Topic: East Timor

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Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 05/20
South Sudan set to join ranks of five of the world's newest countries

The South Sudan referendum ended with an overwhelming vote for independence – 99.57 percent of those polled voted for it – and put the region officially on track to become independent in July.
How often is a country born? Here’s a look at five of the most recent declarations of independence:

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From unlikely undercover agent to East Timor's first lady

Australian Kirsty Sword Gusmao played a key role in the resistance movement in the 1990s. Today, as first lady of East Timor, she advocates for women's rights.
A decade after independence, East Timor's surprising best friend? Indonesia.

Ten years ago, East Timor was reeling from Indonesia's scorched-earth withdrawal after two-plus decades of occupation. Today it sees its huge neighbor as a crucial partner.
Backchannels
Assad pulling Syria troops out of cities by Tuesday? (+video)

Kofi Annan seems to think so. But there are strong grounds for doubt.
Democratic progress: East Timor election proves peaceful

The first-round vote of East Timor's presidential election went smoothly, defying low expectations based on the tiny country's violent history.
'Friends of Syria': Which good cause will bring unity for action?

At both the UN and at a "Friends of Syria" meeting in Tunisia, a consensus is steadily forming over which universal value can justify strong action on Syria.
The risks of telling the Syria story

With nine journalists among the roughly 8,000 dead in Syria's uprising, Monitor reporter Scott Peterson explores the soul-searching inside the small community of war correspondents.
Backchannels
Indonesia and Egypt separated at birth? No, just completely separate.

Indonesia and Egypt are large. They're Muslim. They've thrown off long-standing dictators. These similarities aren't particularly meaningful.
Backchannels
Graphic images flood out of Syria. Why no world uproar?

Grainy videos depict the violence that has killed at least 6,000 Syrians, but the prospects for international intervention appear dim. Is the world inured to the ubiquitous images?
Backchannels
In debate, Romney says handle Pakistan like Indonesia in the 1960s

In last night's Republican presidential debate, Mitt Romney cited the US role in Indonesia in the 1960s as a good model for Pakistan. But that might not be the best place to look for answers.
Witness to a decade that redefined Southeast Asia

As he leaves his post in Bangkok, a correspondent looks at how a rising China has changed the Southeast Asia region after 9/11.
Backchannels
Planning for Libya's transition shifts into high gear

Libya's rebel council is meeting with international officials in Qatar today to arrange $2.5 billion in funding for an interim government.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 05/20
Why Australia just toughened its tough immigration stance

Riots at Australia’s immigration detention centers have pushed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government to take new measures on asylum-seekers. But critics say they don't target the fundamental reasons for the unrest.
In budget cutting, how to make foreign aid less vulnerable

Current foreign aid models don't fit 21st-century needs, a World Bank report suggests. Ending people's fear of their own rulers – through better governance – is the key to development.
South Sudan set to join ranks of five of the world's newest countries

The South Sudan referendum ended with an overwhelming vote for independence – 99.57 percent of those polled voted for it – and put the region officially on track to become independent in July.
How often is a country born? Here’s a look at five of the most recent declarations of independence:
Terrorism & Security
Christmas Island boat tragedy fuels debate over Australian policy on asylum seekers

Australia is struggling to balance humanitarian responsibilities to asylum seekers with national concerns about the economic impact of their migration.
Argentina latest in Latin America to recognize Palestinian state

The move follows Brazil days earlier, though some Jewish leaders say they worry about a copycat phenomenon that could be 'counter-productive' to the peace process.
Facebook provides community for Indonesia's street kids

Facebook and Indonesia's Internet cafes give Indonesian homeless teenagers a break from the streets and a chance to feel like a normal teen.
Australia's Julia Gillard struggles to sell asylum center plan to neighbors

Illegal immigration has long been a political hot potato in Australia, which has a lot of foreign-born residents and an economy that is increasingly integrated with Asia. Australia's neighbors aren't biting on Julia Gillard's asylum center plan.
Australia's Julia Gillard forms new government on shaky ground

Australia's Julia Gillard barely squeaked into power. But her slim majority means that passing any legislation will be tricky.
Indonesia cleric's arrest highlights work of US-trained counterterrorism unit

The arrest of Indonesia cleric Abu Bakar Bashir highlights the ongoing counterterrorism work of the US-trained Detachment 88. Some groups are concerned over the police unit's alleged use of torture.
The largest rat of all time discovered

Just a couple thousand years ago, the world's largest rat, weighing more than the average house cat, scuttled about what is now East Timor of Southeast Asia.
Elections in Burma (Myanmar) won't be fair, but they will be significant

Efforts to further isolate the military junta won’t succeed. Instead, world leaders should make the best of a flawed situation and work to reintegrate Burma with the community of nations.
Australia plan to divert asylum seekers gets cool reception

Australia's new leader Julia Gillard met resistance to her first major policy initiative: diverting asylum seekers to East Timor. The tiny country's prime minister says he was not consulted by Ms. Gillard.
Benigno Aquino III takes oath of office; sworn in as Philippine leader

Benigno Aquino III was sworn in Wednesday as the Philippines' 15th president. Benigno Aquino was joined by diplomats from more than 80 countries and two former Philippine presidents at the ceremony.