Topic: Nobel Peace Prize

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Obama and Myanmar (Burma): 4 points about conflict there

A long-simmering ethnic conflict in Myanmar (Burma) recently broke into American newspapers: At least 89 people have been killed and more than 35,000 displaced in what is being described (not entirely accurately) as Buddhist-Muslim violence. With President Obama as the first US head of state to visit this country, there are four points to bear in mind about this detour from Myanmar’s road to a more open society:
Six reasons this UN General Assembly is must-see TV

World leaders descend on New York for the annual United Nations gathering, starting Sept. 25. If the recent past is any guide, it can be a memorable, even explosive, occasion. Here are six moments to watch for, to brace for, this time.
Brazil: 11 books to read before you go

The 11 travel books that The Lonely Planet suggests you read before arriving in Brazil.
6 famous dissidents in China

The surprising escape of a blind legal activist from house arrest is buoying China's embattled dissident community, even as the government cracks down on those who helped him.
Myanmar's about-face: 5 recent reforms

Since 1962, Myanmar's dictatorship has jailed the opposition, beat up monks, denied aid to disaster victims, and run scorched-earth campaigns against ethnic minorities. That may be changing, however. Here are five key changes the regime has made in just a matter of months.

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Obama's visit to Myanmar marks 'new chapter' in US-Myanmar relations

As Myanmar tiptoes toward democracy, Obama - the first US president to visit the former pariah state - denied he was endorsing the government amid criticism that his visit came too soon.
Obama to visit Myanmar: White House confirms Asia trip details (+video)

President Obama, newly re-elected, will visit Southeast Asia this month. His itinerary will include stops in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. His visit to Myanmar will be viewed as an endorsement of that country's recent transformation.
Europe must overcome the politics of fear around the debt crisis

As the former prime minister of Greece, my experience with the debt crisis confirms my belief that this is a political crisis more than a financial one. We have adopted a passive, almost defeatist attitude in Europe. We must break this cycle of fear and mistrust now.
Still occupying: Occupy Des Moines targets World Food Prize Foundation

Occupy Des Moines plans to protest at the headquarters of the World Food Prize this week. They say the organization, which recognizes efforts at reducing world hunger, is focused on corporate agriculture and profits.
The Reformed Broker EU snags the Nobel Peace Prize. Now what?

There are good years and there are bad years for the Nobel Peace Prize, Brown writes. What will the prize mean for the future of the European Union?
The Monitor's View: Why Europe needed the Nobel Peace Prize

Sunk low by euro woes, the European Union needed the Nobel Peace Prize to remind it why it should be grateful for its past success. Gratitude helps in affairs of state as much as in personal ties.
Nobel laureate for literature Mo Yan urges China dissident Liu Xiaobo's freedom

Mo Yan made the comments about dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was awarded the Peace Prize while serving a prison sentence for opposing single-party rule.
How did China's Mo Yan win the Nobel Prize for literature? (+video)

While many including China's Communist Party celebrated their countryman's receipt of the Nobel Prize for literature, others criticized the winner, Mo Yan, for failing to be innovative or independent.
Chinese author Mo Yan wins Nobel Prize in literature (+video)

Nobel Laureate Mo Yan gives readers outside China an idea of what it is like to be Chinese, while people inside China gain a sense of history, says one distinguished translator.
Tongue-tied before my hero

Mr. Carter paused, and waited for me to reply.
Nobel Peace Prize: Could a Russian win this year?

Several Russian contenders are among the favorites for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, to be awarded Friday. But a Russian winner could make for sour relations between Norway and Russia.
Hugo Chávez wins Venezuelan presidential election

Chávez, who has led Venezuela for nearly 14 years, won 54.42 percent of the vote against former Miranda Gov. Henrique Capriles last night.
3 lawyers test human rights cases from abroad in Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear a case Monday which could determine whether cases involving foreign governments committing atrocities in their own countries should be heard in the US court system.
Myanmar's reformist president asks world to see his country in a new light

Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, Myanmar President Thein Sein, whose reformist government has helped his country emerge from five decades of authoritarian rule, asked the international community for 'understanding and support.'
Six reasons this UN General Assembly is must-see TV

World leaders descend on New York for the annual United Nations gathering, starting Sept. 25. If the recent past is any guide, it can be a memorable, even explosive, occasion. Here are six moments to watch for, to brace for, this time.
Prisoners released in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi visits Washington

Myanmar pardoned more than 500 prisoners on Monday, the opposition party is hopeful the amnesty included the country's 424 remaining political prisoners, a step that could strengthen the former military state's growing bonds with Washington.
The Green Wave: movie review

A powerful look at a drive for reform in the clamorous and heartbreaking documentary 'The Green Wave.' The film is ever more relevant as Iran remains a hot topic on the global stage.
Central American peace accord celebrates 25 years, but has it brought peace?

The Esquipulas peace agreement succeeded in ending political and ideological strife, but it failed to create peaceful societies. Today Central America is one of the world's most violent regions.
Syria: Kofi Annan steps down (+video)

Citing the Syrian government's intractability, increasing violence and the international community's lack of consensus, former U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan announced his resignation. He says there is still a chance for Syria to avoid the worst, 'if the international community can show the courage and leadership necessary.'
Opinion: People in Myanmar (Burma) must learn to 'think freedom'

Whatever the military's motivation for allowing reforms in Burma (Myanmar), the people – led by Aung San Suu Kyi – are cautiously beginning to exercise their newfound freedom. But transitional democracies are notoriously unstable. People must learn how to think and act democratically.
Brazil: 11 books to read before you go

The 11 travel books that The Lonely Planet suggests you read before arriving in Brazil.
Global News Blog On Mandela's 94th birthday, some South Africans express ambivalence (+video)

While many South Africans spent today celebrating former President Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday and his efforts to maintain political stability, others say he 'sold out' poorer blacks.
Why are 12 million children singing to Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela's birthday is a cause for annual celebrations in South Africa, and this year, 67 minutes of volunteer work and public service. Nelson Mandela turned 94 today.
Opinion: Ehud Olmert could be Israel's comeback kid – and make peace with Palestinians

After his acquittal from key corruption charges former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is well positioned as a comeback kid in Israeli politics. If Olmert does return, the political discussion in Israel is going to change, with renewed focus on the Palestinian question.
US eases sanctions, allows companies to do business with Myanmar

After 15 years of sanctions, the US will allow investment in Myanmar again. The move was the latest in a three-year push to normalize diplomatic relations with Myanmar.