Here is the Friday May 23, edition of interesting reads from around the world.
British Labour Party Lose By-Election
The result from the Crewe & Nantwich constituency in NW England saw the Tory reverse a 7,000 vote majority and create one of their own. It is the first by-election reverse for the Labour Pary in over a quarter century. The UK Guardian has all the bloody details.
Islam In Spain
I am skeptical but Der Spiegel looks at a multicultural Spain. There are approximately 1.5 million Muslims in Spain. About half are Moroccans.
Interview with a Taliban Commander
Taliban commander Qabir Bashir Haqqani is threatening the Germans in Afghanistan. In an interview with Der Spiegel, the representative of the radical Islamists says they will ramp up deadly suicide attacks against Germans and other “invaders” in the northern part of the country.
Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba Under Probe for FARC Links
Outspoken Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba is under investigation for unauthorized contacts with the FARC, a crime in Colombia. Any contact with the FARC must be disclosed and approved by government in advance. Eleven others, including one American, are also being investigated. The Miami Herald has the details.
Slavery in the World
Experts put the number of slaves at 27 million worldwide, with 90% of these being women or children. Slavery remains an acute problem in the Islamic world, especially in the Sudan and Saudi Arabia, but also in South Asia, South-East Asia and in China and North Korea. Still slavery or forced labour occurs just about everywhere including the United States. More from Truth Out.
France’s Illegal Immigration Protests
Since April, hundreds of illegal workers have been protesting in and around Paris – this time, with union backing. The workers pay taxes but receive no job benefits, and they say it’s high time they’re granted legal status. France 24 has the story with video. Meanwhile President Sarkozy is in Angola on a state visit attempting to mend ties after a corruption row last year.