Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution still burning in poverty-stricken town where protests first began. | |||||
| Middle East Online | |||||
By Dario Thuburn - SIDI BOUZID, Tunisia | |||||
An authoritarian ruler has fallen but the resentments at the heart of Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution are still burning in the poverty-stricken town where the first protests began last month. "The regime has taken everything from us and left us in misery. We don't have the right to live like everyone else," said Yusfi, 42, a bricklayer in a scuffed baseball cap marching in one of the daily protests in Sidi Bouzid. "We need equality in this country," shouted one of the hundreds of protesters. Another said: "Be careful Gathafi, the Tunisian revolution is coming" -- a reference to veteran leader Moamer Gathafi in neighbouring Libya. One passer-by in a traditional robe said: "We're dying of poverty here." This rocky rural region of olive groves and almond trees in central Tunisia has been a key flashpoint for social protests that led to last Friday's ouster of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in the Arab world's first popular revolt. "We've had enough. We're not terrorists, we're pacifists. We just want equality. We will continue the revolution," said Mohammed Dali, 58, a seasonal worker, as dozens of soldiers and armoured vehicles patrolled the city. "We are all ready to sacrifice ourselves for the martyrs," read a banner put up by protesters on a central square in the city. Another sign read: "No to state terrorism. Yes to the liberation of political prisoners." Protesters chanted: "Down with the RCD!" -- a reference to Ben Ali's once all-powerful ruling party which has dominated Tunisia for decades. Anger against the RCD has been one of the main drivers behind continued protests against the country's new leadership a week after Ben Ali's ouster. But in this town of 40,000 people it is local social issues that are upmost in people's minds. Journalists are quickly surrounded by dozens of local residents keen to voice their list of frustrations over the prevailing misery. "A lot of people are unemployed here," said Zyad Al Gharbi, 27, a friend of Mohammed Bouazizi -- the young fruit vendor who set himself alight on his cart last month after police prevented him from selling to make a living. Angry social protests in Sidi Bouzid began with a small rally on December 18 -- the day after Bouazizi's self-immolation and they quickly escalated. A fruit vendor, who declined to give his name, said: "The police take money off us to sell here. Why is it banned? Why do we have to pay off the police?" As he handed oranges to customers from his cart near the mosque, another vendor said 26-year-old Bouazizi was a victim of widespread corruption. "It was a tragedy. He was a victim of people who make a lot of money. It's always the poor man who pays the price," said the 26-year-old. One of the town's squares has been re-named in honour of Bouazizi by local authorities to assuage an angry population. It has turned into a gathering place for malcontents and a shrine to the vendor who set himself on fire. A large picture of Bouazizi has been tacked onto a monument in the square. "We have been destroyed by poverty. The young people here need jobs. We want real democracy," said Abassi Toufik, a 47-year-old activist, standing on the square as dozens of youths in leather jackets and baseball caps crowded round. |
Friday, 21 January 2011
Tunisia's revolt rages on in protest town
Lebanon Druze leader gives Hezbollah key backing
Jumblatt: Lebanon tribunal 'diverged' from justice 'to turn into a political bazaar', 'tool of destruction'. | |||||
| Middle East Online | |||||
By Jocelyne Zablit – BEIRUT | |||||
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt threw his weight behind Hezbollah on Friday, becoming potential kingmaker in Lebanon's political crisis by giving the Shiite party an edge in deciding who will be the next premier. "I hereby ... confirm my party's position by the side of Syria and the resistance (Hezbollah)," Jumblatt told a press conference, referring to his once arch foes. His announcement marked a striking shift of alliance for a man who once staunchly backed Lebanon's embattled caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri against the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah. Jumblatt said his decision was aimed at preserving stability and avoiding a sectarian conflict. Hariri's Saudi- and US-backed coalition has 60 seats in the 128-seat parliament against 57 for the camp of Hezbollah, which has categorically rejected Hariri's bid to head a new government. The Druze chieftain's bloc holds 11 deputies, including five Christians and a Sunni. If he clinches the backing of enough of his MPs, he would