Global Report, 2 June 2010
Israeli commandos storm Gaza aid ship leaving several dead
19 people were killed this morning in an Israeli raid on a Turkish aid boat heading to Gaza. Most victims were Turkish nationals. Despite Israeli claims that those on the ship initiated the attack on their forces first, members of the Free Gaza Movement said that members of the convoy were attacked in spite of raising white flags. Israel could continue with their cheap propaganda by claiming that they were only responding to violent acts displayed by members of the convoy, but they sure should be smarter than to expect peaceful responses from people with a sense of humanity and some common sense; those supporting Gaza...Every crime has a punishment, and justice should be served soon, as people are running out of patience towards Israeli provocation...
Pakistan condemns Gaza aid ship storming by Israel
The Israeli attack on the relief aid fleet is a clear violation of international borders since the aid ships were targeted in international waters, not within Israel's territory. Along with other countries, Pakistan has been affected directly by the attack as its renowned journalist Talat Hussain, the executive director of the popular Tv channel Aaj TV, along with his crew members was on board the ship targeted by Israel. Protests and condemnations have started in Pakistan on both public and diplomatic level. Pakistan's foreign minister has also sent a call for an emergency meeting of the United Nations regarding Israel's aggression on the aid ship in international waters. Whether or not Pakistan's call for help from the international community is heeded will give an indication of how the United States, Pakistan's closest ally in the ongoing war on terror, weighs Pakistan against Israel in matter of serious political import.
Afghan Grand Jirga underway in Kabul for talks on Taleban
The much awaited `National Consultative Peace Jirga/Assembly` will finally be held from tomorrow June 2nd through June 5th. The Grand Jirga will attract about 1600 delegates from across the country, carefully selected by a panel of organizers weeks ahead of the conference. Just before the Grand Assembly kicks off clouds of doubts still surround the participation of members of the Parliament as they are all on a strike against the Presidency for failing to nominate the remaining 11 Cabinet Ministers for approval from the Parliament. In the meanwhile, former Taliban Foreign Minister Wakeel Ahmad Mutawakil has called for concrete steps and confidence building measures on the part of the government to bring Taliban militants to the mainstream national politics. The aim of the conference is described to be ``Formulating a specific definition of TALIBAN and building a mechanism for talks and reconciliation with them``
Mass grave of drug violence victims discovered in Taxco region of Mexico
A tip from a man arrested last week has led to the discovery of what appears to be a mass grave of victims of drug violence, in an abandoned silver mine in the Taxco region. There are between 20 and 25 bodies so far discovered, all thrown down a mineshaft at different times. A man — who has remained unnamed — was arrested Friday, and gave the tip that led police to the grisly discovery. The bodies had their arms and feet tied behind their backs, and the cause of death, and whether they were dead prior to the fall from the mineshaft, is unknown. Thousands die every year in the drug war ruling the country of Mexico.