Obama attention on Mexico

In a bid to fight the drug cartels, to restrict drug trafficking and limit the amount of violence that spills over the border, President Obama’s administration has ordered around 500 agents and representatives to Mexico’s north-western borders.
The government has said it will increase the amount of US officials working within Mexico, raise the number of border agents, and pay for law enforcement along the south-western border.
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton leaves for Mexico today to begin meetings on the drugs and violence issues.

Everest Base Camp

Join the first ever 'AwimAway Exclusive' trek to Everest Base Camp on October 14th 2009. I will lead the trek, in my 'spiritual homeland', through majestic Himalayan scenery to the infamous Everest Base Camp. We will submerge into Himalayan life and culture, learn about the geography and climate of the region, and relish the challenges en route.
I will utilise my leadership and mountaineering expertise to assist you in this unique adventure, and can personally guarantee you an unforgettable travel experience.

Canadian Seal Hunt

Canada’s controversial annual seal hunt has begun in Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence whilst Animal Rights Activists and international bodies have continued to rally against imported seal products.
According to MSNBC news, the groups claim that the hunt is ‘cruel, difficult to monitor, ravages the seal population and doesn't provide a lot of money for sealers’. Even though it remains ‘the largest marine mammal hunt in the world’, it is claimed that the seal industry is ‘dying’ and thus ‘change is due’.
The hunt is defended by sealers and the Fisheries departments as a ‘good source of income for isolated fishing communities, humane and well-managed’.
Currently, the total allowable catch for the year is set to 280,000. In 2006 the 335,000 catch brought in around $25 million. The seal blubber is mostly used for oil, and seal pelts are generally used for the fashion industry in Norway, Russia and China
The Netherlands, Belgium and the USA ban seal products, many European Union countries do not import Canadian seal products, and Russia has recently stated it will ban baby-seal hunting

Rising sea levels in the Maldives

BBC News has today reported how the Maldives is beginning a fight against global warming, namely rising sea levels. Some 80% of the archipelago is less than one metre above sea level, and coastlines are already creeping further inland. Houses are crumbling and there are very real fears that in the near future, some islands will have to be abandoned to the sea.
The country has a natural defence system in the form of coral reefs, though a sudden and sharp rise in sea temperature wiped most of it out around ten years ago. Marine Biologists are now making attempts to cultivate coral in research centres to gain knowledge on its protective role to hopefully implement as a defence to the region in the future.
Currently, temporary defences are being made via the dredging of sand from lagoons, and discussions are centring on whether to replicate the processes imposed onto Hulumale island- the whole island has been raised with sand, concrete and shingle.
President Mohamed Nasheed has recently stated that he hopes the Maldives will, within 10 years, become solely reliant on renewable energy sources, thus becoming the world’s first carbon neutral country. Although such progression will cost somewhere in the region of $1 billion, it is hoped that such a move will encourage further global action toward the preservation of the environment.

Dubai guides beahviour

Last weekend Dubai announced its new guidelines for public behaviour, in an attempt to further balance the native culture and values with the recent insurgence of western tourism, norms and behaviour.
Although not yet law, media outlets detailed the list of no-no’s- covering dancing and playing loud music in public, pubic displays of romantic affection, dress codes (especially for women), swearing, and drinking alcohol outside licensed premises.
Dubai holds a unique position in the contemporary world: it is the place where a conservative Islamic East meets a liberal West. Dubai has often been the centre of controversy as it struggles to contend with the mix of cultures and public behaviour whilst representing itself as ‘the place to be’ for western tourism and enterprise. Recent headlines have centred on a British couples’ prosecution for having sex on a Dubai beach, and, offence has been taken to the more revealing dress of visitors.
It is unlikely that the restrictions will have any impact on the many resorts and nightclubs of Dubai.

Celebrations in Pakistan

There were celebrations in Pakistan on Monday, as supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League learned Iftikhar Chaudhry was to be reinstated as chief justice in Islamabad. The government made the announcement in response to the consistent protests by political, legal and civic activists demanding his reinstatement. Pakistan’s previous military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf removed Chaudry from office in 2007 as he was considered a threat to his authority.
Chaudhry’s supporters welcome his return with relief and hope. The parties, music and cheer that have acknowledged his return symbolise the figure of hope he has become for a people. To a country that is facing severe economic hardships and a growing Islamic fundamentalist insurgency, Chaudhry is a ray of hope for preserving and affirming justice and fair treatment.

