Government

For oppressive regimes, the Internet is another tool of repression

Sun, 2014-01-12 09:01 — Maeryn Obley

Submitted by Luis Kun

homelandsecuritynewswire.com - January 8th 2014

Claims that the Internet will “democratize” the global village are not supported by research published in the International Journal of Electronic Governance. Instead, non-democratic governments simply exploit the networks to spy on and control their citizens more effectively and efficiently than they did before.

In a post-Snowden NSA revelation world, many pundits have suggested that the age of true democracy is upon us as social lobbyists, citizen advocates, and others claw back the agenda from those who rule them.

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Battles Rage in South Sudan as Ceasefire Hopes Fade

Tue, 2013-12-31 23:02 — Kathy Gilbeaux

reliefweb.int - Agence France-Presse - by Waakhe Simon WUDU - December 30, 2013

JUBA, December 30, 2013 (AFP) - South Sudanese rebels allied to ex-vice president Riek Machar sought to retake control of a key town Monday, the army said, as hopes faded that an upcoming ceasefire deadline will be met in the violence-wracked nation.

United Nations peacekeepers said they were concerned over claims that thousands of armed youths from Machar's Nuer tribe were readying to attack Bor, the capital of Jonglei state.

International efforts have tried to stop two weeks of violence, believed to have left thousands dead, from spiralling into all-out civil war.

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Using Available Resilience in Signing US-Afghan Security Agreement After 2014

Sun, 2013-12-22 04:47 — Amanullah Hotak

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South Sudan Coup Attempt: Disgruntled Soldiers and Politicians Tried To Overthrow Government, Official Says

Tue, 2013-12-17 15:01 — Kathy Gilbeaux

Sudanese anti-government protesters chant slogans during a demonstration in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

huffingtonpost.com - AP - by CHARLTON DOKI and RODNEY MUHUMUZA - December 16, 2013

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) -- South Sudan's president on Monday ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital after soldiers loyal to the former deputy attempted to seize power by force, leading to clashes between military factions that highlight the growing instability of the world's youngest nation.

Flanked by government officials, President Salva Kiir --who put on fatigues with an army general's epaulets inside of his usual gentleman's suit -- said Monday in a televised address to the nation that the military had foiled a coup orchestrated by "a group of soldiers allied with the former vice president." The soldiers had attacked the South Sudanese military headquarters near Juba University late Sunday, sparking sporadic bursts of gunfire that continued Monday, he said.

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Egypt Anti-Protest Law Limits Public Gatherings

Sun, 2013-12-01 21:44 — Kathy Gilbeaux

Several hundred supporters of Egypt's deposed president massed outside the cabinet building Wednesday in Cairo, but were not allowed to approach. Khalil Hamra/Associated Press

news.ca.msn.com - by The Associated Press - November 25, 2013

Egypt's interim president on Sunday banned public gatherings of more than 10 people without prior government approval, imposing hefty fines and prison terms for violators in a bid to stifle the near-constant protests roiling the country.

The new law is more restrictive than regulations used under the rule of autocrat Hosni Mubarak, overthrown in Egypt's 2011 uprising that marked the start of unrest in the country. Rights groups and activists immediately denounced it, saying it aims to stifle opposition, allow repressive police practices and keep security officials largely unaccountable for possible abuses.

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Philippines Trying to Learn Lessons from Typhoon Haiyan

Tue, 2013-11-26 23:09 — Kathy Gilbeaux

But between residents who don't understand the dangers and political infighting, that may be difficult.

Pel Tecson, mayor since May of Tanauan town, Leyte island, the Philippines, looks out from his battered town hall balcony over Tanauan, smashed by a Typhoon Haiyan. The city council passed a resolution Monday making a non-build zone from the shoreline to 50 meters inland. The need for relocation of vulnerable communities is the big lesson to be learned from the experience, Tecson said. (Photo: Calum MacLeod, USA TODAY)

usatoday.com - by Calum MacLeod - November 23, 2013

. . . Despite small signs that this area is recovering, life remains far from normal for countless Filipinos who have struggled through days of horror and hunger. More than 5,000 people died in the typhoon, and hundreds more are missing. The survivors are wondering when they'll have their lives back. . .

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