Latest update: 02/11/2012 

- abortion - Barack Obama - Mitt Romney - US elections 2012 - women


Candidates campaigning hard to win womens' votes

With just a few days left, the two candidates in the race for the White House know that they need to woo America's women. With 53% of the electorate being female, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney know that issues such as abortion could make the difference between winning the presidential election and losing it. The Republican camp are pro-life, while the Democrats are more pro-choice - but which side will encourage US women to give them their vote?

By Hayde FITZPATRICK / Valérie DEFERT
Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma
15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.
Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted
05/04/2013 - CUBA

Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted

Cuban dissident Yoani Sanchez has begun her first world tour. The author of a blog critical of the Cuban government, the young woman has in just a few years become the leading symbol of Cuban dissidence. This year, for the first time, Sanchez obtained permission to leave the country under a broad relaxation of travel restrictions. She is preparing a tour of Europe and Latin America, but her most anticipated visit was to Miami.
Brazil's social housing programme turns two million into homeowners
04/04/2013 - BRAZIL

Brazil's social housing programme turns two million into homeowners

In 2009, Brazil embarked on an ambitious social housing programme. Its aim was to turn two million poor families into homeowners. While the project has already changed the lives of millions, its long-term success is now being questioned. Observers say the programme could fail in the long term because the key question of location is being overlooked.
Barcelona authorities aim to fund drug 'shooting galleries' despite cutbacks
02/04/2013 - SPAIN

Barcelona authorities aim to fund drug 'shooting galleries' despite cutbacks

Despite generalised cutbacks, the authorities in Barcelona still want to fund injection centres which have reduced deaths from drug overdoses by 40 percent since their introduction twelve years ago. In Spain, these units have the general backing of all political parties. However, in Barcelona, the conservative party now thinks it is time the centres are moved away from commercial and residential areas.
Berlin Wall remnants to make way for luxury apartments
01/04/2013 - GERMANY

Berlin Wall remnants to make way for luxury apartments

In recent weeks The East Side Gallery in Berlin has become a battleground. This 1.3 km strip of the Berlin Wall, decorated by artists after German reunification, is being partially removed to allow developers to build hotels and luxury flats. Berliners are up in arms and have hit the streets for the past four weeks to protest against the project. But on Wednesday the bulldozers appeared at dawn to remove the segments.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close