is in a place where I have a soft spot for the people--the Horn of Africa. Our Seebees are working very hard at reconstruction, and they are paving the way for better relationships between our countries. I just love our guys!

Forensic science gives edge to warfighters. This is an article you are just going to love. These guys are a fabulous new asset. They do just as the title implies, they analyze the evidence right on the spot. We used to have to collect it, bring it in, do the paper work, send it off and wait for the results before we could act on it. Man, am I glad these guys are finally there. Yes, we've been better off with them right there. :)

New UK commander tells Iraqis 'We will stand by you'. The Brits have a new commander, and he seems pretty impressive. He reassured the Iraqis that the Brits were going to stay with them and support them for as long it takes. This was good, since some of them went home. He let them know that this was because they were not needed, because their section had been turned over their own ISF (Iraq Security Force). It is his 3^rd tour of duty in Iraq.

First LAR always on watch, even in enemy’s nightmares. I love the picture in this one. These guys are ready to go and kick some butt! They patrol every night so that no terrorist has an opportunity to plant any IEDs. What happens if they run into someone trying? Yes, these guys are al Qaida's worst nightmare. lol.

Dragon’ Soldiers Seize, Destroy Bomb Factory. YEAH! It may not seem like much because there are so many, but each one that is discovered is one less that is available to the terrorists. Also, there is much intel that can be discovered in these places. Great job, guys! Keep up the great work, and be careful.

Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals! It is about time they started to recognize the importance of our Air Force. They even created a new medal, especially for the Air Force, so they could claim it as their own. (Each branch has its own special medal.) Recipients of this award: Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black, Senior Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, Master Sgt. Charlie Peterson, Master Sgt. Byron P. Allen and Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Paxton. You'll have to read the article to find out why, but these guys are great!

Leaders, Wounded Warriors Celebrate Army Birthday at WRAMC. It was very nice for the DOD to remember those who are wounded, especially on the 232^th birthday of the Army.

Marines Train Servicemembers in Martial Arts. This one is so cool. I always wondered why we didn't learn this skill, now I don't have to wonder. Check it out. They even have a 57 year old man getting in on the training!

NGAUS Notes and NGAUS: What's Happening in Congress? These are weekly reports for the National Guard.

Reconstruction Advisory Team working with Iraqis in Baghdad. When the surge began, there were not just Military men sent. No. There were also reconstruction people sent. They are small teams of experts that go out with the brigades. This gives them a better chance to see the whole picture, and they also get an opportunity to assess what is necessary to each sector. They are doing a great job!

Mukki places blame on USA for Golden Mosque and Turkish incursion. This is short a short paragraph (how fitting, lol) about this terrorist.

Iraqi Security Forces foil suicide car bomb attack. This a fantastic article. You cannot tell me the ISF isn't doing their job!

The Lion of Fallujah: Marine Corps Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec. He is one of our finest. He is also someone you should know. What a courageous, patriotic, honorable man and determined. He earned the Bronze Star for last battle. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Here is an article from Causes of Interest:

Jack Idema's free, now let's help him get justice. The title should make this article self-explanatory. :)

Here are some articles from Love America First-2. These are mostly written reprinted by CNN.

Billy Graham: Wife 'had a great reception in heaven'. What a beautiful, loving marriage. What a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace.

N. Korea: Atomic inspectors can return. Ho-hum...what next?

Four North Koreans get their wish. This is wonderful news, if they are not North Korean spies. I wish them (conditioned on their loyalty) all the best.

China taking on U.S. in cyber arms race. Let's keep selling our sovereignty to them so they go to war with us. Great and wise thinking...what stupid senators we have!

India escapes U.S. list of worst human traffickers. India has been an abuser of Christians as long as I can remember. This article, however, is focused on countries that are still involved with human trafficking, the penalties and names some of those countries.

Sudan accepts revised plan for joint Darfur force. I'll believe when I see it.

