Rule of Law in the News

Thursday, 3/5/09

International Bar Association Finds the Rule of Law in Fiji has Deteriorated

A report issued by the IBA on the state of rule of law is "quite damning."  http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=115896

Monday, 3/2/09

Pakistan's Peril

A deal with the Taliban provides a measure of the challenge facing the Obama administration. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/01/AR2009030101620.html

Protests in Pakistan - Role of Rule of Law

A large number of civil society members protested peacefully bit firmly in  Islamabad in the afternoon of 27th February 2009.  The protest concerned the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.  http://islamabad.metblogs.com/2009/03/02/role-for-rule-of-law/

U.S. Attorney General Says Rule of Law Back in Force at Justice

"The rule of law is not, as some have seen it, an obstacle to be overcome, but the very foundation of our nation." http://www.clipsandcomment.com/2009/03/02/eric-holder-declares-rule-of-law-back-in-force-at-justice/

Sunday, 3/1/09

Op Ed: New Trial for Russian Tycoon and the Rule of Law

From a tiny cell in one of Moscow's most notorious prisons, the man who was once his country's wealthiest tycoon awaits a trial that for many will be a critical test of Russian justice — and President Dmitry Medvedev's commitment to the rule of law.; http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNFdtRtH9vFAJd2Qsk7YbsR5Xi8AD96L93V80.

Op Ed: Who has the power in Afghanistan?

That question is key to promoting unity and ending the insurgency. http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0302/p09s01-coop.html

Saturday, 2/28/09

One Year Ago Today China issued white paper on the Rule of Law

Exactly one year ago, a White Paper on "China's Efforts and Achievements in Promoting the Rule of Law" was issued on by the Information Office of the State Council, the cabinet.; http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-02/28/content_6494050.htm. For text of white paper, see http://www.china.org.cn/government/news/2008-02/28/content_11025486.htm.

Friday, 2/27/09

China denounces US 'rights abuse' Crowd of Americans Americans hail Obama but China says racial divisions remain

China has responded in detail to a US report published this week criticizing China for alleged rights abuses.; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7914357.stm.

BBC Monitoring Africa - Political Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring

France urges Burundi to free political prisoners ... democratic rules and committed to the rule of law. [Ndikumana] Asked by ... ... Nkurunziza] Burundi is under the rule of law and one has the right to defend ... (available on Lexis News Search)

'Combatant' Case to Move From Tribunal To U.S. Court

The Justice Department is preparing to announce criminal charges against Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri for allegedly providing material support to al-Qaeda terrorists, sources said, a groundbreaking step that would place the alleged sleeper agent in the purview of the U.S. courts rather than before a military tribunal. http://mobile.washingtonpost.com/news.jsp?key=355683&rc=to

Wednesday, 2/25/09

China cracks down on human rights lawyers

A Beijing firm known for defending famous activists is told to close. Attorneys elsewhere have been detained or tried. http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0225/p01s01-woap.html

Liberia:; To Strengthen Rule of Law: MOJ Prepares Master Plan,

MONROVIA, The Minister of Justice (MOJ), Cllr. Philip A.Z. Banks, says in order for Government to function effectively by applying outstanding laws to the letter, the entire judicial system, including its partners, have to be strengthened through the implementation of the rule of law.; http://www.liberianobserver.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/15440/To_Strengthen_Rule_of_Law:_.html

Friday, 2/20/09

Prime Minister hosts roundtable on rule of law capacity-building plan

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday met with US officials, the Judicial Council, judges, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss a ten-year capacity building plan designed to strengthen the rule of law. http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?rnr=223&lngnr=12&smap=02010100&anr=28006
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Fascist Rule in Israel: Op ED

On February 10, Israel held parliamentary elections for 120 seats in its 18th Knesset. The process repeats every four years unless the body calls an earlier election by majority vote. http://baltimorechronicle.com/2009/022009Lendman.shtml

The U.S. and South Korea: Working Together on Regional and Global Issues

Thursday, 2/19/09

The appeal of Beirut : Peace for Lebanon, Now

The purpose of this appeal is to engage in a dynamic of dialogue and action which will put a definite end to the Lebanese conflict and establish permanent peace in accordance with all the efforts expanded towards a regional settlement. http://www.iloubnan.info/politics/tribune/id/32244/lebanon/The-appeal-of-Beirut-:-Peace-for-Lebanon,-Now

