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>>Zimbabwe - A report released today by Human Rights Watch states that a shadowy security politburo, which goes by "Joint Operations Command," took power in Zimbabwe shortly after President Mugabe's election defeat in March and has organized the campaign of violence against the opposition over the past few months. According to The Times of London, the report is 'corroborated by senior Western diplomats who describe the situation in Zimbabwe as a "military coup by stealth."' The report also suggests that, shortly following his defeat, Mugabe planned to step down but wasn't allowed by the JOC, which fears prosecution in a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe.>>Venezuela - Yesterday President Hugo Chavez called for a "grand humanitarian gesture" from the new leader of FARC in the release of all remaining hostages. Analysts believe that the new leader, Alfonso Cano, will be more likely to negotiate their release.
>>Nepal - Up to 450 Tibetan exiles were detained in Kathmandu on Sunday after protesting China's crackdown in their homeland. Protests had been on hold as the Tibetan government-in-exile in India called for a hiatus in the wake of the earthquake in China.
Yesterday in UN Dispatch