IBEROSTAR renovates iconic Havana landmark Hotel Riviera once owned by American mobster

May 22, 2018

The iconic 1950’s style Hotel Riviera in Havana has a colorful history. The hotel, located alongside of the Cuban capital’s majestic Malecón seafront, was originally built by legendary American mobster Meyer Lansky and opened in 1957. Spain-based Iberostar Hotels & Resorts took over management of the classic 352-room property in January 2017. It is the Iberostar’s 12th … More IBEROSTAR renovates iconic Havana landmark Hotel Riviera once owned by American mobster

ICC calls on UN to help arrest 3 Libyan fugitives including son of Gaddafi

May 10, 2018

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda Wednesday requested the United Nations Security Council assist in arresting three fugitives in Libya. Among the wanted is Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who is being sought by the ICC. “I repeat my call to this Council to engage with my Office and … More ICC calls on UN to help arrest 3 Libyan fugitives including son of Gaddafi

International Criminal Court warns Israel and Hamas deadly violence in Gaza strip may constitute war crimes

April 11, 2018

The International Criminal Court has condemned the deadly violence in the Gaza strip that has left nearly 30 Palestinians dead after a week of clashes. Fatou Bensouda, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, said Sunday The Hague-based war tribunal is concerned Israel and Hamas may have committed war crimes. On March 30, thousands of Palestinians marched to Gaza’s border with Israel in the … More International Criminal Court warns Israel and Hamas deadly violence in Gaza strip may constitute war crimes

Are tyrannical nations abusing INTERPOL arrest warrant system to silence opponents?

April 9, 2018

An Istanbul court requested that President Erdogan’s government ask Interpolcountries to arrest journalist Can Dundar, who currently lives in Germany. Last week, a court in Turkey called upon Ankara to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Dundar, a dissident journalist, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. Dundar said such a request would be a “disgrace” for Turkey, according to the UK Guardian. A … More Are tyrannical nations abusing INTERPOL arrest warrant system to silence opponents?

Cuba’s health care system admired around the world

April 5, 2018

In Cuba, despite a third-world crumbling infrastructure, the country’s cradle-to-grave health care system is first rate. For half a century, Cuba’s well-trained doctors have been dispatched all over the world during humanitarian disasters. In May 1999, the Economist magazine wrote: “Cuba maintains levels of health care unknown to most poor countries; and, rarer still, does so in the … More Cuba’s health care system admired around the world

Winnie Mandela, South African anti-apartheid stalworth, dies age 81

April 2, 2018

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, dubbed the ‘Mother of the Nation’, for her unrelenting battle against South Africa’s racial Apartheid, has died. She was 81. The former wife of Nelson Mandela died today in a Johannesburg hospital after a prolonged illness. Family spokesman Victor Dlamini said in a statement: “She died after a long illness, for which she had been … More Winnie Mandela, South African anti-apartheid stalworth, dies age 81

Mystery illness striking U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba remains unsolved

March 12, 2018

From late 2016 through August 2017, US government personnel serving on diplomatic assignment in Havana, Cuba, reported neurological symptoms associated with exposure to auditory and sensory phenomena. According to doctors, the unexplained health attacks caused symptoms consistent with mild traumatic brain injury. Some 24 people at the American Embassy in Havana reportedly got sick. The US … More Mystery illness striking U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba remains unsolved

Cuba and religion still complex in the communist country

February 21, 2018

In 1969, Fidel Castro banned the Christmas holiday in Cuba. Like the famous Grinch Who Stole Christmas tale, it made lot of children sad and angry. Castro would go on to explain he canceled Christmas so it would not interfere with the sugar harvest. OK….but I wonder how well Fidel’s explanation resonated with the children in … More Cuba and religion still complex in the communist country

Angelina Jolie joins forces with NATO to combat sexual violence against women

February 14, 2018

International movie star Angelina Jolie visited NATO headquarters in Brussels recently to meet with the military Alliance’s chief to discuss ways to combat sexual violence against women and children in war zones. Jolie, who also serves as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), conferred with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “Special Envoy Jolie and I have decided to work … More Angelina Jolie joins forces with NATO to combat sexual violence against women

U.N. Security Council adapts biometric data resolution to halt terrorism travel

January 8, 2018

The United Nations Security Council recently adopted a new resolution utilizing biometric data intended to help Member States detect and counter the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), especially those returning from the conflict zone in Iraq and Syria. The mandate -(UNSCR resolution 2396 (2017)- creates new international obligations and provisions to strengthen border security and information sharing, including the use of Passenger Name Record … More U.N. Security Council adapts biometric data resolution to halt terrorism travel