News Watch

News Watch

Attacks, threats in Kenya
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

The US government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats in Kenya. In the past year (as of Jan. 14), there have been over 30 attacks involving grenades or explosive devices in Kenya, killing at least 76 people and injuring about 220.

Crime in El Salvador
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

A Jan. 23 US Department of State Travel Warning stated that tens of thousands of US citizens safely visit El Salvador each year but that crime and violence are serious problems countrywide.

Strikers in South Africa

News Watch, March 2013 issue.

Violent protests and a work strike by agricultural laborers in the Western Cape Province of South Africa began in November 2012. A man who died after being shot in the head with a rubber bullet in January became the third person killed by police in the protests.

CAR cease-fire update
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

On Jan. 11, a cease-fire and an agreement to form a coalition government was signed by the government of the Central African Republic and Seleka, an alliance of rebel groups, which had taken control of large areas of the country in the previous weeks.

Boeing 787s grounded
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

On Jan. 16, the FAA ordered that Boeing 787s (aka Dreamliners) be taken out of service until it can be determined what caused the lithium ion batteries on two planes to overheat and release flammable electrolytes and smoke.

Argentina port problems
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

Due to escalating tensions between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, P&O Cruises announced in January that it was suspending its scheduled port calls in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia.

China’s urban air pollution
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

In Beijing and some 30 other cities in eastern and northern China, a recent cold spell and a lack of wind caused air pollution to far surpass hazardous levels. Visibility was less than 3,000 meters in most of Beijing and as low as 500 meters in southern Beijing.

Botswana and Zambia hunting bans
News Watch, March 2013 issue.

In November 2012, the president of BOTSWANA announced that nearly all commercial and sport/trophy hunting of wild game on public lands will end on Jan. 1, 2014. Existing permits will be honored but will not be renewed.

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