News: What is it about Mondays?

Somalia: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that over 2.6 million—35% of the country’s population—face near-famine conditions caused by the rapid increase in food prices and a regional drought. Compounding the situation, Somalia now has over 1 million internally-displaced persons (IDPs) due to the ongoing conflict between the transitional government and insurgents.
Zimbabwe: US Ambassador James McGee defied multiple police attempts to prevent his convoy from investigating post-election violence in Zimbabwe. McGee’s convoy was stopped repeatedly by police, who threatened the ambassador and other diplomats with physical violence and detainment. The MDC accused the military of plotting to assassinate its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, alleging that 18 snipers are poised to pursue a hit list of 40 prominent MDC leaders. Tsvangirai left Zimbabwe in April due to assassination threats, and canceled his return to the country this weekend, when he planned to begin his campaign for the upcoming runoff election.
Sri Lanka: Clashes between the Tamil Tigers and the military left 78 dead this weekend, as the government continues its drive to “crush” the insurgency by the end of the year. The Tamil Tigers have fought for an independent state for their marginalized ethnic group since 1983, and atrocities committed by both sides resulting in a total of 70,000 deaths. Today, three Nobel Peace Laureates called on the UN to reject Sri Lanka’s application for membership for the UN Human Rights Council. Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, and Adolfo Perez Esquivel oppose the candidacy due to Sri Lanka’s poor human rights record.
South Africa: Xenophobic violence is nothing new to South Africa, but the problem is rapidly worsening. Attacks on foreigners and refugees presents quite a dilemma for the still-new post-apartheid democracy, as people grow frustrated with their poor quality of life and resentful of foreigners perceived as competing for jobs and resources.
Burma: The government agreed to allow Southeast Asian aid workers into areas affected by Cyclone Nargis, but will continue to restrict those from the rest of the international community. In this video, Guardian reporter Helen Pidd describes the difficulties and risks of undercover journalism in the country.