News headlines in 2009, page 383

While millions know that the administration of George W. Bush has left Barack Obama with the job of closing the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, relatively few are aware that the new president will also face a similar but far larger dilemma 7,000 miles away.

The gas crisis has unleashed new interest in turning to alternative energy sources in the Balkans.

In widespread sweeps, dozens of prominent personalities have been detained in Turkey -- among them retired generals, active officers, academics and journalists -- on suspicion of attempting to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government.

'There is no doubt that Israel is using phosphorous bombs over Gaza. Israel is flagrantly violating the Fourth Geneva Convention,' says Raji Sourani, head of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) in Gaza.

The gas crisis has placed environmental concerns on the backburner, and raised demands for nuclear production at plants once considered unsafe.

China’s pro-active stance in finding a settlement to the latest crisis in the Middle East -- a trouble spot which does not normally figure on Beijing’s list of top foreign policy priorities -- suggests heightened attention to energy security for the country’s power-hungry economy.

One of the worst legacies of the decades-old civil war in this island country is the culture of violence and impunity that many fear has become ingrained in Sri Lankan society -- once known for ‘serendipity’ and respect for Buddhist virtues.

For most of her adult life, Yard Sunee had to endure a reality that was worlds away from the conveniences that people in a modern metropolis like Bangkok take for granted -- like ready access to tap water.

Another peace rally Saturday night brought together about a couple of thousand Israelis to demand an immediate end to the ongoing assault in Gaza. The demonstration was held in front of the Hakirya, the central command of the Israeli Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence in the heart of Tel Aviv.

Into the third week of its war on Gaza, Israeli leaders are convinced they're still calling the shots. But, without a suitable diplomatic exit soon, the military 'successes' could quickly begin to unravel, some sobering Israeli voices have cautioned.