------------#215: THE RULE OF LAW AND OPERATION 8------------

Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #215, November 15, 2007

Dear friends,

FEATURE Sludge Report: Rule Of Law Demands An Inquiry Into "Operation 8" [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/print.html?path=HL0711/S00244.htm]

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON DEC 1. This will be the time to say “NEVER AGAIN! REPEAL THE TERRORISM LAWS NOW”.

ORGANISING MEETINGS AUCKLAND: Civil Rights Defence Committee, 6pm, Tuesdays, Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St WELLINGTON: Weekly support group meetings - open to all - 6pm Tuesdays at 128 Abel Smith St

AUCKLAND

Saturday, November 17: A hui is being convened at Nga Whare Waatea – Calthorpe road Mangere starting at 10.00am. This hui is being convened by Ngapuhi which is fully supported by Te Tira Hou Marae and Ngai Tuhoe residing in Tamaki Makaurau. The topic will centre around the terrorism act before parliament and discuss ways of supporting the fight against this law and the way that the police carried out there unwarranted raid on Tuhoe at Ruatoki this past month. Can you please pass this message on to your email networks

Saturday, Dec 1, 12 noon, Aotea Square – March to say “Never Again – Repeal the terrorism Laws”

Monday, December 3, 9am, outside Auckland District Court Rally to give solidarity to the 16 appearing in Court that day

Friday, December 7: Dam Native have just confirmed our appearance at a benefit concert for the Tuhoe – together with - CORNERSTONE ROOTS; UNITY PACIFIC; BATUCADA SOUND MACHINE; DAM NATIVE - - AT GALATOS, FRI DEC 7 - TO SUPPORT THE TUHOE

CHRISTCHURCH

Saturday, 24 November - Solidarity benefit dinner to raise funds to support those arrested in the October 15th raids, stop the terror raids! Nau mai, haere mai. Vegetarian smorgasbord, live music, and a speaker from the Christchurch crew who has recently been to Auckland for the November 3rd hearings. Starts 6pm, Otautahi Social Centre, 206 Barbadoes Street; $10 entry, kids free - limit 60 tickets, to book yours please phone (03) 366 7247 or email [demozone@slingshot.co.nz] We would love your help with cooking! If you are able to bake a cake, make a salad, a main, bring bread/dips/vegies etc then please email [demozone@slingshot.co.nz]

NEWS STORIES Forget The Courts - A Media Lynch Mob Will Do [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00245.htm] GPJA: Police achieve breakthrough in trial by media [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00229.htm] Tariana Turia - General Debate "Terror" Speech [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00280.htm] Tuhoe Anger Loud And Clear Over Police Raids [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00259.htm] Hikoi Over Activist Raids Comes To Wellington [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00233.htm] TV3:Tuhoe hikoi reaches Parliament [http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/3252.html] TV3: MPs get angry reaction from hikoi [http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/3260.html] Terrorism Bill passed into law http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=104758... [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10475832] Vicious legislation takes centre-stage today [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00215.htm] Tim Shadbolt: Blog: Democracy and (mis)information [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/blog/story.cfm?c_id=1501230&objectid=10472789] Hikoi leader calls on Broad to front-up http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=104758... [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10475845] Wider phone tapping considered http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=104756... [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10475675] Tracey Barnett: A Terrorism Suppression Act by complete dummies http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=104756... [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10475630] 'What's the difference between Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe and Terrorism?', this excellent and informative edition of Te Ahi Kaa, broadcast on 4 November, is now available at [http://www.radionz.co.nz/podcasts/teahikaa.rss] - scan down the page to Whiringa a rangi 04.

YOUTUBE March for Freedom – Auckland November [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGlxguwXXEU] NZ terrorism laws under scrutiny [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liQdOl7bOFo&NR=1]

WEBSITES TO LOOK AT www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz [http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz] Full Scoop Coverage: Urewera 17 [http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/urewera17.html] [http://www.indymedia.org.nz/] [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm] [http://www.conscious.maori.nz/front.php]

GET SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS NEWSLETTER Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested and tell them they can subscribe at [http://gpja.org.nz/]

NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDER [http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/event]

POSTER AND OTHER RESOURCES Or download national posters from [http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/resources]

