International News Week of November 10

Bahrain Encourages Female Hires

The Labor Ministry of Bahrain is launching a new initiative to encourage the employment of female jobseekers, the Gulf Daily News reports. This initiative is aimed at encouraging private companies to hire more women in all sectors, but particularly as security, receptionists, accountants, cashiers, saleswomen, secretaries, sales supervisors, and teachers in private schools.

Burmese Ships Invade Bangladesh

Bangladesh is protesting an alleged intrusion by Burmese vessels over its maritime boundary for oil and gas exploration, Intellasia reports. The alleged intrusion was near Bangladeshi territory in the Bay of Bengal, where both countries claim ownership of territory. The area is believed to have abundant mineral resources, and both sides are continuing talks to demarcate maritime boundary in the region.

UN, Rwanda, Congo Leaders Meet Over Violence

Recent fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo has forced at least 65,000 Congolese to take shelter in United Nations makeshift tents, Bloomberg News reports. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Congolese President Joseph Kabila, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met this week and issued a communiqué calling for a “cease-fire”’ and the establishment of a “humanitarian corridor” so aid can reach the people displaced by recent fighting.

China Issues US$586B Stimulus

With the financial crisis echoing in all corners of the world, China has this week announced a huge economic stimulus package of US$586 billion, the largest economic stimulus effort ever undertaken by the Chinese government. The downturn in investment and exports has led to factory closures in southern China, resulting in mass layoffs and protests by workers who have not been paid by owners that have run away, The New York Times reports.

Bin Laden’s Son Seeks Political Asylum

Osama bin Laden’s son Omar bin Laden is seeking political asylum in New Zealand with his British wife, Zaina Alsabah, The New Zealand Herald reports. The two were living in Egypt but reportedly felt unsafe because of their politics. Alsabah, whose given name is Jane Felix-Browne, said the two believe in peace. His political asylum application was rejected in Spain after he failed to get a new visa from the British government. Alsabah claims the confusion over her husband’s views and possible history as a fighter came when he misunderstood questions about “training” for “studying,” in an interview.