Advertisers not wary of 'Genocide Olympics'. No wonder. They've been punished for NOTHING. Not even trading with countries that have sanctions on them. Oh my, what a wonderful body that corrupt UN is, let alone our own congress!

Chad may allow peacekeepers on Sudan border. This is more believable, because Sudan has been attacking them also.

North Korea test-fires missiles. Everyone is claiming that it's only a regular missile, not a ballistic missile. And the point is?

So you can see I have not been just sitting around doing nothing. (I don't like using double negatives in a sentence, but I couldn't figure a way not to. lol) I hope you enjoy at least one article. Gosh, I worked hard to get them all posted! :)

Oh my! Have I got news for you

I have been so busy copying the news (just in case they decide to move the links) that I forgot to post the articles over here! D'oh!

Okay, here we go:

U.S. House members blast China, May 6, 2007.

U.S. House members blast China, 5/6/07.

Sudan, Chad reach Darfur deal, 5/6/07.

Cheadle acts to stop Darfur Genocide, 5/6/07.

China Neutralizes Cutting-Edge Magazine, 5/6/07.

Book Review: The Truth about Muhammed, 5/7/07.

In Mind and Body, N. Koreans Still Suffer After Defection, 5/13/07.

U.N. official accuses Sudan of 'disproportionate' attacks, 5/13/07.

Siniora officially asks UN to form Hariri tribunal, 5/14/07.

'They will repent: 'Ahmadinejad vows 'severe retaliation' for any US attack, 5/14/07.

Palestinian interior minister quits in protest, 5/14/07.

Egyptian court upholds Mubarak decision to try Brotherhood members before military tribunal, 5/14/07.

Japanese premier defends invasion of Iraq, 5/14/07.

Iran lifts 9-month ban on moderate newspaper, 5/14/07.

Moderate Muslim Voices Silenced, 5/15/07.

Television evangelist Falwell dies at 73, 5/15/07.

Islamism, not Islam is the Problem, 5/18/07.

Operation Recruiter Appreciation Day--GOE, 5/19/07.

Moderate Muslim voices silenced, 5/23/07.

With Honor, 5/23/07.
Harsh Birth Control Steps Fuel Violence in China, 5/27/07.

Villagers riot as China enforces birth limit, 5/27/07.

Congress ignores population police in China: Help!, 5/27/07.

Report: North Korea test-fires missiles, 5/28/07.

Hospital ship begins trip around Africa in Liberia, 5/28/07.

U.N. peacekeeper killed in Darfur, 5/28/07.

In Darfur camp, women recount rapes, suffering, 5/28/07.

3,000 Darfur refugees make 10-day trek through bush, 5/29/07.

Your e-mails: Will U.S. sanctions on Sudan work?, 5/30/07.

Tibetan Abbot Forced To Step Down, 5/30/07.

Blair to G8: Keep African promises, 5/31/07.

Burma Detains Opposition AIDS Activist, JUNE/1/07.

In land of war criminals, Liberia divided on Taylor trial, 6/3/07.

C.P.B.’S ‘Rosa Parks’ Treatment, 6/4/07.

So you see, I've been quite busy reading. These are just the articles I copied, btw. lol. I have to stop before my fingertips fall off. LOL.

Congress ignores population police in China: Help!

We are called sometimes to aid those of us who have no voice and no help and no hope. We can do this with only a phone call. Do you not believe that you should perform your part as a human being to do at least that which you can? If not, get away from my site! I know ye not!

For the rest of us, this is what is going on in China. I received an e-mail today about the riots that were taking place in a small area of villagers. The people were too poor to pay the tax for having more than one child, so the police destroyed their home with sledge hammers. That's when the people started fighting back. You can read the e-mail (with the links to these articles) over at Love America First-2. Please call Congress and express your anger (or whatever you feel). Thank you.

News from South Asia to Asia

This first article is about the chaos over the assassination of Hariri.

