News headlines in January 2012, page 2

Only days ago, turning on the tap was cause for concern. Would there be running water? Now, it’s reason for celebration.

Six countries that share the Mekong River are being drawn into a development turf war, exposing initiatives by the United States government and its Asian allies — Japan and South Korea — to contain China’s growing influence in the region.

Two days after some 400 people were arrested during a protest organised by Occupy Oakland on the U.S. west coast, members of Occupy DC say they have no plans to leave despite the threat of police action.

No one who lives in this fishing village on the south coast, 70 km from the Cuban capital, can forget the devastation wrought by hurricanes in 2008.

The decision by the administration of President Barack Obama to approve limited transfers of military equipment to Bahrain is coming under renewed fire by human rights and pro-democracy groups here.

Critical voices raised against what was dubbed 'the gospel of green capitalism' resonated in every discussion and street march held during the Thematic Social Forum, which brought thousands of activists to the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil.

A long-awaited report by a U.N. high-level panel on global sustainability recommends several far-reaching proposals, including the establishment of new institutions and the creation of global indicators, aimed at protecting the world's environment and strengthening the U.N.'s sustainable development strategy.

Last Friday marked two years since the inauguration of Porfirio Lobo as president of Honduras, amidst accusations of corruption, an unprecedented crime wave, and his lowest approval rating yet.

Chile's political system is 'exhausted' and urgently needs reform to truly represent its citizens, consolidate democracy and ensure governability, say experts consulted by IPS.

When the Security Council penalises governments with economic sanctions and arms embargoes, the world body's 193 member states are mandated to help implement the wide-ranging punitive measures imposed on these countries.