‘Lawyers struggling for rule of law and independent judiciary’

Somali clerics call for rule of Islamic law

MOGADISHU, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Somali religious leaders have given the new government 120 days to declare that the Horn of Africa country will be ruled according to Islamic law, a cleric said on Thursday. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLJ1228645

Promoting Legal Awareness in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN - As part of an effort to improve governance and promote legal awareness throughout Afghanistan, a group of legal personnel from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are acting to encourage recognition of a court system and a universal set of laws.http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=30190

Wednesday, 2/18/09

Opinion Briefing: Mexico’s War on Drug Traffickers

Issue at Hand: The torture and murder of a top anti-drug official and his associates near Cancun, Mexico, two weeks ago is another macabre reminder of the epidemic of drug-related crime that continues to threaten Mexico's stability. Mexico's President Felipe Calderon said in an interview last week with Excelsior that drug-related violence claimed more than 6,000 lives last year, which is more than double the count in 200; http://www.gallup.com/poll/115210/Opinion-Briefing-Mexico-War-Drug-Traffickers.aspx ;

Perak BN says suspension is against rule of law

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 – Perak Umno lawmakers described the decision of the assembly speaker V Sivakumar to suspend the newly appointed state executive councillors from the legislature as a sign of disrespect for the rule of law. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/18694-perak-bn-says-suspension-is-against-rule-of-law

OPT: Meeting victims’ demands for justice and seeking and end to Impunity - legal options available to victims of Israeli war crimes in the Gaza strip

The excessive death, injury, and destruction wrought by the recent Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, brings into sharp focus the plight of Gaza's civilians. This attack, however, did not occur in isolation. Rather, it represented the continuation of long-standing Israeli Occupation Force (IOF) policy, as extensively documented by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).; http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/FJTC-7PDKB4?OpenDocument

Allies alarmed by Pakistan deal with Taliban

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pakistan's startling accord with Taliban fighters that would impose Islamic religious law on the strategic Swat valley looms as a setback for the Obama administration's hopes to mount a united front against militants there and in Afghanistan. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hGd2ZMkQDv13Yzbd62VRkk0SKRYQD96E5R280;

Tuesday, 2/17/09

Efforts urged to ensure social stability

SHENYANG, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior Party official on Tuesday called for all-out efforts to safeguard fairness, justice and social stability, through improving the political and legal work and developing the law-enforcement sector. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/18/content_10845249.htm

Government to restructure GNPC

Some sectors of the energy industry are to be restructured to make them more efficient in meeting the energy needs of the country, Vice-President John Mahama announced on Tuesday.http://topics.myjoyonline.com/news/200902/26475.asp ;

Militancy threat to democracy: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: The nation should stand united against militancy, which is a great threat to democracy, President Asif Ali Zardari in his message on the first anniversary of February 18 elections said on Tuesday. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C02%5C18%5Cstory_18-2-2009_pg7_31 ;

Return to rule of law, Tsvangirai tells cabinet

Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday forced an early showdown with supporters of president Robert Mugabe by calling in ministers responsible for security and demanding from them an immediate return to the rule of law. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/18/tsvangirai-law-zimbabwe

Monday, 2/16/09

Vision 20-20 is FG’s craziest concept – Sagay

How would you assess the level of delivery of the dividends of democracy in the last 18 months of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration?

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200902170531468

Activism versus restraint

THE MYTH OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM — Making Sense of Supreme Court Decisions: Kermit Roosevelt III; Universal Law Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., C-FF-1A, Ansal Dilkhush Industrial Estate (Opp. Hans Cinema), Azadpur, G.T.Karnal Road, Delhi-11003Rs. 32http://www.hindu.com/br/2009/02/17/stories/2009021750021400.htm;

Pakistan accepts Islamic law in Swat Valley

Peshawar, Pakistan - In its latest effort to stem the spread of Taliban militancy, Pakistan is expanding the rule of Islamic law. http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0217/p06s04-wosc.html

Execute verdict to uphold rule of law

Leaders, activists and local people yesterday demanded immediate execution of verdict in the murder case of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) president freedom fighter Kazi Aref Ahmed and four leaders of the party's Kushtia unit. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76221

Commentary: Timelines or time windows for Afghanistan?