BEIRUT: In an official letter to the United Nations on Monday, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora requested help with the establishment of an international tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri "as a matter of urgency." "We called on the UN Security Council to establish the court as soon as possible after all possible means to ratify it in Lebanon have failed," Minister of Information Ghazi Aridi told reporters after a Cabinet meeting late Monday. [Continue reading.]

This next article is about a crazy man, Ahmadinejad, who believes that America will 'repent' after Iran attacks us.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday threatened "severe" retaliation if the United States attacked his country - a tough response to recent comments by the US vice president that Washington would prevent Iran from dominating the region. Ahmadinejad also said Iran had agreed for the benefit of the Iraqi people to meet with the US in Baghdad to discuss security in Iraq. [Continue reading.]

This article is quite ironic. The Minister of the Interior has resigned.

The Palestinian interior minister resigned on Monday, rocking a two-month-old unity government after the biggest surge in factional fighting in months revived fears of civil war.

Despite an Egyptian-brokered truce, two Palestinian gunmen and two civilians caught in crossfire were killed in clashes between the Hamas and Fatah groups in in Gaza. Nine people have been shot dead since a new round of violence erupted on Friday. [Continue reading.]

I'm not sure what to make of this article. If Egypt is truly only going after the Muslim Brotherhood, then this is a good thing. On the other hand, however, if they are going after anyone who disagrees with the government, this is NOT good.

CAIRO: Egypt upheld a decision Monday by President Hosni Mubarak to have some 40 members of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood group tried by a military court, a judicial source said. Supreme Administrative Court Judge Issam Abdel-Aziz reversed a May 8 ruling in a lower court which declared invalid the president's decision, the source told AFP.

The military trial of the men, charged with money laundering and financing a banned organization, is now scheduled to resume on June 3. [Continue reading.]

Even the Prime Minister of Japan has a comment on the war in Iraq.

TOKYO: Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe on Monday strongly defended the invasion of Iraq, calling Saddam Hussein a dictator who posed a threat to the region. Abe is seeking parliamentary approval to extend an air-force mission in Iraq amid growing international criticism of the war, with Britain's likely next premier Gordon Brown promising a new approach. [Continue reading.]

Last, but not least by far, is an article about an Iranian newspaper being placed back on the market after being banned for nine months. It has agreed not to 'embarrass' the government, so I don't know how much 'news' we will receive.

TEHRAN: Shargh (East), the flagship newspaper of Iran's moderates, returned to newsstands Monday after a nine-month ban to join a diverse range of other moderate titles. The return of Shargh, a newspaper with a 100,000 daily circulation that was known for its criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government, came a day after the like-minded Ham Mihan republished after a seven-year ban. Continue reading.]

I hope I was able to bring you some news that you did not already know. You can also find news like this in The Daily Star. It comes from Lebanon. Have a great day.

In Mind and Body, N. Koreans Still Suffer After Defection

News from Radio Free Asia.

SEOUL — Even those lucky defectors who survive famine, violence, and criminal gangs to escape North Korea suffer from extremely poor mental and physical health long after resettling in affluent South Korea, a new survey has shown.

The survey by a research team from Seoul National University comprised more than 200 participants. It found that many defectors suffer severe mental health problems, largely as a result of overwhelming anxiety about loved ones they left behind.

Continue reading...

News from RFA

HONG KONG, May 3, 2007—China’s powerful propaganda czars have pronounced the death knell for a magazine that ran hard-hitting exposes of official corruption, turning it into a cultural and lifestyle digest of mainly previously published materials, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports. [Continue reading.]

Update: Please take a visit over to Nathan Brandfield's, "Church and State." He is having an open-trackback this weekend, May 11-13, 2007. He has a fantastic site as well. You may wish to add him to your list. Have a great weekend!

News from Africa

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Congress members rebuked China on a range of issues, criticizing Beijing's test of an anti-satellite weapon, its military buildup, its policy of forced abortion, its support of ruthless regimes, and its repatriation of North Korean refugees in violation of international law. [Continue reading.]