A PRIMER ON OPERATION 8 BY MOANA JACKSON “The decision of the Solicitor-General that there was insufficient evidence to warrant charges being laid against twelve people under the Terrorism Suppression Act was welcome news for the whänau of those involved. However many questions still remain about the nature and scope of Operation Eight.” A formatted printable version of this Primer is available online at [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/mj121107.pdf] the html version will be available at [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm]

LETTER TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RE RACIST COMMENTS Kia ora friends/colleagues and others on the network, If you are as upset as I am by Councillor Russell Orr's racist rantings in the Beacon (see below), then could you also complain to the Human Rights Commission? It takes only a minute. All you need to do is flick on the email I sent below to [infoline@hrc.co.nz] - adding or changing anything to suit, put your name on the bottom etc. Do feel free to pass this on to anyone else you know who might like to add their voice to this. Thanks, Ruth Gerzon. Kia ora Human Rights Commission staff, Mr Russell Orr, Whakatane District councillor posted some information on YouTube, later quoted in a front page article in the Beacon (Fri 19 October 2007). Referring to the recent police action in Rutaoki he said, "I would like to see council get behind the police and insist that the lazy, greedy, lawless and ungrateful cheats that infest the outer regions of our district be made to comply with the same rules that you and I abide by." I was pleased to see our mayor distancing himself from this stance, but the fact remains that this man represents us as ratepayers. I am appalled and wish to make a complaint. I look forward to hearing from you Ruth Gerzon P O Box 3017, Ohope, Whakatane (07) 3124932 and (0274) 308 149 [ruthgerzon@gmail.com]

DEALING WITH POLICE – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/YourRights.pdf]

MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE 38-9000-0099726-00 GLOBAL PEACE & JUSTICE AKLD: Indentify donation as being for the defence fund. Initial patrons of the fund are Jane Kelsey, John Minto, Simon Oosterman and Mike Treen Or Use your credit card through Paypal [http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/donate]

PHOTO GALLERY Visit our Flickr photo group. (Join the group and add your pictures!) [http://flickr.com/groups/civilrightsdefence/]

FACEBOOK Visit our FaceBook group: [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12434385103]

INTERNATIONAL WAR ON FREEDOM UK terror detention limit is longest of any democracy [http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,2209542,00.html] The politics of fear [http://www.newstatesman.com/200711080012] On Lyrical Terrorists - Today in London, a 23 year-old Heathrow airport employee named Samina Malik, born and raised in England, was declared guilty of possessing material likely to be useful in terrorism.It just seems to me to be a slippery slope once you start arresting people for things that you think they might do in the future. And our current crop of political leaders - who have already managed to cause death and destruction on a mass scale - would seem to be the last people in a position to judge who will and who will not be a danger to society [http://www.countercurrents.org/deibert101107.htm] Cost Of US wars $1.6 Trillion [http://www.countercurrents.org/auken141107.htm]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela. New NZ Documentary, 4 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact [activoproductions@yahoo.com] or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged

DARPAN-THE MIRROR, in its third year being on the air, is now available throughout New Zealand starting November 3rd 2007 and we welcome all the new audience from across the nation to join us. Darpan-The Mirror is a weekly current affairs and news based television programme highlighting issues that matter to the citizens of this country. It caters to all the ethnic migrant communities (close to 200 ethnicities nationwide) including Pakeha, Maori and Pacific Islander communities. From among a plethora of 5 regional television stations across the country, Darpan-The Mirror is among a fortunate few who have made it to the national platform for nationwide audience. Darpan-The Mirror is now truly available nationwide. Darpan-The Mirror is now available on Sky TV channel 89 and on Freeview channel 21 and also through Triangle TV’s terrestrial network of Auckland and Wellington. Also find us on Telstra Saturn Cable network in Wellington. Saturdays: Triangle Auckland & Wellington 4 pm to 4.30 pm Mondays: Sky TV channel 89 Stratos & Freeview channel 21 Stratos from 5.30 pm to 6 pm Wellington: Telstra Saturn Cable Network & Triangle TV Wellington from 8 pm to 8.30 pm For more information please call Kamal. Down below in the signature, you will find all the contact details. Here’s looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks! Regards, Syed Akbar Kamal 09 845 2313; 027 500 9090

