World Peace News: Top Stories

	Top Stories China, South Korea agree to keep working on North Korea deal Palestinian prisoners released by Isreal South Korea, China urge cooperation over North Korea

	Top Stories Momentous summer for Maharishi University of Management and Maharishi Vedic City Spain sees expansion of Maharishi's programmes Address of Maharaja Adhiraj Raja Raam to the celebration of the birth of Total Knowledge, 23 August 2008 - Part I

	Top Stories Russia-Georgia conflict raises Black Sea tensions North Korea to suspend nuclear disablement Afghanistan: US deaths reach 101 for the year
Positive Trends 10 Short Summaries of Top Stories China, South Korea agree to keep working on North Korea deal 25 August 2008 - The leaders of South Korea and China agreed Monday to expand cooperation in political, economic, and other fields -- including North Korea's nuclear disarmament -- as the two Asian neighbours push for a new strategic partnership. China is South Korea's largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching US$145 billion last year. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Chinese President Hu Jintao said they want to boost that figure to US$200 billion by 2010. (more) Palestinian prisoners released by Isreal 25 August 2008 - Israel freed 198 Palestinian prisoners to a hero's welcome in the West Bank on Monday, saying it hoped the release would bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US-sponsored peace efforts. About half of the prisoners on a release list published by Israel were to have completed their sentences next year. (more) South Korea, China urge cooperation over North Korea 25 August 2008 - The Presidents of China and South Korea at a summit on Monday called for cooperation in sputtering talks to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons while they pledged to boost trade between the major economic partners.A joint statement issued after their talks avoided criticism of any party in the nuclear talks. Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a two-day visit to South Korea. (more) A shift by Syria on Lebanon suggests hard-liner softens 24 August 2008 - Syria's diplomatic recognition of Lebanon marks a symbolic turning point in the two neighbours' often turbulent history, and may have bigger significance for the Middle East and the chances of an overall peace deal with Israel. Ever since Lebanon was created by the region's French rulers in 1920, Syria had refused to acknowledge its sovereignty, leaving the Lebanese with a permanent feeling of living on borrowed time. Now Syria has agreed to recognize that sovereignty. (more) Major events in Syria-Lebanon history 24 August 2008 - The following is a timeline of events that has lead to diplomatic ties between the two neighbours and possible Middle East peace. (more) US Secretary of State to try to bridge Israeli-Palestinian gaps 24 August 2008 - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returns to the Middle East on Monday in another effort to bridge gaps holding up an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal that Washington says could still be achieved this year. A State Department spokesman said on Friday Washington still believed an agreement could be reached by the end of the year, but 'there's no attempt by the US government to push the parties beyond where they believe they can go at this point'. (more) Turkey, Russia to discuss Caucasus bloc 22 August 2008 - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has proposed the Stability and Cooperation Platform, which would comprise Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. In recent years, Turkey has reached out beyond its traditional western partners and has strengthened diplomatic and commercial ties with Central Asia, Russia, Iran, and Arab countries. (more) Africa: Niger rebel leader says Saharan Tuaregs to set down guns 19 August 2008 - Niger's Tuareg rebel leader Aghaly ag Alambo said his fighters would lay down their guns from Monday and, together with neighbouring Mali's Tuareg rebellion, submit to mediation by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Tuareg nomads in the Saharan north of Niger and Mali took up arms against their respective southern-based central governments last year. (more) Cambodia and Thailand begin border talks 19 August 2008 - Thailand expressed hope its dispute with Cambodia over border territory near an ancient temple would end with a peaceful resolution as formal talks began Tuesday. The two neighbours came close to an armed clash last month over competing claims to land surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple on on Thailand's northeastern border with Cambodia. (more) Libyan leader Gaddafi urges Tuaregs to end Niger, Mali revolts 19 August 2008 - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has urged an end to Tuareg revolts in Mali and Niger, saying more war will hurt the impoverished states and plunge a region unsettled by security and smuggling problems into turmoil. Africa's fourth largest country, Libya wields influence in parts of the Sahara and the Sahel region on its southern fringe thanks to its oil wealth and tribal links between its own population and those of neighbouring states. (more)