guarantee Hezbollah and its allies can impose their own candidate for the premiership. The militant party, blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Washington, needs to secure the votes of eight deputies outside its alliance in order to prevail. Hezbollah brought down Hariri's government last week in a dispute over a UN probe into the 2005 assassination of Hariri's father, ex-premier Rafiq Hariri. In his remarks, Jumblatt accused the Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) of seeking to sow discord in Lebanon, and warned that the country stood at a critical juncture. "The tribunal has turned into a tool of destruction and diverged from the path of justice to turn into a political bazaar, a bazaar of blackmail and counter-blackmail," he said. He made clear that in a meeting last week he had agreed with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose country is steadily regaining the influence it long had in Lebanon, that the new government must disavow the STL. For months, Hezbollah has pressured Hariri to reject the tribunal, which it has dismissed as part of a US-Israeli plot. Fear of unrest soared this week after the STL issued a sealed indictment in the case, which Hezbollah has said would include some of its members. In a sign that the political battle was headed for a showdown, a defiant Hariri said on Thursday he would stand for another term despite calls by his rivals for him to stand down. But acting Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, a member of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement allied with Hezbollah, said a new Hariri mandate was out of the question. "I can't tell you who will be premier but I can tell you who it definitely will not be -- Hariri," Bassil said. "It is clear that we cannot go on with the same majority in the cabinet and the same premier." He added that the Hezbollah-led alliance would nonetheless invite Hariri's coalition to join the new cabinet. "We have no intention of sidelining anyone," Bassil said. "It is better, given the current situation, to form a unity government but with a different majority and a different premier." Ahmad Fatfat, an MP with Hariri's bloc, said his camp would not join a government led by the opposition. "We are still confident we can garner the majority in parliament to nominate Hariri but in the event the other side manages to win, I don't believe we will take part in such a government," he said. On Monday, President Michel Sleiman is to begin consultations with parliamentary groups on appointing a new premier. Hezbollah and its allies are widely expected to nominate the veteran Omar Karameh, who has already served twice as premier. According to Lebanon's power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the premier a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. |
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Kiev: Golden-domed city of Eastern promise
CNN's global series i-List takes you to a different country each month. In January, we visit Ukraine and look at changes shaping the country's economy, culture and social fabric.
(CNN) -- The Ukrainian capital of Kiev is a riverside city that boasts streets lined with onion-domed churches and lively summer beer gardens.
Founded over 1,500 years ago, it can legitimately claim to be one of Europe's oldest cities -- and it has the monuments to prove it.
Modern-day Kiev is an unusual mix: Part historic Slavic, part Soviet, part Ukrainian-nationalist and part cosmopolitan European. Shiny office blocks mix with medieval statues and examples of bold Soviet-era constructivist architecture.
It is a 24-hour city, bustling with friendly, busy locals. Travelers from the West need to bear in mind that few people speak English, and nearly all the signs are in Russian or Ukrainian script.
Here to help you along is an at-a-glance guide to this intriguing city.
What to see
To get an immediate flavor of the city's rich history head to Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Kiev's monastery complex, which sprawls over a series of hills running along the Dnipro river.
"Mummified monks and a 4th-century B.C. gold hoard that rivals any collection in the world, as well as caves and a marvelous cathedral are the headlines here," says Tom Hall, travel editor of the Lonely Planet guides. "The Lavra will require at least half a day and deserves more."
If you can't get enough of Ukraine's ancient past, then an immersive excursion to the Pirogovo open-air museum -- showcasing folk architecture and life from across the ages -- should be just the ticket.
--David Mottershead - visitkievukraine.com
According to David Mottershead, founder of travel site visitkievukraine.com, the museum consists of a number of traditional villages, built to represent the folk heritage of each region of Ukraine.
