| |  | |  Protests resume in Syria as army clashes over crackdown Syrian activists are calling for the army to lead a transition to a democratically-elected government amid reported clashes between two army divisions in the southern city of Deraa, where one army unit apparently refused to attack peaceful anti-government protesters. Demonstrations have resumed in the capital, Damascus, as well as other cities, despite the deaths of an estimated 500 people in the bloody crackdown that was slated to be discussed today at an emergency meeting of the UN Human Rights Council. BBC (4/29), Al-Jazeera (4/28), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (4/29)     
|  |  | 'Wedding' -- it's a powerful word. For many it calls up beautiful images: flowers, kisses, smiling friends, supportive families, tears of joy. No matter what your image of the 'perfect' wedding looks like, there's one thing we're sure it does not include: a child bride." Nigel Barker, British photographer and TV personality. Get the full story. |
|  | "Tragically, millions of brides around the world are young girls who are forced into marriage. One in seven girls in developing countries (excluding China) is married before her fifteenth birthday (with some girls married as early as 5 years old)." UN Dispatch | |
- Syria was building nuclear reactor, IAEA says
The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Thursday what the international community has long suspected: Syria tried to secretly build a nuclear reactor. The country's regime has refused follow-up inspections of the remains of what the IAEA says was a reactor under construction in the desert area of Dair Alzour prior to its destruction by Israeli warplanes in 2007. Ha'aretz (Tel Aviv, Israel)/The Associated Press (4/28)  - Not every wedding is storybook
On the day of Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton it's important to remember that for many girls forced into early marriages, a wedding day is something to be dreaded. Photographer and "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker discusses the problem of child marriage and efforts to raise awareness. "The United Nations Foundation's Girl Up campaign is building the bridge between girls in this country with girls in developing countries to raise awareness and funds for UN programs. They are uniting to send a message that being forced into marriage is unfair and unacceptable," he writes. The Huffington Post (4/28) - WFP launches North Korea food aid program
The United Nations World Food Programme is launching an emergency effort to help 3.5 million North Koreans fight off chronic malnutrition through the provision of cereals, biscuits and nutritious products such as corn-soy milk. Aid officials say current North Korean government rations are providing only about half of daily food intake needs. Reuters (4/29) - Food shortages loom in eastern Libya
Prices of cooking staples such as sugar, oil and butter are rising in Benghazi, Libya, amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing battle between Moammar Gadhafi's forces and anti-government rebels. The United Nations World Food Programme warned of impending food shortages across eastern Libya this week and projected existing supplies will run out within two months. AlertNet/Reuters (4/28)  - Climate conflicts require different strategies
Climate change and resource scarcity are paving the way for conflicts and require governments to work together -- and with other stakeholder such as NGOs and economists -- to craft new strategies, participants at a recent U.K. Department for International Development discussed. Countries such as Yemen are already facing severe water shortages contributing to political strife. AlertNet (4/28) - U.S. military: WikiLeaks suspect is moved from solitary confinement
The U.S. government has announced that Bradley Manning, the soldier suspected of leaking thousands of classified documents and videos to WikiLeaks, has been moved from solitary confinement at a Marine base to a medium-security prison for military personnel. The UN rapporteur on torture earlier investigated Manning's treatment, which was condemned by human rights groups. The Guardian (London) (4/29) - Egypt charts new course to reclaim Mideast influence
The deal brokered by Egypt to reconcile Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas is being seen as the first sign of a new, more independent foreign policy by the country since the revolution that ousted longtime President Hosni Mubarak. The changes, which include normalization of ties with Iran, and a lifting of the blockade of the border with the Gaza Strip, more closely reflect Egyptian popular opinion, according to the caretaker government. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/28)
- What do you think is the most effective tactic for ordinary Americans to help end malaria worldwide?
| Donating to provide insecticide-treated bed nets to protect individuals from malaria |  52.35% | | Advocating for foreign aid that supports bed net distribution |  26.85% | | Hosting local events to raise funds and awareness within communities |  13.42% | | Engaging colleagues, family and friends in the fight against malaria |  7.38% | |
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