Success of Maharishi's Programmes 10 Short Summaries of Top Stories Momentous summer for Maharishi University of Management and Maharishi Vedic City 27 August 2008 - Speaking 20 August 2008 on Maharishi Global Family Chat, Dr Mario Orsatti, National Director of Communication for the Global Country of World Peace in the United States, reflected on the many significant events and achievements that took place at Maharishi University of Management (M.U.M.), in Fairfield, Iowa, and in nearby Maharishi Vedic City this past summer. (more) Spain sees expansion of Maharishi's programmes 27 August 2008 - During a recent Maharishi Global Family Chat, Raja Antonio Bartolome, Raja (Administrator) of Spain for the Global Country of World Peace, reported on the expansion of Maharishi's programmes for health, education, agriculture, and architecture in his domain. (more) Address of Maharaja Adhiraj Raja Raam to the celebration of the birth of Total Knowledge, 23 August 2008 - Part I 26 August 2008 - Maharaja Adhiraj Raja Raam, first ruler of the Global Country of World Peace, gave a beautiful address to the global celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, the Vedic Calendar day celebrating the birth of Total Knowledge, 23 August 2008. Maharaja commented on how this day exemplifies the intricate intermingling of the qualities of infinite dynamism and infinite silence described in the Vedic Literature and expressed in human physiology; and the secret of Maharishi's administration through Natural Law, whereby total silence administers total action. (more) David Lynch and Donovan tour inspires continuing progress in Brazil 26 August 2008 - Speaking 20 August 2008 on Maharishi Global Family Chat, Dr Robert Roth, National Director of Expansion for the Global Country of World Peace in the United States, reported on new developments in Brazil resulting from the recent eight-day tour of the country by filmmaker Dr David Lynch and singer Donovan. (more) Report from Canada: Good news 26 August 2008 - More than 40,000 geothermal heating and cooling systems are estimated to be installed across Canada, aided by a number of generous provincial government incentives to homeowners and businesses. In the first month of the 3rd year of Canada's national Invincibility Programme, there continue to be indications of national consciousness rising to invincibility as evidenced by positive trends in the economy and other areas of national life, from the expanding groups of Yogic Flyers throughout the world. (more) Maharishi's programmes for enlightenment and invincibility reverberating throughout Canada - Part I 25 August 2008 - On 18 August 2008, Dr Paul Potter, Raja (Administrator) of Canada for the Global Country of World Peace, reported achievements which are bringing invincibility to Canada, including Invincibility Schools and Peace Colonies built according to Vedic Architecture, and radio broadcasting of Vedic and First Languages recitations. (more) Rise of Invincible Turkey 25 August 2008 - The National Director of Turkey for the Global Country of World Peace, Dr Albert Baruh, gave a progress report on activities bringing invincibility to Turkey, including a beautiful 'holiday village' built in accordance with Maharishi Sthapatya Veda. (more) South Africa: Putting mind to the fight against crime - Business Day reports 25 August 2008 - Invincibility for South Africa, including a lower crime rate, is the goal of the Transcendental Meditation Programme, says Raja Bob LoPinto, head of Invincibility South Africa. (more) Global Country of World Peace celebrates the birth of Total Knowledge, 23 August 2008 - Part II: Dr Bevan Morris praises the Maharishi Vedic Pandits 24 August 2008 - Dr Bevan Morris, Prime Minister of the Global Country of World Peace, praises the Vedic Pandits assembled in India and MERU, Holland, for their traditional performance honouring the day of Krishna Janmashtami, and expresses his gratitude to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for providing the great blessing of the Vedic Pandits for the whole world. (more) Invincible Defence: Reports from around the world - Part III 24 August 2008 - Colonel Gunther Chasse, International Deputy Minister of Invincible Defence for the Global Country of World Peace, gave a progress report from Germany. Invincible Defence is a programme of Maharishi's Vedic Science to create indomitable coherence in the collective consciousness of a nation through the technology of the Transcendental Meditation and Transcendental Meditation Sidhi Programme, including Yogic Flying. (more)
Flops 10 Short Summaries of Top Stories Russia-Georgia conflict raises Black Sea tensions 27 August 2008 - Russia will face increased Western pressure on Wednesday when a senior British official flies to Ukraine to build a coalition to counter Russia's conflict with ex-Soviet Georgia. The United States, NATO, and European powers condemned as unacceptable Russia's recognition on Tuesday of two breakaway Georgian regions as independent states, and demanded Moscow recognize Georgia's territorial integrity. Russian tanks and troops continue to occupy parts of Georgia after crushing Tbilisi's bid to retake South Ossetia, the first time Moscow has sent troops into another country since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. (more) North Korea to suspend nuclear disablement 26 August 2008 - North Korea said on Tuesday it will stop disabling its nuclear facilities and consider restoring the Yongbyon reactor that can make material for atomic bombs, accusing the United States of violating a disarmament deal. The announcement came just after Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose government is the nearest the reclusive North has to an ally, returned after two days of talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Regional powers have been pressing North Korea to accept stringent measures to verify the declaration of its nuclear programme. The United States has made clear that until that happens it will not take the North off its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The news gave an extra nudge down to an already falling South Korean won and some analysts said it could hit the country's share market. (more) Afghanistan: US deaths reach 101 for the year 25 August 2008 - Taliban insurgents once derided as a ragtag rabble unable to match US troops have transformed into a fighting force, one advanced enough to mount massive conventional attacks and claim American lives at a record pace. Multi-direction attacks, flawlessly executed ambushes, and increasingly powerful roadside and suicide bombs mean the US and 40-nation NATO-led force will in all likelihood suffer its deadliest year in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion. 