"There are old-fashioned windmills, traditional churches and peasant huts dotted around the site," he says. "You're free to wander around and interact with the craftsman that work here in the summer -- it's a very popular activity with both tourists and locals."
However, if you want to have an experience that combines Kiev's colorful history with its buzzing, metropolitan present, then Mottershead suggests a stroll to Independence Square -- Kiev's central plaza renamed following the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The focal point for mass demonstrations in 2004's peaceful "Orange Revolution," the square is also the city's social hub, where parades, concerts and festivals take place and which is, according to Mottershead, "a popular spot for late-night drinking and people watching."
Even if you think you've had enough history for one day, no trip to Kiev would be complete without taking in the golden domes and intricate mosaics of St. Sophia cathedral -- Kiev's oldest church and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where to shop
Lurking beneath the busy roads surrounding Independence Square you'll discover "Metrograd" -- a vast subterranean shopping Center. Divided into a myriad of quarters according to various categories -- such as "shoes," "books," and "boutiques" -- the "Metrograd" is the largest dedicated shopping space in Kiev and perfect for those in search of high-end products and designer labels. Tourists should note, however, that prices are relatively high by Ukrainian standards and bargain-hunters are better off above ground.
For a more traditional Ukrainian shopping experience head to Bessarabsky Square, home to a historic indoor market that glows with colorful spices, exotic fruits, fish, meat and flowers. "It's a photographer's dream," says Mottershead. But pliable travelers be warned, some of the sales people don't easily take "no" for answer.
"Khreschatyk is Kiev's answer to (London's) Oxford Street" says Mottershead. "You can find anything here from mobiles and bargain clothes to the fine porcelain and stylish watches."
Where to eat
If you're in a hurry, Kiev's "Puzata Khata" is a self-service eatery that offers good, cheap, no-frills food in an interior designed to look like a traditional Ukrainian peasant house. Part of a chain of restaurants, it has regional classics like borsch (a type beetroot soup), holubtsy (stuffed cabbage), and mlyntsi (a thin, yeasty pancake).
For those craving a panoramic view of the city, and who have the cash, then "Belvedere," housed in an elevated glass gazebo on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River, is an up-market option, serving a variety of European and fusion foods.
--Tom Hall, Lonely Planet
A popular haunt among ex-pats and homesick travelers is "O'Brien's Irish Pub." Situated just a short walk from Khreschatyk, this Irish boozer also serves-up an excellent English breakfast and other traditional pub food, as well as a host of decent quality ales, according to Mottershead.
Where to hang out
"If the weather's good, Hydropark is the place to aim for beaches, bathing and ogling the city's bodybuilders," said Hall. "This outdoor play park is much loved by locals, some of whom plunge into the river from the bridge connecting its two islands to the rest of Kiev."
At night, Kiev comes alive with a growing number of bars and clubs. However, it's worth remembering that a number of venues operate a "face control" policy -- which gives them the right to turn people away based on their looks.
In search of the next big thing? Mottershead recommends "Art Club 44." "It's an amazing live venue, playing all sorts from jazz and experimental, to reggae and rock, and is very popular among the local students," he says.
For those in search of an all-night rave, try "Arena." Spread over four floors, this entertainment megaplex houses a dance club with a deafening sound system, a sports bar, beer house, and a karaoke lounge and has played host to the likes of Kraftwerk and 50 Cent.
However, if a quiet night is more your thing, take a stroll along "St. Andrew's Descent" -- a winding pebble-stone street on a steep hill that is one of Kiev's oldest and most popular. Linking St Andrew's church at its top to a bevy of historical museums at its bottom, St. Andrew's descent is lined with galleries, art sellers and, inevitably, a fair share of souvenir stalls.