By our nature Americans take an engineering approach to problem solving. This attitude assumes that the existence of a problem presupposes the existence of a solution. ; http://www.mcclatchydc.com/337/story/62235.html

Sunday, 2/15/09

Celebrating one year of independence of Kosovo

Feb. 17 marks the first anniversary of the independence of Kosovo. The independence of Kosovo was the last episode in the process of violent disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=167033&bolum=109

Hillary’s Japan opportunity

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Tokyo this week, she seems to be finding just the right pitch on Japan. In her Senate confirmation hearings in January she embraced the United States-Japan alliance as the “cornerstone” of America’s Asia strategy. She struck another chord when she said she would meet with the families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, reportedly overruling careerists in the State Department who fretted about Pyongyang’s possible response. ;http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/feb/17/yehey/opinion/20090217opi8.html; ;

CCP to join lawyer's march;

THE Concerned Citizens of Pakistan (CCP) has announced joining lawyers’ long march and sit-in in a bid to get the deposed judges of the superior judiciary restored on Nov 2, 2007, position. http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=162829

Iraq's struggle for civil rights

The election of President Barack Obama, signals an important change in America's Iraq policy. It is time to end this war. We are withdrawing our forces from Iraq, first leaving the towns and cities this coming June, and then moving out of the country entirely by the summer of 2010 [in line with the President's campaign promise of "phased and responsible redeployment" in 16 months.] ;http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-johnson/iraqs-struggle-for-civil_b_167310.html

Victory for Orji

Theodore AhamefuNa Orji, governor of Abia State, can now heave a sigh of relief. The Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt last Wednesday upheld his electoral victory in the April 2007 governorship polls. The five-man panel headed by Justice Saka Ibiyeye also upturned the earlier nullification of his election by the Abia State Election Tribunal, thereby putting to rest the controversy over that ruling. http://www.newswatchngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=637&Itemid=1 ; ;

Saturday, 2/14/09

analysis: Revival of democracy —Dr Hasan-Askari Rizvi

South Asia experienced a historical shift towards democracy in 2008 as general elections were held in Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. In addition, the Maldives held its presidential elections. Nepal also replaced monarchy with a republican system in May 2008. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C02%5C15%5Cstory_15-2-2009_pg3_2 ;

The fight for democracy and secularism in Israel

In the aftermath of Israel’s assault on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Arabs are continuing their struggle against discrimination and for equal rights inside Israel. http://www.themilitant.com/2009/7307/730750.html

Coalition is dead, but Kibaki should not bury Kenyans with it

Any self-respecting government that fails to pass a crucial Constitutional Bill has only one option. Resign. But don’t expect the scary nightmare of a Coalition Government between President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to do so any soon. It is a shameless union that is destined to end in ignominy and ruin the republic unless stopped in its tracks.; http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1144006656&cid=494

War crimes trial will be 'giant leap' for rule of law: HT Imam

Dhaka, Feb 14 (bdnews24.com)—The government can make "a giant leap" in establishing rule of law in the country if the trial of war crimes are held properly, an adviser to the prime minister said Saturday.

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=76376&cid=2

Kazakhstan Constitutional Council rejects restrictive draft law

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has welcomed a landmark decision by Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Council to reject as unconstitutional a restrictive draft law which CSW says seriously threatened to further restrict freedom of religion and belief in the country. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/kazakhstan.constitutional.council.rejects.restrictive.draft.law/22523.htm

Friday, 2/13/09

Zimbabwe's PM: world needs to get over Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe's new prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, has called on the world "to get over" President Robert Mugabe and stop seeing him as the principal problem facing his country.; http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/13/zimbabwe-morgan-tsvangirai-robert-mugabe

Understanding Swat debacle

Known as Switzerland of the East, Swat is fast changing into a paradise lost of Pakistan. The region has been peaceful in the past, but now it is under the rule of terror and every night at 8 O’clock announcements are made on FM radio for prohibition of “un-Islamic” activities which include besides other things the criticism on school going girls and names of persons beheaded by Taliban including those at their hit list.;http://pakobserver.net/200902/13/Articles04.asp ;

