LABOUR: IMF Accused of Union-Busting

Two security guards at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were recently suspended indefinitely by contracting firm Wackenhut for attempting to organise a labour union at the institution, a move the company says it made because a union would violate its contract with the lender.

LATIN AMERICA: Ethics and Equity Powerful Anti-Poverty Weapons

In determining the causes of rising poverty in Latin America we must look at the existence of profound inequalities, something that generally is not adequately done, says Argentine expert Bernardo Kliksberg. He believes a push in the social arena would reverse the situation.

POLITICS-U.S.: Clarke, Watergate Echoes Prompt Rare Bush Reversal

Tuesday's White House decision to permit National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to testify publicly under oath before the so-called 9/11 Commission marks an unusual reversal by an administration that has fiercely resisted taking any moves that suggests it is capable of making mistakes.

POLITICS-NIGERIA: Ruling Party Consolidates Power in Local Elections

The ruling People's Democratic Party in Nigeria has won local elections in almost all the 31 states where polls were held this weekend - even as election-related violence claimed up to 50 lives.

GLOBALISATION-ARGENTINA: The ‘Unemployables’

As the Argentine economy gradually pulls out of several years of recession and crisis, employers are complaining about a shortage of skilled labour, while millions of people find themselves stuck in the category of ''unemployable''.

GLOBALISATION: Should Kenya Be Receiving More Debt Relief?

Since he came to power in December 2002, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has made the sorts of noises that international investors - and multilateral donors - like to hear.

MEXICO: Expelled British Cavers Barred from Country for Two Years

The Mexican government expelled 13 British cavers late Monday after their exploring activities in the country sparked a diplomatic row with London, in an episode that a local caver association described as ''embarrassing.''

SAUDI ARABIA: Social, Political Rights Bigger than Religion – Women

Discussing the role and rights of women in this highly-conservative and tightly-ruled kingdom, is a touchy subject, whether the interlocutor is a man or a woman.

RIGHTS-EU: New Asylum Laws ‘Endanger Lives’

The head of the United Nations refugee agency, and human rights groups say lives may be at risk if the EU approves tough new asylum rules.

POLITICS-INDONESIA: Islamic Parties Woo Votes, But Chances Poor

Indonesia has seen the Bali bombing, the defeat of an Islamic party in neighbouring Malaysia and the rise of Islamic militancy across South-east Asia. But voters in the world's most populous Muslim country are unlikely to give much support to Islamic parties in the Apr. 5 parliamentary elections.

/ARTS WEEKLY/BOOKS: Sweatshop Martyrs Gone But Never Forgotten

Just before quitting time on a pleasant Saturday in late March 1911, someone at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City shouted, "Fire!"

/ARTS WEEKLY/RELIGION-LATAM: Yes to Gibson, No to Da Vinci

The Catholic Church hierarchy in Latin America is riding the success of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' to promote a conservative religious agenda, while it scorns 'The Da Vinci Code', a best-seller based on a fictional storyline involving centuries- old plots by the Vatican.

/ARTS WEEKLY/FILM-BRAZIL: A True Believer in Documentaries

The ninth international "It's All True" festival is under way in Brazil until mid-April, celebrating the success of films that "creatively deal with reality," and honouring their main proponent in this Latin American country, Amir Labaki.

POLITICS-INDONESIA: Islamic Parties Woo Votes, But Chances Poor

Indonesia has seen the Bali bombing, the defeat of an Islamic party in neighbouring Malaysia and the rise of Islamic militancy across South-east Asia. But voters in the world's most populous Muslim country are unlikely to give much support to Islamic parties in the Apr. 5 parliamentary elections.

POLITICS-BALKANS: Now Serbs Want a Split

Serbs, who had fought to prevent the break-up of their former homeland are now seeking another split of what remains.

RIGHTS: Burma Getting a Lot of Attention in United States

For a country barred by law from doing business with U.S. companies, Burma is receiving a lot of attention in the United States these days.

/ARTS WEEKLY/AUSTRALIA: Odyssey from Tiananmen to Down Under Goes Onstage

After the Tiananman Square massacre in 1989, Chinese actor Yang Li was once told by a fortune teller to place his trust in women if he wanted to advance in his career and never give up on life.

IRAQ: War Launched to Protect Israel – Bush Adviser

Iraq under Saddam Hussein did not pose a threat to the United States but it did to Israel, which is one reason why Washington invaded the Arab country, according to a speech made by a member of a top-level White House intelligence group.

POLITICS-BRAZIL: Approval of Gov’t Down – Economy to Blame

The honeymoon is over between the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and public opinion in Brazil, and the reasons are economic, according to the latest opinion polls.

POLITICS: U.N.’s Credibility At Breaking Point, Say Experts

The United Nations' continued engagement in Iraq - largely under U.S. pressure - is not only testing the credibility of the world body but also taking a toll on its Secretariat staff in New York.

HEALTH: AIDS Groups Protest U.S. Efforts to Block Generics

U.S. Africa and AIDS activists are increasing pressure on the administration of President George W. Bush to abandon its apparent efforts to block the use of U.S. aid to purchase life-preserving, generic anti-AIDS drugs for needy Africans, about 6,000 of whom die every day from the disease.