A Taliban suicide bomber struck a military hospital in Kabul today. Condemning the attack, the United Nations Assistance Mission stressed the fact that attacking hospitals --even military ones, even during war-- is a violation of international law.
No real surprises here. The Syria drama ended two weeks ago when Syria dropped out of the race following Kuwait's announcement that it was running for one of the four Asia seats. Still, Syria won five votes as a write in candidate, which is kind of silly.
Palestinians already have observer status at the UN. But comments by president Obama yesterday call into question whether it can secure full membership anytime soon.
In Nigeria, a country with one of the highest maternal mortality burdens in Sub-Saharan Africa, the SG will visit a hospital and a primary healthcare center to see major improvements underway.
Today 16 countries announced new commitments to dramatically reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality, as part of the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health.
One of the key questions at a first of its kind meeting of Diaspora communities at the State Department this week is how to capture remittances for long term development--not just short term consumption.