Monday, July 07, 2003

10 Shot Dead in Lagos Riots 07 Jul 03 LAGOS. At least 10 people were shot dead in Nigeria's biggest city of Lagos on Monday, as police battled angry mobs rioting in the streets to enforce a second week of a crippling strike against increased fuel prices, the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Adams Oshiomhole said... 'The information we have this morning is that the police killed over 10 people in Lagos this morning. It is very unfortunate. This bloodbath which the police is promoting is heightening tension in Lagos.' The general strike to protest a 54 percent rise in fuel prices that was announced by President Olusegun Obasanjo?s government on June 20, entered the second week despite a split among union leaders about continuing the work stoppage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the country?s biggest umbrella body with 29 affiliates, has vowed to continue with the strike, describing government concessions as insufficient. But the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), another grouping of senior staff unions, has opted out of the strike, saying it was pleased with the progress of negotiations with the government. [IRIN] 6:04:15 PM  Google It!

The White Man Unburdened by Norman Mailer 17 Jul 03 Issue Exeunt: lightning and thunder, shock and awe. Dust, ash, fog, fire, smoke, sand, blood, and a good deal of waste now move to the wings. The stage, however, remains occupied. The question posed at curtain-rise has not been answered. Why did we go to war? If no real weapons of mass destruction are found, the question will keen in pitch. [The New York Review of Books] 7:29:06 AM  Google It!