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- The leaders of Sudan and Chad signed an agreement in Saudi Arabia on Thursday pledging to work together to quell spillover fighting from the Darfur crisis along their countries' 600-mile border. [Continue reading.]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Actor Don Cheadle has a new mission in life: raising awareness about the atrocities being carried out in what the United Nations says is the world's worst humanitarian crisis. [Continue reading.]

4 North Koreans defect to South Korea

May 1, 2007.

Four North Koreans braved one of the most dangerously contested borders to defect to South Korea:

SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) -- Four North Koreans have drifted south across a heavily guarded maritime border in a wooden boat and are seeking political asylum, South Korean media reported on Wednesday quoting government officials. [Continue reading.]

I surely hope South Korea provides these four people with the asylum they seek. South Korea has been known to be prejudiced against accepting defectors.

They believe that if they start accepting some people, more will come. I wonder who else would ever believe that? Hmm...President Bush, are you listening? These are relatives separated through a war which has never been resolved. Another UN disaster...

Source: CNN.

Bush to NK: Patience is not Unlimited

April 27, 2007

President Bush and Prime Minister Abe were at Camp David over the weekend. One of the topics of grave concern to Japan is North Korea's nuclear weapons. They are already withholding food and oil from NK.

"Our partners in the six-party talks are patient, but our patience is not unlimited," Bush said, referring to disarmament negotiations between the United States, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea and North Korea

For his part, Abe said, "We completely see eye to eye on this matter. They need to respond properly on these issues. Otherwise we will have to take a tougher response on our side."
...
Japan is already withholding economic and food aid to the reclusive communist regime.

There was another amazing action taken:

On another subject, Abe apologized for the Japanese military's actions in forcing women to work in military brothels during World War II. He said he wanted to "express my apologies that they were placed in that circumstance." [Continue reading.]

It may be 60 years late, but better late than never. Thank you.

Source: CNN.

Japan nabs NK spy

In 1973, Yoko Kinoshita, 59, kidnapped a 6 year old little girl and her 3 year old brother from a Japanese family:

TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Japanese police obtained an arrest warrant Thursday for an alleged North Korean spy suspected of abducting two children to the communist country decades ago, according to a media report.

Police obtained the arrest warrant for Yoko Kinoshita, 59, for allegedly kidnapping a 6-year-old girl and her 3-year-old brother in 1973 and taking them to North Korea, Kyodo News agency reported. [countinue reading.]

Source: CNN.

ALERT: EU is ripping us off & using OUR name to do it!

This is just another reason why we should never trust an ally, just like President George Washington stated in his farewell address. They will stab you in the back the first chance they get. That is what Europe is doing now.

EADS: Partner or proliferator?
CSP Occasional Paper Apr 25, 2007

In this paper, the Center argues that the U.S.'s involvement with European defense conglomerate EADS poses potentially serious problems for our security. For example, although EADS routinely bids for U.S. defense contracts, it sells military equipment to Iran and China, and has even been fingered in a scheme in which Iran purchased nuclear weapons parts.

If EADS wants to be a legitimate, reliable partner for the U.S., it must stop its dangerous and irresponsible behavior, plain and simple. Its bribery, corruption, proliferation, and anti-Americanism need to come to an end. Also, it must fully make clear the extent to which Putin's Russia - which owns a substantial part of the company - is capable of guiding EADS policy.

Until these behaviors are changed, the U.S. has every right to deny EADS a role in our national security.

View Full Paper (PDF).

We must let all Americans know the truth. This is not right. As a matter of fact, it is very dangerous! We are the informers, so let us inform! Get writing, e-mailing, calling, and doing whatever it takes to get this news to as many people as possible.

We got the truth out about Islam vs. Islamists. We can do this. Thank you for all of your help. Have a wonderful day.

Hat tip: Bryan Hill, Research Associate, Center for Security Policy.

Asian News Part II 4/12/2007

Chinese PM calls for close ties with Japan.

