News headlines in 2009, page 300
ECONOMY: Despite Its Clout, China Feels Vulnerable to Shocks
- Inter Press Service

Despite an impressive show of its increased economic and political stature at the just-finished G20 summit in London, China remains plagued by doubts about the sustainability of its economic miracle.
ECONOMY: Insurance to Even Provide Cover Against Global Crisis
- Inter Press Service

The global economic crisis makes it even more imperative that investors ascertain the economic and legal conditions in foreign countries.
POLITICS: In Reversal, U.S. to Engage With Human Rights Council
- Inter Press Service

The Barack Obama administration’s decision this week to seek a seat on the world’s top human rights body has affirmed the hopes of many activist groups that the United States will take a far more multilateral approach to diplomacy than in the past.
US-ISRAEL: Visa for Top Netanyahu Aide In Question
- Inter Press Service

The first official test of wills between the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama and the new Likud-led government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could well be waged over the issuance, or restoration, of a simple entry visa.
MEXICO: Military Justice System under Fire
- Inter Press Service

The Mexican government, legislators and human rights organisations are calling for a review of the outdated military justice system, accused of letting human rights violators off the hook. But only activists seem to actually be doing anything to bring that about.
ENVIRONMENT-INDIA: Fishing Trawlers Spell Death for Sea Turtles
- Inter Press Service

The stench emanating from the carcasses of thousands of butchered Olive Ridley turtles overpowers seaside visitors in this pilgrimage town in Orissa on India’s east coast.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Going Beyond the Carbon Market
- Inter Press Service

With an incisive report in hand about what awaits Latin America and the Caribbean in the future if action is not taken to fight climate change, economist John Nash defends the role of the World Bank and underscores the need to expand the so-called 'clean development mechanism'.
DEVELOPMENT-LAOS: Quietly, Worried Villagers Debate Dam Impact
- Inter Press Service

On the banks of a remote section of the Mekong River in southern Laos, an area known as Siphandone, villagers quietly debate the question, which is more important to Laos: fisheries or building dams?
VIETNAM: Drink Driving, Motorbikes Make for Deadly Mix on Roads
- Inter Press Service

Drink driving, inadequate use of safety gear and lack of proper infrastructure combine to make for very hazardous roads in Vietnam, where motorbike accidents continue to be a major killer.
DR-CONGO: Electronics Firms Urged to Boycott 'Blood Minerals'
- Inter Press Service

The world’s mass consumption of cell phones, laptops and other electronics fuels widespread sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a new study released Wednesday by the non-profit Enough Project that echoes what many human rights activists and humanitarian workers have been saying for years.
Global Issues