Teenagers smuggle weapons onto Qantas flight

Travelmole has today reported that two boys aged 14 and 11 were able to smuggle stolen weapons onto a Qantas flight from Karratha to Perth on Monday. The youngsters allegedly had handguns, pistols, knives, 3000 rounds of ammunition and a variety of other weapons in their checked-in luggage which the “explosive trace detection” X-ray machines failed to pick-up.
They were arrested as they attempted to board a flight to Queensland.

'Shoe-Thrower' jailed for 3 years

Muntandhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who in December threw shoes at former US president George W. Bush, has today been jailed for three years. He was charged with ‘assaulting a foreign leader’.
In the immediate aftermath of the shoe-throwing, the reporter was detained in custody where he has since remained.
The judge rejected Zeidi’s defence lawyer’s argument that the ‘charge is invalid as Bush was not in Baghdad on an official visit’.

15 killed by teenage gunman

A 17-year–old high school graduate yesterday went back to his old school in Winnenden, Germany and, during morning class, opened fire in three classrooms. Nine female students and three female teachers were killed instantly. Three other men were killed as the teenage gunman fled the scene.
Police said there appeared to be no immediate motive of the killer, though they are suspicious of the proportion of females murdered. Ammunition was left at the school, suggesting more killings may have occurred had the police not responded so quickly.

“Smallest Whale Shark Ever Recorded”

Whale sharks frequent the east coast of the Philipines in December through to May- they are placid creatures that can grow to the size of a bus.
Thus, maritime officials and activists in Pilar were astounded when they rescued one the size of a forearm. Dubbed “arguably the smallest living whale shark in recorded history”, the 15-inch-long animal may be an indication that the coastline is a birthing ground for the species. If this is found to be true, the WWF have suggested that such ‘spawning grounds’ could become protected. Very little is known about whale sharks breeding and few baby whale sharks have ever been found.

Cuban Restrictions Relaxed

U.S. Congress yesterday passed a bill that relaxes some of the previous restrictions placed on the communist island of Cuba. As soon as Obama signs it into law, Cubans will be better able to import agricultural and medical goods, and Cuban-Americans will be able to visit their families in Cuba for longer than 2 weeks, and annually as opposed to once every 3 years.
The Cuban exile community in Miami received the news with mixed reactions- with many welcoming the move toward closer relations with Washington, and other anti-communists opposing the relaxation of sanctions.

Dalai Lama reflects on deaths in Tibet

The Dalai Lama marked the 50 year anniversary of Tibetan uprising against Chinese control with a solemn speech from his base in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan spiritual leader stated that his people live in ‘constant fear’ of the ‘suspicious’ Chinese authorities, with Tibetan culture and identity under great threat of extinction. He reflected on, and paid tribute to, the hundreds of thousands of Tibetan people who have lost their lives since the Chinese communist troops took control of Tibet in 1950. He urged his people that justice will prevail if they to continue to follow the ‘The Middle Way’ and seek political autonomy through non-violent protest, negotiation and other peaceful means.
The Dalai Lama has been considered something of a ‘dangerous separatist obsessed with independence’ by Beijing- with only yesterday the Chinese President Hu Jinatao making a reference to the political issues in Tibet, calling for a “sturdy Great Wall against separatism”.

Mosque bombed in Sri Lanka

Ten people were killed and three government ministers were injured today when a bomb exploded outside a mosque in the town of Akuressa, southern Sri Lanka. The blast occurred during the Islamic celebration of Mawlid, where many civilians and government officials were present to commemorate the prophet Mohammed’s birthday.
The explosion is being regarded as a Tamil Tigers suicide bomber attack, suggested to be a reaction to governmental action in the northeast of the country- the routing-out of the Tamil Tigers from their last stronghold.
The Tamil Tigers have been engaged in fighting for an Independent state for the Tamil minority since 1983.
Tamil Tiger spokespeople have not yet been available for comment.