Injury-hit Williams claims Melbourne win
- Venus Williams recovers from one-set down to beat Sandra Zahlavova in Australia
- Caroline Wozniacki is also through after a straight-sets win at Australian Open
- Justine Henin beats British number one Elena Baltacha in 61 minutes
(CNN) -- Former world number one Venus Williams came through an injury scare to defeat Sandra Zahlavova 6-7 6-0 6-4, in the second-round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The fourth-seed Williams had not lost a set to the Czech in any of their four previous meetings, but Zahlavova remedied that when she claimed the first thanks to a tie break.
After falling behind, the 30-year-old Williams required treatment in the locker room after picking up a groin injury and returned with the area heavily strapped to win the final two sets of the match.
Williams, who is playing in only her second tournament since the 2010 Wimbledon championships after struggling with a knee injury, recorded her win in three hours and one minute.
"I wasn't very happy, to say the least," the American said of her injury on the tournament's website.
"I mean, with an injury like that, you just don't know what to expect. I think what keeps me going is knowing that when I'm healthy I play really, really well and knowing that I have so much good tennis in my body keeps me motivated."
--Venus Williams
The seven-time grand slam winner -- who wowed the crowds with another head-turning outfit -- will face Germany's Andrea Petkovic in the third round after the 30th seed also came from behind to defeat Britain's Anne Keothavong 2-6 7-5 6-0.
Top-seed Caroline Wozniacki and 2004 champion Justine Henin had less complicated second rounds, with both winning in straight sets.
World number one Wozniacki dispatched America's Vania King in under an hour with a 6-1 6-0 win.
"I was playing aggressively," the Dane told the WTA Tour's website. "I took the balls early and made her run, and had a couple of good net approaches. In general I played solid."
Wozniacki will next play Dominika Cibulkova, the Slovakian who beat her in Sydney last week. Cibulkova eliminated Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-1 4-6 6-2.
Belgian Henin, seeded 11th, beat British number one Elena Baltacha 6-1 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 28-year-old Henin has won seven majors and overcame Baltacha in 61 minutes, despite being troubled by an elbow injury.
The Australian Open should be in February!
Henin's next opponent will be former French and U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.
Kuznetsova, 25, ended the hopes of Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus with a 6-1 6-4 win on Show Court Two
Russia's Maria Sharapova is into the next round after a hard-fought 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 success over Virginie Razzano.
Sharapova, a champion at Melbourne Park in 2008, lost the opening three games of the match to her French opponent but bounced back to seal victory in little over two hours.
"Looking back, obviously you want to play faster matches with an easier score line," Sharapova, 23, said.
"That would be great, but it's also good to play these types of matches where you're put in a situation where you have to find a way to win, especially when your opponent is playing really well."
The 14th seed will meet 22-year-old Julia Goerges in the last 32 after the German eliminated 20th-seed Kaia Kanepi 6-4 3-6 6-4.
Sonia Peres, wife of Israeli president, dead at 87
- Sonia Peres preferred to remain out of the public eye
- The couple has lived separately since Shimon Peres was elected president
Jerusalem (CNN) -- Sonia Peres, the wife of Israeli President Shimon Peres, died at her Tel Aviv home Thursday morning, a president's spokeswoman said. She was 87.
The president was making his way to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem on Thursday, said spokeswoman Meital Jaslovitz.
The couple has lived separately since Shimon Peres was elected president in 2007, with his wife -- who preferred to remain out of the public eye -- remaining in their Tel Aviv home while her husband moved to the official residence in Jerusalem.
Dr. Rafi Valdan, Peres' son-in-law, told Israel Radio that she was found dead Thursday morning when a grandchild came to visit her, according to the daily newspaper Haaretz.
Sonia Peres was "all nobility and devotion," Valdan said. "The family members were very close to her. We would see her almost every day."
She was born in 1923 in the Ukraine and met Shimon Peres after they both came to Israel, Haaretz said. They married in May 1945 and had three children.
Sufis hoping for divine intervention in Sudan
Omdurman, Sudan (CNN) -- Islamic hardliners frown at their offbeat, spontaneous ways, but in Sudan, Sufism runs deep.