North Korea replaces its prime minister.

U.S. retrieves soldiers' remains.

All eyes on North Korea nuke action.

Asian News 4/11/2007

I am going to keep down to a list today. There are many good articles. Check out the ones that interest you.

N. Korea funds impasse resolved.
Tokyo re-elects nationalist governor.
U.S. presses N. Korea to shut reactor.
Navy plans massive war games off Guam.
Report: Asia upgrading military.
China, Japan pledge closer ties.
Japanese PM sets 1st visit to U.S..
Malaysian political bloggers form alliance.

Have a nice day.

PM Shinzo Abe to visit President Bush April 26-27

During the weekend of April 26-27, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, shall visit President Bush at Camp David to discuss North Korea and Iraq. As usual, if you get along with President Bush then they throw a lot of dirt at you.

I am NOT saying that it is okay to deny that women were forced into prostitution during WWII. BY NO MEANS! It was not right then, and it is not right now. What I am saying, however, is what does that have to do with the price of eggs in China?

Apparently, he was misquoted (ah-hem) while speaking earlier in the week. The US Congress is seeking a 'nonbinding' resolution urging Japan to apologize formally for forcing thousands of women into the brothels.

One question. Why? Are we not at war? What's up with all of these 'nonbinding' resolutions? If you are not going to make them stick, then shut up. Now, back to the story (sorry, but that is part of the story that CNN wrote).

Next is the fact that the PM went to China first instead of the USA. This is a big deal? Oh, it breaks tradition, does it? I thought you didn't want anyone to feel obliged. So what's up with that? He can go where and when he wants!

BTW, we have over 50,000 troops on Japan's soil, and we have over 37,000 troops on the 37th (?) parallel line in South Korea. WHEN ARE THEY COMING HOME, HUH? What's the plan, man? You've got all the answer. What's the damn plan? Don't have one, do ya? Ha. Didn't think so. So shut up!

What is wrong with me, you ask? I know. It does look unlike me. When I read about this article, Sudan's government attacks Darfurian civillians, kills 65, I lost it. I've had enough BS, and I just don't feel like taking it anymore. Everyone can hate me. Fine. But when you go after innocent, helpless people and children? I get PISSED OFF. See? I thought you might. After all, even Jesus got anger. The only difference is, He did not sin in His anger. *Oops*

And I don't even think I covered the article! The link for the source will take you to the article. Just give her a click. Thank you, and have a great day!

News from Asia: 4/2/2007

These articles were written by CNN.

Myanmar allows foreign media into new capital.
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar (Reuters) -- Myanmar's secretive military government has allowed foreign journalists into its new capital for the first time since it quit the leafy colonial-era Yangon in October 2005.

"As far as I know, visas were granted to everyone who applied for them this time, including those who used to be on the blacklist," an Information Ministry official said on Monday.

If that link is no longer available, use this one.

China, Russia urge Iran to play ball.
MOSCOW, Russia (AP) -- The presidents of Russia and China have called on Iran to fulfill the U.N. Security Council's resolutions over its disputed nuclear program.

Vladimir Putin and Hu Jintao also said Monday in a joint statement that their countries -- permanent, veto-wielding Security Council members -- were ready to "search for a comprehensive, long-term and mutually acceptable solution to the Iranian nuclear problem."

If that link is no longer available, use this one.

Bank threatens to sue over NK funds.
HONG KONG, China (AP) -- A majority foreign-owned North Korean bank has threatened legal action if money it holds in a Macau bank is transferred to China, a report said Tuesday.

Such a move threatens to derail a U.S.-North Korean deal that was crucial in getting the North to agree to start shutting down its nuclear program.

If that link is no longer available, use this one.

Japan deploys missile near Tokyo.
IRUMA, Japan (Reuters) -- Japan trucked its first ballistic missile interceptors to an air force base north of Tokyo on Friday in an effort to beef up its defenses against its unpredictable neighbor North Korea.