TOUR FOR NOTED US CIVIL RIGHTS LAWYER LEONARD WEINGLASS Dear Friend, The Cuba Friendship Society in Auckland invites you to be part of an international campaign calling for the release of five Cubans imprisoned in the United States. Gerardo Hernández, René González, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, and Fernando González – the Cuban Five, as they are known – have been in U.S. prisons for nine years. They were convicted in 2001 of conspiracy to commit espionage for the government of Cuba, and related charges. The five men were monitoring Cuban-American organisations based in Miami in order to uncover plans and activities that posed a threat to the safety of the Cuban people. These organisations have an extensive record of carrying out violent attacks against Cuba from U.S. soil, including assassination attempts on Cuban officials, biological warfare, and bombings. Leonard Weinglass, one of the U.S.-based attorneys for the Cuban Five, will be touring Australia early April 2008 to raise awareness and build support for this campaign. He will be available to visit Auckland for two days as part of this tour. Beginning in the 1970s, Leonard Weinglass has defended many political activists, including Angela Davis, Mumia Abu Jamal, and leaders of the American Indian Movement. In 2004, the American Trial Lawyers Association voted to name an annual award, the Leonard I. Weinglass Award, honouring lawyers who contribute to human rights and civil liberties causes. The first meeting to begin planning for the Leonard Weinglass tour will be Wednesday, November 21, at 6pm at Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, central Auckland. Please come along, and let others know about the meeting. If you want to help with the tour but can't make the meeting, need further information, or have ideas on fund-raising or others to approach, please let us know. Email: [cubafriendship@xtra.co.nz] More information about the Cuban Five can be found at www.freethefive.org [http://www.freethefive.org]

THE TRADE UNION HISTORY PROJECT INVITES YOU TO THE: Inaugural Rona Bailey Memorial Lecture. Rona Bailey was an icon of left wing politics in New Zealand and a founding member of the Trade Union History Project (TUHP). To acknowledge Rona’s massive contribution to trade unionism and workers rights, her opposition to racism and war, her support for biculturalism and women’s rights, and so much more in Aotearoa / New Zealand and internationally, the TUHP determined after her death on 7 September 2005 (at 90 years of age) that it would commemorate her memory by holding a biennial lecture in her honour. Robert Reid, President of the National Distribution Union (NDU) and long time comrade and friend of Rona will deliver this first biennial lecture: “Looking Backwards: Looking Forward”. WHEN: Friday 30 November 2007; WHAT TIME: 6.00 PM (pre lecture drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm); WHERE: NZ Drama School (Toi Whakaari) 11 Huchison Road, Newtown (formerly the Wellington Show Building). This is an open lecture for TUHP members, trade unionists and the public. The lecture will be followed by a party (complete with a band and a generous amounts of food and drink) to celebrate the 20th birthday of the TUHP. The TUHP urges you to come and spread the word to encourage friends to come as well. Entry by gold coin donation

CLIMATE CHANGE The CTU, Greenpeace, Forest and Bird, and Oxfam met recently to discuss a project they have started called "Be the Change”. It is a website which promotes actions individuals and groups can take to reduce emissions, conserve energy, and protect the environment. You may wish to check out this website and also the details in the pdfs attached. In particular note that they have a Biofuel Climate Rescue Bus starting a nationwide tour on 8th November from Invercargill and finishing on 15th December in Whangarei. See [http://www.bethechange.org.nz/]

NOV 25 - INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN - UNIFEM NZ introduced the White Ribbon campaign from Canada four years ago and it had such a good public response that the Families Commission picked it up on behalf of a number of statutory agencies. A wide range of community NGOs also hold special events to raise awareness of this hidden problem facing many women and children throughout New Zealand society. Wearing a white ribbon before / on Sunday 25 November (and then through 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence: Nov 25 – Dec 10) signals commitment “to always speak out against violence towards women and children” For more info and ideas on both White Ribbon and 16 Days of Activism campaigns, see: www.unifem.org.nz [http://www.unifem.org.nz]

WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 25-27, 2008 The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai spybase. [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0701/S00036.htm] To register send $40 ($20 unwaged) to the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. Make all cheques to ABC. E-mail [cafca@chch.planet.org.nz] www.converge.org.nz/abc [http://www.converge.org.nz/abc]

VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER Cuba consistently makes the news: whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US imperialism for forty years. It is also the home of salsa and its music is world renowned. Registrations are open for the 25th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders, spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th December and returning 24th January. The all up cost is $5500, including airfare, spending money and all accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other countries in the region. For further enquiries and registration e- mail Ina at [inashina@clear.net.nz] or Paul at [wkcultur@ihug.co.nz] (03 732 4010).