While they shun politics, the Sufis are well aware this country has reached a historic crossroads.
Southern Sudan last week held a referendum to determine if the south will split from the north. But some members of the mystical branch of Islam are hoping for divine intervention to head off what appears to be an almost certain divorce between the Muslim majority north and the Christian, Animist, south.
"We ask God almighty that they vote for unity," said Shaik Amin Briil, from a cemetery in the city of Omdurman, where followers of the Sufi Qadiriya order have gathered every Friday night for decades.
The Sufis, who brought Islam to much of Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa, dance, pray and preach using drama and humor.
--Hussein Ali, former government official, Sudan
But most significantly, they follow strictly the Quranic prohibition against compulsion or force in religion. Everyone is at liberty to choose their own path.
Omid Safi, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina, described Sufism as the most prominent mystical tradition in Islam.
"Above all else, it aspires to have a face-to-face encounter with God," he said.
"Rooted in the Quran and the experience of the Prophet Muhammad, Sufis often emphasize the transformative power of Divine love."
It's this power that some followers hope will help keep Sudan united.
Former government official Hussein Ali says Sudan's politicians have destroyed the country by fighting instead of having a dialogue with the people in the south.
"It's finished. The south will be out," he said. "For me, as a Sudanese, it makes me sad because we want one Sudan."
But Badr Khalafallah says after all the suffering it's better to live in a small country at peace rather than a large country at war. He works in Darfur, where, according to the United Nations, at least 300,000 people have been killed and more than three million others displaced as a result of conflict.
"For me, because I am working in Darfur as a civil administrator, I know the wars," he said.
"I know the displaced people, I know the conflict there. For this we have no right to have any war in Sudan."
Daughter snatched from hospital reunited with mom 23 years later
Updated 1521 GMT (2321 HKT)
- Carlina White was abducted in 1987 from a hospital room
- The girl told authorities that she had felt that she was raised by a family that she did not belong to
- She did an Internet search recently and found information on her abduction case
Find out more about this story from CNN affiliate WABC.
(CNN) -- In 1987, an anguished, trembling Joy White pleaded for someone to help her find her infant daughter.
"I hope she's all right," the heartbroken mother told reporters at the time before collapsing in tears.
Now, 23 years later, White is crying tears of joy as the decades-long mystery of her missing daughter reached a happy ending.
The saga started on August 4, 1987, when White took her sick baby, Carlina, to a Harlem hospital because of an extremely high fever, a New York police official said.
Carlina was admitted in the hospital and White went home to rest. When the mother returned, Carlina was gone.
Years passed as White searched for her daughter, all the time holding onto a photograph of a baby girl she had only held for three weeks.
On January 4, White's phone rang.
The woman on the other end of the line said she was Carlina, and she sent White a picture taken in 1987.
The face in the photograph bore a striking resemblance to that of the baby in the tattered picture White had held on to.
Police too agreed that the photographs looked alike and carried out a DNA test.
On Tuesday, the results came back -- and they were a match.
"Carlina was a missing link," Pat Conway, Carlina White's aunt told CNN affiliate WABC as she raised her hands in the air. "We have gotten her back. In the name of Jesus, Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."
For her part, Carlina Renae White, had nursed a nagging feeling that she was raised by a family she did not belong to, said Ernie Allen from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Raised under a different name, Carlina grew suspicious when the woman who raised her could not provide her with a birth certificate.
So she scoured the Internet for answers, stumbling on the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There, she came across an item about a baby girl who had been taken from a New York hospital .
She called the center, which in turn notified authorities.
Authorities are not saying much about the woman who raised Carlina White as they continue their investigation.
"I never gave up hope," Carlina White's grandmother, Elizabeth, told WABC. "It is like she has been around us all her life. She wasn't a stranger. She fit right in."
CNN's Laura Dolan, Rob Frehse, Lateef Mungin and Jason Kessler contributed to this report.
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