'The US is now losing the war against the Taliban,' Anthony Cordesman, of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in a report Thursday. A resurgent al-Qaida, which was harboured by the Taliban in the years before the 11 September attacks, could soon follow, Cordesman warned. (more) After 5 years of war, Iraqis desperate for water 25 August 2008 - Millions of Iraqis lack access to sufficient clean water and proper sewage five years after the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. Water and sewage are perennial challenges in this arid country, where the overhaul of decrepit public works has been hindered by years of war and neglect. Nearly a billion litres of raw sewage is dumped into Baghdad waterways each day, enough to fill 370 Olympic-sized pools. The United Nations estimates that less than half of Iraqis get drinking water piped into their homes in rural areas. In the capital, people set their alarm clocks to wake them in the middle of the night so they can fill storage tanks when water pressure is under less strain. The shortages are also causing health problems. The Iraqi government has been criticized for dragging its feet in spending money budgeted for vital reconstruction. (more) Georgia: Russian lawmakers recognize independence of rebel regions 25 August 2008 - Russian lawmakers urged the Kremlin to recognize two rebel regions of Georgia on Monday, a move likely to worsen relations with the West that are already strained by Moscow's military intervention there. The upper house of parliament, or Federation Council, voted 130-0 to approve a non-binding resolution calling on President Dmitry Medvedev to recognise the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent. Formal recognition by Russia of the independence of South Ossetia and the Black Sea province of Abkhazia would put it on a collision course with the United States and other Western nations which insist on Georgia's territorial integrity. Despite repeated demands for a complete Russian pullback to positions before the conflict, the West lacks leverage over a resurgent Russia, whose oil and gas it depends on. (more) War frays a patchwork of Georgians, Ossetians 24 August 2008 - Ossetians and Georgians have lived side by side for centuries. The two ethnic groups share Soviet history and the Orthodox Christian religion, and Russian is their lingua franca. But the ties that once bound their cultures unravelled in the trauma of the Soviet collapse as both groups claimed sovereignty over the region's mountain slopes and river valleys. (more) Philippines drops Muslim peace deal 22 August 2008 - The Philippines government will not sign a peace deal with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, irrespective of a Supreme Court ruling on its legality, the chief government spokesman said on Friday. MILF renegades, angered by opposition to the deal, attacked towns in the south on Monday, killing about 40 people. The military has retaliated against their positions with air strikes and gunfire. One officer said as many as 100 rebels might have been killed, according to unconfirmed reports. It is the worst violence for years in the Mindanao region, where the rebellion has prevented any significant development of some of the richest mineral and hydrocarbon resources in Southeast Asia. (more) Philippines peace process in tatters 21 August 2008 - A Muslim rebel organization rejected demands by the Philippine government Thursday for the surrender of two renegade commanders blamed for attacks that killed dozens of people, setting the stage for a possible escalation in fighting. Just weeks ago, a peace deal to end the decades-long insurgency in the troubled south had seemed within reach after government and rebel negotiators initialed an agreement on an expanded Muslim autonomous region. But Christian politicians in areas that would be affected challenged the deal in the Supreme Court, triggering the attacks by the rebels. Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that 'circumstances have changed' after the recent attacks and the government will no longer sign the agreement. Rebel negotiator Iqbal said resuming talks was 'like opening a can of worms.' He hinted that the impasse could set off an escalation in fighting. (more) Statistics show perils of living in east Congo 21 August 2008 - Though rich in diamonds, copper, gold and other minerals, most of Congo's people, including its security forces, are poor and desperate. Over the last year, skirmishes have broken out in the region between the army, militias and Congolese fighters led by rebel leader Laurent Nkunda. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and rights groups have repeatedly accused all sides, including the ill-disciplined government army, of failing to rein in fighters who have targeted civilians suspected of supporting their rivals. In the three worst-hit eastern provinces, about 80 per cent of respondents said they had been displaced at least three times in the last 15 years. Some 75 per cent said their cattle or livestock had been stolen, and 66 per cent said their home had been destroyed or confiscated. (more) Germany disappointed over Russian withdrawal from Georgia 20 August 2008 - Germany said on Wednesday it saw no clear evidence Russian troops were withdrawing from Georgia and, in a sign of growing Western frustration with Moscow, called the situation 'very unsatisfactory'. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has travelled to Russia and Georgia in the past week to mediate in the conflict, has said she received assurances from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday that a pullout would go ahead. But Reuters reporters in and just outside Georgia said that by Wednesday there was no sign of a large-scale pullout, beyond the movement of some Russian military trucks over the border into Russia. (more)