SIERRA LEONE: Ghost Schools, Phantom Progress On Education

Magnus Kamara is a school inspector with a difference. He has been hired to find schools that don't exist.

DEVELOPMENT: No "Bailout" for the World's Poorest

As a spreading financial crisis threatens to deepen the economic recession in the United States, the news of an unprecedented 700-billion-dollar bailout package reverberated through the corridors of the United Nations last week as over 100 world leaders gathered in New York for the annual talk-fest: the 63rd session of the General Assembly.

TUNISIA: Ally of the U.S., Not of Journalists

Journalists and human rights activists in Tunisia are regularly imprisoned and harassed for criticising the government of President Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali's policies, according to a new report released this week by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based watchdog.

Q&A: 'Corruption Nourishes Poverty'

A new report by Transparency International (TI) lashes out at some of the world's poorest countries for an "ongoing humanitarian disaster", and deplores the wealthiest for not doing enough to stem graft.

IRAQ: Awash in "Missing" Weapons

Clandestine gun suppliers, funded by the U.S. and Iraqi governments, have flooded Iraq with a million weapons since 2003, charges a new Amnesty International investigation.

JAPAN: Tainted Rice Scam Shakes Consumer Confidence

Consumer confidence in quality-conscious Japan has been badly shaken by a scandal over contaminated rice that was discovered to have been imported and distributed to restaurants, hospitals, schools and stores.

ECONOMY-US: Only Real Fix Is Regulatory, Analysts Say

The blood flowing this week from Wall Street, spilling over into the homes of most citizens and the economies of other countries, raised urgent calls for stricter regulation of major players in the U.S. economy.

ECONOMY-KENYA: Shady Deals and Intrigues Haunt Privatisation

The Kenya Railways Corporation was more than a national utility. It was a repository of Kenya’s history, beginning in the 19th century when indentured Indian labourers were brought to the East African region to build the Kenya-Uganda railway line.

MEXICO: Bloody Independence Eve Celebrations

If there ever was a tacit agreement between organised crime and the authorities in Mexico to respect certain boundaries, as some analysts argue, there is now no doubt that it has been breached. Several grenades exploded in Morelia during the country’s Independence Day celebrations, killing at least eight people and injuring 100.

Q&A: "Freedom of Expression Goes Hand in Hand with Justice"

Social inequality is "the main" problem for freedom of expression in Latin America, said Frank La Rue Lewy, who was named United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on Aug. 1.

POLITICS-US: The Most Secretive Govt Ever?

The administration of President George W. Bush continues to expand government secrecy across a broad array of agencies and actions - and at greatly increased cost to taxpayers, according to a coalition of groups that promote greater transparency.

PAKISTAN: Zardari – Victim of Many Prejudices

After sweeping Pakistan's presidential elections, Asif Ali Zardari, husband of the late, twice-elected prime minister Benazir Bhutto, called his triumph the ‘’victory of democracy’’. But this triumph follows a flood of criticism against Zardari in the domestic and foreign media.

RIGHTS-PERU: Another Blow to Military Impunity

The reopening of the investigation into the death of Marco Barrantes, a second lieutenant in the Peruvian army accused of spying by the military, revived his family’s hopes for justice and may lead to the filing of a lawsuit against the state by the widow of the Ecuadorean soldier murdered along with him.

PAKISTAN: Giving Democracy a Chance

As Pakistan appears to lurch from one political crisis to another, there may be a silver lining in the army continuing to keep its distance from politics and the political leadership affirming the democratic process, despite the setbacks.

POLITICS-THAILAND: Women Power Anti-Gov’t Protests

At 64 years, women may prefer going to bed early, relax with grandchildren or spend time pursuing a new hobby. But not Somchit Suwanasay, who sacrifices such pleasures to join anti-government protests in the Thai capital.

LEBANON: ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’ Looks for Revival

Lebanon was long dubbed the 'Switzerland of the Middle East' for its advanced banking sector. It lost its status 23 years ago at the dawn of the 1975 civil war, which lasted 15 years. The country has since been unable to regain the title, in spite of the brief economic revival witnessed in the 1990s.

RIGHTS-CAMBODIA: Mass Evictions May Follow Lake Grab

A plan to redevelop Phnom Penh’s largest remaining natural lake into a residential and shopping precinct has ignited a storm of protests and claims that it could result in the largest eviction in Cambodia’s post-war history.

VENEZUELA: Yukpa Indians Clash with Ranchers and Soldiers

"The army's rifles should be used to protect Venezuela or its people, not to fire over our heads," Sabino Romero, the young deputy "cacique" (chief) of the Yukpa community of Chaktapa, complained to reporters, describing the behaviour of the armed forces in the northwestern mountains of Perijá, near the Colombian border.

POLITICS-PAKISTAN: 'Putting Musharraf on Trial is Pointless'

Pervez Musharraf resigned as Pakistan's president on Aug. 18 to escape certain impeachment. But now there are calls from various quarters to have the former military dictator prosecuted for actions committed during his nine eventful years in office.

RIGHTS-INDONESIA: Spy Boss’ Trial May Reveal More on Munir Murder

The current trial of former top Indonesian spy Muchdi Purwopranjono may be another stepping stone on the road to justice in relation to the sensational 2004 murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib.

HONDURAS: Joining ALBA ‘A Step Towards the Centre-Left,’ Says President

Honduras has joined the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), amid criticism from the business community and right-wing political sectors.