One was the archetypal military strongman, intent on maintaining the social order and saving his country from "catastrophe." The other was a charismatic shipyard electrician and trade union leader who was just as determined to lead his countrymen to freedom.
Tag Archives: communist
Nepali PM resigns in bid to save ‘infant democracy’
Nepal’s prime minister said Monday he will resign to save what he called the country’s "infant democracy." It is the latest fallout over the status of Nepal’s army chief, Gen. Rookmangud Katawal
Kim’s son joins N. Korea military board
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il tapped his son to join the powerful National Defense Commission — a move analysts say makes the latter the heir apparent, South Korean state media said. “Kim Jong-un had been appointed to a low-level post, called ‘instructor’ at the National Defense Commission days before the first session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly meeting was held,” South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, quoting a source. CNN was not able to independently confirm the report.
Obama misreads Cuban offer, Fidel Castro says
President Obama misinterpreted Cuban President Raúl Castro’s offer to start talks with the United States, Castro’s brother Fidel said Wednesday, appearing to dismiss the U.S. leader’s call for Cuba to release political prisoners
U.S. lawmakers meet with Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro, the longtime communist leader of Cuba, met with visiting members of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus on Tuesday, a day after his brother, Raúl, who succeeded him as president, did the same, according to a U.S. official in Havana.
N. Korea to let stranded S. Koreans cross
North Korea told South Korea Monday it will partly reopen its border, allowing stranded South Koreans to return home from a joint industrial complex in the communist country, the South Korean news agency Yonhap said.
Tensions high in advance of Tibet anniversary
March 10 marks the 50th anniversary of the failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule and the chasm between Beijing and critics of its Tibet policies remains deep and wide. Pro-Tibet supporters have marched in London and other cities to mark the anniversary. “Tibetans have had enough Chinese rule,” said Matt Wiskase, a protest organizer in London
Chinese leaders to consider welfare for all
China National People’s Congress will consider landmark legislation that would make social benefits universal when it meets Thursday. The NPC — the climax of China’s political calendar — will convene as 3,000 delegates from across the country and overseas gather in the capital, Beijing. The delegates will represent China’s central leadership, the military, every province, including minority groups such as Tibetans, and overseas Chinese.
Nepal beefs up security ahead of Tibet anniversary
Authorities in Nepal said Saturday they have beefed up security near the Chinese Embassy to stop any possible anti-Chinese demonstrations in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s flight from Tibet. “The area within 200 meters (218 yards) of the Chinese Embassy visa section has been declared a prohibited area from Friday,” Nabaraj Silwal, the chief of the Kathmandu city police, said. “Rallies, sit-ins and sloganeering will not be allowed within the prohibited area.” The decision comes a day after visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue had an hour-long meeting with Nepalese security officials in Kathmandu to discuss prevention of anti-Chinese activities.
Key GOP senator calls Cuba embargo ineffective
Sen. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a draft report Monday saying it is time to reconsider longtime U.S