Wednesday News Update

South Africa: Johannesburg-based Business Day writes that the tone of the xenophobic attacks on foreign migrants and refugees is increasingly one of ethnic conflict, as attackers issue a “nationality test” to potential victims.

Zimbabwe: In a new report, the International Crisis Group warns that violence in Zimbabwe is likely to escalate, perhaps even as far as a military coup to prevent opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai from assuming the presidency.

Sudan: Heavy fighting between the Sudanese military and the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Movement continued Tuesday in the Abyei region, resulting in at least 21 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Burma: A New York Times editorial today calls for the US and France to begin airdropping aid to the victims of Cyclone Nargis if the ruling military junta does not grant entry to international relief workers soon. “No one wants a confrontation,” writes NYT, “but the world cannot sit by while tens of thousands more people die.” The issue of relief delivery against the wishes of the government continues to spark heated debate in the international community regarding the principles of the “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine (R2P).

Kenya: Eleven women accused of witchcraft were burned alive by a vigilante mob. A local official condemned the attack, saying, "People must not take the law into their own hands simply because they suspect someone." Such incidents relate to larger problems of gender violence and discrimination…perhaps to be discussed in another post.

Global Peace Index: Check out fellow blogger Actus Rei’s assessment of the 2008 Global Peace Index.