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Sunday Nov. 18, 6 to 9pm, A Space Inside, 193a Symonds St. (upstairs), Newton. Auckland book launch for Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters: A History of Anarchism in Aotearoa/New Zealand from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s by Toby Boraman. To read the introduction of the book, go to [http://www.rabblerousers.co.nz] and click on 'excerpt'. There was also a feature in the Press recently about the book. [http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4251620a19743.html] [http://www.stuff.co.nz/4251621a13135.html] Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters is jointly published by Katipo Books (web: [http://www.katipo.net.nz], e-mail: [info@katipo.net.nz]) and Irrecuperable Press (e-mail: [irrecuperablepress@gmail.com]). If you can't make the book launch, the book can be purchased online at www.katipo.net.nz [http://www.katipo.net.nz] and through Irrecuperable Press by post (download the order form from www.rabblerousers.co.nz [http://www.rabblerousers.co.nz]). It is also available at some bookstores.

Wednesday, November 21, at 6pm at Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, central Auckland CUBA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY – Meeting to help plan speaking tour for Leonard Weinglass, noted US civil rights lawyer and counsel for the Miami 5 – Cubans imprisoned in the US for trying to stop terrorism.

Friday, Nov 23 to Sat Nov 24, St Columba’s Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby PAX CHRISTI ANNUAL ASSEMBLY: ‘Pax Christi’s Place in Peacemaking in the Pacific’ The Friday programme begins with a keynote address by Professor Joe Camilleri of the Centre for Dialogue, Latrobe University, Melbourne, titled ‘From the Middle East to Asia Pacific: Arc of Conflict or Dialogue of Cultures and Religions’. Saturday’s programme will look at different aspects of the relationship between New Zealand and Pacific Islands, some unresolved conflicts in the region and hopefully, some paths towards resolutions of those conflicts by peaceful means. Contributions to the discussion will include Pacific Island and New Zealand speakers with experience in justice and peace work in the region. There will also be plenty of time for discussion on a wide range of topics. We offer a warm invitation to anyone who would be interested in this gathering. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided but we would be grateful for a plate of finger food, or a contribution towards the costs of the venue and meals. The programme runs from Friday 23 November: 6pm (shared meal); 7pm prayer and welcome; 7.30pm to 9.30pm keynote address; to Saturday 24 November: 9.15am – 4.30pm. We hope you can join us for this important review of peace needs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Saturday, Dec 1, 12 noon, Aotea Square March to say “Never Again – Repeal the terrorism Laws”

Saturday, December 1, 3.30pm-6pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby SEMINAR: Human Rights and ASEAN West Papua, The Philippines,Burma and Aotearoa Keith Locke MP - ASEAN’s Role; Naing Ko Ko - Burma; Dennis Maga - The Philippines; Maire Leadbeater - West Papua; Cameron Walker - Spectre of terrorism in Aotearoa - drawing the parallels Dec1 - West Papua Independence Day. You are also invited to join us for a symbolic flag raising outside NZ Army Headquarters in Great North Rd prior to the seminar: meet Corner Great North Rd and Ponsonby Rd by the Peace Mural at 2-30 pm 1 December. Indonesia Human Rights Committee Box 68-419 Auckland. Inquires Maire Leadbeater 815 9000

Monday, December 3, 9am, outside Auckland District Court Rally to give solidarity to the 16 appearing in Court that day

Tuesday, December 4, 8.15pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela. New NZ Documentary, 4 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact [activoproductions@yahoo.com] or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all -- the apathy of human beings”: Helen Keller

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND Laila Harre: Union Relevance in Aotearoa in the 21st Century [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00187.htm] And then there were none… Amir Mohebbi free [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00103.htm] Pacific peace media awards: [http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/niusbeat/071109_peaceawards.shtml] Peace Media Awards slide show: [http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/niusbeat/071109_PHOTOpeace.php]

REVIEW Cuba libre - Fidel Castro's revolutionary struggle well served by autobiography, says Seumas Milne [http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/biography/0,,2208414,00.html]

ENVIRONMENT Countering climate change: Latin American left leads the way [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/730/37839] The Western Appetite For Biofuels Is Causing Starvation In The Poor World By George Monbiot - Developing nations are being pushed to grow crops for ethanol, rather than food - all thanks to political expediency [http://www.countercurrents.org/monbiot071107.htm]