Trying Ajmal in India is not a good idea

True to his promise, US President Barack Obama gave executive orders on January 22, to shut down within a year the CIA detention camp located at the US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, 'Gitmo', Cuba. ;http://www.rediff.com/news/2009/feb/13-trying-ajmal-in-india-is-not-a-good-idea.htm ;

Bill seeks incentives to attract permanent judges in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. has proposed a law granting a set of incentives to attract qualified judges to accept permanent appointments in the island province of Sulu. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148658/Bill-seeks-incentives-to-attract-permanent-judges-in-Sulu

The position of Somalia Muslim brotherhood leaders changed substantially

;Nairobi (HAN) February 12th, 2009 - ;Going through a dangerous phase of the Somali people in their history had a negative role on the Arab, Islamic and African collapsed after the state and its institutions in 199The world ignore the importance of stability in Somalia for the International Peace. http://www.geeskaafrika.com/igad2020_12feb09.htm ;

Thursday, 2/12/09

Can Tsvangirai fix Zimbabwe's basket-case?

It is a challenge of biblical proportions - even when leaving aside the problems of sharing power with President Robert Mugabe. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7885343.stm ;

KAZAKHSTAN: "The current Religion Law is also unconstitutional"

Kazakhstan's Constitutional Council has announced that a restrictive draft Law severely restricting freedom of religion or belief is unconstitutional. President Nursultan Nazarbaev has up to one month to respond. Yevgeni Zhovtis, head of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, told Forum 18 News Service that the Constitutional Council's judgement also implies that the current Religion Law is unconstitutional. http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1255;

Southern Sudan: Protect Civilians, Improve Rule of Law

(New York) - The Government of Southern Sudan should take urgent steps to uphold human rights, including protecting civilians from armed communal violence and excessive use of force by soldiers and security forces, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/02/12/southern-sudan-protect-civilians-improve-rule-law ;

Does Maliki’s Election Finally Mean Stability For Iraq’s Oil Sector?

An unexpected and powerful showing in recent provincial elections by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki has buoyed cautious optimism that Iraq’s vital energy sector might soon be getting a much-needed boost. http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1310 ;

Israelis, in Crisis, Vote for a Government of War

Dust settled down of Tuesday’s voting and the battle of forming the next Israeli government has just begun. With Benjamin Netanyahu poised for premiership and Avigdor Lieberman, leader of a "racist and fascist" party (as condemned by Talia Sasson of the Merez party) very well positioned to be the king or queen maker of the next ruling coalition, the Palestinian people and the whole region will have to brace as from next March for an Israeli government of war.; ; http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/15577 ;

Wednesday, 2/11/09

For Nigerians, Obasanjo is irrelevant!

"Don't ask me what my ideology or economic program is, I don't know any law and I don't understand economics, but I know it when my stomach desires pounded yam and egusi soup." - Obasanjo
http://www.triumphnewspapers.com/for1322009.html

Part II: How serious is the EU about supporting democracy and human rights in Lebanon?

This is the second and concluding part of a working paper by scholar Julia Choucair Vizoso from the FRIDE think tank based in Madrid and published by ECFR. The document provides a comprehensive overview of EU-Lebanon ties and comes up with a series of recommendations on the various means by which the EU could support democracy and human rights in Lebanon. http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=99303 ;

From poverty to power

In the first two extracts from his book From Poverty to Power: How Active Citizens and Effective States can Change the World, world poverty expert Duncan Green looks at states that have grappled with inequality in three key areas http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=293249;

Official: HK enjoys favorable factors to turn crises into opportunity

HONG KONG, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong enjoys favorable factors to turn crises into opportunities, despite the downturn of its economy resulting from the financial tsunami, a senior central government official said here Wednesday. ;http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/11/content_10803339.htm

EFCC pays N3m to business man for wrongful detention

The Chairman of EFCC, Mrs Farida Waziri, on Thursday presented N3 million bank draft to Dr Sylvester Odigie, an Abuja based businessman, who was wrongfully detained by the commission in 200; http://www.234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/3284017-147/EFCC_pays_N3m_to_business_man.csp

Tuesday, 2/10/09

Time for a Civilian 'Surge' to Afghanistan?

