Global News

America’s former Vice President Dick Cheney was unrepentant in a televised interview about the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) use of torture to extract information out of suspected terrorists in a network of secret dungeons in what amounts to a gulag archipelago in countries scattered through Eastern Europe and South Asia. 

If terror was the intention, it might have worked; because Sydney is terrorized.  Downtown Sydney near Martin Place is locked down after attackers took several hostages at the Lindt Cafe.  The Harbor Bridge is open, according to Fairfax Media.  But the Sydney Opera House was evacuated following the arrival of a suspicious package.  Click through for some live coverage links

After going into two days of overtime at the United Nations COP20 climate talks in Lima, Peru, nations have finally agreed to a framework on how countries should tackle climate change.  Environmental groups are already criticizing the deal as a weak compromise.

Japanese voters expected to get stuck with more of the mundane same – This is America today:  Big banks write legislation to deregulate themselves, get it passed, everyone knows it, no one stops it – Terrorist cross-dressing fails – And more in your CareerSpot World News Briefs:

There’s a hold-up to a deal to stop global warming – Pope Francis snubs the Dalai Lama – A new law threatens free speech and assembly in Spain – And more in your CareerSpot World News Briefs:

The Swiss government is calling a conference of signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention next Wednesday, and it is expected to go rough on Israel.  Nations are expected to criticize Israel for building Jewish settlements on Palestinian lands.

A dark cloud from international terrorism – A bright light of hope from Scotland – And if you own land in Fiji:  You’re screwed – And more in your Second CareerSpot World News Briefs:

Myanmar arrests a Kiwi for insulting the local religion – Problems halt an Ebola vaccine test – Malala supports her protester – And more in your CareerSpot World News Briefs:

The head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Brennan defended some and condemned other incidents of the torture used to extract confessions out of suspected terrorists in the years following the 9/11 attacks.  But Brennan notably refused to say the America would not torture again.

Yo yo yo Dawgs, Uncle Sam’s latest attempt to undermine its enemy Cuba has turned out to be awkward at the least, “reckless” and “stupid” at worst.  A US agency secretly infiltrated Havana’s Hip Hop underground in hopes of fomenting opposition to the Castro government.

Russia’s Navy and Air Force is engaging in an “unprecendented” level of activity in and around the Baltic Sea this week, according to Poland’s Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak.  He says the Russian maneuvers were most likely designed to test NATO’s reactions.

Malala inspires with his Nobel acceptance speech – The UN blasts countries that don’t help refugees, ahem ahem – Countries line up to criticize America’s torture gulags – And more in your CareerSpot World News Briefs:

Brazil’s Truth Commission produced is report on human rights abuses committed by members of the military, government, and private companies during the two decades of military rule from 1964 to 1985.  Commissioners were clear to recommend changes to an amnesty law so that the criminals can be brought to trial.

Hong Kong police stood guard as workers dismantled the main pro-democracy protest camp around the government headquarters in the former British colony’s Admiralty District.  It marks the end of this phase of thus far unsuccessful efforts to get Beijing to allow a fully free election for Hong Kong’s next leader.

A short propaganda film produced by Thailand’s undemocratic military junta government was supposed to instill “values” in the nation’s youth.  One of those “values” apparently is a lesson on how to paint the most evil person in history, Adolf Hitler.

A Palestinian senior government minister is dead after a dust-up with an Israeli border police officer, who is seen grabbing 55-year old Ziad Abu Ein by the throat, striking him in the chest, and shoving him – all caught on video.  There are calls for calm after what might be the next flashpoint in the Middle East.

The environmental group Greenpeace is apologizing to the people of Peru for trampling all over one of the world’s great mysteries for one of its media stunts.  Activists placed Greenpeace slogans next to the Nazca Lines, enormous depictions of animals carved into the desert some 1,500 years ago.

Nobel Peace Prizes will be presented later today – Health concerns for an anti-apartheid legend – A poll shows startling opinions from Palestinians, and it does not bode well for peace in the Middle East – And more in your CareerSpot World News Briefs:

A special “truth commission” appointed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in 2012 is due to present its report on the crimes of the military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1964 to 1985.  But there are concerns that Rousseff will not act on the report with criminal charges against the dictatorship’s killers and torturers.

The backlash to the unregulated ride sharing and online car service Uber is spreading around the world.  India, Spain, Thailand, and even Uber’s own home city of San Francisco are all taking action to stop it from dispatching drivers.