PACIFIC South Pacific: Venezuela expands oil aid [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/731/37870]

AUSTRALIA Legislating racism [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/731/37900] The corporate interests behind Howard's land grab [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/731/37864] The Age on John Pilger in his homeland [http://www.johnpilger.com/page.asp?partid=457]

EAST TIMOR ‘We don’t want Australian troops’ [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/730/37830] Balibo journalists' deaths: Coronial Inquest [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00217.htm]

LATIN AMERICA Naomi Klein: Latin America’s Shock Resistance [http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/10/5138/]

VENEZUELA Venezuela, in the whirlwind once again [http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2007/noviembre/lun12/venezuela.html] Venezuela: Reform battle continues as Chavez ally splits [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/731/37903] The Assassination of Hugo Chavez by Greg Palast [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00255.htm]

BOLIVIA Pressure mounting on Bolivia's Morales [http://www.miamiherald.com/942/story/301311.html] The United States, Bolivia, and Dependency [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00220.htm]

CANADA Canadian Government Continues Lies and Cover-up on Afghanistan [http://www.socialistvoice.ca/Soc-Voice/Soc-Voice-150.htm]

USA The Economic Consequences of Mr. Bush - The next president will have to deal with yet another crippling legacy of George W. Bush: the economy. A Nobel laureate, Joseph E. Stiglitz, sees a generation-long struggle to recoup. [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/12/bush200712] Cross Border Kissing Booth Inspires La Migra to Violence [http://no-racism.net/article/2351] Bush Threat of World War III: Cuban Missile Crisis Redux [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00200.htm] 1.8 million veterans lack health coverage: Of the 47 million uninsured Americans, one in every eight or 12.2 percent is a veteran or member of a veteran's household, according to a study by Harvard Medical School researchers http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/12/18-million-veterans-lack-heal... [http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/11/12/18-million-veterans-lack-health-coverage/] Home prices to keep sliding with no bottom in sight: The U.S. housing market's skid is nowhere near over and could extend for another five or even 10 years, according to one of the most-watched housing economists. [http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSN1235621120071112UK] John Pilger: Sicko 2: The destruction of Britain's health service [http://www.johnpilger.com/page.asp?partid=461] The most worrying aspect of all this is how little the politicians and regulators knew of what was going on in the world of the major banks [http://www.newstatesman.com/200711080022] The worst crisis I've seen in 30 years by Will Hutton - The latest financial downturn is the final nail in the coffin of the conservative free-market world-view [http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2205121,00.html]

AFGHANISTAN Tariq Ali on Afghanistan: Six years of a war of terror [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/730/37859]

PAKISTAN An Interview with Farooq Tariq - A View from the Pakistani Left [http://www.counterpunch.org/jacobs11102007.html] US Vows Continued Aid To Musharraf By Bill Van Auken [http://www.countercurrents.org/auken061107.htm] Our Man in Pakistan By Robert Scheer - So, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, treated ever so respectfully by George Bush throughout his administration, in which he became the first Pakistani leader to visit Camp David, has turned out to be just another crummy dictator. But he was our dictator, kind of a modern, even westernized one who could stand up to all those bearded Islamic terrorists. [http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18678.htm]

PALESTINE Campaign: End the siege on Gaza [http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article9090.shtml]

CHINA China: Behind Beijing's `social harmony' rhetoric [http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/731/37881]

IRAQ Oil-Protection Base Being Built In Iraq By Patrick Martin [http://www.countercurrents.org/martin131107.htm] TV Baghdad Diary Troubling, Firsthand Look at War [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00240.htm] In Iraq, The Silence Of The Lambs - "I would like to agree with the idea that violence in Iraq has decreased and that everything is fine," retired general Waleed al-Ubaidy told Inter Press Servce (IPS) in Baghdad. "But the truth is far more bitter. All that has happened is a dramatic change in the demographic map of Iraq." [http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18715.htm]

ZIMBABWE Starved to death: migrant's tragic story highlights plight of Zimbabwean refugees- "Adonis Musati, 23, worked as a police officer in eastern Zimbabwe until recently before joining the great trek of those fleeing economic hardships and political persecution to settle mostly in South Africa. He collapsed and died of hunger close to the Home Affairs Refugee Centre where he had been trying to get a temporary asylum permit to enable him to live and work in Cape Town [http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/article3155085.ece]

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