Friday, December 28, 2007

• Bhutto Laid to Rest
• Kenya Election Results Expected
• Poland Will Withdraw its Troops from Iraq
• Weekly Political Round Up
• Campaign Against Bauxite Mining in India

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Bhutto Laid to Rest

Pakistan's government is claiming that former Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto died from a skull fracture after hitting the sunroof of her car following a suicide bombing. A government spokesperson says that everything was done to ensure her safety – and that Al Qaeda is to blame for the assassination, and that other leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, are under threat. Meanwhile, Bhutto was laid to rest today as the country continues to erupt with massive riots protesting her death. At least 32 people have died so far. We're joined on the line by Adil Najam, he's the Founding Editor of Pakistaniat.com, and a Professor of International Relations at Boston University.

Kenya Election Results Expected

Results are expected today from Kenya's eighth presidential elections since the country gained independence in 1963 – after a round of campaigning that's seen its share of delays and violence. An independent exit poll reveals that incumbent Mwai Kibaki is leading opposition leader Raila Odinga by about 5 points, while the Associated Press is reporting that unofficial tallies put Odinga in the lead. Some are contending that people in rural areas have lied about how they voted for fear of state repression. John Bwakali reports from Kenya, where one research group has reported that people were bribed for their votes.

Poland Will Withdraw its Troops from Iraq

Polish President Lech Kaczynski added his consent to a government resolution to withdraw Polish troops from Iraq. The date for completing the operation has been set for the end of October 2008. Poland's Minister of Defense says the evacuation of the Polish contingent could be possible as early as April or May, but much will depend on the US side, since US allies would provide transport for the Polish personnel and equipment. Danuta Isler reports from Warsaw.

Weekly Political Round Up

On the campaign trail this week, candidates respond to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, they also pull out all the stops as the nation's first caucus is just days away and one presidential candidate gets an endorsement from a TV President. FSRN's Karen Miller has this week's political news roundup.

Campaign Against Bauxite Mining in India

Thousands of tribal people in the Indian state of Orissa are campaigning against bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri mountain range, in the western part of the state. This region is one of the few in Orissa that still has a primary forest cover of about 90 percent. The tribals see mining in the region as a major threat to their life support system as it would threaten the rich biodiversity of the hills and disrupt key water sources in the area. FSRN's Bismillah Geelani has more