Conflict
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World hails ‘moment of opportunity’ for Somalia
After more than two decades of conflict Somalia is trying to rebuild, but violence is still a daily threat. Can the outside world help this chaotic, troubled nation start a new era of peace?
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Air strikes and nerve gas deepen Syria’s plight
Sectarian massacres, chemical warfare and an Israeli military strike: two years after Syria lurched into bloody civil conflict, the crisis is worse than ever. What is to be done?
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EU hails Burma ‘progress’ despite ethnic violence
For the first time in 20 years, Europe’s leaders have lifted sanctions on Burma’s authoritarian government. But bloody riots by Buddhist gangs cast doubt on the country’s future.
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Week of violence stokes fears for Afghan future
Suicide bombings, ambushes, civilian casualties: in the past week, Afghanistan has seen a worrying spate of attacks. But one year from a crucial election, many still see grounds for hope.
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Billions sought to rebuild devastated Darfur
The name of ‘Darfur’, a poor region in western Sudan, has conjured images of horror and brutality for a decade. Now peace is finally close – but healing the scars may take more than money.
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North Korea declares ‘state of war’ with South
As communist dictator Kim Jong-un makes increasingly aggressive threats towards capitalist South Korea, American stealth planes have been deployed. Is this only posturing? Or is it war?
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Deadly bombs mark 10th anniversary of Iraq War
Ten years ago yesterday, allied forces invaded Iraq to topple a dictator and build a democracy. But yesterday Baghdad was ripped apart by bombs. Was the invasion worth it?
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Two million Syrian children trapped by war
New reports reveal that two million children are still caught up inside Syria’s Civil War, with many more living as refugees. The families’ plight is desperate. How should we react?
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‘Monster of Syria’ Assad shows his human face
As violence in Syria worsens and Western leaders talk of arming the rebels, President Assad has given a rare interview to The Sunday Times. The murderous dictator is a surprisingly mild man.
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Balotelli to cast himself as hero in bronze
Mario Balotelli, Italy’s talented football eccentric, has commissioned a bronze statue of himself in a defiant, muscular pose. Do acts like these reveal the sport’s essentially warlike nature?
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THE FUTURE: Earth feels the pressure
The global population is booming, and billions more people are demanding the lavish lifestyles of the Western world. Can Earth’s resources cope under the strain?
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North Korea defies world with nuclear test
As ‘rogue nation’ North Korea edges closer to developing a long-range nuclear missile, the theory of deterrence is being tested to destruction. Will fear of reprisals prevent a nuclear strike?
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Bin Laden’s killer reveals pain of civilian life
The Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden has spoken out in an exclusive interview. Life after the military has been tough: is it a mistake expecting war veterans to fit in?
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Child soldiers: a scandal of the modern world
Today, 300,000 young people from Columbia to the Congo are forced to fight and kill as child soldiers. Red Hand Day highlights a global movement working to stop the brutality.
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China launches cyber attack on New York Times
An American newspaper has revealed it was targeted by Chinese hackers after criticising the country’s Premier. Could cyber warfare touch every part of our lives?