Latest Military and Defence Issues Headlines

Somalia: Attack on World Body’s Compound in Mogadishu

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:15:43 +1200 | UN News

The top United Nations envoy in Somalia has condemned today’s massive attack on the world body’s compound in Mogadishu, calling it a “desperate” attempt to derail the country’s recovery and development efforts.More >>

Ceasefire Accord Significant Step Towards Stability in Mali

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:09:32 +1200 | UN News

The United Nations Special Envoy for the Sahel today welcomed the signing of the ceasefire accord between the Government of Mali and Tuareg rebels, and called on the parties to remain committed to peace for the sake of the country and the region.More >>

Irish Major General to Head UN’s Oldest Peacekeeping Mission

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:05:05 +1200 | UN News

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment today of Major General Michel Finn, of Ireland, as head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the Jerusalem-based UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), the first such operation the world body ...More >>

Drones for Christ: Jerry Falwell's University

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:59 +1200 | David Swanson

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., was founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell. Its publications carry the slogan “Training Champions for Christ since 1971.” Some of those champions are now being trained to pilot armed drones, and others to ...More >>

It's the Ownership

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:07:56 +1200 | David Swanson

If you're like me you've read several books that list inspiring examples of worker owned businesses and co-ops, suggesting that expanding on such models might begin to right the wrongs of an incredibly unequal society that is growing even more unequal ...More >>

Refugee Outflows From Nigeria Crisis Spreading To Cameroon

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:31:22 +1200 | UN News

The United Nations refugee agency today reported that the ongoing crisis in north-eastern Nigeria is continuing to send people fleeing to Niger and now to Cameroon amid the insecurity resulting from confrontations between the army and insurgents.More >>

Mali: UN Welcomes Accord Between Government, Tuareg Rebels

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:21:25 +1200 | UN News

The United Nations envoy for Mali welcomed the signing today of an agreement between the Malian Government and Tuareg rebels that paves the way for inclusive peace talks as well as presidential elections next month.More >>

Call for Entry into Force of Treaty Banning Nuclear Tests

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:39:30 +1200 | UN News

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today renewed his call for the earliest entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all nuclear tests across the world.More >>

Gordon Campbell on Syria, RNZ and Michael Shannon

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:19:45 +1200 | Gordon Campbell

Since the Arab Spring began, the rebellion in Syria has been the only one to evolve into full scale civil war, and still is the only conflict with the potential to shape the politics of the entire Middle East.More >>

Syria: Pros and Cons

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:43:42 +1200 | David Swanson

Mr. President, if I were a professional con artist paid to give you the pros and cons on engaging in a war in Syria, here's what they would be: As you know, former president Clinton, probably understood by many to also be speaking on behalf of his ...More >>

The End of Syria as We Know It? Why Obama is Declaring War

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:30:05 +1200 | Franklin Lamb

The short answer is Iran and Hezbollah according to Congressional sources. “The Syrian army’s victory at al-Qusayr was more than the administration could accept given that town’s strategic position in the region.More >>

UN Officials Condemn Attack on Iranian Exile Camp in Iraq

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:40:54 +1200 | UN News

Two United Nations officials today strongly condemned an attack on Camp Liberty, an Iranian exile camp in Iraq, and called on the Government to assist and protect camp residents in need.More >>

UN Calls On Libyans to Support Legitimate Institutions

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:36:26 +1200 | UN News

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) today called on all citizens to support their country's legitimate institutions, following armed attacks in Benghazi, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.More >>

A Built-In Cure for War

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:51:22 +1200 | David Swanson

Erin Niemela's recent proposal that we amend the Constitution to ban war is provocative and persuasive. Count me in. But I have a related idea that I think should be tried first.More >>

Nearly 93,000 People Killed In ‘Vicious’ Syria Conflict

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:23:16 +1200 | UN News

Warning the real figure is likely to be much higher, the United Nations human rights chief today announced that the death toll in Syria is nearly 93,000, with more than 5,000 people killed a month as the situation in the country has “deteriorated drastically” ...More >>

Ban Recommends Strengthening Peacekeeping in Golan Heights

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:22:34 +1200 | UN News

Warning that recent clashes in the Golan Heights area are threatening the decades-long ceasefire between Syria and Israel and putting civilians and United Nations personnel at risk, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended enhancing the self-defence ...More >>