News headlines in November 2012, page 18

LILONGWE, Nov 09 (IPS) - The latest proposals by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to stop farming of the crop could potentially affect about two million livelihoods in Malawi and decide the fate of an entire nation struggling with a sputtering economy.

NEW/DELHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov 09 (IPS) - At midnight on Oct. 12, 91-year-old George Puthenveettil, a widower living in Kalanjur village in the Pathanamthita district of the southern Indian state of Kerala, was brutally tortured and ousted from his own house by his only son for "not earning any money".

WASHINGTON, Nov 09 (IPS) - Twenty years ago, Democratic pol James Carville immortalised the phrase "It's the economy, stupid" in explaining how former Arkansas governor Bill Clinton would unseat President George H. W. Bush, who was riding high off his smashing military victory in the first Gulf War.

MEXICO CITY, Nov 08 (IPS) - The legalisation of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, which will allow the drug to be taxed and regulated, in two U.S. states will prompt debate on anti-drug policies in Mexico as well, and on the coordination of strategies between the two countries, experts say.

UXBRIDGE, Canada, Nov 08 (IPS) - I am aware that my arrival last week helped re-elect U.S. President Barack Obama. Superstorms like me don't play politics, but it should be clear by now that your refusal to tackle global warming has serious consequences. Higher sea levels and amped-up hurricanes like me are just two of them.

WASHINGTON, Nov 08 (IPS) - In the aftermath of a surprisingly lopsided victory for President Barack Obama's Democratic Party and for progressive causes more broadly, one of the key discussions taking place here is over the suddenly increased prospects for comprehensive immigration reform, long an issue so divisive that few politicians have been willing to tackle it.

WASHINGTON, Nov 08 (IPS) - Several critical issues of unfinished business in the Middle East face President Barack Obama as he begins his second term. Washington must become more engaged come January because these issues will directly impact regional stability and security and U.S. interests and personnel in the region.

DOHA, Nov 08 (IPS) - China's ruling Communist Party has launched its national congress, a pivotal event that ushers in a new set of top leaders for the next decade.

GUATEMALA CITY, Nov 08 (IPS) - The Maya Indians of Central America and Mexico will have little to celebrate when the current era comes to an end on Dec. 21. The extreme poverty and marginalisation they face contrast sharply with the plans for lavish celebrations to lure tourists.

WASHINGTON, Nov 08 (IPS) - Calls are mounting for the world's big fishing powers to stop subsidising international fleets that use destructive methods like bottom trawling in foreign coastal waters, drastically reducing the catch of local artisanal fishers who use nets and fishing lines.