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has a message for the State Department and other civilian agencies: It's time to step up to the plate in Afghanistan. ;http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/02/mullen-time-for.html ;
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Pakistan, US agree to review anti-terror policy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday agreed to jointly review the policy to counter extremism and terrorism to ensure peace in the region. http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=20231

Beijing Sets out on Chaos Offensive

For reasons including sending a warning to potential and real “troublemakers”, Beijing has publicized at least part of its evaluation of the law-and-order situation, along with a mixture of both tough and conciliatory measures to keep the forces of chaos at bay. http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2009/02/beijing-sets-out-on-chaos-offensive/

Diplomatic Corps: Netherlands to continue supporting Pakistan in peace efforts

ISLAMABAD: The government of Netherlands would continue supporting the government of Pakistan in its efforts to achieve peace and stability, said Dutch Ambassador Tjeerd De Zwaan on Tuesday. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C02%5C11%5Cstory_11-2-2009_pg11_9

Monday, 2/9/09

What’s Rule of Law Without Justice?

Lagos State is unarguably a pace-setting state in many respects, but since civil rule returned to Nigeria the state has moved ahead of its peers including its federal counterpart at jet speed in justice sector reforms. New air-conditioned court rooms with up to date electronic recording equipments are in place. New laws are being passed while old one are being reviewed where...; http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=135221;
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China Delivers Human Rights Report to UN; Amnesty Leads Critics

Feb. 9 (Bloomberg) -- China presents a report on human rights in the country to the United Nations today as groups such as Amnesty International said the submission isn’t thorough enough. ;http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=a3u2JYyI2Af8&refer=asia ;;

Call for regional approach to defeat terrorists: Qureshi stresses battle for hearts and minds

MUNICH, Feb 8: The international community needs to adopt a comprehensive regional approach focussing on “a generous focus on reconstruction, development and social welfare with participation of all stakeholders” for eradicating terrorism and extremism, says Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
http://www.dawn.com/2009/02/09/top1.htm ;

Understanding the one-year waiver for RMD in IRAs, 401(k)s

What lessons can we learn from the high- profile tax cases of newly installed Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Thomas Daschle, who withdrew Tuesday as President Barack Obama's choice for secretary of health and human services?;http://www.indystar.com/article/20090208/BUSINESS/902080341/1003/BUSINESS

Sunday, 2/8/09

Egypt's response to reform: suffocation

The Egyptian government has shown remarkable skill in responding to pressures for democratic reform at home and abroad through measures that seemingly address those demands while actually consolidating authoritarian rule. A bill modifying Egypt's law regulating non-governmental organizations, expected to be introduced before the current parliamentary session ends this summer, falls squarely within that framework. http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=5&article_id=99209

Now or Never!! Pakistan must change its position on the "war on terror".

Pakistan is amidst the worst political turmoil of its history. Things were not this bad at the turn of the millennium but after 9/11, its political future took a sharp, bleak downturn. When the U.S. started its "war on terror" in Afghanistan, it might have enjoyed support of many countries and their leaders but it did not enjoy support of the majority of the people of Pakistan. ; ;; http://www.opednews.com/articles/Now-or-Never--Pakistan-mu-by-Talha-Mujaddidi-090207-644.html

Respect for rule of law is worth fighting for

Imagine you were in abject poverty in Central America or India or China and had an opportunity to flee for opportunity in America. You take the law into your own hands and pay a smuggler. He agrees to ensure your passage to a safe house in the United States.;http://www.indystar.com/article/20090208/OPINION03/902080356/1032/OPINION03 ;

Conference on private sector's role in development projects

KUWAIT: A conference on the role of the private sector in development and infrastructure projects began at the JW Marriott Hotel here yesterday under the aegis of Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shimali. Delegates at the two-day conference, which has attracted representatives from several Kuwaiti state agencies, as well as from a number of foreign state-owned enterprises, will discuss a number of issues, primarily those related to Build Operate, Transfer (BOT) projects. http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzU4MTk1Njc1

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