The situation in the Central African Republic continues to be unstable and horrific. The tensions between the Christians and the Muslims in the country do not reflect religious disagreements at all, but rather the meddling of outsiders in the internal politics of the country. Graeme Wood has written an essay for the New Republic which provides good background material on the violence, and explains why the humanitarian intervention force by the African Union, but spearheaded by the French, does not seem to be helping at all.
An explosion has occurred near the Urumqi south railway station in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. More than 100 people have been killed in political unrest in the Xinjiang region over the last year, and the Chinese government has tried hard to repress the Uighur movement in the region for greater autonomy. Interestingly, the Chinese labelled the attackers as “religious” extremists and not as political dissidents.
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) ordered the police to disperse a protest in Taksim Square. Workers had gathered in the square to celebrate May Day, but the government had issued orders against any demonstrations. The police used tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, and the forceful action has further eroded the legitimacy of the government in the eyes of those Turks who wish to see a more liberal democracy in Turkey.
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