The deployment of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) launchers, capable of shooting down incoming missiles in the final stage of flight as they near their target, was sparked by Pyongyang's firing of a ballistic missile in 1998 that flew over Japan.

If that link is no longer available, use this one.

News from Darfur, Sudan: 4/2/2007

These articles were written by CNN.

U.N. envoy: 'Fragile' balance in Darfur could disintegrate.
ES SALLAM, Sudan (Reuters) -- The new U.N. humanitarian chief warned Sunday that humanitarian efforts in Darfur could collapse if the situation deteriorates and aid workers are prevented from doing their work.

The warning came on a day of unusually heavy condemnation of the violence in Darfur, with Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain proposing a no-fly zone over the region and German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying the suffering of the Sudanese people had become "unbearable."

If this link no longer is available, try this one.

Refugee crisis threatens to overwhelm Chad.
ABECHE, Chad (AP) -- Chadian officials expressed concern Tuesday at the growing number of refugees fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan, which the U.N. humanitarian chief feared could become an intolerable burden on the country.

John Holmes visited this eastern Chad town on the second leg of a 10-day trip to the region, one week after the new U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs visited Darfur and South Sudan -- part of an effort to improve the bitter conditions under which aid workers have to operate.

If this link no longer is available, try this one.

Calls to use Beijing Games to pressure China on Sudan.
BEIJING, China (AP) -- China on Thursday blasted separate calls by a French politician and a Hollywood actress to use the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games to pressure Beijing into doing more to stop the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

In an article published in Thursday's Wall Street Journal, actress and UNICEF goodwill ambassador Mia Farrow accused Beijing of "bankrolling Darfur's genocide" and called on director Steven Spielberg and four corporate sponsors to "add their ... voices to the growing calls for Chinese action to end the slaughter..."

If this link no longer is available, try this one.

Top officials: U.S. to impose Sudan sanctions soon.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The United States will impose tough new measures against Sudan, likely within days, to try to force it to change course on Darfur and aims to pressure Khartoum militarily by helping rebuild forces in the south, U.S. officials said.

State Department, Defense, Treasury and other U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the goal was to "tighten the screws" on President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and have him accept an international force in the vast western province.

If this link no longer is available, try this one.

Five African Union peacekeepers killed in Darfur.
KHARTOUM, Sudan (Reuters) -- Unidentified gunmen killed five African Union peacekeepers in the Darfur region of western Sudan, the deadliest single attack against the force since late 2004, an AU spokesman said Monday.

The five were guarding a water point near the Sudanese border with Chad when they came under fire Sunday, Noureddine Mezni said. Four soldiers were killed in the shooting, and the fifth died of his wounds Monday morning.

If this link no longer is available, try this one.

News from RFA-North Korean women sold as slaves in China

Thousands of NK Women Sold as Slaves in China.
SEOUL — Thousands of North Korean women who fled famine in their homeland in recent years are believed to have been sold as “brides” to Chinese men, who often put them to backbreaking labor and subject them to constant fear, physical assault, and sexual abuse, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports. [If that link does not work, try this one.]

Here are my two cents: Kim Jong Il--Go to hell. Chinese president--Go to hell. STOP THIS!

Hardly known, not yet forgotten: S. Korean POWs tell their story

From the desk of RFA:

SEOUL — Thousands of South Koreans taken prisoner by the North during the Korean War (1950-53) were sent to do hard labor and were refused the chance to be repatriated under international law.

Those who survived the working conditions found they were still subjected to contempt and discrimination, 50 years after the end of the war.

“One day I found it rather strange that I could not hear the sound of airplanes overhead. Later, I found out the reason the skies had fallen silent: the war was over,” POW Cho Chang-Ho told RFA’s Korean service shortly before his death.

While 80,000 South Koreans were missing...continue reading.

I cannot believe they would choose to stay in North Korea unless it was out of fear of trickery. Animals. I hate this.