News headlines in June 2013

TUNIS, Jun 30 (IPS) - In the third year after the revolution that toppled former dictator Ben Ali, true democracy is still work in progress in Tunisia.

TUNIS, Jun 30 (IPS) - The revolution that ousted dictator Ben Ali in January 2011 brought new, hard-won freedom to the Tunisian people. However as the country discovers whether secularism and growing political Islam can co-exist, some women are enjoying greater liberty to practise their religion while others are concerned that their rights may be eroded.

ADDIS ABABA, Jun 30 (IPS) - Across Africa, smallholder farmers, who are some of the world's most impoverished people, are slowly being introduced to innovative approaches, such as entrepreneurial loan schemes and conservation practices, to combat food insecurity.

CAIRO, Jun 30 (IPS) - Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi faces massive demonstrations, but he faces also his own government on many fronts.

TUNIS, Jun 29 (IPS) - Nearly two-and-a-half years since the toppling of the autocratic regime of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in the first regime change of the now famous Arab Spring, the high expectations of change to come with the revolution have hardly been met.

CAIRO, Jun 29 (IPS) - As supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi prepare for a face-off on Sunday, a mushrooming problem for Egypt arises from the people not there – the tourists.

MAPUTO, Jun 29 (IPS) - In downtown Maputo, the walls are covered with the local newspaper, Verdade, and a range of people, young and old, male and female, are reading it. Verdade, which means Truth in Portuguese, is a free weekly newspaper that is pasted on the walls of buildings in Mozambique's capital.

PSAGOT, Occupied West Bank, Jun 29 (IPS) - So much about wine is a boast over its land of origin. The label reads, ‘Product of Israel', but don't let that deceive you. This particular Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Israeli-occupied territory.

SANAA, Jun 29 (IPS) - As the month of Ramadan nears, shop owners in Sanaa's old city souk stock up on goods. For men like Ali Al-Fakri, who sells jambiyahsYemen's traditional daggers held in place with richly embroidered belts, the gift-giving holiday marking Ramadan's end is the busiest time of the year.

BUENOS AIRES, Jun 28 (IPS) - The native people of Argentina are achieving unprecedented visibility for their demands. However, they are still faced with hurdles to more rapid progress towards their claims.