BuzzChurn

An army integration program in Burundi may not bring about the stability desired, as one important former rebel group is not being included.  Burundi’s Forces Nationals de Libération (FNL) has protested this lack of integration.  The FNL was recently acknowledged as a political party.

At least seven Colombian soldiers are dead after a clash with FARC on the Venezuelan border.  This comes hours after Brazil’s president encouraged the left-wing terrorist group to form a political party.

Pakistan responded to strong international pressure and has moved against the Taliban in a town a mere 60 miles from Islamabad.  Concerns about the state unraveling are made more intense by Pakistan’s access to nuclear weapons.  The US also continued its campaign of missile attacks, most recently killing five.

Soldiers were killed by an IED in southern Turkey, an attack that is being blamed on Kurdish seperatists.  The Kurdish Workers’ Party has been in operation since 1984.  Some have reported that the Kurdish rebels are planning large attacks on May Day.

Assad came out today saying that he would not help Hezbolla and Hamas attack Israel.  Additionally, the president offered that the return of the Golan-Heights to Syria was decisive for the improvemenet of relations between his government and Israel.  He also responded to claims that Hezbolla wanted to attack sites in Egypt, calling it ridiculous.

Many witch doctors have gathered in Freetown, Sierra Leon to protest the actions of witch hunters.  Four witch hunters were arrested recently in Freetown.  Witch doctors admit that some who practice their art are abusive, but that this is a minority.

Many have been injured as police in Madagascar attempt to enforce a no-protest policy.  Many of these protesters were supporters of the recently ousted president Ravalomanana.  There are also claims that the former president’s guard attempted to assassinate the current president’s wife.

Pakistan attempted to move to take back control of a region north of Islamabad that had been taken by Islamic militants.  An agreement was reached between the Pakistani government and Taliban forces that sharia law could be imposed in Swat.  Since then, the Taliban has continued to push across the country.

Happening over two days ago, the brother of Togo’s president was arrested over an attempted plot to overthrow the government.  The army has recently pledged loyalty to the original president.  The rivalry between brothers stretches back some time, but was put to the test when their father left power in 2005.

China has come down swiftly and harshly against the Japanese PM offering a potted tree at the Yasukuni war shrine.  This action comes two days before Aso is scheduled to visit Beijing.  Relations between the two East Asian powers are crucial for stability in the region.