Thailand visas temporarily free

From March 4th 2009 to June 4th 2009, travellers to Thailand will not have to pay for a visa.
In an attempt to boost tourism and in reaction to the global economic crisis and recent political protests, Thailand will not be charging visa fees for this temporary period.

Aid ordered out of Darfur

Lifesaving operations in Darfur were significantly reduced yesterday as the Sudan ordered 10 leading international humanitarian organisations to leave. Fears are now arising that the removal of aid agencies from the conflict-ridden region could have disastrous consequences- potentially leaving millions without the basics of food, water and shelter.
The orders for with-drawl occurred after an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court to the country’s president for alleged atrocities in Darfur. Aid groups remain defiant stating that they have no connection to the court, and that their services are essential to the survival of many people in Darfur.

Indian objection to auction of Ghandi’s possessions

The Wall Street Journal today reported that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’ s trademark round glasses, pocket watch, sandals, brass bowl and plate are due to be sold at a New York auction house tomorrow, sparking opposition from the Indian government.
Navjivan, a public trust started by Gandhi in 1992 filed a petition that made claims to his belongings enabling a New Delhi Court to yesterday issue an injunction against the sale.
Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Gandhi, has also instigated a campaign to raise funds to buy the personal items of his great-grandfather, stating that the sale of them would be “immoral” as they “belonged to India and the people of India”.
Discussions are still taking place over the future of the infamous peace-leaders belongings.

Africa Tourism Minister of the Year 2009: Kenya’s Balala

Najib Balala, Kenya’s tourism minister, has been named 2009 Africa Tourism Minister of the Year, an award which recognises his achievement in making an outstanding contribution to the growth of sustainable tourism investment in Africa. Balala was a leading figure in the implementation of government policy on promoting sustainable tourism, and led the tourism recovery programme in Kenya in 2008.
Kenya suffered greatly from the post election crisis where over 1000 people lost their lives and 350,000 found themselves without a home. Tourism dramatically declined, tourism related businesses were hit hard, many people lost their jobs and consequently Kenya’s economy and identity was negatively affected.

Balala was recognised as being successful in his efforts to assist the promotion of Kenya as an eco-friendly tourist destination, as well as the positive impact his contributions made to businesses, employment, the economic systems and, predominantly, the perception of Kenya as a tourist-friendly country once again.

Marine life marooned in Tasmania

According to a report published today by The Times newspaper, conservationists in Australia have deemed the stranding of 200 whales and dolphins on Naracoopa Beach in Tasmania, ‘suspicious’.
Wildlife rescue teams and local people were able to save and return to the ocean, 54 whales and five dolphins, though the remainder of the 192 creatures had died before the rescue teams could reach them.
A thorough enquiry into the mass stranding has been requested by conservationists due to fears that the root cause may be human disturbance, citing ‘industrial activity’ and the ‘use of military sonar devices’ as prime suspects.
Another possibility to the cause of the marooned animals is climate change - with the changes in water temperature causing whales and dolphins to divert from their usual routes and travel into ‘unchartered territory’, namely near to unknown coastlines.
However, mass stranding may be linked to group behaviour, and the ‘follow the leader’ psychology of these species. It may simply be a natural event, the result of a ‘navigational error’.
The Times continues to state that Tasmania may account for 80% of all Australian strandings, with four significant incidents having occurred in recent months.

Plane Stupid Airport Protest

Flights were disrupted at Aberdeen Airport today since the campaign group Plane Stupid began their protest on the tarmac at 0315 this morning. The group oppose the expansion of the airport.
BAA has reported that departures to Amsterdam, Heathrow and Paris have been delayed by the protest, and no flights have been able to arrive since it began.
Although most of the protestors voluntarily ended their protest at around 8am this morning, Grampian Police stated that two remain on the roof of the main terminal building.

Pay to pee with Ryanair

Budget air carrier Ryanair has announced that it may begin charging for the use of their on-board toilet facilities. During a BBC television interview Michael O’Leary, the airlines’ chief executive, stated “One thing we are looking at is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound to spend-a-penny in the future.”
Ryanair has also recently said that it is to close all of the Ryanair check-in desks at airports as part of a bid to reduce customer services and promote online check-ins.