CULTURE-CHINA: World Cup Revives Spirit of Mass Revelry

China failed to qualify for the World Cup but the country is, nevertheless, in the grip of genuine football fever which has had the effect of reversing long-standing government restrictions on unbridled public revelry and large gatherings.

TRINIDAD: They Played, They Lost, Everybody’s Happy

It failed to score a goal during its debut performance in the ongoing 2006 World Cup in Germany, but Trinidad and Tobago is seeking to gain as much mileage as possible from the appearance of its footballers, dubbed the Soca Warriors, at the world's premier sporting event.

U.S.-CUBA: Academics Decry Travel Restrictions

As the United States and Cuba fire accusations at each other in the latest tumultuous chapter in their conflictive relationship, some members of U.S. scientific and student communities are working to salvage exchanges between the two nations.

RIGHTS-INDIA: Christian Tribals Flee Mines and Rape in Manipur

''It was my worst ever Christmas and New Year holidays. I went home not realising what was in store for me. There was already a lot of tension because of the mines that were being laid around Churachandpur district by Meitei insurgents,'' said Lily Hmar (name changed).

LABOUR-JAPAN: Pay Now Linked to Performance, Not Seniority

Hiroo Nishimura, 57, head of dining room services with a large restaurant chain, is bitterly opposed to moves by the management to adopt a salary system that is based on performance rather than seniority.

RUSSIA: Crackdown on “Extremism” Worries Opposition

For most of the past week, Russian parliamentarians have been deliberating a bill that would allow the courts to shut down political parties and organisations for slandering government officials or threatening mass protests.

AFRICA: Across the Continent, Gays Face Jail Terms, Discrimination

"We are here in Africa: we live in the mainstream, we pay taxes like everybody else in the mainstream, we relate with people in the mainstream. We are a naturally-occurring phenomenon in the universe," said activist Donna Smith of gay persons in Africa.

POLITICS: “Great Divide” Seen in Muslim and Western Opinions

A "great divide" separates the worldviews of Muslims and Westerners, according to the results of a major new survey which suggests that European Muslims, who held the most tolerant views, could be a bridge between the two groups..

RELIGION: Islamic Civil Society Occupies a Different World

A mostly invisible dividing line through non- governmental organisations opened up at the world assembly of civil society organisations that got under way in Glasgow this week - between the secular and the Islamic non-governmental organisations.

SPORTS-GERMANY: Taking the World Cup to the Streets

Excellent football does not require fancy stadiums or million-dollar contracts. That is the view shared by the organisers of the Street Football World Festival, to be held alongside the World Cup in Germany.

SRI LANKA: EU Monitors Exit as Peace Ebbs

The white flags and banners fluttering all over Sri Lanka this week told the plaintive tale of a country yearning for peace that is rapidly ebbing away

DEVELOPMENT: From World Cup to World Assembly

The football World Cup in Germany and the world assembly of civil society in Glasgow this week have the Millennium Development Goals in common. True or false? True, if the United Nations can have its way.

MEDIA: How Nice, But How Boring

It's a problem just about everyone who has anything to do with civil society faces every day. How very nice this work is, people will say. And how very boring.

RUSSIA: Rising Youth Gang Activity Worries Officials

The number of crimes committed by Russian teenagers is growing steadily, according to a new report by the interior ministry, prompting soul-searching in the country about the erosion of Russian families.

ENVIRONMENT: Japan Exults Over Pro-whaling Votes

A closely contested vote on Sunday that gave whaling countries led by Japan, an edge over opponents has been hailed here as a landmark in turning the tide against an international ban and boosting the domestic fisheries industry.

ECONOMY-UAE: Asian Buyers Keep Gold Glittering

Despite gold prices climbing to record highs in recent months, sales of the yellow metal in this global trading hub are unlikely to be adversely affected for long because of sheer demand from Asian buyers.

DEATH PENALTY: Shariah Law Should Not Deter Abolition

Abolition of the death penalty in the Muslim world is possible but could take a long time, as human rights activists first must fight misconceptions about crime deterrence and Shariah law.

CHILE: Media Pluralism Loses Another Voice

The loss of the 18-month-old Diario Siete, considered a progressive alternative within the increasingly homogenous Chilean print media, was less than a surprise, becoming one more entry on a long list of publications that have stopped circulating since democracy was restored to Chile 16 years ago.

RIGHTS: Scholar’s Long Detention Dents Iran’s Image

Seven weeks on, the initial shock caused by the detention of Iranian political theorist Ramin Jehanbegloo in Tehran is giving way to serious concern, consternation and protest among the intelligentsia - and not just in Iran.

MEXICO: Hurricane-Proofing History

New infrastructure, insurance and technical training are part of Mexico's preparations for protecting valuable archaeological sites, museums, and buildings dating back to colonial times in the forthcoming hurricane season.

SOCIETY: World Cup Kicks Off New German Patriotism

Black, red and gold striped flags are painted on cheeks, flutter behind cars and are tucked into old ladies' window boxes.